Robertson family papers

Collection

Identifier: Mss 1076

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection contains letters written from members of the Robertson and Riggs families. Many were sent to Amanda Robertson, Mary Ann Robertson, and James P. Robertson. Correspondents include Thomas J. Riggs of La Grange, Illinois; Elizabeth L. Hall; V. G. Smith of Cass County, Illinois; Libbie Teeple of Pluckemin, New Jersey; E. R. Metcalf of Whitehall and Jacksonville, Illinois; and the Davis family of Howell and Brooks, Oregon. Most letters relate to family and friends, but some contain details of daily life and local politics. Of particular interest is a letter from Metcalf, dated November 18, 1860, discussing the recent elections and the issue of slavery in Illinois state politics.

Dates

Creation: 1831-1900

Creator

Robertson family (Family)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

The Oregon Historical Society owns the materials in the Research Library and makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. The Society does not necessarily hold copyright to all materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use may require seeking additional authorization from copyright owners.

Biographical note

Little is known of the Robertson family, around whom this collection was formed. They were pioneers in Polk County, Oregon, and included James and Mary Ann Robertson who lived previously in various towns in Illinois, including Knoxville, Hennepin, and Bath, and in the state of Iowa. The Robertsons were related through marriage to the Riggs family, via Mary Ann Riggs Robertson (born 1815), who married James P. Robertson; and to the Davis family of Brooks, Oregon. One cousin of Amanda Robertson was Libbie Teeple, of Pluckemin, Somerset County, New Jersey. One of Amanda's sisters was Elizabeth L. Hall, who lived in a town called Liberty in an unknown state.

Extent

0.25 Cubic Feet (1 document case)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Papers of a family of pioneers of Polk County, Oregon. Most of the materials are letters from family members in Illinois, New Jersey, Missouri, and Oregon. Many of the letters were sent to Amanda Robertson, Mary Ann Robertson and James P. Robertson, including many from E. R. Metcalf of Jacksonville, Illinois; from Libbie Teeple, of Pluckemin, New Jersey; and from members of the Riggs family.