A Guide to the Joel H. Jenks Diary, 1865
A Collection in
Special Collections
Collection Number
Ms2010-062
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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/
© 2010 By Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. All rights reserved.
Processed by: Kimberly Staub, Special Collections Staff
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.
Arrangement
This collection is arranged in chronological order.
Index Terms
- Civil War
- United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
- United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Diaries