Smith-Kilborn Papers

Born January 6, 1846, in Poultney Vermont, Frank Kilborn enlisted in the Union Army on August 13, 1862. He served in the 11th Infantry Regiment, the largest of Vermont’s volunteer infantry regiments. Soon, the regiment was soon converted to Heavy Artillery out of a need for more men in the defensives of Washington, D.C. Their official title became the First Artillery, Eleventh VT Volunteers. In the spring of 1864 the regiment was converted back into infantry for service in General U.S. Grant’s campaign. Frank died on April 13, 1863, of disease, before his Regiment was called to the front lines. Prior to his death he wrote several letters to his family- namely his father, Hiram Kilborn, and his brothers Albert and Samuel.

Albert was born November 30, 1846, in Poultney and later married Ella Philips.

Samuel F. was born November 29, 1841, in Poultney and later married Harriet Hawkins. He enlisted in the Union Army August 29, 1861, was made a Captain of Company I of the 5th Regiment. He mustered out June 29, 1865.

Eva E. Smith was born September 18, 1852, in New Haven Vermont. From 1872-1880 she was written many letters from various people, concerning day to day issues-- flooded basements, weather conditions, social news, and so on.

Eva married George Colby in 1877. Three years later he bought two White Sewing Machines from J.V. Page of Church Street Burlington--machines which, at the time, were still uncommon in everyday households. The bills for the merchandise (22 dollars apiece) as well as the warranties from the Colombia Corset Works and shipping receipts are included in this collection. The two machines were shipped from Burlington to New Haven for 72 dollars via the Central Vermont Railroad Company.

Eva died March 31, 1921, in Bristol Vermont. She did not have any children.