- Collection Overview
- Collection Description & Creator Information
- Access & Use
- Collection History
- Find Related Materials
Expanded View
Collection Overview
- Creator:
- Humphrey, Luzern, 1811-1857
- Collector:
- Princeton University. Library. Special Collections
- Title:
- Luzern Humphrey Collection
- Repository:
- Manuscripts Division
- Permanent URL:
- http://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/5712m6614
- Dates:
- circa 1838-2014 (mostly 1852-1854)
- Size:
- 1 box and 0.4 linear feet
- Storage Note:
- Firestone Library (mss): Box 1
- Language:
- English
Abstract
Consists primarily of material relating to Ohio farmer Luzern Humphrey's overland journey from Kanesville, Iowa, to the Oregon Territory in 1852, his life there through 1853, and his return to Iowa in 1854, including his journal and 51 letters to his wife in Ohio. Also included are some papers relating to the family of William Miller, the founder of Adventism.
Collection Description & Creator Information
- Description:
The collection primarily consists of material relating to Luzern Humphrey's overland journey from Kanesville, Iowa, to the Oregon Territory in 1852, his life there through 1853, and his return to Iowa in 1854, including his journal (3/10 - 7/28/1852), 51 letters (1852-1854) to his wife, Harriet Jane, in Wellington, Ohio, a mileage guide, notes, a short diary (8/3 - 11/15/1853), translations of Walla Walla and Nez Perce words, and an account book of his expenses. Among the places mentioned are Council Bluffs, Fairfield, and Iowa City in Iowa; Canyonville, Fort Dalles, Grave Creek Valley, Knox Butte, Milwaukie, and Willamette Forks in the Oregon Territory; and Scotts Bluff, Fort Hall, and Fort Laramie along the Oregon Trail.
There are also some papers, including letters, a diary, and miscellaneous ephemera, relating to the family of Baptist minister and founder of Adventism William Miller (1782-1849). Most relate to William's son, George W. Miller (1816-1874), who married Luzern Humphrey's eldest daughter, Inez Humphrey (1842-1928).
Thomas Lee Jacob's research materials on Luzern Humphrey's trail diary, including a transcription that Jacob's authored, are also included.
- Arrangement
The collection is arranged into two series: "Luzern Humphrey Papers" and "Thomas Lee Jacobs Collection of Luzern Humphrey Transcripts and Miller Family Papers."
- Collection Creator Biography:
Humphrey, Luzern, 1811-1857
Luzern Humphrey (1811-1857) was a farmer and millwright from Wellington in Lorain County, Ohio. Humphrey, along with three of his brothers and others, traveled by caravan to Oregon Territory in 1852. Humphrey remained there for over a year before returning in 1854. He had intended to publish a guide to the Oregon Trail based on his journey, but his efforts proved unsuccessful.
Collection History
- Acquisition:
Luzern Humphrey papers were purchased from David M. Watson in September 2009 (AM 2010-35). The transcripts and Miller family papers were a gift of Thomas Lee Jacobs, 2014 (AM 2015-24).
- Custodial History
The manuscript journal (2 parts), previously part of the Rollins Collection and catalogued as C0199 (no. 534), has been integrated into this collection.
- Appraisal
No material was separated during 2014 processing.
- Processing Information
This collection was processed by John Delaney on September 29, 2009. Finding aid written by John Delaney on September 30, 2009. Folder Inventory added by Hilde Creager '2015 in 2012. Finding aid updated by Faith Charlton in September 2014.
Access & Use
- Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research.
- Conditions Governing Use
Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. No further photoduplication of copies of material in the collection can be made when Princeton University Library does not own the original. Inquiries regarding publishing material from the collection should be directed to RBSC Public Services staff through the Ask Us! form. The library has no information on the status of literary rights in the collection and researchers are responsible for determining any questions of copyright.
- Credit this material:
Luzern Humphrey Collection; Manuscripts Division, Department of Special Collections, Princeton University Library
- Permanent URL:
- http://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/5712m6614
- Location:
-
Firestone LibraryOne Washington RoadPrinceton, NJ 08544, USA
- Storage Note:
- Firestone Library (mss): Box 1
Find More
- Subject Terms:
- Husband and wife -- 19th century -- Correspondence.
Nez Perce Indians -- Language.
Overland journeys to the Pacific.
Pioneers -- West (U.S.) -- 19th century.
Walla Walla Indians -- Language. - Genre Terms:
- Journals -- 19th century.
Letters -- 19th century. - Names:
- Miller family
- Places:
- Fairfield (Iowa) -- History -- 19th century -- Sources.
Fort Dalles (Dalles, Or.) -- History -- 19th century -- Sources.
Iowa -- Description and travel -- 19th century.
Iowa City (Iowa) -- History -- 19th century -- Sources.
Knox Butte (Or.) -- History -- 19th century -- Sources.
Oregon -- Description and travel -- 19th century.
Oregon National Historic Trail.
West (U.S.) -- Description and travel -- 19th century.
Willamette Forks (Or.) -- History -- 19th century -- Sources.
