Joseph Zebulon Hearst letters

Collection

Identifier: W-0123

Scope and Contents

This collection contains typescript transcriptions of twenty-one letters written by Confederate soldier Joseph Zebulon Hearst. The typescript, addressed to Hearst's daughter Annie Hearst Alison, is dated 1931 and includes a brief introductory statement description of Hearst's military service. The included biographical sketch incorrectly lists Hearst as a resident of Mississippi; the family resided in Richmond, Alabama.

The letters, dated from May 24, 1862, to December 4, 1864, are addressed to Hearst's wife and young daughters. Hearst typically describes camp life in a lighthearted manner, filling his letters with reports of practical jokes and social events. While he briefly discusses war related news, describing events such as the capture of Union soldiers, his letters provide few direct descriptions of battle. In addition to descriptions of military life, Hearst also discusses family news, instructing his wife on how to manage the family plantation in his absence and suggesting names for the couple's newborn daughter.

Dates

1931

Creator

Williams, A. S., III (Collector, Person)

Conditions Governing Access

None

Biographical / Historical

Joseph Zebulon Hearst was born on January 3, 1830, in Abbeville County, South Carolina. Hearst married Alice Gertrude Powe, and the couple had four daughters: Elizabeth Jane, Mary Powe, Kate Perrin, and Anne. The family lived in Richmond, Alabama, where Hearst owned a plantation. In 1862, Hearst enlisted in the Confederate Army, joining Company C of the Jeff Davis Cavalry Legion of the Mississippi Cavalry. After the war, Hearst returned to Richmond, where he owned a dry goods store. Hearst died on August 5, 1904.

Extent

0.15 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Overview

Typescript transcriptions of twenty-one letters written by Confederate soldier Joseph Zebulon Hearst between May 1862 and December 1864.

Physical Location

The A. S. Williams III Americana Collection, Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library, The University of Alabama

Provenance

Gift of A. S. Williams III, 2010

Related Materials

Joseph Z. Hearst invoices, W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, University Libraries Division of Special Collections, The University of Alabama.

Joseph Zeb Hearst and Company daybook, W. S. Hoole Special Collections Library, University Libraries Division of Special Collections, The University of Alabama.