Type: Text / Subject Headings: Diaries and United States History Civil War, 1861 1865

Creator:: Stork, William Ellis, 1841 - 1938
Date Created:: 1866-01-01
Description:: Daily experiences of William E. Stork at Bryant Stratton and Spencer's Commercial School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; the reconstruction era of the Civil War, and farming in southern Minnesota. Events of particular interest include his work near Vicksburg, Mississippi, cutting wood, clearing brush, and working on the ice boat; the difficulties of getting food rations and payment during this time; news of his sister Ann's death in May of 1866 and the ensuing difficulties getting home via steamer with a fever; farm labor that included slaughtering hogs, digging potatoes, plowing fields, digging wells and placing stones, and taking grain to the mill; visits with his mother, Grace Stork, and siblings Rosalie, Charley, Edwin, Adaline, and Aaron; notes of natural events like the first frost October 22 and snowstorms; teaching school at the Stone School House beginning December 3 and the ensuing spelling and singing schools; serving as Clerk of the Board of Supervisors and holding special town meetings in 1867.
Contributing Institution:: Rockford Area Historical Society
Type:: Text
Format:: Diaries

Creator:: Stork, William Ellis, 1841 - 1938
Date Created:: 1865-01-01
Description:: Daily experiences of William E. Stork as he recounts the towns he travelled through, the mileage covered, and the expenses incurred during his tenure with the military; his enlistment of January 1865; his arrival in Knoxville, Tennesee; attempts to learn the bugle; recognition of Robert E. Lee's surrender and Abraham Lincoln's death; his duty moving refugees across the river in Decatur, Illinois, near Fletcher's Ferry and ensuing duties transporting and guarding rebel prisoners; his daily life of washing clothes in the river and picking berries; the arrival of the U.S. Colored Artillery which would relieve them of duty; mustering out of the military September 27, 1865, and details of his trip home; his visit to the Belmont Gardens and Minnehaha Falls; his ride on the War Eagle and return to Brownsville; his work on the farm making repairs before leaving for Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to study at the Commercial College; his political timeline and financial information.
Contributing Institution:: Rockford Area Historical Society
Type:: Text
Format:: Diaries

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