John J. Knox papers, 1854-1946

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Summary

Creator:
United States. Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands
Date:
1854-1946
Extent:
1 Linear Feet 2 document boxes
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

John J. Knox papers, ms3119, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of clippings from Knox's personal scrapbook, affidavits, letters, manuscript speeches, military documents, and other material. The speeches were likely written during the time he was a teacher in Mississippi, prior to the Civil War. Of particular interest are also two speeches he gave at the Knox Institute (a Freedmen's school named after him) in Athens, Georgia. Also included are materials relating to Knox's family, including letters (many addressed to Clarkston, Michigan), an account book, and photographs.

Biographical / historical:

John J. Knox was born on February 3, 1835 in Onandaga, New York. He enlisted in Company D of the Fifth Michigan Infantry in 1861 after having been expelled (for his Union sentiments) from the state of Mississippi where he had been a teacher. In 1862 he assumed command of his company and was gravely wounded at the Battle of Fair Oaks the same year. Unfit for further battle duty, he served as Provost Marshall at Plattsburgh, New York and Scranton, Pennsylvania. After the war, he served in the Freedmen's Bureau in Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. He later worked for the Department of Interior in Indian Territory. Knox died of complications from his war wound on April 19, 1877.

Access and use restrictions

Preferred citation:

John J. Knox papers, ms3119, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.