William M. Coffin papers

Collection

Identifier: MSS 2/297

Scope and Contents

The collection contains letters, claim forms, affidavits, memoranda, and other documents, 1880-1911, concerning William M. Coffin's military pension and medical disabilities from his service in the Civil War. The papers describe Coffin's state of health and war related disabilities as well as his experiences with medical care and treatments during and after the war. Coffin suffered from typhoid fever, gunshot wounds, hemorrhoids, chronic diarrhea, and rheumatism.

Dates

Creation: 1880 - 1911

Creator

Coffin, William M. (Person)

Biographical / Historical

William M. Coffin, a New Albany, Indiana, businessman and soldier, was born on 12 October 1833. Before the Civil War, he worked for a wholesale and retail merchant in New Albany. He enlisted in the United States Army in August 1862 and became a lieutenant in the 5th Indiana Cavalry. Coffin was honorably discharged on 31 August 1865 and returned to Indiana; there, despite poor health, he became a traveling clothing salesman, insurance salesman, and real estate dealer. He married Leonora W. Moore in 1880; they had two children, William Marmaduke (b. 1887) and Robert Erastus (b. 1892).

Full Extent

2 folders (29 items)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Custodial History

The William M. Coffin military pension papers were purchased by the Historical Collections of the Library of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia through a gift of the Samuel Lewis Circle on 15 July 1993.

The collection was processed and catalogued in 1993.