Aaron Hart was born in Kentucky in 1827. He married Margraret McKinney and they were parents to John W., William and Cora P. Hart. He fought for the Union side in the Civil War. During this time he wrote to his wife the activities his company was engaged in. Upon his return to his family in Danville he sought compensation for his health issues from the war. Captain Will Robbins wrote: " Aaron Hart while in line of duty... became disabled in the following manner; from exposure contracted asthma and camp diarrhea." He continued: he remained in the service rendering him wholly unfit for regular duty causing his confinement in the hospital a good portion of the time.  Mr. Hart served as Captain of the Company I of the 9th Regiment of Indiana Cav. Volunteers from the 11th day of March, 1864 to the 4th day of March, 1865."

Twenty-two letters survived through the years and were donated to the museum by Nellie K. Marsh.


William D. Smith was born on December 15, 1839, the ninth child to James and Hannah (Foster) Smith. William remained single throughout his short life. He entered the service as a Private in Co. A of the 7th Regiment. He later reenlisted as a private in the 53rd Regiment. He was promoted to the position of Orderly Sergeant of his company. William was in the Battles of Missionary Ridge, Kennesaw Mountain and the Battle of Atlanta.

William D. Smith of Company A., Fifty-third Regiment of Indiana was killed instantly on the 22nd of July, 1864, in the front line of Atlanta, by a ball which struck him in the heart.  His body fell into the hands of the enemy.  They stripped him, all except his coat, and carried away his sword and equipment. He was buried at Marietta, Georgia.

Letters written to his brother, Robert, were preserved and donated to the museum. Both sets of letters have been transcribed allowing visitors to read these personal insights of the Civil War.