Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction . Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication . Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Joel H. Jenks Diary, Ms2010-062, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The Joel H. Jenks Diary was purchased by Special Collections in 2010.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Joel H. Jenks Diary was completed in September 2010.

Biographical Note

Joel H. Jenks was born about 1836 in Ohio and enlisted in the 78th Illinois Infantry in August 1862 during the American Civil War. He was mustered into the service as a private and was promoted to the rank of musician. His service record lists him as a farmer at the time of enlistment, but is reported as a jeweler the 1880 census. According to the Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, Jenks also served as Kendall County surveyor from 1872-1879. He and his wife Olivia M. Jenks had one son, Frank. Both Joel and Olivia are listed in the 1910 census.

Scope and Content

This collection contains the American Civil War dairy of Joel H. Jenks, 78th Illinois infantry, beginning January 1, 1865 through December 31, 1865. The diary does not contain battle descriptions, but does record the movements of the 78th Illinois during the Carolina campaign until early March, when Jenks is shipped out to a Hospital due to "Rheumatism." The diary often contains descriptions of the weather and "grub," as well as his own activities in camp or the hospital ward. Jenks continues the diary after the war, and describes waiting to be mustered, his return to his wife and family, and setting up Singing Schools in Plano, Il.

Highlights of the diary include his reaction to the end of the war, President Lincoln's assassination, and his visitation of Lincoln's body while it lay in state in Columbus, Ohio.

A transcript of the diary is available in the collection.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Civil War
• United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865
• United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Diaries

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the Joel H. Jenks Diary by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).