William Fisher Diary, 1859-1861

This diary belonged to William Fisher of Massachusetts and Connecticut just prior to the Civil War (1859-1861). Much of the diary describes Fisher’s business activities and travels. Some entries refer to runaway slaves, a sermon given by abolitionist Henry Ward Beecher, life in the South, and a visit to Niagara Falls.

In the entry below dated May 28, 1860, Fisher writes “Negroes in the woods playing truant” and on the 30th notes that he sent “...Fred after runaway Negroes”. On June 1, he writes that the “Negroes not yet returned”, and they are still missing on June 4.  An entry on July 15 mentions a funeral where they "...had a queer time, danced, shouted and had a merry time”.  On July 23, he writes, "...they stole our bee hive and after robbing it in part of its contents left it in the road near the house."

RG 904   William Fisher diary, 1859-1861

William Fisher diary entry about runaway slaves, May 1860

The May 28 entry on the left page notes that "Negroes in the woods playing truant” and on the 30th it is noted that the author sent “Fred after runaway Negroes”.