1862 Diary of Mary M. Baker from Orrington, Maine

Mary M. Baker is only twenty-three years old when she begins her diary. Living in Orrington, Maine, which is located along the Penobscot River, she starts nearly every entry with some report of the weather conditions. She is living with her mother, father and a sister. There is also a relative's daughter living there, her father's grand daughter, because both her parents have died.
This is the beginning of the Civil War and several of her friends did enlist and served in various Bangor regiments. She does mention certain battles, but doesn't go into any descriptions of them. At least one of her friends is killed during the writing of her book.
Disease is the primary killer; diphtheria, scarlet fever, and typhoid fever. She loses an acquaintance to one of these killers every week or two.
Church is of prime importance and she, with friends, often attend church meetings or weekend sessions to hear traveling ministers.
From reading the diary, it appears she is studying to become a teacher like her older sister. She is often found being tutored by a friend in the evening.
This diary is a rare glimpse into a young lady's life in a period of great national turmoil.

Dettagli