Edward Walter Clark papers
Biographical/Historical note
Edward Walter Clark (1845-1863) was born in Utica, NY, the eldest child of Hiram and Susan (Reed) Clark. By 1849 the Clark family had moved to Rochester, NY. In the fall of 1858 Edward went to work for the Rochester Board of Education, first as a messenger boy and then as an office clerk in charge of accounting. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in August 1862 and was appointed Paymaster's steward of the U.S. gunboat "Eastport." He was then made acting ensign attached to the Mississippi squadron under command of Admiral David Dixon Porter. In January 1863 Edward was assigned to the "U.S.S. Black Hawk," which was situated at the mouth of the Yazoo River, in sight of Vicksburg. On March 15, 1863 he was transferred to a naval hospital boat, suffering from typhoid fever. On April 1, 1863, Edward Walter Clark died, just ten days short of his eighteenth birthday.
Scope and Contents note
The Edward Walter Clark Papers are housed in 2 boxes. Box 1 contains the correspondence of Edward W. Clark and the Clark family, including Edward's parents Hiram and Susan (Reed) Clark, his brothers Charles V. Clark (b.1849) and George H. Clark (b.1855), and various other family members. Edward's letters are written in an attractive and legible hand, and reflect his personal experiences while serving in the Navy. Other letters include a recommendation from the superintendent of schools of Rochester, NY, naval assignments, and condolences to the Clark family from Navy personnel.
Box 1 also contains 2 sketchbooks of George H. Clark, a photograph album, Edward's 1859 diary, newspaper clippings concerning Edward's death, and other papers and ephemera of Edward W. Clark and the Clark family. Fifteen medals are housed in Box 2.
Creator
- Clark, Edward Walter, 1845-1863 (Person)
Dates
- Creation: 1847-1929
Language of Materials
English
Extent
2 box(es)
Restrictions on Access
The Edward Walter Clark Papers is open for research use. Researchers are advised to contact the Rare Books Special Collections & Preservation Department prior to visiting. Upon arrival, researchers will also be asked to fill out a registration form and provide photo identification.
Restrictions on Use
In consultation with a curator, reproductions may be made upon request. Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from a curator. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions.
Immediate Source of Acquisition note
The Edward Walter Clark Papers were presented to the University of Rochester Library by Mrs. Susan Campbell, June 29, 1959 and January 16, 1962.
Preferred Citation
[Item title, item date], Edward Walter Clark Papers, A.C58, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester
Separated Materials note
The collection also contained the book When and Where We Met Each Other On Shore and Afloat, compiled by Theodore D. Strickler, 1899, listing battles, engagements, actions, skirmishes, and expeditions during the Civil War. This book has been catalogued and can be found in the general stacks.
Subject
- Clark, Edward Walter, 1845-1863 (Person)
- Title
- Edward Walter Clark papers
- Author
- Finding aid prepared by Rare Books and Special Collections staff
- Date
- undated
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Library Details
Part of the Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation Library
