The Local History and Genealogy Department of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library (TLCPL) endeavors to work not only with the historical collections that we are custodians of, but also historical societies and other regional organizations that are working to preserve our shared history. As part of a recent collaboration with the Waterville Historical Society, collections of letters written by Civil War and World War I soldiers to their loved ones back home have been made available online.

Waterville Historical Society was gracious enough to make available the letters of the Pray family. They are one of the oldest families in Waterville and three of their sons fought in the Civil War. In addition, a large collection of letters written by Albert Graf of Waterville to his sweetheart back home (“Friend Agnes”), along with a collection of photographs from his time in the service, are now available online. Visit the Waterville Historical Society at their archive in Wakeman Hall to view these wonderful collections in person.

In addition, TLCPL has added our own collection of materials on John Gallagher, a soldier from Toledo who fought in World War I. All of these entries have historical records accompanying them to allow you to explore the histories of these brave soldiers and see how their lives were recorded in our shared history.

View the Digital Exhibit: Wartime Correspondence in Northwest Ohio