Charles Herbert Wiggin was born on September 20, 1842, in Boston. He was the son of James Simon Wiggin (1808-1881), a shipowner and merchant, and Sarah Elizabeth Robinson Wiggin (1817-1877). James and Elizabeth's other children include: James Henry (1836-1900), who became an Unitarian clergyman; John Robinson (1839-1841); and Caroline Leonard (1844-1849). Charles H. Wiggin apparently had medical problems throughout his life and died, on May 14, 1861, at the age of 18.
This volume contains Charles H. Wiggin's diary from June 24, 1859 to December 16,1860. The volume has been rebound and contains only pages 258-400 of the original diary. Wiggin published an amateur newspaper called The Carrier Pigeon, and two 1860 issues of the paper are bound into the volume.
Wiggin's involvement with his newspaper is extensively discussed. He wrote articles, or collected them from others, set type, corrected proofs, printed the final copy, and handled distribution. In addition to his work on the newspaper, he also did job printing (e.g., visitors' cards, bills of lading, envelopes) for friends and relatives. He was in the process of printing a story entitled, "Silvio Johnwick," a sermon of his brother James Henry (or Henry), and a catalog of his own books. The Wiggin family was close to the family of John Wilson (1802-1868), a Boston printer of the firm John Wilson & Son, with Charles being particularly friendly with John Wilson, Jr. Wiggin was visited by Wilson, Jr., and visited Wilson's shop on numerous occasions. Wilson, Jr. occasionally assisted Wiggin with his printing work.
Despite his numerous medical problems, Wiggin led an active life. He travelled to Washington, D.C., where he visited Washington's Tomb at Mt. Vernon, and twice traveled to Baltimore, Md. He also took a vacation to the Isles of Shoals with his family, and took a few day excursions with friends. Wiggin and his friends put on juggling and magic shows. He submitted a model theatre to the "Mechanics Fair," and he attended many theatrical events. There are numerous entries regarding these events, and several advertisements and programs bound into the volume. There is an amusing anecdote regarding his first visit to "Parker's," a local restaurant which proved too expensive for him.
The daily entries generally include a note about the weather. Other subjects include: visitors to his parent's home, especially acquaintances of his brother Henry, as well as business associates of his father; visits and carriage rides; his work in his "office;" playing checkers, whist, and cribbage; and his many bouts with sickness. There are also mentions of news of family and friends.