Johnson, Charles N. Papers Charles N. Johnson Papers, 1862-1868 Ms.1989.032

Charles N. Johnson Papers, 1862-1868 Ms.1989.032


[logo]

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

Repository
Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech
Identification
Ms.1989.032
Title
Charles N. Johnson Papers 1862-1868
Quantity
0.1 Cubic Feet, 1 folder
Creator
Johnson, Charles N.
Language
The materials in the collection are in English.
Abstract
Papers of Charles N. Johnson, private in Company C, 15th Iowa Infantry, during the American Civil War, including seven war-time letters from Johnson, his discharge certificate, marriage license, and family photographs.

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 to research.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Charles N. Johnson Papers, Ms1989-032, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The Charles N. Johnson Papers were donated to Special Collections and University Libraries in 1989.

Processing Information

The processing and description of the Charles N. Johnson Papers commenced and was completed in January 2022.


Biographical Note

Charles N. Johnson, son of Leman and Aurelia B. Johnson, was born in Morrow County, Ohio, in 1844, and moved with his parents to Iowa in 1852. He enlisted as a private in Company C, Iowa Infantry on November 20, 1861, and was wounded at the Battle of Shiloh the following April. After recovering, Johnson returned to his regiment and was discharged in Davenport, Iowa, April 20, 1865. On March 18, 1868, he married Hattie N. Webster (1848-1938); the couple had two daughters. The 1870 and 1880 federal censuses show the Johnsons living and farming in Mahaska County, Iowa. In 1885, the Johnsons moved to Kansas. Charles N. Johnson died in Johnson County, Kansas on February 20, 1915 and was buried in Olathe Memorial Cemetery, Olathe (Johnson County), Iowa.

Scope and Content

This collection contains papers of Charles N. Johnson, who served as a private in Company C, 15th Iowa Infantry during the American Civil War. The collection includes seven war-time letters written by Johnson to his mother, Aurelia Johnson. Some of the letters are written on patriotic stationery, including one featuring the likeness of General John C. Fremont. Johnson's letters commence on May 25, 1862, with Johnson writing from St. Louis after having been wounded in the hand and arm at the Battle of Shiloh. The next two letters (June 18 and 25) were written from the hospital while Johnson recuperated in the hospital. Johnson had returned to his regiment by July 11, 1862, when he wrote from camp at Corinth. He writes of being assigned to provost guard duty in Corinth, noting that the Confederate prisoners "look very queer in their butter-nut britches & striped coats." Writing again from Corinth on July 29, Johnson mentions that he has returned to the hospital. The final two letters (Aug. 24 and Sept. 11) were written from Bolivar, Tennessee, with Johnson continuing to focus on the condition of his hand and arm and relaying general news from camp.

The collection also contains Johnson's discharge certificate, his marriage licence, and several family photographs (mostly tintypes). Among these are two photos of Hattie Johnson, two of Minnie Johnson, three of Clara Johnson, a carte-de-visite of Charles Johnson, and nine unidenfied images.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

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

Rights Statement for Archival Description

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

Container List

folder 1
Papers
1862-1868