Special Collections Research Center

Scope and Contents This collection contains the diary of Ella Casaday of Tompkins County, New York, who was approximately 17 years old during 1864. She writes about the Civil War and its effects on her hometown, including political parties, hearing a "war sermon," the election of 1864, and other actions of Lincoln. She also wrote about her daily life, including religion, her schooling, a marriage between two African Americans, and relationships with friends and family. Finally, the diary also includes mention...