Neumann Family Papers

Collection

Identifier: MS 0241

Staff Only

Finding aid note: Stored onsite at the Woodson Research Center.

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of ca. 40 handwritten letters, photographs, documents and newspaper clippings covering the time period 1850-1955. Chiefly letters to Louisa (Neumann) Bering, a resident of Houston, Tex., from her brothers and sisters, including letters from her brother, Emil Neumann, describing his service in the Confederate Army, stationed at Fort Eagle Grove (Fort Moore) and Galveston, Tex.; together with clippings and photos. Includes material relating to land in Texas, Bering family, and Little Rock, Ark., during the Civil War. The letters are in fair condition; some are faded and several are torn. They have been placed in mylar sleeves for protection.

Dates

Creation: Majority of material found within 1856 - 1886
Creation: 1850 - 1955

Creator

Neumann, Emil (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This material is open for research.

Conditions Governing Access

Stored onsite at the Woodson Research Center.

Use Restrictions

Permission to publish from the Neumann Family Papers must be obtained from the Woodson Research Center, Fondren Library, Rice University.

Biographical Note

The collection consists of letters written mainly to Louisa Neumann (later Mrs. Charles H. Bering) in Houston, by her brothers and sisters. Of greatest interest are the 12 letters written by her brother Emil from 1862-64. Emil, a member of the Confederate Army, was stationed at Fort Eagle Grove, Pelican Battery, and Galveston. In a letter to Louisa written from Galveston on January 7, 1863, he described a battle in which he was in charge of cannon "near the brick warehouse" on The Strand. He witnessed the capture of the vessel "Harriet Lane" and the escape of her companion ships, the "Orosco" and the "Clifton." In a letter written four days later, he mentioned the five vessels then lying off the island, which "shot over one hundred shots into town." We do not know the names of these ships, but presumably they were Union vessels, as they were firing into Galveston which was then held by the Confederates.

Extent

0.1 Linear Feet (40 letters)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Chiefly letters to Louisa (Neumann) Bering, a resident of Houston, Tex., from her brothers and sisters, including letters from her brother, Emil Neumann, describing his service in the Confederate Army, stationed at Fort Eagle Grove (Fort Moore) and Galveston, Tex.; together with clippings and photos. Includes material relating to land in Texas, Bering family, and Little Rock, AR, during the Civil War.