Small book that meas. approx. 2.50 x 3.50 inches. The cover is made of painted black tortoise shell with applied floral design with small mother-of-pearl inlay. The inside of the book is lined with a red silk or satin material. When the book is closed cloth loops attached to each cover line up for a small pencil to slip through and hold the book shut. Removing the pencil opens the book for writing. The paper pages of the book are bound in the same red material as the inside lining if the covers and sits in but is not attached to the covers. Almost all the pages are blank except for the first and last page. The former has the name “HIRAM GIBBS” boldly written across the top of the page while in faded pencil below it is something written in a very light pencil. What can be made out reads “FIRST ? ? ? Co. K, DEC. 1864” The last page lists the names of several children who all lived and died between 1852 and 1862. These entries are in ink.

Hiram F. Gibbs was 28 years old when he enlisted as a Private in Company K, 1st Michigan Cavalry on November 30, 1863. The 1st Michigan was part of George Custer’s “Michigan Brigade.” Upon joining his regiment in the field Gibbs should have been present for the fights at the Wilderness, Todd’s Tavern, Yellow Tavern, New Market, Hawes Shop, Cold Harbor, Trevillian Station, North Anna, Petersburg, Monocacy, Winchester, Front Royal, Weldon Railroad, Cedar Creek, Five Forks and Appomattox. At some point during his service Gibbs was promoted to Corporal. Gibbs traveled with the regiment to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas where he died on September 2, 1865. No cause of death is given. Gibbs was buried in Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery.

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