Guide to Mrs. Hanlin's Diary, 1857-1863 DAR.1937.10

Repository
ULS Archives & Special Collections
Title
Mrs. Hanlin's Diary
Creator
Hanlin family
Collection Number
DAR.1937.10
Extent
0.21 Linear Feet (1 box)
Date
1857-1863
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. Digital reproductions of this collection are available online.
Language
English .
Author
Matthew Strauss.
Publisher
ULS Archives & Special Collections
Address
University of Pittsburgh Library System
Archives & Special Collections
Website: library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections
Contact Us: www.library.pitt.edu/ask-archivist
URL: http://library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections

Existence and Location of Copies

Digital reproductions of this collection are available online.

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.

Access Restrictions

No restrictions.

Acquisition Information

Gift to the Darlington Memorial Library in 1937.

Preferred Citation

Mrs. Hanlin's Diary, 1857-1863, DAR.1937.10, Darlington Collection, Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh Library System

Previous 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.

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.

Subjects

    Personal Names

    • Hanlin, William

    Family Names

    • Hanlin family

    Geographic Names

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

    Genres

    • Diaries

Container List

Mrs. Hanlin's Diary, 1857-1863
Containers
box 1, folder 1