Letters and Diaries from Northwest Ohio

"Letters and Diaries from Northwest Ohio" is a compilation of digitized letters and diaries written by or relating to individuals and/or families living in Northwest Ohio during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Items featured in this digital collection have been brought together from numerous original source collections at the Center for Archival Collections; each item's original source collection is indicated in the Source metadata field of each item record.

Select Browse Items to view all letters and diaries currently in this digital collection, or enter specific terms in the collection search box to search for items relating to particular subjects.

Each handwritten letter or diary is accompanied by an associated typed transcript.

All letters and diaries featured in this digital collection are also available to view at the CAC in their original formats.

Featured

Letter from Conrad Cramer to his parents and his sister Catherine

Letter from Conrad Cramer to his parents about the cost of food and the wellbeing of mutual acquaintances, and to his sister about the possibility of returning home soon.

Henry Ellsworth letter to Mrs. Tschan, November 11, 1918

Letter from Henry Ellsworth to Mrs. Tschan regarding the health of her son, Albert W. Tschan, a soldier in the 158th Depot Brigade who contracted influenza while stationed at Camp Sherman, Ohio, during World War I. Ellsworth describes his efforts to help Albert Tschan recover from his illness, and…

William Shanks diary

Handwritten diary of William Shanks, a private with the 21st O.V.I. during the Civil War. Entries detail camp life, troop movements, and information on other members of the regiment.

Letter from James Whitmer to a friend

Letter from James Whitmer to a friend describing camp situation in Kentucky, enthusiasm for battle, and reference to other soldiers in his company.

Letter from Conrad Cramer to his mother and father

Letter from Conrad Cramer to his mother and father about the weather, the possibility of war with Mexico, and his location.

Henry Ellsworth account of life at Camp Sherman, Ohio

Personal account of Henry Ellsworth of Bowling Green, Ohio, regarding his service in Company 8, 2nd Training Battalion, 158th Depot Brigade, at Camp Sherman, Ohio, during World War I. Ellsworth details a fatal influenza outbreak at the camp and reflects on the place of Christianity in public life,…

George Kryder Diary 1864

Diary of George Kryder detailing his experiences and duties while serving in the 3rd Ohio Cavalry Regiment during the year 1864.

George Kryder Diary 1865

Diary of George Kryder detailing his experiences and duties while serving in the 3rd Ohio Cavalry Regiment during the year 1865.

John Welk diary

An account by John Welk of his time in the Union Army. This daily account is especially focused on Welk's activities and the conditions that he faced.

Leander Coe Diary

Diary of Leander Coe about his experiences and duties during his time serving in the 123rd Ohio Infantry Regiment during the Civil War.

William Lyons diary

Diary written by William Lyons while a patient at the Toledo State Hospital for the Insane.