Royal Augustus Bensell diary and scrapbook , 1862-1864

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Bensell, Royal A. (Royal Augustus), 1838-1921
Title
Royal Augustus Bensell diary and scrapbook
Dates
1862-1864 (inclusive)
Quantity
0.5 linear feet, (1 container)  :  1 manuscript box
Collection Number
Ax 118
Summary
Royal Augustus Bensell (1838-1921) served as a corporal in the California Infantry during the American Civil War, was assigned to Ft. Yamhill, Oregon for three years, and later moved to Yaquina Bay, Oregon. The collection (1862-1864) contains a diary kept during his service, and scrapbook.
Repository
University of Oregon Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives
UO Libraries--SCUA
1299 University of Oregon
Eugene OR
97403-1299
Telephone: 5413463068
spcarref@uoregon.edu
Access Restrictions

Collection is open to the public. Collection must be used in Special Collections and University Archives Reading Room. Collection or parts of collection may be stored offsite. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives in advance of your visit to allow for transportation time.

Additional Reference Guides

See the Current Collection Guide for detailed description and requesting options.

Languages
English
Sponsor
Funding for production of this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).

Historical NoteReturn to Top

Royal Augustus Bensell (1838-1921) was born in Cassville, Wisconsin, and traveled to California with his father in 1849.

Bensell was a resident of Volcano, California at the time of the American Civil War and enlisted in Company D, 4th California Infantry. The company was assigned to Ft. Yamhill, Oregon, where Bensell, a corporal, spent the next three years soldiering and keeping a diary.

He later moved to Yaquina Bay, and was an early settler of Newport, Oregon.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The collection (1862-1864) contains a diary kept during the American Civil War, and a scrapbook.

The diary consists of four volumes, from 1862 to 1864.

The diary was later edited by Gunter Barth. It was published by University of Oregon Books, in 1959, under the title, All Quiet on the Yamhill.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Military—Civil War
  • Soldiers--United States--Diaries

Personal Names

  • Bensell, Royal A. (Royal Augustus), 1838-1921
  • Bensell, Royal A. (Royal Augustus), 1838-1921

Corporate Names

  • United States. Army. California Infantry Regiment, 4th (1861-1865)

Geographical Names

  • Oregon--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
  • United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Regimental histories
  • United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--personal narratives

Form or Genre Terms

  • Diaries
  • Scrapbooks