This collection is comprised of 6 letters (21 pages) that Samuel Hiatt of Snow Hill, Indiana, wrote to his parents between 1860 and 1865. Hiatt commented extensively on the effects of the Civil War, as well as on local news and his family's health.
Hiatt, a native of Virginia, composed 1 letter in 1860 concerning local reactions to national unrest, the hanging of John Brown, and a recent debate he attended about national political issues (January 26, 1860). Four letters written in 1862 and 1 written in 1865 pertain to effects of the Civil War on Snow Hill's residents, who included both Union and Confederate sympathizers. He shared his desire for the declaration of martial law (July 17, 1862), described a vision he had in September 1861 (September 18, 1862), bolstered his political discussion with a lengthy biblical quotes (November 12, 1862), and commented on many facets of life in Civil War-era Randolph County, Indiana. As a merchant, Hiatt also remarked about the war's economic impact, particularly the fluctuations in his financial affairs.
Samuel Hiatt was born in Virginia around 1805. By 1850, he and his wife Mary had moved to Clinton County, Ohio, where Samuel worked as a merchant. After 1860, they lived in Snow Hill, Indiana. Samuel and Mary Hiatt had at least four children: David, Christopher, Americus (or America), and Alonzo. Samuel Hiatt died in March 1866.
