Book of Composition and Poetry

J. P. Schell

May 12, 1863

Acquired in cooperation with Grinnell College Library, this composition book by James Peery Schell focuses on poetry inspired by the Civil War. Much of the poetry was written in Iowa in 1863, and a few selections were written while Schell was on guard at stations in Tennessee in 1864. The book also contains "selected gems" -- quotations and extracts from favorite texts -- and other miscellaneous poetry. The book is written over the course of several years, from 1863 - 1868, and may include writings in more than one hand. A few of the texts have had dates or brief annotations added in pencil.

The book has been added to the Papers of J. P. Schell, a collection which contains three autobiographical memoirs, including one of the years 1843 - 1873.

Schell was a graduate of the University of Iowa, receiving a BA in 1870 and an MA in 1890. A Presbyterian minister, Schell organized parishes in the Mid-West, primarily in North Dakota.

ac 12/2003