Rufus Cleveland Hovey Papers

Collection

Identifier: RG 30-302

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The papers of Rufus Cleveland Hovey, OC enrolled, consist of original letters written by Hovey to his family, Hovey’s Civil War journal, and a poem written by Hovey. His letters concern his intention to enroll at Oberlin College, his search for a teaching position, and his military service. The Civil War journal covers the period 1 January 1862 to 18 February 1862. An additional five letters were written by others concerning Hovey’s promotion to officer in the Union Army, his certification of service in the Army, a report of his missing in action, his personal belongings, and the circumstances related to his death. The letters and poem span the time period 1857 to 1866.

The inventory provides an item level listing. Transcriptions exist except for one item, handwriting practice sample completed by Hovey. A poem written by Hovey to his sister regarding his thoughts about enlisting in the military is included in the collection. The poem is in transcription form only.

The collection contains no biographical information prior to 1857. The Oberlin College Archives holds a student file for Rufus Cleveland Hovey in Alumni Records (RG 28).

Dates

Creation: 1857-1866, undated
Other: Date acquired: 1998 May 18

Creator

Hovey, Rufus Cleveland (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Unrestricted.

Biographical Sketch

Rufus Cleveland Hovey was born on December 15, 1836 in Camden, Ohio. The youngest of ten children, Hovey taught school in Horicon, Wisconsin, and LaPort, Indiana, from 1857-1860. Hovey enrolled at Oberlin Preparatory Department in 1859. On January 1, 1861, at the age of 25, Hovey left Oberlin and enlisted in the First Indiana Cavalry. He subsequently served in the Western Virginia Army, in the Mountain Department, and in the Army of the Potomac. While serving as a scout in the Army of the Potomac, Hovey joined up with the Cavalry along the Rhapahanoc River in Virginia on June 6, 1863. He was never heard from after this date and was presumed dead. At the time of his death he was about to be commissioned an officer.

Sources Consulted

Biographical information provided by Elsie B. Burkhart (letter to Ken Grossi, Assistant Archivist, November 10, 1997).

Student file of Rufus Cleveland Hovey, Alumni Records (RG 28/1).

Extent

1.86 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement

The collection is divided into three series: 1. Biographical, 2. Rufus Cleveland Hovey Civil War Correspondence, 25 December 1857 – 30 September 1866, originals; and, 3. Rufus Cleveland Hovey Civil War Correspondence, 25 December 1857–30 September 1866, transcriptions.

Method of Acquisition

The papers of Rufus Cleveland Hovey were received by the Oberlin College Archives from Elsie B. Burkhart on 18 May 1998 [accession 1998/068].

Accruals and Additions

Accession No: 1998/068.

Related Materials

For other collections holding Civil War period material, see "Oberlin and the Civil War" digital collection by the Oberlin College Archives and the Oberlin Heritage Center, 2012.

Digital Collection, Oberlin and the Civil War