William J. Pittenger Diary, 1863, Ms.2001.064

Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech

Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
Business Number: 540-231-6308
specref@vt.edu
URL: http://spec.lib.vt.edu

John M. Jackson, Archivist

Abstract

This collection contains the diary of William J. Pittenger, a soldier serving in the 93rd Illinois Infantry and the U. S. Army Signal Corps during the American Civil War. Entries cover day-to-day activities, the Union advance down the Mississippi River, and the siege of Vicksburg. The diary is accompanied by a 1957 newspaper article about the diary.

Administrative Information

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.

Existence and Location of Copies

The collection has been digitized and is available online.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], William J. Pittenger Diary, Ms2001-064, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The William J. Pittenger Diary was donated to the Special Collections in 2001.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the William J. Pittenger Diary was completed in 2003.

Biographical Note

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 during the American Civil War. 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). Available on HathiTrust.org.

"Civil War Diary Bares Vivid Story", Wichita Eagle Magazine, January 6, 1957. (Contained within the collection.)

Scope and Content

This collection contains the diary of William J. Pittenger, a soldier serving in the 93rd Illinois Infantry and the U. S. Army Signal Corps during the American Civil War. The diary's entries span the fist half of 1863 and touch on such matters as camp life, the U. S. Army's advance down the Mississippi River, and the siege of Vicksburg. (Pittenger made no entries for most of March 1863, as he was bedridden with smallpox). The diary also contains names and addresses of Pittenger's comrades, records of financial transactions, and a list of soldiers from Co. D, 93rd Illinois Infantry killed at Champion Hill. The diary is accompanied by a 1957 newspaper article about Pittenger and his diary.