Collection, Multimedia, Mixed Materials.

The Resource Leonard Mahan diary, 1862-1863

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Summary: This collection is a typed copy of Leonard H. Mahan's diary from January 3, 1862 through August 6, 1863. The Battle of Shiloh, April 6 and 7, 1862, is on pages 2 and 3. Entries for 1863 begin on page 7. His final entry on August 6, 1863 states: "Strong talk of an early move. Suppose we will start on Monday for East Tenn. or Chattanooga. Army in splendid condition." On pages 12 and 13, Leonard listed the members of Company C, 31st Infantry, with himself as First Sergeant. On page 13, he gives the names of ten soldiers discharged. On pages 13 and 14, he recorded the deaths and cause of death, whether from disease or wounds, and the soldier's location when he died

Biographical or historical data: In the 1850 federal census, Leonard is listed as 10 years old and living with his parents, William and Mary Mahan in Lost Creek, Vigo County, Indiana. He had two older siblings, Sarah, age 17, and James, age 13, as well as two younger sisters, Mary E., age 5, and Erula, age one. During the Civil War, Leonard served in Company C, 31st Indiana Volunteer Regiment. In 1870, he was living in Ward 2, Terre Haute, Vigo County, with his wife Emila, age 22, and John Fox, age 20. Ten years later, Leonard lived in Harrison, also in Vigo County, with Lydia, age 33, and Edward, age 11 months. He was a fruit grower. The 1900 census listed him in the same town, married 24 years, with wife Lydia, age 52, and son Edward R., age 20, as well as Ann S. Hardy, age 90. The 1920 census lists Leonard and Lydia born in Ohio. Leonard H. Mahan's obituary was published on December 4, 1938. He died at the age of 99.

Context

Context of Leonard Mahan diary, 1862-1863