Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1870-1990 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
140pp
Context area
Archival history
A photocopy of the original letter was deposited with the Ulster Historical Foundation, Belfast, by Rachel Byrd, great-granddaughter of the author, in March 1986 along with other family information. A transcript and reproduction of this letter were given to Kerby A. Miller by Dr. Brian Trainor, who granted permission to publish the letter in November 1990. The Foundation was also authorised to deposit a copy of the letter in PRONI [reference number T3772/1].
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Materials pertaining to David Melvin (formerly Melville), the author of an August 1870 letter sent from White County, Arkansas, to his brother Andrew in Ulster. Melvin/Melville was in Canada between 1856 and 1864 before enlisting in the United States Army during the American Civil War. In late 1865 or early 1866, David Melville deserted the army and changed his surname to Melvin. He settled in Centre Hill, White County, Arkansas where he worked as a farmer and shoemaker, married, and raised a family. The series includes: biographical notes on Melvin; correspondence between Kerby A. Miller, letter donors Rachel Byrd and Dr. Brian Trainor, and with other researchers and historical repositories; a Melville family history provided by Byrd; 19th century land valuation information pertinent to the Melville family; and transcripts and reproductions of the David Melvin letter.