Collection: Charles R. Allen diary collection | Welcome to the Mississippi State University Libraries

Scope and Content Note

The Charles R. Allen Diary collection contains a diary transcribed by Charles R. Allen in 1902 from his orginial 1861-1864 Civil War diaries. In this volume, Allen has transcribed the roginial diaries but also added notes and essays on the coming of the Civil War, commentary on the events of the War, and notes about life after the War. The collection also contains numerous copies of Allen's original poems, many written about his wartime experiences. Finally, this collection contains the research notes of Allen family members conducting genealogical research on Allen, including pension records, Civil War service records, muster rolls of Company A, Second Illinois Cavalry, as well as transcriptions of the diary and Allen's poems.

Dates

Majority of material found within 1861 - 1931

Biographical Note

Charles Richard Allen was born February 27, 1839 in Albany, Illinois to parents Erastus Allen and Hannah Platt. He served in Company A. of the Second Illinois Volunteer Cavalry during the American Civil War. After the war, he worked as a Miller and owner a cafe. He wrote poetry throughout the war and in the years after. He married Olive Sprague Allen on December 20, 1864 and they had three children, Henry platt Allen, Alvah Branch Allen, and Leslie Guy Allen. Charles R. Allen died in Marionville, Missouri on february 6, 1911.