Joseph Gragg papers , 1859-1939

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Gragg, Joseph
Title
Joseph Gragg papers
Dates
1859-1939 (inclusive)
Quantity
1.5 linear feet, (3 containers)
Collection Number
Ax 139
Summary
Joseph Gragg came overland to Oregon from Illinois in 1852 when he was 25 years old. He settled on a farm near Monroe and married Levina Buckingham, who came to Oregon with her family in 1846 via the southern route, led by Jesse Applegate. The Gragggs had eight children, three of whom died in childhood; the five surviving children were Thomas Heman, Betsey M.., James Phile, David Vernon, and Marcus Edward. The Joseph Gragg Papers consist mainly of family letters and miscellaneous documents. The collection also contains a diary of Joseph Gragg, describing his trip to the Salmon River, Idaho mines in 1863; finiancial material relating to the Gragg Brothers (farmers); and miscellaneous family material. The collection contains information on the history of Philomath College and on the history of the United Brethren Church in Oregon.
Repository
University of Oregon Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives
UO Libraries--SCUA
1299 University of Oregon
Eugene OR
97403-1299
Telephone: 5413463068
spcarref@uoregon.edu
Access Restrictions

Collection is open to the public. Collection must be used in Special Collections and University Archives Reading Room. Collection or parts of collection may be stored offsite. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives in advance of your visit to allow for transportation time.

Additional Reference Guides

See the Current Collection Guide for detailed description and requesting options.

Languages
English
Sponsor
Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Historical NoteReturn to Top

Joseph Gragg came overland to Oregon from Illinois in 1852 when he was 25 years old. He settled on a farm near Monroe and married Levina Buckingham, who came to Oregon with her family in 1846 via the southern route, led by Jesse Applegate. The Gragggs had eight children, three of whom died in childhood; the five surviving children were Thomas Heman, Betsey M., James Phile, David Vernon, and Marcus Edward.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The Joseph Gragg Papers consist mainly of family letters and miscellaneous documents. The collection also contains a diary of Joseph Gragg, describing his trip to the Salmon River, Idaho mines in 1863; financial material relating to the Gragg Brothers (farmers); and miscellaneous family matieral.

The letters provide a commentary on family relationships, from life, church affairs, schools and school teaching, and social life in general. There is much information on the history of Philomath College, especially a controversy over control of the college in the 1880s, and the history of the United Brethren Church in Oregon. A manuscript calendar for the letters is available in the Library.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Corporate Names

  • Church of the United Brethren in Christ (1800-1889)--Oregon
  • Philomath College

Family Names

  • Gragg family

Geographical Names

  • Oregon--Social life and customs--19th century
  • Oregon--Social life and customs--20th century

Form or Genre Terms

  • Diaries--1863