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Robbins family papers

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 728

Scope and Contents

This collection contains genealogies, family documents, and correspondence relating to the Robbins and Harvey families and related lines. Also included are incorporation papers, minutes, and correspondence of the Bethel Cemetery Association; typescript copies of the charters of Bethel Institute and Rickreal Academy, 1853-1856; and an account of John Hudson Robbins' overland journey to Oregon by W. A. Robbins, who was an attorney in Portland, Oregon, in the 1920s and 1930s, and assembled much of the material in the collection.

Dates

  • 1853-1943
  • Majority of material found within 1924-1932

Creator

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

John Hudson Robbins (1832-1912) was born in Decatur County, Indiana, moved to Iowa, and traveled overland to Oregon in 1862. Along the way, his first wife, Hester Minnock Robbins, died in Baker City. He later married Mary Margaret Harvey in 1864. She was the daughter of Amos Harvey, who was instrumental in founding Rickreal Academy in 1853 and the Bethel Institute (later Bethel College) in 1855. John Hudson Robbins lived most of his life near Amity, Oregon, although from 1877 to 1888, he resided in Portland, where he ran a music store and taught music. He also lived in Baker City and became involved in the Robbins-Elkhorn mine before retiring to his farm near Amity.

Extent

0.6 Cubic Feet (1 document case; 1 oversize folder in shared box)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Genealogical materials and correspondence relating to the family of John Hudson Robbins, who traveled overland to Oregon in 1862 and married Margaret Harvey, his second wife, in 1864. Includes minutes and incorporation papers of the Bethel Cemetery Association, and copies of the charters of the Bethel Institute and Rickreal Academy.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of H. Allen Robbins and Estelle Gillespie, March 1959 March (Lib. Acc. 7930).

Creator

Title
Guide to the Robbins family papers
Status
Completed
Author
Marilyn Corner and Geoffrey B. Wexler
Date
2006; revised 2024
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library Repository

Contact:
1200 SW Park Ave.
Portland OR 97205 United States
5033065204
5033065240