Reconstruction (U.S. history, 1865-1877)]]> Bear family (Augusta County, Va.)]]> See the finding aid for the Bear Family Papers]]> 1879]]> https://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-NC/1.0/]]> Ms1992-010, Folder 1]]> Diaries]]> Reconstruction (U.S. history, 1865-1877)]]> Bear family (Augusta County, Va.)]]> See the finding aid for the Bear Family Papers]]> 1878]]> https://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-NC/1.0/]]> Ms1992-010, Folder 1]]> Diaries]]> United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865]]> Confederate States of America]]> Reconstruction (U.S. history, 1865-1877)]]> Bear family (Augusta County, Va.)]]> See the finding aid for the Bear Family Papers]]> 1862]]> https://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-NC/1.0/]]> Ms1992-010, Folder 1]]> Diaries]]> Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. College of Engineering.]]> University Archives]]> University History]]> Virginia Polytechnic and State University. College of Engineering]]> See the finding aid for the Doug Burton Papers.]]> 1979-03-16-1979-03-30]]> Diaries]]> Ryland, John W. (John William), 1837-1905 (34th Infantry, Virginia Regiment)]]> 1863-1865]]> Diaries]]> 1862]]> Diaries]]> 1861/1862]]> Diaries]]> Civil War]]> Woods, John Henning, 1834-1901 ]]> See the finding aid for the John Henning Woods Papers]]> 1856/1873]]> Diaries]]> Civil War]]> Woods, John Henning, 1834-1901 ]]> See the finding aid for the John Henning Woods Papers]]> 1864]]> Diaries]]> Civil War]]> Woods, John Henning, 1834-1901]]> See the finding aid for the John Henning Woods Papers]]> 1861]]> Diaries]]> Blacksburg (Va.)]]> Local/Regional History and Appalachian South]]> Women]]> Hill, Olivia Tutwiler]]> See the the Finding Aid for the Olivia Tutwiler Hill Diary.]]> 1919-01-01/1919-03-04]]> Permission to publish material from the Olivia Tutwiler Hill Diary must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Diaries]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Civil War]]>
After, presumably, returning home to western Pennsylvania, Barnett responded to the local call to form the 5th Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery (also known as the 204th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers) in August 1864. He was mustered in as a private, Battery M, on 2 September 1864. The regiment saw duty in the defense of Washington and along the Manassas Gap Railroad with engagements following at Salem and Rectortown in October 1864 before returning to Washington. Barnett was promoted to Sergeant and on 19 January 1865 was promoted to Second Lieutenant. He returned to Pittsburgh and mustered out with his battery on 30 June 1865.

Very little of Barnett's later life is known. An annotation added at a later date to Barnett's 1862 diary entry for 29 January reads, "Son of W. W. Barnett Wyllie Barnett was born January Friday 29 1875 - W. W. Barnett died Tuesday September 29 1876." A pension claim filed on 18 September 1890 by his widow cites the date of his death as Sept. 26 1876. As to the identity of his wife, nothing is known for certain, although the 1880 census does show a Rebecca Barnett living in the eastern Ohio county of Tuscarawas with her parents, Thomas and Sarah Laughead along with her five-year-old son, William Barnett.]]>
Barnett, William W., 8th Regiment, Pennsylvania Reserve Infantry (37th Volunteers)]]> See the Finding Aid for the William W. Barnett Diary]]> 1862]]> Permission to publish material from the William W. Barnett Diary must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Diaries]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]>
Koontz family]]> United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865]]> United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Diaries]]> Women--History]]> Civil War]]> Koontz family]]> See the Finding Aid for the Koontz Family Papers]]> 1865-03-12/1865-05-28]]> Permission to publish material from the Koontz Family Papers must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Ms1984-172, Box 1, Folder 11]]> Diaries]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Koontz family]]> United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Diaries]]> United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865]]> Civil War]]> Women--History]]> Koontz family]]> See the Finding Aid for the Koontz Family Papers]]> 1863-06-10/1863-12-31]]> Permission to publish material from the Koontz Family Papers must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Ms1984-172, Box 1, Folder 7]]> Diaries]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Civil War]]> Harville, John McBride, 1839-1913]]> See the Finding Aid for the John Harville Diaries]]> 1863-06-05/1863-11-26]]> Diaries]]> Civil War]]> Harville, John McBride, 1839-1913]]> See the Finding Aid for the John Harville Diaries]]> 1862-08-05/1863-05-29]]> Diaries]]> Architects.]]> Women travelers--South America]]> International Archive of Women in Architecture (IAWA)]]> Rupp, Sigrid L.]]> See the Finding Aid for the Sigrid L. Rupp Architectural Collection]]> 1988]]> Permission to publish material from the Sigrid L. Rupp Architectural Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Diaries]]> Paintings]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Civil War]]> Hawkins, James P.]]> See the Finding Aid for the James P. Hawkins Papers]]> 1865]]> Permission to publish material from the James P. Hawkins Papers must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Diaries]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Civil War]]>
John H. Hancock, a sergeant in Company H, 29th Massachusetts Infantry during the Civil War, was born ca. 1841 in Massachusetts. While employed as a clerk, Hancock enlisted as a private at Charlestown, Massachusetts, in a unit that would be designated as Company H, 29th Massachusetts Infantry and join the remainder of the regiment already deployed on the Virginia Pensinsula. Hancock was promoted to corporal on August 3, 1862, and to sergeant on March 15, 1863. Wounded, he was discharged from the service on August 25, 1864. Returning to Massachusetts, Hancock married later that year. Together with his wife, Annie, Hancock resided in Chelsea, Massachusetts, and was employed as a custom house inspector. The couple had several children (including Lucy B., Elizabeth, Annie, Herbert and Edgar W.). John H. Hancock died on September 9, 1913.

The 29th Massachusetts Infantry was organized at Newport News, Virginia, in December 1861, combining the existing 1st Battalion Massachusetts Infantry with three new companies (including Company H) organized in the Suffolk County, Massachusetts area. The regiment remained on the Virginia Peninsula until the end of August, participating in battles at Fair Oaks and Malvern Hill. With the failure of the Peninsula Campaign, the 29th withdrew to Washington, D.C., where it assisted in covering the retreat from the second battle of Bull Run, then joined in the advance into Maryland. The regiment saw heavy losses at the Battle of Antietam. During the fall and winter of 1862, the 29th remained in the northern Virginia area. In the spring, it was transferred westward and participated in the siege of Vicksburg and the capture of Jackson, Mississippi. The regiment spent the fall and winter in eastern Tennessee, participating in the battle of Campbell's Station, then was transferred to eastern Virginia, where it took part in the Wilderness Campaign and the siege of Petersburg. After the fall of Petersburg and Richmond, the regiment returned to northern Virginia. It was mustered out of service on July 29, 1865.]]>
Hancock, John H.]]> See the Finding Aid for the John H. Hancock Diary]]> 1862]]> Permission to publish material from the John H. Hancock Diary must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Diaries]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]>
Local/Regional History and Appalachian South]]> Civil War]]> Babcock, H. O.]]> See the Finding Aid for the Civil War Small Manuscripts Collection]]> 1864]]> Permission to publish material from the Civil War Small Manuscripts Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech. ]]> Diaries]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Civil War]]>
William J. Pittenger, son of Abraham and Elizabeth Gladfelter Pittenger, was born in Ohio in 1838. While working as a Missouri schoolteacher in 1862, Pittenger enlisted in Company D of the 93rd Illinois Infantry. In February 1863, he was assigned to the U. S. Army Signal Corps. Pittenger contracted small pox one month later but resumed duties in April and participated in the siege of Vicksburg and, later, in Sherman's march to the sea. He mustered out with his regiment in June, 1865. In 1867, Pittenger married Ella Shafer (1850-1899); the couple would have five children. In 1879, the Pittengers moved from Illinois to Wichita, Kansas, where William Pittenger became a prominent farmer. A member of the I. O. O. F., Pittenger served as a member of the local school board and as a township trustee. He died in 1896, and is buried in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Sedgwick County, Kansas.

Sources:

History of the State of Kansas(Chicago: A. T. Andreas, 1883).

"Civil War Diary Bares Vivid Story" - Wichita Eagle Magazine,January 6, 1957.]]>
Pittenger, William]]> See the Finding Aid for the William Pittenger Diary]]> 1863-01-01/1864-11-26]]> Permission to publish from the William Pittenger diary must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Diaries]]>
Civil War]]> Harville, John McBride, 1839-1913]]> See the Finding Aid for the Harville Diaries]]> 1862-05-14/1862-08-04]]> Diaries]]> Civil War]]> Harville, John McBride, 1839-1913]]> See the Finding Aid for the Harville Diaries]]> 1862-03-28/1862-05-12]]> Diaries]]> Civil War]]> Harville, John McBride, 1839-1913]]> See the Finding Aid for the Harville Diaries]]> 1862-01-28/1862-03-27]]> Diaries]]> Civil War]]> Harville, John McBride, 1839-1913]]> See the Finding Aid for the Harville Diaries]]> 1861-08-17/1862-01-22]]> Diaries]]> Civil War]]>
Hook notes the fortifications around Washington returned to quiet by July 14. All entries return to describing the days as pleasant until July 30. An apparent disagreement over the posting of troops resulted in Hook's arrest and detainment at Fort Sumner while awaiting trial for court martial. For unapparent reasons, Hook was released August 6. The rest of the journal notes his picket duty, although the dates August 10-15 are missing. Diary concludes with Hook in Baltimore August 21 awaiting departure to Harrisburg and ultimately to Ohio for the Regiment to be mustered out.

Excerpt from July 11: "Old abe was here to day about 11 o]]>
Hook, Christian]]> See the Finding Aid for the Christian Hook Diary]]> 1864]]> Permission to publish material from the Christian Hook diary must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Diaries]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]>
Civil War]]> Henry L. Burnell, born June 2, 1841, was a resident of West Baldwin, Maine. There he was a member of the Temperance Society and participated in a local band as a percussionist. On August 8, 1861, Burnell enlisted in Captain McArthur's company for three years, but when the company took a leave of absence, Burnell enlisted in the state service for a term of three years. He began his service in coastal South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Transferred to Virginia in 1864, he participated in actions near Petersburg. Captured at Drewry's Bluff, Burnell landed in Andersonville via Libby Prison and Danville, Virginia. Following several prison transfers, Burnell eventually arrived home in May of 1865. Burnell would marry a Clara Bliss, of West Baldwin, Maine, by 1871 and he died on May 11, 1912.]]> Burnell, Henry L.]]> See the Finding Aid for the Henry L. Burnell diary]]> 1859/1865]]> Permission to publish material from the Henry L. Burnell diary must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Diaries]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Civil War]]> Warner, Marcus B.]]> See the Finding Aid for the Marcus B. Warner Collection]]> 1864]]> Permission to publish material from the Marcus B. Warner Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Diaries]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Civil War]]>
In March, contacts with civilians and enemy combatants grow more frequent, with references to taking prisoners (soldiers, a lady spy and bushwackers) and denying passage through the lines. Maybury makes occasional reference to camp rumors, such as a supposed sighting of Stuart's cavalry and the taking of Richmond by Kirkpatrick. In May, the regiment sees more action, with Maybury noting the capture and burning of Virginia Central Railroad supply trains at Beaver Dam Station, the capture of guns at Ashland, heavy fighting near Richmond, and a description of action at the Battle of Haw's Shop. For the next several months, Maybury alludes to frequent skirmishes and battles with the Confederates. In the fall, Maybury's entries revert to camp activities and routines (including mention of an inspection by generals Meade and Gregg), with less frequent references to engagements with the enemy. The diary ends with Maybury traveling to the hospital, following the wound he had sustained the previous day. At the end of the diary are a few notes made by Maybury on the clothing he had drawn in service and the pension had had drawn afterward.

The collection also contains a metal stencil bearing Maybury's name and unit and a small piece of cloth on to which Maybury's name has been stenciled. John R. Maybury, son of Josiah and Dorcas Blake Maybury, was born in Solon (Cortland County), New York, in 1828. He enlisted in Company L, 28th New York Cavalry at Solon on September 10, 1862. Eventually promoted to corporal, Maybury received a gunshot wound to the right hand on December 1, 1864. He was hospitalized at City Point, Virginia until December 16, when he was transferred to Finley General Hospital in Washington, D. C. He remained there until mustered out as a supernumerary non-commissioned officer on June 26, 1865.

Upon his release from military service, Maybury returned to the Solon area, where he married Emogene Pierce (1837-1916) in 1866. The couple had four daughters: Mary R., Rena D., Helen and Sarah. In addition to working on his 65-acre farm, Maybury served as a justice of the peace. He died in 1917 and is buried in McGraw Village Cemetery.

The 10th New York Cavalry was organized in Erie, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Fulton, Steuben and Onondaga counties. Companies I, K and L were mustered in at Elmira, October 29-30, 1862, and joined the regiment in the defense of Washington, D. C. on December 5. The regiment remained in the area of Virginia's northern neck peninsula through the winter, engaging in several skirmishes. In the spring of 1863, the 10th participated in Stoneman's raid toward Richmond. The regiment participated in a number of significant battles in 1863 and 1864, including Brandy Station, Gettysburg, The Wilderness and Cold Harbor, and several smaller battles. After participating in General Sheridan's Trevilian Raid in June 1864, the 10th spent much of the remainder of the war in the siege of Petersburg and participated in the Appomattox Campaign. The regiment was consolidated with the 24th New York in June, then mustered out of service at Syracuse, New York on August 3, 1865.]]>
Maybury, John R.]]> See the Finding Aid for the John R. Maybury Diary]]> 1864]]> Permission to publish material from the John R. Maybury Diary must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Diaries]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]>
Civil War]]> Otis Dean, a private in Company E, 56th Massachusetts Infantry during the Civil War, was born on March 1, 1821 at Raynham, Massachusetts, the son of Chandler Robbins Dean and Abigail [Bissn?]. Dean married Augusta Dunbar (born October 1826) on January 4, 1848. By 1850, the Deans were living in Foxborough Massachusetts, where Otis Dean was employed as a boot-maker.

Dean enlisted in the Union Army as a private on December 30, 1863 and was mustered into Company E of the 56th Massachusetts on January 12, 1864. Wounded in battle at Peebles' Farm (September 30), Dean was captured by Confederate forces and held at Richmond. Paroled on October 8, 1864, Dean entered an army hospital at Annapolis, Maryland. He was granted a furlough later that month and spent several weeks recuperating at home and in the hospital at Readville, Massachusetts. After spending several additional weeks in hospitals at Annapolis and Germantown, Pennsylvania, Dean rejoined his regiment on March 20, 1865 and was discharged on June 15, 1865.

Returning to Foxborough, Dean by 1870 had become a farmer and the father of eight children (Mary, Frederick, Arthur, Edwin, William, Ernest, Harry and Herbert). The 1880 census found the family living in Arcadia Township, Iowa. Though no occupation was listed for Dean, three of his sons, living in the same household, were listed as farmers. By 1900, the Deans had again moved westward and were living in San Bernadino County, California. Otis Dean died on March 21, 1907; his wife, in 1911. Both are buried in Bellevue Cemetery of Ontario, San Bernadino County, California.

The 56th Massachusetts Infantry was recruited during the fall and winter of 1863 at Readville, Massachusetts. By February 1864, the entire regiment had been mustered into service. On March 20, the 56th left Massachusetts for Annapolis, Maryland, where it remained for approximately a month. Following the line of the Orange & Alexandria Railroad, the regiment arrived at Bealeton Station on April 30 and remained encamped there until May 4, when it joined the rest of the Army of the Potomac in the Wilderness Campaign. The 56th saw heavy action during the following month and participated in the assault against Petersburg in June and July 1864. The regiment participated in the battle of Weldon Railroad (August 19) and Peebles' Farm (September 30). In November, the 56th went into winter camp at Fort Davis and Fort Alexander Hays. The 56th joined in the final assault on Petersburg and the pursuit of Lee's forces and was mustered out on July 12, 1865.

Source:

Hancock, Daniel W. and Karen L. Hancock. "Hancock and Olson Family History." 26 March 2008 (http://hancockonline.net).]]>
Dean, Otis]]> See the Finding Aid for the Otis Dean Diary]]> 1864/1865]]> Permission to publish material from the Otis Dean Diary must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Diaries]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]>
Civil War]]>
George H. Marshall of Company K, 113th Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, was born in Pennsylvania, ca. 1835. The son of Sarah Marshall, he lived in Chester County before enlisting as a private in Company K of the 113th on February 23, 1864. He was promoted to full artificer on September 3, 1865. After the mustering out of his regiment at Fort Monroe, Marshall returned to Chester County, Pennsylvania, where he recommenced working as a carpenter. Survived by his wife, Ruth, Marshall died on March 19, 1919 and is buried in the Romansville, Pennsylvania Friends Burial Ground.

The 113th Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery was organized in Philadelphia by consolidation of Segebarth's Battalion of Marine Artillery and the 1st Battalion, Pennsylvania Artillery, with two additional companies formed in Philadelphia. The regiment was ordered to Fortress Monroe, Virginia, serving at times in Graham's Naval Brigade and engaging Confederate forces on the James, Chickhominy and Nansemond rivers. The regiment was mustered out of service at Fort Monroe on November 9, 1865.]]>
Marshall, George H.]]> See the Finding Aid for the George H. Marshall diary]]> 1864/1865]]> Permission to publish material from the George H. Marshall diary must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Diaries]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]>
Civil War]]> Kelsey, Stephen R.]]> See the Finding Aid for the Stephen R. Kelsey diary]]> 1865]]> Permission to publish material from the Stephen R. Kelsey diary must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Diaries]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Civil War]]> Petersburg (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865]]>
In early June, the regiment was encamped at General Burnside's Headquarters near Cold Harbor, Virginia. On June 5, 1864, Babcock writes they were being shelled, which resulting in the "killing [of] one man from Co. K....+ one from Co. M. was wounded. this is the first time we have been under fire." He records several days of shelling before moving toward Petersburg. For most of June, July, and into August, Babcock's diary includes lengthy entries of his experiences from the rifle pits in Petersburg, as well as camp life. On July 30, he writes "losses very heavy on both sides our men occupy the same ground they did this morning. a total failure on our side." By mid-August, the 10th New York Heavy Artillery was camped at Fort Whipple, in Arlington, Virginia.

In early September, Babcock's entries find him increasingly ill and excused from duty. The regiment left for the Shenandaoh Valley in October and on October 8, Babcock writes, "slept in Hospital to night for the first time since I have been a soldier." He was transferred from Alexandria to Lincoln Hospital in Washington, D.C., where he remained until November. His entries for October are very brief. From November 6 to the end of the year, Babcock's diary is about his activities at home while on furlough. Willis A. Babcock enlisted as a private with Company B of the 10th Regiment, New York Heavy Artillery on December 8, 1862 (he notes his 19-month anniversary in his diary on March 8, 1864). He was probably born around 1840 and was living in Adams, Jefferson County, New York, prior to the Civil War. During November and December of 1864, Babcock was on a furlough which was extended from its initial 12 days to an additional 18 days. He spent it at home in New York. The memorandum section of the diary notes extended furlough pay in December. He appears to have mustered out as a corporal, but it is unclear if this occurred with the regiment or prior to the end of the war. There is no information about his life after the war.

The various companies of the 10th Regiment, New York Heavy Artillery were formed during the fall and winter of 1862. By June of 1863 the entire regiment was stationed in Washington, D.C. The regiment remained there until May 1864, when it moved to Cold Harbor, Virginia. The unit fought at a number of significant battles in Virginia, including Cold Harbor, a portion of the Petersburg campaign, and Cedar Creek in the Shenandoah Valley. In December 1864, the regiment moved again and was stationed at Bermuda Hundred, Virginia, until joining the Appomattox Campaign in March 1865, and the final battle at Petersburg in April. The 10th Regiment, New York Heavy Artillery mustered out in June of 1865.]]>
Babcock, Willis A.]]> See the Finding Aid for the Willis A. Babcock diary]]> 1894]]> Permission to publish material from the Willis A. Babcock diary must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Diaries]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]>
History of Women in Architecture]]> Hofheinz, Elsa Marie Rupp, 1912-2012]]> See the Finding Aid for the Elsa Marie Rupp Hofheinz Diary]]> 1928]]> Permission to publish material from the Diary of Art League Member Elsa Marie Rupp Hofheinz must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Diaries]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Civil War]]> Enoch Stephens (born ~1835) enlisted on June 30th, 1861 in Brooklyn, New York as a 1st Sergeant. During his time in the military, Stephens seems to have participated in the 84th Regiment, New York Infantry, the 5th Regiment, New York Veteran Infantry, and the 4th Regiment, US Veteran Volunteer Infantry. Prior to 1865 he was promoted to major. ]]> Stephens, Enoch]]> See the finding aid for the Enoch Stephens Diary]]> 1865-01-01/1865-12-26]]> Permission to publish material from the Enoch Stephens Diary must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Diaries]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Civil War]]> United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Diaries.]]> Petersburg (Va.)--History--Siege, 1864-1865]]> Peck, Benjamin M.]]> 1865-01-01/1865-07-31]]> Permission to publish material from the Benjamin M. Peck Diaries must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Diaries]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Civil War]]> United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Diaries.]]> Petersburg (Va.)--History--Siege, 1864-1865]]> ]]> Peck, Benjamin M.]]> 1864-01-01/1864-12-31]]> Permission to publish material from the Benjamin M. Peck Diaries must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Diaries]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Civil War]]> Petersburg (Va.)--History--Siege, 1864-1865]]> United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865]]> Leonard, William A., b. abt. 1843]]> See the Finding Aid for the William A. Leonard Papers]]> 1864-08-17/1865-04-30]]> Permission to publish material from the William A. Leonard Papers must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Diaries]]> Special Collections, Virginia Tech]]> United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865]]> Civil War]]> Alfred L. Mantor, originally a farmer from Hawley, MA, enlisted when he was 25 years old as a Corporal to C Company of the 27th Massachusetts Infantry on September 25, 1861. Mantor was promoted to Sergeant on September 8, 1863. Mantor was killed in action on May 7, 1864 at Port Walthall Junction, VA.]]> Mantor, Alfred L., d. 1864]]> See the the Finding Aid for the Alfred L. Mantor Diary]]> 1864-01-01/1864-04-01]]> Permission to publish material from Alfred L. Mantor Diary must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Diaries]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865]]> Civil War]]> Tucked inside the diary is a CDV of Smiley and his wife, Melissa, probably taken before Jacob was drafted.]]> Smiley, Jacob Wallace, 1833-1864]]> See the the Finding Aid for the Jacob W. Smiley Diary]]> 1863-10-04/1864-05-04]]> Permission to publish material from Jacob W. Smiley Diary must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Diaries]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865]]> Civil War]]> Ebenezer Erskine Mason was born August 29, 1829, in Maine. He married Elizabeth Thompson (1825-1913) prior to 1860. Mason later became a local magistrate and a member of the Accotink Home Guard, a company that remained loyal to the Federal Government throughout the Civil War. Notably, Mason served as a delegate to the Second Wheeling Convention and was sergeant of arms to the Senate in 1863. In 1864, Mason served as delegate to the Restored Virginia Government Convention where a new constitution was put in place that abolished slavery and recognized West Virginia as a loyal state. Mason died in 1910 was buried in Fairfax County, Virginia.]]> Mason, Ebenezer E., 1829-1910]]> See the the Finding Aid for the Ebenezer E. Mason Diary]]> 1864-01-01/1865-02-01]]> Permission to publish material from the Ebenzer E. Mason Diary must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Diaries]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Civil War]]> United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865]]> Antietam, Battle of, Md., 1862]]> M. M. Cottingim served as a private with Company A, 2nd Regiment, Mississippi Infantry. He mustered in during March of 1862. He died in November 18, 1862, probably from wounds sustained during fighting at Antietam, and was buried in Frederick, MD.]]> Cottingim, M. M., d. 1862, 2nd Regiment, Mississippi Infantry]]> See the the Finding Aid for the M. M. Cottingim Diary]]> 1862-04-01/1862-10-01]]> Permission to publish material from M.M. Cottingim Diary must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Diaries]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Lynchburg, Battle of, Lynchburg, Va., 1864]]> United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865]]> Winchester, 3rd Battle of, Winchester, Va., 1864]]> New River Bridge, Battle of, Va., 1864]]> Cloyds Mountain, Battle of, Va., 1864]]> Local/Regional History and Appalachian South]]> Civil War]]> The collection also includes four photographs, believed to be of Holliday, and one of his wife. Two of the images have locks of hair under the glass and several have hand-painted details added.]]> Holliday, John, 91st Ohio Volunteer Infantry]]> See the the Finding Aid for the John Holliday Diaries and Photographs]]> 1864-05-01/1865-07-04]]> Permission to publish material from John Holliday Diaries and Photographs must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Diaries]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865]]> Civil War]]> Squire, Henry, Co. D, 72nd New York Infantry]]> See the the Finding Aid for the Henry Squire Diary]]> 1863-01-01/1863-07-01]]> Permission to publish material from the Henry Squire Diary must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Diaries]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865]]> Civil War]]> James Miles enlisted with Company K of the 185th Regiment, New York Infantry at Syracuse, New York on September 3, 1864. The 185th regiment was organized at Syracuse, New York and Company K was mustered in September 21, 1864. The regiment left for Petersburg, Virginia on September 27, 1864 and was attached to the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 5th Army corps of the Army of the Potomac until May of 1865. During the term of service, the regiment lost 59 soldiers by death from wounds and 39 enlisted men by death from diseases. Miles was killed in action on March 29, 1865.
Much of this information was found at http://www.itd.nps.gov/cwss/index.html. Additional information on the 185th Regiment of the New York Infantry can be found at http://www.dmna.state.ny.us/historic/reghist/civil/infantry/185thInf/185thInfMain.htm]]>
Miles, James]]> See the the Finding Aid for the James Miles Diary]]> 1865-01-01/1865-03-01]]> Permission to publish material from the James Miles Diary must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Diaries]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]>
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865]]> Civil War]]> Cleveland writes that he and George enlisted to 'take up arms in defense of that liberty that our fathers fought to Establish (sic).' Due to his position as orderly, however, Cleveland appears to have done little actual fighting. He was most often at the rear of the regiment, tending to and assisting in moving the sick and wounded when the camp moved. He frequently writes of staying behind as the mobile portion of the regiment moves forward and, when they are separated, notes his concern for his young son.
Cleveland's diary entries are lengthy narratives on camp life, moving camps and marches, records of letters and money sent to and from home, and most commmonly, stories of people he meets along the way. He tells detailed stories of positive and negative encounters with Union and Confederate supporters. Although Cleveland prvides some accounts of skirmishes, he does not record any particular battles or battle reports.]]>
Cleveland family., Wisconsin]]> Cleveland, Alva, b.1805]]> See the Finding Aid for the Alva Cleveland Diary]]> 1862-03-01/1862-07-31]]> Permission to publish from the Alva Cleveland Diary must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Diaries]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]>
Civil War]]> Johnson, B. H.]]> See the Finding Aid for the B. H. Johnson Journal]]> 1863-09-01/1864-09-01]]> Permission to publish material from the B. H. Johnson Journal must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Diaries]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865]]> Civil War]]> Lowber, Daniel A.]]> See the Finding Aid for the Daniel A. Lowber Diary]]> 1864-07-25/1864-12-31]]> Permission to publish material from the Daniel A. Lowber Diary must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Diaries]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Civil War]]>
As the Civil War commences, Murdoch very briefly mentions reports from Harpers Ferry and Philippi, Virginia. After the Battle of Manassas, her entries focus more on war rumors and news. She mentions a personal telegram received by acquaintances from President Davis, relaying news of the Confederate victory at Manassas, and Davis' proclamation for a day of prayer and fasting.

On April 18, 1862, Murdoch expresses thanks for what she considers a Confederate victory at Shiloh, while at the same time disagreeing with those who believe the war's end may soon be drawing near. '...I think we have just begun this long dreary war,' she writes. 'Still we must fight on, our lives, our homes, our lands, our slaves, depend on the end of this matter.' As the war progresses, she becomes ever less hopeful of victory and mentions a prophecy that the war will last four years and result in the reunification of the states. She relays secondhand but somewhat lengthy descriptions of a battle between the Natchez militia and a Union gunboat, the death of Colonel Stuart Wilkins Fisk at the Battle of Murfreesboro, and the plundering of Bruinsburg by Union soldiers. Elsewhere, she reports the surrenders of New Orleans and Vicksburg.

On a few occasions, Murdoch expresses her fear of a slave insurrection but feels confident that slaves Ben or Henry would save her and brother Jonnie, 'as they say they like us so much.' Elsewhere, Murdoch deplores the torture used on Natchez slaves to elicit information about rumored plans for an uprising. On May 3, 1863, she notes that many of the family's slaves have departed, averring that they had forgotten how well they were treated by the family and comparing them to a fly being lured by a spider--the lure in this case being the promise of eleven dollars a month. Also on this date, Murdoch notes that the carriage horses are all gone, and she feels in danger of being 'outraged and insulted at any time.' After intermittent entries made during the next several months, the journal ends on October 12, 1863.
Frances A. 'Fannie' Murdoch was born in Mississippi around 1847. Her father, John Murdoch (1813-1861) had been born in Louisiana, attended Yale University (class of 1834), and in 1840 married Frances Louisa Bristol (1819-1875), daughter of a New Haven, Connecticut family. The Murdochs later resided at Cane Mount, their cotton plantation near Rodney (Jefferson County), Mississippi. Fannie was one of eight children and was schooled by private tutors at home with her siblings before briefly attending Professor Baird's school from December 1862 until April 1863. No further information about Fannie Murdoch could be found.]]>
Murdoch, Francis A.]]> See the Finding Aid for the Frances A. Murdoch Journal]]> 1861-05-29/1863-10-12]]> Permission to publish material from the Frances A. Murdoch Journal must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Diaries]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]>
Civil War]]>
The 97th New York Infantry (also known as the Conkling Rifles) was organized in 1861 with men recruited from Herkimer, Lewis and Oneida counties. It was mustered into U. S. service on February 18, 1862, under command of Colonel Charles Wheelock. The regiment saw its first action at Cedar Mountain on August 9. Among the battles in which it fought were Second Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, The Wilderness, Petersburg, and Appomattox Courthouse. The 97th New York was mustered out of service on July 18, 1865 near Washington, D.C.]]>
Smith, Merritt Hager]]> See the Finding Aid for the Merritt Hager Smith Diary]]> 1863-01-01/1863-12-31]]> Permission to publish material from the Merritt Hager Smith Diary must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Diaries]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]>