A Guide to the Joel H. Jenks Diary, 1865 Jenks, Joel H., Diary Ms2010-062

A Guide to the Joel H. Jenks Diary, 1865

A Collection in
Special Collections
Collection Number Ms2010-062

Special Collections, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
USA
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Email: specref@vt.edu
URL: http://spec.lib.vt.edu/

Processed by: Kimberly Staub, Special Collections Staff

Repository

Special Collections, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Va.

Collection Number

Ms.2010.062

Title

Joel H. Jenks Diary, 1865

Physical Characteristics

0.1 cu. ft. 1 folder

Creator

Jenks, Joel H., b. abt. 1836

Language

English

Abstract

This collection contains the Civil War diary of Joel H. Jenks, 78th Illinois Infantry, spanning 1865. Entries discuss the weather, food, and daily activities in the camp and hospital ward.

Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

Use Restrictions

Permission to publish material from Joel H. Jenks Diary must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Joel H. Jenks Diary, Ms2010-062, Special Collections, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Va.

Acquisition Information

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. 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 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, OH.

A transcript of the diary is available in the collection.