Original Listing Description

Civil War Letter ArchiveThese 20 Civil War soldier letters were written by Jacob C. Claar (1836-1912) of Co. E, 138th Pennsylvania. He enlisted on 29 August 1862 and was mustered out of the regiment on 23 June 1865 at Washington D. C. Claar wasn't very articulate but these letters are still enjoyable and give a noteworthy perspective of the war.Letters include some mention of the Battle of Brandy Station, Mine Run, and Cedar Creek.Jacob learned how to swing a hammer from his father, Simon Walter Claar (1806-1849) and how to cook and wash his own clothes from his mother, Rachel Alice Croyle (1811-1861). When Jacob’s father died in 1849, his 40 year-old mother was left with a large family to care for. There were eight children enumerated in the household in 1850, ranging in age from twenty to two. Perhaps she was helped in keeping up the farm by 40 year-old John Claar and wife May who lived on an adjacent property—most likely a brother in law Before entering the army, Jacob married (in 1859) his cousin, Christina Claar (1839-1909), the daughter of Joseph and Ester (Ickes) Claar of Blain County, Pennsylvania. Jacob and Christina may have jumped the gun a little starting their family. By the time Jacob entered the service, he had two boys, Austin and Samuel, who are frequently mentioned in these letters.After the war, Jacob returned to Union, Bedford county, Pennsylvania, where he earned a living as a carpenter, a farmer, and eventually a preacher. The Stiffler family is also mentioned from time to time in these letters. I believe they were cousins of the Claar’s.See photos for a variety of images, some nice patriotic stationary, I counted three letters with his regimental seal, some battle content as noted above. They aren't the most incredible letters you will find, but the battle content and interesting content makes for a nice little grouping.The archive will come in an older binder as I found it - along with the transcriptions. Plus a hand-full of family letters that I didn't study.TERMS: Postage combined for multiple purchases. Please wait for me to send the invoice, otherwise you will pay a higher rate.We are members of the American Philatelic Society, the U.S. Philatelic Classics Society, the Manuscript Society and the Civil War Philatelic Society.We only sell genuine, original letters (no copies or reproductions). Some of our letters have been transcribed and nicely presented for future genealogists and history buffs on the Spared & Shared blog.We have been selling on eBay since 1998. BID WITH CONFIDENCE !

Note: This item has been sold and is no longer available. This page serves as a historical price reference for Civil War collectors and appraisers.