Researching the 62nd USCT
Donation protected
The 62nd US Colored Troops were taught reading and writing by their white officers during their service Jan. 1863 to Mar. 1866. They dreamed of a school where their fellow freed slaves in Missouri could also learn. With the 65th USCT, they raised the seed money to establish what is today Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Mo.
For four years, I have been researching these individual men -- where they were before the war, what their service entailed and what they did afterward. It began as a curiosity when I learned some of the 62nd USCT were buried at the city cemetery near the campus. It became a pursuit as I completed several class projects in pursuit of my degree. Now, it is a responsibility to eventually share what I have found.
My end project is to write a book to tell their stories. For now, I have been speaking to historic groups when I have the chance. But there is still research to be done.
Research requests at the county, state and national level come with a cost. I have been able to pay for the documents so far, thanks to my supportive husband and mother.
This month, I have requested the complete regimental books and papers from the National Archives and Records Administration. That will be approximately 1,150 pages at a cost of $1,080. I believe these papers will have invaluable insights into the lives of these soldiers.
If donors find this to be a worthwhile project, I would also like to request individual pension applications, which cost $80 each. I already have requested about 20, which have helped to tell a broader story of the life of average former slaves turned citizens.
As with all of my other findings, once I have completed my research these documents will be donated to the Lincoln University Archive. I believe it is important to preserve the university's beginnings. More importantly, our historical record is sparse of content in regard to the everyday black Missouri citizen in the decades following the Civil War. My hope is this project will help us in the 21st Century better understand that part of our American history.
If donors here agree, I would be grateful for the financial support and for the acknowledgment that this research is worthy of being shared with the public. Thank you for your consideration.
For four years, I have been researching these individual men -- where they were before the war, what their service entailed and what they did afterward. It began as a curiosity when I learned some of the 62nd USCT were buried at the city cemetery near the campus. It became a pursuit as I completed several class projects in pursuit of my degree. Now, it is a responsibility to eventually share what I have found.
My end project is to write a book to tell their stories. For now, I have been speaking to historic groups when I have the chance. But there is still research to be done.
Research requests at the county, state and national level come with a cost. I have been able to pay for the documents so far, thanks to my supportive husband and mother.
This month, I have requested the complete regimental books and papers from the National Archives and Records Administration. That will be approximately 1,150 pages at a cost of $1,080. I believe these papers will have invaluable insights into the lives of these soldiers.
If donors find this to be a worthwhile project, I would also like to request individual pension applications, which cost $80 each. I already have requested about 20, which have helped to tell a broader story of the life of average former slaves turned citizens.
As with all of my other findings, once I have completed my research these documents will be donated to the Lincoln University Archive. I believe it is important to preserve the university's beginnings. More importantly, our historical record is sparse of content in regard to the everyday black Missouri citizen in the decades following the Civil War. My hope is this project will help us in the 21st Century better understand that part of our American history.
If donors here agree, I would be grateful for the financial support and for the acknowledgment that this research is worthy of being shared with the public. Thank you for your consideration.
Organizer
Michelle Brooks
Organizer
Jefferson City, MO
