Dates: 1854; 1863

Biography:

William A. Cliburn, son of James and Abigail (Appy) Pitman Cliburn, was born in Mississippi around 1828. He married Jemima Jane Shivers, daughter of Evan and Pheriba Beasley Shivers of Simpson County, Mississippi, in 1850. The couple lived with Shivers family members for a time after their marriage. The Cliburns had established a family farm in Copiah County by 1860. They had at least seven children: Pheriba (Jane) (b. ca. 1851), William A. (b. February 7, 1853), Susan (b. ca. 1855), James E. (b. ca. 1857), Walter (b. ca. 1859), Abigail (Appy) (b. ca. 1860), and Jefferson (Jeffey) (b. ca. 1862).

Cliburn enlisted with Company G, Sixth Regiment, Mississippi Infantry, Confederate States Army, in Brookhaven, Lincoln County, Mississippi, on January 12, 1863. He was recuperating in a military hospital in Vaiden, Carroll County, Mississippi, between February and March 1863. Cliburn later rejoined his unit in Osyka, Pike County, Mississippi. He was killed at the battle of Champion Hill, Hinds County, Mississippi, on May 16, 1863. Jemima Jane Shivers Cliburn was still living with her children in Copiah County in 1870.

 

Scope and Content:

This collection consists of four letters received or sent by William Cliburn of Copiah County, Mississippi. Henry and James Cliburn of Tyler County, Texas, wrote to their brother, William, on May 27, 1854. They mention opportunities for blacksmithing and farming in Tyler County, relate news of crops, and discuss the weather. William Cliburn wrote the remaining letters to his wife, Jemima Jane Shivers Cliburn, while recuperating in a Vaiden, Mississippi, military hospital in February and March 1863. He comments on his health and expresses the desire to return to his family. Cliburn also refers to a rumor he heard about an impending battle near Vicksburg, Mississippi.

 

Series Identification:

Series 1: Correspondence. 1854; 1863. 2 folders.

Box 1, folders 1-2