The Valley of the Shadow

The Gilkeson Family

Hugh Gilkeson received several letters from his family over a period of roughly nine years which are documented here. Many topics are covered in the letters, but common themes are family health and the deaths of their parents, farming life, local economy, general views on the confederacy, and attitudes toward slaves. Hugh's son Willie also writes one letter, discussing his life and studies while living with his uncle.

The following links provide access to
the most likely matches in the Valley of the Shadow databases:

Andrew Gilkeson Household: 1860 Census | 1870 Census
David Gilkeson Household: 1860 Census


Part 1: The Eve of War

Return to the Eve of War Personal Papers

Part 2: The War Years

Return to the War Years Personal Papers

Part 3: The Aftermath

Return to the Aftermath Personal Papers



Franklin County Personal Papers: Eve of War | War Years | Aftermath
Augusta County Personal Papers: Eve of War | War Years | Aftermath



Return to Full Valley Archive