Guides to Archives and Manuscript Collections at the University of Pittsburgh Library System
 



Summary Information
Title: Mrs. Hanlin's Diary
Collection Number: DAR.1937.10
Creator: Hanlin family

Collection Dates: 1857-1863
Extent: 0.21 linear feet (1 box)

Language: English

Abstract:
This small bound personal diary contains the writings of Mrs. Hanlin, who was a resident of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania. The diary dates from the years 1857 to 1863 and covers topics such as religion, church activities, her son William, as well as the illnesses and deaths of friends and family members. A digital reproduction of the diary is available online.
Publisher:

ULS Archives Service Center
University of Pittsburgh Library System
7500 Thomas Boulevard
Pittsburgh, PA, 15260
412-648-3232
archives-ref@mail.pitt.edu
Date Published:

January 2007
Author:

Finding aid prepared by Matthew Strauss.
Collection Scope and Content Notes

This diary lacks detailed biographical information about its author. It is apparent that Mrs. Hanlin was a resident of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania during the Civil War. Hanlin was a very active member of her church and her son, William, attended Westminster College before joining the Union army in 1862. Most of the entries in the diary concern church activities and Hanlin's thoughts on religion. She also writes regularly about the illnesses and deaths of family members and friends, including the unexpected death of a sister, which left Hanlin particularly distraught. The entries describing this event reveal Hanlin's intense grief as she tried to reconcile this tragedy with her faith. Hanlin's son, William, was also a recurring concern, as he had difficulty finding employment. The family eventually sent him to Westminster College, despite the strain this decision placed on their finances. In 1862, Hanlin described hearing a sermon on the topic of the Civil War. Later that year, William joined the Union army. This volume is a small bound diary with entries handwritten in pencil.


Subject Terms

Personal Names
  • Hanlin, William

Family Names
  • Hanlin family

Locations
  • Allegheny County (Pa.) -- History -- Sources
  • Allegheny County (Pa.) -- Social life and customs

Genres/Forms
  • Diaries

Access and Use
Access Restrictions:

No restrictions.

Acquisition Information:

Gift to the Darlington Memorial Library in 1937.

Alternate Format:

A digital reproduction of the diary is available online.

Custodial History:

This collection was located in the Darlington Memorial Library in the University’s Cathedral of Learning until 2007 when it was moved to the ULS Archives Service Center for processing, storage, preservation and service. However, it remains in the custodianship of the ULS Special Collections Department.

Preferred Citation:

Mrs. Hanlin's Diary, 1857-1863, DAR.1937.10, Darlington Collection, Special Collections Department, University of Pittsburgh

Processing Information:

This collection was processed by Matt Strauss in January 2007.

Copyright:

No copyright restrictions.


Collection Inventory

Box 1
Folder 1 Diary, 1857-1863