Size: 0.5 cubic feet

Date Span: 1855-1949

Scope / Content: Correspondence (1863-1949) of the Noble and Smith families; financial papers (1884-1947); clippings; genealogical material and notes concerning the Noble family's business ventures; correspondence, financial papers and records (1883-1907) of the Ladies' Memorial Association of Rome, Georgia; and a list of Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery at Rome. Civil War correspondence consists primarily of letters (1863-1864) from Hugh L. Deason, a sergeant in Company B, 10th Alabama Regiment, to Josephine Noble, plus a diary kept at Petersburg, Virginia, from August 22nd through September 13th, 1864, by Lt. Henry A. Smith, aide to Confederate Maj. Gen. Charles W. Field.

Biographical Sketch: Emily Smith York was the daughter of Henry A. Smith, a bookseller from Rome, Georgia, and Josephine Noble Smith, daughter of James Noble, who built the Noble Brothers Iron Works at Rome, Georgia, the Cornwall iron works in Cherokee County, Alabama, and the Woodstock iron works, around which Anniston, Alabama, developed.

IA. Correspondence 1867-1949

1867-1879 - Family news and news of friends; nothing relating to reconstruction.

1880-1899 - Family news, illnesses and deaths.

1900-1919 - Family news; several post cards.

1920-1939 - Family news; post cards; telegram to Mrs. H.A. Smith, Selma, Alabama on March 13, 1935 from Mary Mabry on death and funeral date of [Miss?] Mabry's father; business letter.

1940-1949 - Family news; post cards; business letter on window for church.

N.D. - Family news.

To: Miss Dossie [Josephine Noble], From: H.L. Denson [Sergt. Hugh L.], Co. B 10^th Alabama Regiment, Richmond, Virginia, September 12, 1863
Camp not busy, much to eat. Having church meetings, many baptized. Doesn't expect fighting there for some time. Troops leaving for Chattanooga, Tennessee. Expects hard battle in Chattanooga soon. Has been in seven battles - six in Va. And one in Maryland.
To: Miss Dossie, From: Hugh Denson, Richmond, Virginia, December 6, 1863
Left Cabins November 28, marched to river to meet Yankees and fight but the Yankees "got frightened" and left.
To: Miss Dossie, From: Hugh Denson, Richmond, Virginia, December 24, 1863
Very depressed and lonely. Hope Yankees don't go to Rome [Ga.]. If they do and she is captured and harmed he will "kill more to pay for it." Was attending Military Academy in LaGrange, Alabama when war broke out.
To: Miss Dossie, From: Hugh Denson, February 12, 1864
Is made Commander of his company. Tells of his affections for her. On back of letter a friend B[illie] writes and tells her how much Hugh likes her and looks forward to meeting her [for the first time].
To: Miss Dossie, From: "Cupid" [Hugh Denson], February 14, 1864
Proclaims love for hor; includes love poem for Valentines.
To: Miss Dossie, From: Hugh Denson, Richmond, Virginia, March 10, 1864
Chances for leave slim. Has picked her as his truest sweetheart.
To: Miss Dossie, From: Hugh Denson, Richmond, Virginia, July 24, 1864
Got furlough but could not get transportation to Rome. When could - Federal troops were occupying it and he couldn't go in. Her father and brother confined by Yankees. Captured 500 Negroes in an attack on the Yankees. "The Yanks can never get Richmond."
To: Miss Dossie, From: Hugh Denson, Near Petersburg, Virginia, August 27, 1864
July 30 Battle of the Crater - hand to hand; Battle near Deep Bottom ("other side of James River') enemy charged but was "repulsed."; Battle of the Davis Home on Weldon Railroad - drove Yankees to their fortifications; Battle of Reams Station (12 miles below Petersburg on Weldon Railroad) August 25 - captured 2,000 prisoners and 16 pieces of artillery; Anxious for peace only if honorable. Would rather fight than be "subjected to Yankee tyranny." Tones of loyalty to the Confederacy.
To: Miss Dossie, From: Hugh Denson, Lines of Battle near Petersburg, Virginia, October 14, 1864
General news of what he's been doing.
To: Miss Dossie, From: Hugh Denson, Rapid Arm Station, Virginia, November 10
Fought Yankees October 8 at "Bristo" 60 miles from "here." Yankees left that night. Hard snow. Wishes to put Lincoln and his men to death "by the twinkle of an eye." "I could cut old Abes throat as easy as I could a hogs."
To: Miss Dossie, From: John L. Daughin (?), Rome, Georgia, October 15, 1864
Apologizes for embarrassment he caused her "yesterday" (embarrassment never mentioned).
To: Miss Josephine Noble, From: John H. Van Buren, 26 Virginia Battalion, Dublin Depot, Virginia, April 20, 1864
Heard of her through Fannie Pates and is asking her to correspond with him. Tells her how grateful soldiers are to the young ladies for their letters and how much he would appreciate letters from her.
To: Miss Joe, From: H.K. Gaindner, Macon, Georgia, September 27, 1864
Friendly news. Asks her to write him when he's in Augusta.

To: My Dear Friend, From: Mary, Rome, Georgia, May 26, [1864]
Yankees captured Rome "last Wednesday" [May 18}. Watched fighting from top of house. Could see Yankees two miles away. Stopped "cannonading" in afternoon and began sharpshooting. Brick house hit several times - not damaged. Yankees told civilians not to be harmed - they came as soldiers only to control land. The new brigade is not as gentlemanly. Have taken possession of foundry, Rolling Mill, machine shop and demanded all books and papers. Threatened to burn mill or run for own benefit. Yankees not to be dreaded as bad as Negroes and army of poor white women. Yankees say they outnumber Conf. 4-1 and have Atlanta and Richmond - she doesn't believe them. Yankee minister preached in her church - she refused to go. Yankees searched house for firearms but didn't disturb anything. [Part of letter missing.]

August 22, 1864 - no fighting in Petersburg today; attempts made to dislodge enemy from Petersburg and Weldon Railroad but all attempts fruitless thus far; enemy very strongly fortified; captured 3,000 prisoners in past three days, Conf. Loss also as heavy; Yankees in front are quiet except occasional shell from gun boats.

August 23, 1864 - Yankees strong hold of railroad; Conf. Strengthening position; everything quiet; no word from home in long time but mail communications very poor.

August 24, 1864 - just finished "East Sinn (?) on the Earls Daughter"; now a play at Richmond Theater; enjoyed book very much; received orders to march to Petersburg; crossed James on Pontoons, Greg's and Benning's Brigades of his division left on north of James; marched 8 miles.

August 25, 1864 - portion of division arrived at Petersburg about 1:00 a.m.; headquarters located east part of city just inside of city limits; engagement on Weldon Railroad; heavy cannon firing, Anderson's brigade engaged in it; captured 2,000 prisoners and several pieces of artillery.

August 26, 1864 - heavy fighting in early morning on their left in front of Petersburg; no results; rather quiet rest of day; heavy rain.

August 27, 1864 - no more rain and wind; no movement; troops resting during quiet.

August 28, 1864 - considerable mortar shelling; been reading Bible chapters; attended Methodist Church, Petersburg.

August 29, 1864 - enemy shelling Petersburg good deal past few days; batteries answer enemy fire; National Convention in Chicago today for nominations; hopes for peace-seeking candidate.

August 30, 1864 - letter from Sister Mollie and brother; first letter from home in a month; uneasy of Atlanta since Yankee take-over; Yankees shelling Petersburg heavily today; little damages.

August 31, 1864 - heavy firing all night on Conf. Lines; no firing today; received "cheering" news of Sherman securing West Point Road; feared he will force General Hood to uncover Atlanta and expose it to raiders; cold weather.

September 1, 1864 - heavy firing on Petersburg; enemy reported throwing troops on north side of James River; always moving north and south but always meet Conf. troops.

September 2, 1864 - "have no tidings from any of the different theaters of war;" rations consist of fat bacon & flour, sometimes meal instead of flour.

September 3, 1864 - Yankees on north side of James River firing heavily; only artillery firing; kept up every day.

September 4, 1864 - Yankees broke lines at Atlanta; Sherman pushed his army through cutting Conf. Army in half; Atlanta evacuated September 1; "Genl Hood has certainly been out Generald by the Yankee Grnl Sherman."; fears his family is in Yankee lines; states worst is still in store for Conf.

September 5, 1864 - Heavy fire from enemy at midnight; no injuries; no additional news from Georgia.

September 6, 1864 - heavy rain, leaks into tent; news of Jno. H. Morgan's death ("gallant cavalier") [brief biography, p. 566, Boatner's]; usual firing, no indication of moving on either side; Yankees hold posession of 4 or 5 miles of Weldon Railroad.

September 7, 1864 - reported Grant massing forces on Weldon Road to throw his left towards south of railroad (runs from Petersburg to Lynchburg) to "bring on an engagement."; usual firing; Yankees rejoicing over capture of Atlanta and say "rebelion" will soon end.

September 8, 1864 - usual firing, not much more than a practicing between the armies; only food is flour and the fattest bacon.

September 9, 1864 - received letter from sister, August 31; family moved back to home from Dr. Hords where they were "seeking refuge." from shelling (day before capture of Atlanta); no change in military situation.

September 10, 1864 - considerable firing of small arms and artillery before day; no results of firing during day; been busy copying and correcting Inspection reports on brigades of the division; no rumors about; very cold at night.

September 11, 1864 - attended Second Presbyterian Church twice today; feels great privilege to be allowed to go.

September 12, 1864 - read in paper that Sherman offered Hood an armistice for 10 days to let loyal citizens to be sent into "our" lines and those who take the oath (Regence of U.S.) to be sent north of Tennessee River; calls it "barberous & inhuman" and "so denounced by Genl Hood" though he accepted armistice.

September 13, 1864 - attended service at Second Presbyterian Church; unusually quiet today.

Noble Family Record

Henry A. and Josephine Noble Smith by Alice Pettus, 1955

Letter from Hattie Smith (Mrs. George Aubrey) February 28, 1938 giving some genealogical information

Contains grocery receipts; general merchandise receipts; 1 ½ shares of Capital Stock on The Merchants National Bank of Rome, Georgia; assessment notes; Minutes from Stockholders meeting; In Account with Miss Lucille Noble; Quarterly premium notices; Insurance notices; newspaper payment receipts; St. Pauls Episcopal Church, Selma, Alabama pledges for 1940; gas and telephone receipts.

Correspondence

Memo to: Mrs. H.H. Brookes, Rome, Georgia, From: C.W. Canfield, New England Granite Works, Hartford, Conn., June 14, 1882
Re: Tudwik monument - design and drawing of (for association)

To: Dear Sallie [Noble], From: M.H. Brookes, Rome, Georgia, June 8, 1883
Re: Donation of $100 for monument

To: Sallie Noble, From: J.P. Earle, Floyd Springs, Alabama, June 9, 1883
Re: Being elected member of the association and put names of Conf. Soldiers from Floyd Springs "on the monument."

To: Mrs. S.W. Alexander, From: C.W. Canfield, New England Granite Works, Hartford, Conn., December 5, 1883
Wants to make a contract to assure payment of monument; suggests use of "Blue Wesberly" granite rather than "White Wesberly" granite (his opinion "Would be preferable") total cost either $2,250 delivered or $2,500 if base and monument sent separately; offers three contracts for them to choose; wants photographs of finished monument in 3 sizes to sell copies of.

To: Lillie Noble, From: B.F. Jones, National Water Works Co., Kansas City, Mo., February 12, 1884
Send pledged $10 for association (insignificant notes on back.)

To: Mrs. H.A. Smith, From: Mrs. R.T. Hoyt, Rome, Georgia, May 21, 1884

To: Elizabeth Noble, From: John H. Reynolds, Pres., First National Bank, Rome, Ga., January 1, 1886
Re: to previous letter to contribution - asks that no publicity be given to it.

To: Mr. O. Bryan, From: Mrs. H.A. Smith, Rome, Georgia, October 29, 1886
Lack $95.50 for total payment; asking Mr. Bryan for donation; asks him to invite friends to contribute if he knows they will for sure; invitation to unveiling.

To: Mrs. [H.A.] Smith, From: W.J. Neel, Attorney, Rome, Georgia, August 31, 1891
Sending $23.50 to add earlier sent $268.25.

Received of: T.M. Brady, Canton, July 31, 1891, Destination: Mrs. H.A. Smith, Rome, Georgia
Rail shipment receipt for 360 headstones, 24,000 lbs. @ $.20 per cubic foot.

To: Mr. W.T. Williams, Anniston, Alabama, From: T. [C?] Smith, Southern Railway Co., Rome, Georgia, May 3, 1897
Asks Mr. Williams to inform Mrs. Josephine Noble Smith of a complimentary ticket to Rome, Georgia; he will send $1.88 to cover sale of ticket.

To: The Ladies Memorial Association, Rome, Georgia, From: Mary E. Mitchell, April 25, 1907
Once V.P. but resigned due to poor health; second anniversary of association; requests they elect or appoint another V.P.; suggests Mrs. W.P. Howel.

To: Dear Josephine [Mrs. H.A. Smith], From: L.M. Alexander, March 15
Re: giving dirt from cemetery to Mrs. A.E. Ross for his yard.

Miscellaneous notes on meetings, n.d.

Collection received May 1888 - May 1889 and how spent.

Receipt for organ to cemetery and back - $.50 - April 26, 1893 with H.A. Smith.

Receipt for 360 headstones @ $1.85 to Mrs. H.A. Smith, Treasurer, July 31, 1891.

Receipt for unloading headstones $3.60 with W.T. Jones, August 22, 1891.

Bank book for Mrs. H.A. Smith, 1883, for Ladies Mem. Asso.

Expense for seeding graves.

13 pages donations with names and amounts of donation.

5 sheets unidentifiable material.

Ladies Memorial Association Newspaper Clippings

Old ledger book, miscellaneous articles about association plus few pages of donations.

Article of Secretary's minutes, February 7, 1884, submitted by Mary W. Noble, Rome, Georgia.

10 articles on Memorial Services for 1894-1897, 1900 and 4 with no date.

SERIES 7: Printed Church Material

"The Kingdom of Expansion" by Robert Collier, 1940.

"The Golden Key" by Robert Collier, 1939.

"Earmarked for the Kingdom" plus "Maintenance Budget of the General Church, 1932-1934."

"My Prayer" by Dr. Archibald Alexander.

"Giving Like a Little Child"

"Jesus" by Larkin Glazebrook, M.D.

"For Those Who Mourn" by the Forward Movement Commission of the Episcopal Church.

"Biologic Living" by J.H. Kellogg, M.D. LL.D., 1920.

"Daily Word" by the Unity School of Christianity, June, 1939.

"Comfort All That Mourn" by J.F. Rutherford, 1941.

"University War Near" by J.F. Rutherford, 1935.

"The Alabama Churchman"

1941 - January, October-December
1942 - January-June, September-November

"Unity - Devoted to Christian Healing" by Charles Fillmore, editor, August, 1939.

"The Living Church" (paper) June 9, 1894.

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