Scope and Content Note
The papers of the Ward family span the years 1831-1904 with bulk of the items concentrated in the period 1832-1881. The majority of the collection consists of correspondence, much of which is between family members. The papers also include broadsides, songs, financial papers, and printed matter. The collection is divided into two groupings of similar material, a bound chronological file and an alphabetical file.
The papers provide insight into relations among the family; social life and customs of Washington, D.C., northern Virginia, and Baltimore, Maryland; the Civil War, including material relating to the 2nd Battle of Bull Run (2nd Battle of Manassas), Battle of Antietam, and the Peninsular and Gettysburg campaigns; and the Reconstruction period. Prominent family correspondents include the Episcopal minister and Confederate soldier, William Norvell Ward, Sr., his wife Mary, his sons Channing, Harry, Randolph, and William, and his daughters Edmonia, Evelyn, Lucy, and Mary.