The collection consists of correspondence and a few poems created mostly by the brothers William and David Tyler after their enlistment in the 106th New York Volunteer Regiment in 1862. The other authors are other members from the regiment or other members of the Tyler family. David died on February 6th, 1863 from complications from pneumonia and William was killed in action during the Battle of Cold Harbor, which took place between May 31 - Jun 12, 1864. Most of the letters are addressed to the brothers’ parents or at least one sibling, usually a sister, though sometimes more.
Collection Overview
The collection consists of correspondence and a few poems created mostly by the brothers William and David Tyler after their enlistment in the 106th New York Volunteer Regiment in 1862. The other authors are other members from the regiment or other members of the Tyler family. There are 102 letters, poems, and other papers in this collection.
The Tyler brothers hailed from DePeyster, New York and the children of Norman and Louisa Tyler. William was born in 1845, as he celebrated his 19th birthday on February 22nd, 1864. David was likely a year or two younger than William. Other siblings of the brothers were Frank, Chaucey, Angeline, Ada, and Olive. The two brothers enlisted on August 12, 1862 under Captain Samuel Parker in Company C of the 106th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. The regiment was mustered in Ogdensburg on August 27, 1862. On September 1st, the regiment boarded train cars and began its journey south. David died on February 6th, 1863 from complications from pneumonia and William was killed in action during the Battle of Cold Harbor, which took place between May 31 - Jun 12, 1864. Lloyd Washburn mentions in his letter of June 18, 1864 that he wrote to Mr. and Mrs. Tyler on the 7th of June informing them of William’s death, meaning his death was no later than on that date. Most of the letters are addressed to the brothers’ parents or at least one sibling, usually a sister, though sometimes more.