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The materials in this collection were donated to USU Special Collections & Archives by Helen W. Mahoney in 1990.
Leon C. Gaylord papers, 1898-1900. (COLL MSS 150). Utah State University. Special Collections and Archives Department.
Leon C. Gaylord was born in 1860 in New Haven, Michigan. During Leon's youth he and his older sister Eva were raised by their maternal grandparents, John and Eliza Griswold who lived in Chesaning, Michigan. During the 1880s Leon worked as a clerk in his grandfather's hardware supply store. On December 25, 1882 Leon married Nettie B. Wood in Chesaning.
In 1898 Leon enlisted in the 1st Regiment of the Tennessee Infantry, Band Company, to fight in the Spanish American War. In 1898 Leon was deployed to Philippines where he fought in the Battle of Manila, the Battle of Muntinlupa, participated in the capture of Iloilo Island, fought near San Loman, and in various other encounters. He served in the war from 1898 to 1900. He was discharged from the military on February 20, 1901.
After returning to the United States Gaylord reenlisted in the military on October 2, 1901 at Cincinnati, Ohio. That winter he sailed to the Philippines and remained there until 1904. In 1904 Gaylord returned to the United States and was stationed at Fort Sheridan, Illinois for two years. In 1906 he traveled to Cuba and was stationed at Camp Columbia, Havana for three years. In 1909 he returned to Fort Sheridan, where he remained until 1914. From 1914 to 1915 he was stationed at Texas City, Texas. In 1915 he set sail for the Philippines but was detained enroute, and spent a year at various US military bases in Panama until he reached the Philippines on March 5, 1917. From 1918 to 1920 Gaylord remained at sea on patrol. During this time his ship docked at places such as Nagasaki, Japan and Vladivostok, Russia.
It is currently unknown what happened to Gaylord after 1920.
This collection contains the outgoing correspondence of Leon C. Gaylord to his friend Ed H. Stanard and to his sister Eva Gaylord Westfall while he served in the Philippines from 1898 to 1900 during the Spanish American War. His correspondence, primarily to Stanard, describes in detail his role in the military, various battles he participated in, troop moral, general conditions in the Philippine Islands, and other similar topics. His letters specifically mention the capture of Iloilo Island (part of the Canary Islands), the burning of the cities by insurgents, the Battle of Muntinlupa, and the death of Colonel William C. Smith at the Battle of Manila, the rescue of prisoners of war, and participating in various other encounters. Leon's twelve letters of correspondence have been arranged chronologically. Folder 13 contains a typescript of Gaylord's military travels spanning the period of 1898 to 1916. This typescript contains a log of locations and places Gaylord was stationed.
Two photographs taken of Gaylord while serving in the Spanish American War have been separated from this collection for preservation purposes. Researchers interested in viewing these photographs should inquire with USU's photograph curator.
Arranged chronologically and by addressee.
Gaylord discusses his life in the southern United States and his enlistment in the 1st Regiment of the Tennessee Infantry, Band Company.
Gaylord describes his voyage to the Philippine Islands, includes a newspaper clipping and details the positions of the US Army around Manila.
Gaylord states that he is grateful to go to war and mentions Colonel W. C. Smith. Includes a hand-drawn map of Manila Bay, the Navy Yard, and various American military instillations.
Letter discusses the transfer of troops to Iloilo, the death of Colonel W. C. Smith, and the dissolvement of Band Company.
Letter describes the victory at Iloilo city and the burning of the city by insurgents.
Letter describes the sickness and poor medical facilities. Also includes an example of Asian writing.
Discusses smuggling of cigars to America and describes the local people.
Letter discusses Leon's desire for a promotion.
Letter discusses in detail Leon's participation in a Battle of Muntinlupa. He discusses the firefight and how the enemy's position was shelled.
Letter discusses the winters activities; such as his engagement in numerous battles, rescuing prisoners of war, and relocation of troops and supplies. The letter also contains a hand-drawn map showing Leon's past travels.
Letter discloses that Leon should be leaving for home in November. Letter continues to discuss how Leon was sick and lay in the hospital for 40 days and lost a great deal of weight. Also discusses the movement of troops during the past months.