Harrison Kerr letter, December 11, 1861

Letter written from Harrison Kerr upon his arrival at Camp Chase in Columbus, Ohio, likely to his parents in North Georgetown, Ohio. The letter is dated December 11, 1861. Kerr remarks on the poor food they have received so far, and mentions that he encloses a "cracker," likely a piece of hardtack. He asks that a family friend retrieve clothes being mailed home and deliver the clothes of several other men, as well. Harrison Henry Kerr (1839-1901), born in North Georgetown, Ohio, served along with his brother, Ezra, as a private in Company D of the 58th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was taken prisoner at the Battle of Chickasaw Bayou, Mississippi, on December 29, 1862., and held for three months before being exchanged and returning to his regiment. He was discharged on January 14, 1865. Following the war, he was married to Elizabeth (Rettig) Kerr. The two lived in Cleveland and had one son, Harrison McKinley Kerr. In 1888, he joined the Memorial Post No. 141, Grand Army of the Republic. He is buried in North Georgetown Cemetery