Charles N. Johnson Papers

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open to research.

Terms of access:

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.

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.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Johnson, Charles N.
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.
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
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.

Background

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.

Biographical / historical:

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.

Acquisition information:
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.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard