Biswell Family Papers

Collection

Identifier: MUSDP B1

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Approximately 130 documents from the Biswell family of Randolph and Linn Counties in Missouri. It includes letters, financial documents, and military papers from the early 1800s, and newspapers containing family obituaries. Of particular interest are the letters written by brothers Jonathan and Norvell Biswell on their way to, and while in, the California gold fields, 1850-1852. Of the six series, the Gold Rush letters, Series 1, are the most frequently used as they convey the story of a local Missouri family seeking fortune during the California Gold Rush. The other materials provide insight into the rest of the family's history.

Dates

1795-1912

Creator

Biswell family (Family)

Notes on Use of Collection

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Copyright

It is the responsibility of the user to obtain permission to publish from the owner of the copyright (the institution, the creator of the record, the author or his/her transferees, heirs, legates, or literary executors). The user agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Board of Governors for Truman State University, its officers, employees, and agents from and against all claims made by any person asserting that he or she is an owner of copyright.

Researchers further agree to indemnify and hold harmless Truman State University, Pickler Memorial Library, and their officers, employees, and agents from and against all suits, claims, actions, and expenses arising out of use of collections held by the library.

Biographical Note

Missourians and brothers Jonathan Huff Biswell and Norvell Biswell headed to California during the Gold Rush of the mid-1800s. The Biswell family were farmers in Randolph and Linn Counties. Jonathan sought his fortune in the gold fields with modest success and eventually returned to Missouri.

Extent

0.4 linear feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement

This collection is organized into six series.

"Gold Rush" Letters, 1850-1851
General Family Correspondence, 1804-1874
Jeremiah Biswell's Military Records, 1801-1808
Financial Records, 1795-1858
Miscellaneous Documents, approximately 1900
Newspapers, 1859, 1881, 1883, 1903

Immediate Source of Acquisition

This collection was part of a gift to the E.M. Violette Museum in the will of Susie Lee Clark (1887-1948). She was a native of Brookfield, Missouri, the daughter of James W. and Bettie Leah (Biswell) Clark and the granddaughter of Jonathan Huff Biswell (1830-1903), who was the young man who wrote most of the collection's "Gold Rush" letters. Susie Lee Clark was a teacher in the Brookfield public schools as well as a piano teacher who gave private lessons in her home. Miss Clark attended summer sessions at Northeast Missouri State Teachers College (now Truman State University) during the 1920s and was awarded the Bachelor of Science in Education and life teaching certificate in 1931. Her bequest also included her piano, parlor organ and other artifacts, as well as a collection of late 19th century sheet music (see MUSDP C1).

Existence and Location of Copies

The Biswell gold rush letters have been digitized and are available to view in our digital library.

Separated Materials

The Susie Lee Clark bequest also included her piano, parlor organ and other three-dimensional artifacts, as well as a collection of late 19th century sheet music. Materials are part of MUSDP C1.