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Title: Clara B. Wherritt Autograph Book, 1857-1886

Creator: Olds, Clara B. (1842-1896)

Extent: 1.0 Folders

Date Acquired: 06/24/2014

Languages: English [eng]

This small book has poems, letters and drawings that were written to Miss Wherritt between 1857 and 1862. During the Battle of Richmond, Robert Thrall, a soldier in the 95th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, removed the book from the Madison County Courthouse. It remained with the Thrall family in Ohio until 1886 when his brother-in-law, L.A. Austin, decided to see if the original owner was still living. Newspaper articles pasted on the last pages document the history of the volume and include a letter from Mrs. F.W. Olds (Clara's married name). There are also letters in the book written by Mr. and Mrs. Austin and Carrie Thrall.

Acquisition Source: Dorris Museum Collection, accession # 30.1