Summary Information
John E. Perkins Papers
1829-1925
- Perkins, John Erastus, 1811-1862
Micro 605
1 reel of microfilm (35mm)
Wisconsin Historical Society (Map)
Scattered papers, 1829, 1836-1837, 1849, 1857, 1861-1862, 1881, 1923, 1925, of John Erastus Perkins, captain of Co. C, 8th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment. Included is a report on schools in Massena, New York, in 1829; correspondence and a memoranda book, 1836-1837, concerning Perkins' work on the Long Sault and James River canals in Virginia, expenses, and travel; Civil War correspondence, 1861-1862, and a diary, 1862, which briefly describe the weather and army life; and papers and clippings concerning Perkins, his wartime service, and Co. C's eagle mascot, “Old Abe.”
English
http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-whs-micr0605 ↑ Bookmark this ↑
Biography/History
John Erastus Perkins, commander of Company C of the Eighth Wisconsin Volunteers, was born on a farm in Massena, New York, on June 20, 1811. After his father's death in September 1847, he managed the family farm until 1857 when he and his stepmother moved to Bridge Creek, Wisconsin. Eventually Perkins settled in Eau Claire where he became active in the real estate business and in local politics.
At the outbreak of the Civil War Perkins helped raise a company of volunteers known as the Eau Claire Badgers. The “Badgers” soon became the “Eagle Company” after it adopted an eagle, nicknamed “Old Abe,” as its mascot. In September 1861 the company was mustered into service as Company C, Eighth Wisconsin Volunteers at Camp Randall, Madison, Wisconsin. Perkins became its captain.
He died on May 11, 1862 of wounds received during the Battle of Farmington in Mississippi that had been fought on May 9. Perkins was buried on the shores of the Tennessee River at Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee.
Scope and Content Note
The John E. Perkins Papers are organized into one subject file which is arranged alphabetically by type of record and chronologically thereunder. Papers include clippings, correspondence, a diary, a memoranda book, miscellany (two small social items), and a report.
The early correspondence and the memoranda book document Perkins' 1836 trip to Cartersville, Virginia, where he worked as a foreman for a contractor who was shifting an outfit from the Long Sault Canal, then nearing completion, to a new job on the James River. In addition to describing the work, Perkins also discusses his health, weather conditions, and crop and livestock prices with his family. The memoranda book lists stopping places and distance traveled each day during his journey, plus an expense account for the trip.
In the Civil War correspondence Perkins describes Company C's activities, its encounters with the enemy, and its mascot, “Old Abe.” His diary is a day-by-day account of the company's movements from January-April 1862. The correspondence continues with notification of Perkins' death sent to his brother, a description of events surrounding John's death and burial, and the family's efforts to settle his estate.
The later correspondence in the 1920's is composed of responses to W. B. Stoddard's request in the Eau Claire Leader for information about Perkins, and includes biographical information not only about Perkins, but also about “Old Abe.” The clippings contain similar biographical information, particularly about “Old Abe.”
Finally, a report from the Trustees to the Commissioners of Massena's common schools for 1829 describes the number of children in school and the amount of money needed to operate the school; it also lists the number of children in each Massena family whether they attended school or not.
Administrative/Restriction Information
Originals loaned for microfilming by Fred Dinkel, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, January 22, 1976. Accession Number: M76-16
Processed by Christine Rongone, November 5, 1976.
Contents List
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Clippings, 1861, 1881, 1923, undated
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Correspondence
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Between Perkins and family, 1836-1837, 1857, 1861-1862
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In response to W. B. Stoddard, 1923, 1925
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Diary, 1862, January 1 - April 18
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Memoranda book, 1836
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Miscellany, 1849, 1857
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Report, 1829
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