Collection: Charles Ellis diary | Special Collections & Archives

Scope and Contents

The collection contains one leather-bound "Daily Pocket Diary for the Year 1865." The diary was kept by First Sergeant Charles Ellis. Writings in the diary concern company roll call, items sent from home, and movements of the regiment. Noted in the diary is the assassination of President Lincoln.

Dates

1865

Biographical / Historical

As recorded in History of the Ninety-Sixth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, by Charles A. Partridge, 1887, Charles Ellis was born in Manchester, England, around 1846. Ellis was a cabinet maker and enlisted in Waukegan, Illinois. He was promoted to Corporal in March, 1863; to Sergeant on September 21, 1863; and to First Sergeant on May 27, 1865. He participated in every engagement of the regiment except Rocky Face Ridge, and he was "slightly wounded" in the leg at Chickamauga. As of 1887, he was a janitor at 116 E. Monroe Street, Chicago.

Extent

0.1 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Overview

Diary written by First Sergeant Charles Ellis of the 96th Illinois Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. The diary contains daily notes concerning regimental duty in Huntsville, Alabama, in 1865.