Guide to the Aaron D. Riker Civil War Journal, 1861-2015

Aaron Denton Riker (July 19, 1830-July 25, 1914) was born and spent most of his life in Ohio. He served in the 66th Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War.

Aaron D. Riker's Civil War journal (circa 1861-1864) describing his wartime experiences in Virginia and other locales. Riker writes in detail about the course of the war and his feelings about the conflict; he describes skirmishes, battles, and places including Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Harper's Ferry, and Gettysburg. Riker also describes marching on Atlanta with General Sherman and portrays the burning of Atlanta. Supporting materials include a photocopy and partial transcription of the journal, genealogy charts, newspaper clippings about Riker's journal, digital files of all donated materials, and a digital copy of Riker's 1852 journal detailing his trip from Ohio to California during the gold rush (original at Bancroft library).