Waste Family Letters

Collection

Identifier: 2003A008

Scope and Contents

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This collection of letters is almost entirely between William and Sarah Jane Waste of Geauga County, Ohio before and during the Civil War. There are, however, several letters from various other family members including two written to Sarah and William after the war from William's father, Luke Waste and a letter written in 1888 to Miss Bertha Waste. The earliest letters discuss religion, society in general, events, their relationship, and health. After William enlists in the army there is much information about life in the army, the movements of the regiment and information about various battles he was involved in. William describes camp, conditions and the places he is staying, as well as rumors about battles. Sarah's brothers write in more detail about events, such as the execution of two soldiers for deserting. The 23rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry was involved in the following battles and skirmishes that William speaks of: Lynchburg, Virginia; Fisher's Hill, Virginia and Cedar Creek, Virginia.

Dates

Creation: 1858 - 1888

Creator

Waste, William (Person)

Biographical or Historical Information

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William Waste (ca.1835 - 1888) married Sarah Jane Day (ca. 1841 - 1906) 10 Jan 1864 in Geauga County, Ohio while William was serving in the Civil War. William was born in New York to Luke and Hannah Waste. Sarah was born in Massachusetts and her parents have not been determined, but she had a brother named Alonzo Day. William enlisted in Company I of the 23rd Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry at the age of 26. He was mustered in at Camp Jackson, Ohio 22 May 1861, was appointed Corporal 8 Aug 1863 and mustered out with his company 26 Jul 1865 at Cumberland, Maryland. As his appointment was for 3 years he re-enlisted as a veteran to finish the war. After the war William and Sarah moved to Wisconsin where William's father, Luke Waste had purchased property. There they started their family and had the following children: 1. Elmer J. born ca.1866 2. Bertha J. born ca.1868 3. Henry A. born ca.1870 4. Willie P. born ca.1872 5. Jessie V. born ca.1874 6. Charles born ca.1876 [All birth places and dates came from the 1880 census abstract at www.familysearch.org.]

Note written by Jackie Couture