University Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The items in the Digital Collections of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Library contain materials which represent or depict sensitive topics or were written from perspectives using outdated or biased language. The Library condemns discrimination and hatred on any grounds. As a research library that supports the mission and values of this land grant institution, it is incumbent upon the University Library to preserve, describe, and provide access to materials to accurately document our past, support learning about it, and effect change in the present. In accordance with the American Library Association’s Freedom to Read statement, we do not censor our materials or prevent patrons from accessing them.

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Robert Christy Hallowell Diary (Digitized Content)

The digitized content of the Robert Christy Hallowell Diary consists of the 1864 journal of principal musician Robert C. Hallowell, who served in the 39th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. The diary contains descriptions of skirmishes and daily military life between February to September 1864. It also details Hallowell's travels after he was discharged.

Robert C. Hallowell was from Leroy, Illinois. He served in the Illinois infantry as a principal musician from September 1861 to September 1864. He also owned several properties in Leroy, which he rented out.

The digitized content contains Hallowell’s diary, which discusses military travels, skirmishes, and activities. It also describes the travels of Hallowell and his friend, R.C. Randolph, who after being discharged visited Washington, D.C, Baltimore, Maryland, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, before returning to Leroy. While traveling, the two visited tourist destinations, churches, and a Republican parade. Some pages of the diary have also been used to record financial gains and spending.

The Illinois History and Lincoln Collections unit at the University of Illinois Library manages the physical items of the Robert Christy Hallowell Diary and Business Records (MS 683). The collection was partially digitized in 2020. For more information, contact an archivist at ihlc@library.illinois.edu.