This collection consists of two diaries, an ambrotype, and a Grand Army of the Republic Veterans' medal relating to Sergeant Frank Bean. Bean, a Sergeant in the Union Army, served in and around Tennessee during the American Civil War.

The two diaries by Bean were kept between 1862 and 1864. The first, covering December 23, 1862 to December 31, 1863, is concerned primarily with the generally mundane existence of the average Union solder. It speaks of the weather, letters that Bean has received or written, camp life in general, marching, food, and Bean's financial accounts. This diary does, however, also contain snippets relating to the war on a larger scale: for example, it speaks of troop movements (both Union and Confederate), of Bean's experiences in battle, and of Bean's various military duties. The second diary covers 1864 and concentrates almost exclusively on battle. There are descriptions of Bean's experiences in battle, troop movements (again both Union and Confederate), and notes as to which of Bean's friends have died in various actions.