Description

Description: The sixteen year-old Geo [George] B. Stover was a dry goods store clerk at Angell & Hall in the village of Dansville, Livingston Co., N.Y., when he wrote about events related to abolition, the Civil War and Lincoln in his diary. Stover participated in church activities, read widely (The Merchant of Venice, The Black Man–Wells Brown, The Romance of the Revolution–Oliver Bunce), attended Lyceum lectures frequently, and was fond of sleighing when he could. His heart-felt accounts give a glimpse into the general mood regarding the War in 1865. The diary begins on January 1, 1865; the entries become sporadic after the month of May. The first page has a note: “Please not read what is written in this book if you should open it & oblige G. B. S.”

About a Lyceum lecture by Ralph Waldo Emerson, Stover states, “was written splendid but not delivered as well according to my judgment” (Jan 16). He hears Mr. Johnson, “a colored man speak on the future of the colored race in America. He delivered a good address. . .” (Jan 18).  With “. . . regard to the country, peace rumors are very thick” (Jan 20). He is glad when his brother James comes home for a month from the army. There’s “music on the guitar and the flute” before bed (Jan 21).

We learn that “Congress passed a resolution and introduced it in to [sic] constitution forbidding slavery . . . .  And slavery has at last perished while attempting the life of the nation” (Jan 31). On Mar 4, “the Lyceum holds a public” while “President Lincoln is re-inaugurated.” Of Lincoln, Stover says, “He has served his country faithfully . . .  and guided the ship through the storm thus far with great fortitude and looks as if he was destined to see his efforts crowned with success soon.”  In March and April, he records Civil War gains and losses: “. . .  reported from the Army that Gen Lee has surrendered his right wing to Gen Grant. Good news if so” (Mar 27); “Today Richmond was evacuated [sic] also Petersburg by the Rebels” (Apr 3). “Good news . . . Richmond is taken [sic] also Petersburg with 12,000 Rebs & 50 guns . . . ” (Apr 4).  On April 10, he excitedly writes about the response to General Lee’s surrender, “The bells are ringing. Men are cheering and all are jubilent [sic]. The rebellion is clossed [sic] the War is [sic] ended. Good! Good ! Good! Glory! Glory! Glory!” (Apr 10). He captures the somber mood surrounding Lincoln’s death: “This morning we received that A Lincoln was shot last night at the theatre in Washington and died at 22 min after seven o’clock this morning  All places of Business are closed and trimed [sic] in Black” (Apr 15); We learn that “Funeral rites are observed throughout the Country. Services are held . . .  Stores are closed from 11 am to 3 pm and firing of cannon from every ½ Hr from sunrise to sunset” (Apr 19). “Today Booth [sic] the murderer of the President was killed” (Apr 26).

Written in a 5” x 3” black limp leather pocket diary with ruled pages and gilded edges, a back pocket, a pen holder, and a flap closure (Published Annually For the Trade). Item #AM00387

George B. Stover (1848-1932) lived in Dansville, Livingston Co, NY, before the family moved to Amsterdam, NY. He became a merchant to tailors and clothiers, dealer of hats, etc., and home furnishings.

Condition: Rear “wrap” is almost entirely detached, front “wrap” chipped and worn, last page is detached but present. Interior pages in good condition with the manuscript entries clear and legible.