The Civil War journals of Private Samuel Fife Jr., 1864--1865: With a brief history of the 39th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, 1862--1865

The Civil War was a turning point in the history of the United States of America. Even over 100 years later, all Americans are familiar with the basic details of the conflict and the outcome of the war is reflected in the very fabric of American society today. Much has been written about the war, from military, political, sociological, and biographical aspects. This project falls into the latter category by examining the war through the eyes of a common soldier and the actions of his unit. By transcribing and annotating the 1864--1865 journals of Private Samuel Fife, from Company F of the Thirty-Ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, this thesis contributes a new chapter to the historical record of Civil War history, Iowa state history, and specifically the history of the small farming community of St. Charles, Iowa; one of many small towns who contributed all they had to the war effort. This thesis is also intended to record part of the history of the Thirty-Ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, which has, until now, been poorly recorded. This thesis moves in chronological order through the years of the Civil War beginning with a biographical introduction to Samuel Fife. The next chapters address the Thirty-Ninth Iowa's activities during the years 1862--1864. Fife's transcribed and annotated journal begins in 1864 and is followed by some expanded discussion on certain topics. The 1865 journal comes next with additional annotations. This thesis concludes with final discussion on some of the most important topics covered in the 1864--1865 journal. This thesis demonstrates that the Civil War is not merely a milestone event in the history of a nation, but also a personal journey and struggle for every individual it touched.