Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Kiger, James S. (fl. 1859-1873) [Collection of James S. Kiger, A company, 12th regiment, New Jersey, infantry] [Decimalized .01- .18]

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03131.16 Author/Creator: Kiger, James S. (fl. 1859-1873) Place Written: [various places] Type: Header Record Date: 1859-64, 1867-70, 1872-73 Pagination: 16 items, 1 envelope Order a Copy

Kiger was soldier in 12th New Jersey Volunteers and after the war was an active member of the GAR. Diaries contain a great deal of information of Kiger's life and activities, but it appears that he saw little military action. The diaries cover the period 1859-1864, 1867-1870 and 1872-1873. The collection also includes an 1866 Masonic By Laws, and 3 soldier documents. Collection of 12 diaries, 1 volume of Bylaws Ashlar Lodge, No. 76, Free and Accepted Masons; (1866), bound with Constitution, Bylaws ... (1874, and three 1863 furlough papers). Diary for 1872 is blank except for some accounts payable and receivable at end of volume. Eight diaries are in pen and three in pencil. Civil War diaries cover the years of 1861-64. 1863 diary is in pencil, around half of 1863 days filled out, and last entry for 1864 on 13 March. Kiger used a fine tipped pen, had tiny clear hand, and often used cross writing for most efficient use of space. Diaries for 1860 and 1861 contain additional writing in memoranda section at the end of each volume. Several of the postwar diaries house tipped-in newspaper clippings. Includes 3 documents, 1 envelope, 1 newspaper clipping, and 12 diaries.

Enlisted on 11 August 1862 as a Sergeant. On 4 September 1862 he mustered into "A" Co. NJ 12th Infantry. He was transferred out on 1 October 1863. On 1 October 1863 he transferred into Veteran Reserve Corps. He was discharged on 6 July 1865. He received a promotion as a 1st Sergeant (As of RC).

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