John H. Faxon papers, 1848-1866

Summary

Creator:

Faxon, John Harvey, b. 1827

Extent:

0.4 linear feet

Language:

English

Call Number:

851298 Aa 2 Vault

Authors:

Finding aid created by Bentley Historical Library staff

Background

Scope and Content:

Three Civil War diaries, a supply record book, and correspondence between Faxon and his wife and other members of the family concerning family affairs, the Rochester Colony (1851-1852), and a trip from Adrian to DuPlain township (1851), and description of Mount Clemens, Michigan, in 1849. In letters related to Faxon's Civil War service, he describes Camp Lyon, a boat trip to Cleveland, and the flooded Ohio River, a Washington's Birthday celebration, and the execution of a traitor. He tells of camp life and duties and of sickness in camp, of foraging and scouting parties, picket duty, skirmishing, and marches with the wagon trains. He shook hands with Lincoln and describes his appearance. Much of each letter is devoted to his religious activities and reflections. Also includes letters of Mary Stephenson Faxon describing her trip to Michigan before her marriage (1850) and a letter (1859) enlisting Faxon's aid in recruiting Methodist missionaries for work among Michigan Indians. Letter (Feb. 23, 1862) describes Washington's Birthday celebration. Correspondents include Edward F. Everest (Dec. 3, 1851), Theron James, and John Bromley. Diary entries describe William H. Howard speech (Jan. 27, 1864) and Abraham Lincoln White House reception (Apr. 1, 1864).

Biographical / Historical:

Farmer from DuPlain Township, Clinton County, Michigan, and corporal in the quartermaster department, Company D, 1st Michigan Cavalry during the Civil War. Was married to Mary Stephenson Faxon.

Acquisition Information:

Donated by Gertrude Faxon Hillyer (donor no. 3463 )

Rules or Conventions:

Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Related

Additional Descriptive Data:

Partial index to correspondence:

Edward F. Everest (Dec. 3, 1851)

1. One letter (Oct. 19, 1864) written by John Bromley from Alexandria, Va., to John Faxon. In it he gives news of the men in his company and expresses the hope that Lincoln will win in the coming election. Bromley was also in Company D, 1st Michigan Cavalry, 1861-1866. He was from Ovid, Mich.
2. Two letters written by Theron James to John Faxon. The June 24, 1861 letter tells of the trip to Washington and the treatment received along the way; the July 14, 1864 letter comments on the battle of the Wilderness. James enlisted in Company G, 3rd Michigan Infantry, as a drummer, in 1861. He was later transferred to Company E, 5th Michigan Infantry, as principal musician. James was from Duplain, Mich.

Alternative Form Available:

Materials in this collection have been microfilmed and digitized, with online availability; please see Container List for more information.

Subjects

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Subjects:

Missionaries -- Michigan.
Plank roads -- Michigan.
Washington's Birthday.
Women travelers -- United States.

Formats:

Diaries.

Names:

United States. Army. Michigan Cavalry Regiment, 1st (1861-1866)
Methodist Episcopal Church -- Missions -- Michigan.
Howard, William Alanson, 1813-1880.
Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865.
Everest, Edward F.
Faxon, Mary A. Stephenson.

Places:

Adrian (Mich.)
Duplain (Mich. : Township)
Mount Clemens (Mich.)
Ovid (Mich.)
Rochester Colony (Mich.)
Michigan -- Description and travel.
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865.