Frontier and Pioneer Life
F
Fort D'Orleans Photographs, 1933 (C0786)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
Annotated stereoscope photos of the probable site of Fort D'Orleans. Four photos with duplicates.
Counties
Fort Osage Records, 1808-1815 (K0147)
4 MR
Correspondence, reports and other documents found in the National Archives pertaining to the establishment and operation of Fort Osage, near what is now Sibley, Missouri.
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Charles B. France Papers, 1856-1890 (C1012)
0.2 cubic feet (10 folders)
Correspondence, diaries, and papers of Charles B. France, a St. Joseph, Missouri, banker, and his family. Includes references to the Civil War and Reconstruction, the Gold Rush, and travel to the West and East Coast. Contains letter book of Overland Stage Lines.
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James Fresh Letters, 1833 (C0491)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
Letters from Fresh, Baltimore County, Maryland, to L. Shepherd, Palmyra, MO, about purchasing land in Lewis County, and to Urel Wright, Palmyra, MO, about a mill seat on the Bafias to be condemned.
John H. Fresh Letter, 1851 (C0501)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
To Mary Fresh, Hannibal, Missouri, from Chastey Valley, California, July 6, 1851. Letter to his wife discussing lack of success in the gold fields and plans to get a job before moving elsewhere.
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Frost Family Papers, 1862-1988 (R1404)
0.02 cubic foot (2 folders)
The Frost Family Papers contain photocopies of compiled correspondence of Luther and Orville Frost from 1862 to 1889. Also include is a brief family history and genealogical information for the Frost family.
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A.P. Fry Papers, 1828-1883 (C0497)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
Land grants and warranty deeds signed by Presidents Zachary Taylor, James Buchanan, and Millard Fillmore.
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G
Betty Lou Gale, "Fredericktown, Missouri" Collection, circa 1950s (R0029)
0.01 cubic foot (1 folder)
The collection contains a photocopy of Betty Lou Gale's article, "Fredericktown, Missouri." The article is a history of Fredericktown, in Madison County, Missouri.
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William Houston Gallaher Journal, 1865 (C3924)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
The 1865 journal of William H. Gallaher, kept during his journey from St. Charles, MO, up the Missouri River to Montana Territory, and while living in southeast Montana.
Mollie and Alice Garr Papers, 1875-1896, 1991 (C3987)
0.2 cubic feet (7 folders)
The Mollie and Alice Garr Papers consist mostly of letters written from 1875 to 1896 by a mother and daughter from Lafayette County, Missouri, to relatives in Virginia, primarily to William Benjamin Plunkett of Greene County. Also included are photocopies of various explanatory materials, such as obituaries, death certificates, printed articles, and genealogical lists of the Garr and Slusher families, compiled by the donor of the papers in 1991.
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Gasconade County Account Books, 1820s (CA6547)
0.1 cubic feet
Two account books belonging to an unknown person listing traveling expenses, purchases, and names of slaves and their values, 1820s.
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Gayoso, Missouri, Farmers' Flood Relief Petition, 1898 (C0528)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
Petition signed by thirteen farmers from the Gayoso, Missouri, area requesting supplies from Merchant’s Exchange, St. Louis, Missouri, because of flood conditions. They suggest supplies be sent by Jasper Landers, Gayoso wharf master.
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Daniel M. Geary Letter, 1915 (K0350)
0.01 c.f.
Reminiscence of Kansas City written to Dr. W.L. Campbell, by Geary, early settler, real estate agent and former City Clerk of Kansas City, MO.
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Robert Gillespie Diary, 1849 (C1101)
0.01 cubic feet (1 volume)
Diary covers a trek from the Big Blue River to the California gold fields by a Canton, MO, man.
Original diary in possession of Mrs. Gus Condo, Marion, IN.
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J. Goodwin Letter, 1837 (C1542)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
To Charles Custer, Madison, IN, from Jefferson City, MO, June 16, 1837.
Goodwin settled in Jefferson City and opened a grocery. He wrote Custer about life in Missouri, climate, job opportunities, land prices, commodity prices, construction of state capitol, Missouri River, soil, and his grocery business.
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David William Graves Autobiography, 1916 (C0158)
0.06 cubic feet (3 folders)
Autobiography of a Montgomery County, MO, farmer, schoolteacher, and Baptist missionary and minister. Donor-compiled index included.
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Kate Leila Gregg Papers, 1950 (K0357)
0.75 c.f.
Noted historian Gregg's hand written research notes concerning Fort Osage and the three major routes (the Santa Fe Trail, the Oregon Trail, and the California Trail) to California during the 1800's. It includes personal histories, Indian affairs, the California Gold Rush, Missionaries, various wars, the Walker family and other related subjects.
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John Grey [Ignace Hatchiorauquasha] Collection, 1995 (K1014)
0.02 c.f
Grey, was an Iroquois Leader, explorer, and mountain man. Manuscript, John Grey: Most Spirited of Mountain Men, written by Ellen Carney.
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William Grinstead Papers, 1850-1924 (C2921)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
Diary of wagonmaster's 1850 trip to California. Article by Francis Grinstead, "Boone County Citizens Help Settle West."
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Charles Gunther Papers, no date (C0695)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
Reminiscences of incidents of his father's trips West in search of gold and return trips, once via Panama and once via Cape Horn. Incidents recalled in connection with the family house in Lexington, MO, during the Civil War. Poem by Gunther, "The Cat Came Back."
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H
Haley Family Papers, 1864-1867 (C0337)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
Letters from Wade Hampton Haley in Oregon, to relatives in Missouri, telling hazards of Oregon travel and travel in Missouri during the Civil War and describing mill and life in small settlement around mill.
Charles Haley Letter, 1847 (C0946)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
To Charles Haley, Sullivan County, MO, from Dade County, MO, Aug. 12, 1847. Tells his father about the condition of the land, and crops and timber in Dade County.
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John Hall Abstract of Title, 1836-1876 (C1547)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
Statement of transfers of land in Callaway County, MO, October 27, 1836-November 30, 1867.
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Henry W. Hamilton Papers, 1923-1985 (C4585)
2.0 cubic feet (45 folders)
The papers of a farmer and amateur archaeologist, including correspondence surrounding his publications, research materials on Upper Missouri River forts, information on his activities, personal papers, and general correspondence.
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Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad Land Promotion Circular, 1860 (C0904)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
The collection contains one advertisement of New England Colony located in Daviess and Caldwell Counties, Missouri. Descriptions of crops, minerals, soils, climate, lumber, and price of land.
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Glen O. Hardeman Collection, 1777-1922 (C3655)
3.6 cubic feet (98 folders)
The papers of the Hardeman family, who moved to Howard County, Missouri, from Tennessee, developing Fruitage Farm and a botanical showplace called Hardeman’s Garden on the Missouri River include correspondence, financial records, and scrapbooks. The correspondence includes letters from Henry Clay and Thomas Hart Benton.
Thomas Harrison Sr. Letters, 1831, 1835 (C1553)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
To Joseph Barnett, Christiansburg, Montgomery County, VA, from Callaway County, MO, June 20, 1831 and October 7, 1835.
Harrison wrote his son about Missouri climate, settlement of a friend, William Pauley, on Barnett's place. Land prices, crops, livestock, weather, ill health of people, fevers. Growth of county seat, Fulton. Business, news of family and friends. Includes a typescript of the 1835 letter.
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Harvey Family Papers, 1834-1873 (C0338)
0.04 cubic feet (2 folders)
The collection contains negative photostats of correspondence and estate papers of the Thomas H. Harvey family of Saline County, Missouri. Letters describe the area, give prices for land, enslaved persons, and products, and mention family news. Estate records include a will and an estate inventory, 1852.
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Thomas Harvey Jr. Papers, 1852-1865 (C0336)
0.04 cubic feet (2 folders)
Letter to Harvey from a friend, describing happenings and dangers of a trip from New York to California by way of Isthmus of Panama, conditions in California, and advantages of working there. Letters from relatives concerning family matters. Letter from brother Richard to brother Warren commenting upon attitude of Texans toward the Confederate Army.
Ben F. Headen Letter, 1853 (C0546)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
Typescript copy of a letter to Mr. and Mrs. Winchester Payne, Cass County, Missouri, from Santa Clara, California, Sept. 16, 1853. Dr. Headen tells of crops, prices, local conditions, and family affairs. Reports what some emigrants had told him about their trips to California.
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Hermann, Missouri, Clippings, 1945 (C0836)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
Clipping reprinting section of journal of the Reverend William A. Helffrich of the early Reformed Church, describing river trip from Pennsylvania to Hermann, Missouri, in 1848, and the social life among pioneer settlers. From the Advertiser Courier, Hermann, Missouri, 27 April 1945.
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Herndon Family Letters, 1859-1879 (C0669)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
Letters written from the gold fields and from Texas, describing living conditions and discussing politics.
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"History of Sappington," Sappington Junior High School History Club, 1936 (C3094)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
Gives history of Sappington including early settlers, religious and educational growth, and life of U.S. Grant when he resided there from 1848 to 1859.
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"[History of Waverly, Missouri]," J.M. Motte, no date (C0777)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
A short history of Waverly, Lafayette County, Missouri.
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William Y. Hitt Santa Fe Trail Memories, no date (C0698)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
Journey by Hitt's father, probably after 1831, from the Franklin-St. Joseph area to Taos, NM, and back to Topeka, KS, and St. Joseph. Number of wagons, people, and detailed account of hardships encountered.
Subjects
R.F. Horton Sr. Papers, 1903-1910 (C0330)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
The papers contain typed copies of two letters concerning the activities of the Mexican-Nevada Exploration Company and an account of the author’s travels and work in Arizona and Mexico.
Elijah Preston Howell Diary, 1849 (C1675)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder, 1 roll of microfilm)
The collection contains a diary, May 6-September 24, 1849, of a journey across the plains from Athens, Gentry County, MO, to the Sacramento Valley during the California gold rush. Topics include members of company, description of wagon trains, countryside, wild game, vegetation, provisions, Native Americans, cholera, travel guides, landmarks, defense, wagon train problems and Mormons.
Sarah F. Hickman Hughes Reminiscences, 1942 (C1889)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
Family history, Civil War, and a journey west by wagon train in 1865.
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Laban Hull Letters, 1850-1851 (C2737)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
The collection contains two letters written from Sacramento, CA, containing descriptions of mining camps and information about other men from Callaway County who attempted to find gold on the West Coast.
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Hutchinson-Salisbury Family Papers, 1843-1867 (C3779)
0.18 cubic feet (9 folders)
The papers of Harriet Newell Hutchinson and Lucius Salisbury, founder of Salisbury, Missouri, contain correspondence, typescripts, and miscellaneous items. Many of the letters center around Hutchinson’s and Salisbury’s courtship.
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I
IDAHO STATESMAN Story, 1876 (C3278)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
Story of the life of Captain J. Keeney, an early pioneer in Oregon. Keeney was born and raised in Independence, MO. Presumably copied from newspaper.
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Ironton, Missouri, Land Office Letter Book, 1867-1871 (C1278)
0.11 cubic feet (1 volume)
Letter book of receiver of lands.
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William Laird Irwin Letter, 1859 (C2099)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
To J[ohn] W. Simonton, [Mifflinburg, PA], from Richwoods, [MO], June 9, 1859.
A recent immigrant from Pennsylvania, Irwin wrote his brother-in-law about Missouri. He discussed the prices of land, grain, stock, and provisions, the abundance of game and water, neighbors and friends, education, and religion.
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J
James Memorial Library Photograph Collection, 1870s-1992 (R1480)
3.5 cubic feet (52 folders, 4443 negatives, 50 glass plate negatives)
The James Memorial Public Library Photograph Collection contains negative copies of photographs brought to the library in St. James by residence who lived in town and the surrounding area. The original images date from the 1870s to the 1990s and include family portraits, city scenes, local businesses, area schools, events, parades, weddings, and church activities among many others. The majority of the photographs are from Phelps County with representation from Crawford and Dent counties.
Brooker S. Jefferson et al. Contract, 1849 (C1808)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
The collection contains photostats of a contract between Jefferson and three colleagues to make a party to go to California and search for gold. It outlines specific responsibilities to one another.
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"John Brown, 1855-1858," Eliza Johnston Wiggins, no date (C0775)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
Sketches of John Brown's activities in Kansas from 1855 to 1858, compiled from writings of G.W. Brown, M.D.
Also a description of Pottawatomie massacre.
Carlton Jones Papers, 1820-1850 (C0348)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
The collection contains negative photostats of a diary of a trip from Salt Lake to Ringgold, California, 1850; map of trip; two letters written from gold fields; deed to military bounty land in Missouri; and obituary.
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Hezekiah Jones Land Grant, 1835 (C0493)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
Grant of 40 acres in Palmyra, Missouri, by order of Andrew Jackson.
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P.S. and Luther Jones Letter, 1836 (C0536)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
To James Jones Family, High Hill, MO, from Moons Bluff, MS, Mar. 24, 1836. Discuss living conditions, weather, and local gossip.
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"Judge Thos. J.C. Fagg," Clayton Keith, 1905 (C0682)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
Biographical sketch of a Pike County pioneer.