Collection: James W. A. Ford letter

One letter (September 20, 1863) from James W. A. Ford of Lewisburg WV to his cousin Caroline. He discusses the death from the effects of childbirth of his sister Lizzie Burdett. He also mentions that he has raised a company of cavalry.

Dates

1863

Creator

Ford, James W. A. (Person)

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Conditions Governing Use

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Extent

1 items

Additional Description

Biographical / Historical

James William Andrew Ford was born at Lewisburg, Greenbrier County, West Virginia, in 1843, the son of David J. Ford (d. 1881) and Mary A. Ford (d. 1860). During the Civil War he served in various regiments, including the 20th Virginia Cavalry. Ford was captured in July 1864 and was one of the "Immortal 600" held at Morris Island, South Carolina. After the war he was a prominent citizen and merchant in Lewisburg. He died in 1900 and is buried in Old Stone Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Lewisburg.

Little is known of James's sister, Lizzie Ford Burdett (sometimes spelled Burdette), whose death due to complications of childbirth is described in this letter. She was born November 25, 1839 and died September 17, 1863 at the age of 23. She is buried next to her parents and brother at the Old Stone Church cemetery.