Obituary of Private Theodore “Thede” Tenney, Co. H, 2nd Ohio Cavalry, April 6, 1865

Another Brave Boy Fallen. — No braver or better soldier has laid down his life for the cause of the Union than young Theodore Tenney, a private in the Second Ohio Cavalry, who was killed by a shell in Sheridan’s hard battle near the South Side Railroad, on Saturday last, April 1st.  The deceased was the youngest son of Mrs. C. E. Tenney, of Oberlin, a brother of Captain L. H. Tenney, and brother-in-law of Lieut. Colonel A. B. Nettleton, of the Second Ohio Cavalry.  He was also brother-in-law of Professor Ellis, of Oberlin, and a nephew of J. H. Harris, Esq., of this city.

Young Tenney first enlisted in the summer of 1864, at the early age of eighteen, joining a company recruited for the three months’ service, from the residents of Oberlin.  Soon after the expiration of his term of enlistment, he joined that famous veteran regiment, the Second Ohio Cavalry, and re-enlisted with them last spring.  At the time of his death he was barely twenty years of age.  A manly and noble-hearted boy, large, athletic and brave, ever in good spirits, congenial and full of hilarity, he was the life of his mess, and one of the prime favorites of his regiment.  A true soldier, he shrunk from no duty or danger, and after one of Sheridan’s battles with Early in the Shenandoah Valley last fall, it was written by his commanding officer — “Thede’s muscle brought in two graybacks.”

Theodore Tenny — another honored name — will be inscribed on Oberlin’s monument to her many patriotic sons and martyrs.

SOURCE: “Another Brave Boy Fallen,” Cleveland Daily Leader, Cleveland, Ohio, Thursday, April 6, 1865, p. 4.

Levi Burnell to Owen Brown Sr., April 3, 1840

Oberlin, April 3, 1840.

Dear Brother Brown, — I received your favor by your son John, and our committee have opened negotiations with him preliminary to his visiting our Virginia lands. We hope for a favorable issue, both for him and the institution. When he has thoroughly examined the papers and spent the necessary time upon the premises, we expect that he will know more than all of us about the matter; and I trust we shall feel disposed to offer liberal inducements for him and others to settle there, if that is best. Should he succeed in clearing up titles without difficulty or lawsuits, it would be easy, as it appears to me, to make provision for religious and school privileges, and by proper efforts, with the blessing of God, soon see that wilderness bud and blossom as the rose.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 135

Records of John Brown at Oberlin College: April 1 – August 28, 1840

April 1, 1840. In the Prudential Committee, Brother John Brown from Hudson being present, some negotiations were opened in respect to our Virginia lands.

April 3, 1840. A communication from Brother John Brown, of Hudson, was presented and read by the Secretary, containing a proposition to visit, survey, and make the necessary investigation respecting boundaries, etc., of those lands, for one dollar per day, and a moderate allowance for necessary expenses; said paper frankly expressing also his design of viewing the lands, as a preliminary step to locating his family upon them, should the opening prove a favorable one: whereupon, Voted, that said proposition be acceded to, and that a commission and needful outfit be furnished by the Secretary and Treasurer.

July 14, 1840. The report of John Brown, respecting his agency to Virginia and examination of the Smith donation of land, was read by the Secretary and deferred.

Aug. 11, 1840. Voted, that the Secretary address a letter to John Brown, of Hudson, in reference to the Virginia land agency.

In the records of the Board of Trustees, under date of Aug. 28, 1840, is the following minute: —

"Voted, that the Prudential Committee be authorized to perfect negotiations, and convey by deed to Brother John Brown, of Hudson, one thousand acres of our Virginia land on the conditions suggested in the correspondence which has already transpired between him and the committee."

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 134-5