Van Buren Cristy served in an Iowa regiment during the Civil War, then lived in Montgomery County, Ohio where he was a minister. The diaries give an account of his time in the service, and a day to day account of his activities preparing sermons, making his rounds, gardening, and reading. From June 1923 until 1926, the diary entries are made by Cristy's daughter and chronicle Cristy's failing health and death as well as the final years and death of his wife, Susan.