Jennie Sies papers

Collection

Identifier: IWA0496

Staff Only
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Scope and Contents

The Jennie Sies papers date from January 1, 1880 to September 24, 1880 and measure 1 linear inch. The papers consist of Jennie's original 1880 journal and a transcription of the journal by Cathryn McCleery Harsha and her daughter Bertie Harsha See, who were descended from Jennie's older brother Fred Sies, and by Carmine Harsha Miller. The transcription includes copies of family photographs, but none of Jennie. The journal is made of daily entries in which Jennie Sies recorded her activities. Jennie's life is depicted as one of regular chores, Bible readings and social activities. The journal abruptly ends on September 24, 1880. Jennie Sies died on October 3, 1880 at age 20.

Dates

Creation: 1880

Creator

Sies, Jennie, 1859-1880 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

The papers are open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright held by the donor has been transferred to the University of Iowa.

However, copyright status for some collection materials may be unknown. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owner. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility and potential liability based on copyright infringement for any use rests exclusively and solely with the user. Users must properly acknowledge the Iowa Women’s Archives, The University of Iowa Libraries, as the source of the material. For further information, visit https://www.lib.uiowa.edu/sc/services/rights/

Biographical / Historical

Jennie Sies was born in November 1859 to Margaret Zuber Sies and William F. Sies. Sies grew up on a farm just outside of Oxford, Iowa. Her parents had emigrated to the United States sometime in the first half of the nineteenth century, leaving seven children behind in Germany with relatives, while bringing along their infant son, Fred. Jennie Sies was the sixth child born on American soil.

After her mother died in 1875, Sies took over the housekeeping chores. At the time of her journal in 1880, Jennie was keeping house for at least two of her brothers, George and Oscar. "Jennie's Journal" begins on January 1, 1880 and ends on September 24, 1880. Jennie Sies died on October 3, 1880.