Creator: Harris, John Gideon, 1834-1908.
Collection number: 3499-z
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Abstract: The collection is a diary, 1 January through 31 December, 1859, of John Gideon Harris, lawyer of Greensboro, Ala., chronicling his life in Greensboro, Havana, Eutaw, and Tuscaloosa, Ala. Harris wrote in his diary almost daily, but most of the entries are rather brief. Sometimes only the weather is noted, but on other days Harris wrote short descriptions of his activities, which seem to have revolved around attendance at church and at various social functions. There are occasional references to his work as a lawyer, including court appearances, to the activities of family and friends, and to general community activities, such as elections. There are also references to his visits to various educational institutions in Alabama, and to the buying, selling, and hiring of slaves.
Repository: Southern Historical Collection
Collection Highlights: There are also entries referring to the hire and sale of slaves, as well as to cases brought against slaves in the courts. Microfilm available.