Davis Family Papers (c.00050)

Thomas J. (T. J.) Davis met Lucinda Mary Spaulding in Wisconsin in 1858. On October 6, 1861 the couple was married in Vernon, Wisconsin. The next month, on November 20, 1861, Thomas J. Davis enlisted in Company C of the 18th Infantry Regiment of the Wisconsin Volunteers. Aside from two furloughs in February 1862 and December 1864, Thomas and Lucinda were separated until Thomas returned home from the Civil War after participating in the Grand Review at Washington, D.C. on May 24, 1865. While enlisted, Davis served in the 18th Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteers; and in the Pioneer Corps, 3rd Division, Army of Tennessee. He was stationed all throughout the South and experienced extensive stays in Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina.

Upon the conclusion of the Civil War, Thomas worked as a farmer, as well as briefly held the position of Post Master. In search of higher prospects, the Davis family moved all throughout the country, settling in Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota, Oregon, California, and Idaho. Thomas and Lucinda had six children, Sylvia, William, George, Alfred, Perry, and Dolly. Thomas J. (T. J.) Davis died on January 31, 1915, while Lucinda lived until November 6, 1929.

The Davis family papers consist primarily of the collection of 188 letters written by Thomas J. (T. J.) Davis to his wife, Lucinda, during the Civil War. Also included are a Poem written by Davis, Lucinda Davis' detailed Memoir recounting the Davis’ family life after the conclusion of the Civil War, and an obituary prepared in Lucinda’s memory.