Railroad tariff, 1872 - 1886

The life of the James Rankin Mason family of Madison County, Kentucky is documented through the papers in this collection. Much of the correspondence deals with Civil War times. Reference is made to hiring black people, desertion and loneliness of soldiers. Parental concerns are voiced in correspondence as women try to raise children alone. Other correspondence mentions trials concerning an army discharge as well as other matters during the war years. Of particular interest is a letter from a Newark, Ohio teacher describing Union feelings and giving a glimpse of opinions on government and politics during the Civil War. Later correspondence deals with farming, lifestyle, ordering goods, weddings and deaths. Lastly, letters from soldiers tell about camp conditions and looting. Also includes a series of correspondence from Edward Francis, who served in the 114th United States Colored Troops during the Civil War, to his wife Liza. Other parts of the collection highlight the education, business and cultural aspects of the family by documenting farming activities, dressmaking activities and scholarly pursuits. An 1870 broadside that teaches sign language is especially interesting.