B. H. Johnson Journal

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], B. H. Johnson Journal, Ms2008-093, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Johnson, B. H., 1811-?
Abstract:
The collection contains the journal of a Methodist circuit riding minister of eastern Virginia during the American Civil War. Salient topics include: the effects of war, typhoid outbreaks, and religious practices in eastern Virginia.
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], B. H. Johnson Journal, Ms2008-093, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The B. H. Johnson Journal is a handwritten account of one year from September 1863 to September 1864 recorded by a Methodist circuit riding minister of eastern Virginia. Some mentioned locations within Virginia are Shiloh, Charlottesville, Salem, Port Royal, Spotsylvania, Hanover County, Augusta County, Caroline County, and Madison County, among others. Subjects include the American Civil War and its concomitant destruction, the duties and practices of a Methodist minister, typhoid fever, "Yankee" crime, and slavery. A particularly engaging segment within Johnson's journal discusses the theft of his horse by rogues and the eventual heroic repossession of his steed.

Biographical / historical:

B. H. Johnson was born on March 20, 1811. He was first married to a woman named Maria Evelyn who died in 1846. Johnson later remarried a woman from the Kennerly family who lived near Waynesboro, Virginia. During the Civil War, his wife and children lived with Johnson's in-laws. As a Methodist minister for various circuits in eastern Virginia, Johnson preformed many marriage ceremonies, funerals, baptisms, and attended the Virginia Conference of Methodist Ministers. Much of his time was spent traveling to different congregations and dining with parishioners. Often ailing, Johnson sometimes took opium "to check the disordered state of his bowels." Johnson's family and friends also frequently fell ill--especially with virulent bouts of typhoid. An ardent Confederate, Johnson took particular interest in the movement of "Yankee" forces while traveling his circuit.

Acquisition information:
The B. H. Johnson Journal was donated to Special Collections and University Archives in 2004.
Processing information:

The processing and description of the B. H. Johnson Journal occurred in December 2008.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard