Albert S. Chalker Papers, 1864-1865

Series Number:

M72-11

Title/Dates:

Albert S. Chalker Papers, 1864-1865

Amount:

12.00 items

Organization/
Arrangement:

Chronological

Summary:

This collection contains the letters of Albert S. Chalker, a member of the Second Florida Cavalry Regiment, and his sweetheart, Martha S. Bardin of Middleburg (Clay County).  Dating from May 8, 1864 to November 25, 1865, the correspondence concerns his wartime experience at Baldwin (Duval County), his involvement in the Battle of Natural Bridge, and his affections for Miss Bardin. Also included are two letters from Miss Bardin to Mr. Chalker, and a certification of enlistment of W. S. Bardin into Colonel Arthur Roberts' Company of Lake City (Columbia County), May 2, 1864.

Biographical/
Historical:

Albert S. Chalker was born on August 9, 1843 in Harney County, South Carolina. In 1850, he moved to Clay County, Florida. He was mustered in the Confederate Army at Callahan on May 16, 1863 under Capt. Robert Harrison in Company K of the Second Florida Cavalry Regiment. He served under General Joseph Finegan as a courier between Middle Florida and the mouth of the St. Johns River. On May 17, 1865, Chalker was honorably paroled on account of surrender. He returned to Clay County and married Martha S. Bardin. A prominent citizen in the town of Middleburg, he served as tax collector there until about 1890. At this time, he went West looking for an opportunity in which he might make back the property which he once possessed. While in New Mexico, he learned he had Bright's disease, which would be fatal. His son George retrieved him from out West and brought him home to Middleburg, where he died on January 26, 1906.

Ownership/
Custodial History:

Donor is a direct descendent of Albert Chalker.