Accession #: 1986.483.

Thomas V.(Vail) B. Mitchell enlisted in Company H, 4th Cavalry as First Sergeant on August 1st, 1862 in Grand Rapids. He was mustered on August 29, 1862. He died a 2nd. Lieutenant, on January 16, 1863, of wounds received Dec. 31, 1862, in action at the Battle of Murfreesboro, Tenn. or Battle of Stone River, Tennessee. Mitchell was born in Saulsburg, Connecticut, he followed his mothers family in Grand Rapids around 1856, to take a position in the Dr. Johnson’s new drug store in Collins’ Hall, Canal Street. In 1859 he was employeed of Mr. J.C. Gallup.

This collection is composed of photocopied records of Mrs. Maria J. Mitchell’s, of Grand Rapids, widow of Benjamin H. Mitchell, as she attempts to receive pension because of her son’s death (Thomas V.B. Mitchell) in the Civil War.

Also included is a photocopy “In Memoriam”, taken from Civil War newspaper clippings.