About the Collection

William Barrow Mann was born in Kendall, New York circa 1835. After graduating from the University of Buffalo Medical School in 1861, Dr. Mann served as an Assistant Surgeon in the United States Navy during the Civil War (1861-1865). After the War, he practiced medicine in Brockport, New York until his death on October 23, 1920.

This digital collection consists mainly of letters between Dr. Mann and his family, discussing family matters. In total, there are 25 letters, 2 official documents, 1 promissory note, 1 invoice, and 1 photograph. Some of the letters are written during the Civil War and mention Dr. Mann’s service in the Navy. Three of the items within the collection are from the United States Navy to Dr. Mann and are signed by Gideon Welles, secretary of the Navy.