Simeon L. Downer Civil War Era Materials

Collection — Box: MISC 56, Folder: 4

Identifier: MISC MSS 273

Staff Only

Abstract

The Simeon L. Downer Civil War Era Materials collection features a Civil War diary written over the course of several years in the 1860s. This diary was transcribed by intern Cole Nelson upon donation in 2014. The collection also includes Downer's official discharge papers, a copy of Washington & Lincoln Apotheosis artwork, and Downer family genealogy research working papers. Downer resided in the Town of Washington, La Crosse County, Wisconsin, and during the Civil War served in the Wisconsin Volunteers 8th Regiment, Co. I.

Dates

1860s

Creator

Downer, Simeon L. (Person)

Access to Materials

Materials in this collection are available for patron use.

Biographical/Historical Note

Simeon Luther Downer (1834-1893) at the outbreak of the Civil War was a farmer who lived in the town of Farmington, in La Crosse County, Wisconsin. Downer served as a private in the 8th Regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Co. I in the Union Army from Sept. 1, 1864, to Aug. 15, 1865. Downer and his third wife Rebecca Ann Harris are buried in the Shell City Cemetery in Wadena County, Minnesota.