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Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Object ID
MG0828
Date Range
1839-1932
Collection
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Title
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers
Description
The General Thomas Welsh Family Papers is a collection of original correspondence, official documents, and ephemera. Many of the papers were created by or directed to Thomas Welsh between approximately 1843 and his death in 1863. They provide glimpses into his youth, his experiences in the Mexican War, his life in Columbia between the wars, and his rise in rank to Brigadier General during the Civil War.
The collection contains correspondence with his wife and family from 1861-1863. There are also official correspondence and documents related to Welsh's military service, autobiographical pieces, correspondence following his death, obituaries, and family papers into the early twentieth century. Other items in the collection include genealogy pages from the family bible, photographic images of Thomas Welsh and family members, two scrapbooks, newspaper issues and newspaper clippings, written notes from recollections of one of Welsh's daughter, and a biographical sketch of Welsh written by his son.
Admin/Biographical History
Thomas Welsh (1824-1863) was a Lancaster County native (born and raised in Columbia), who rose from hardscrabble origins to local fame, first as a Mexican War hero, and then as a brigadier general during the Civil War. He was well known and well respected as a no nonsense officer, for his leadership and gallantry in battle, for his dedication to the service of his country, and for his concern for the welfare of his men.
Welsh lost his father at the age of 2, and went to work to support his family at age 8. He had very little formal schooling, and was largely self-educated. In 1843, at age 19, he left Lancaster County for Washington City, then went west as an itinerant carpenter/laborer to Cincinnati, Little Rock, and Fort Smith.
When the Mexican War broke out in 1846, he enlisted in a Kentucky regiment, and was severely wounded at the battle of Buena Vista (1847) from which he never fully recovered. Returning home to Columbia, he re-enlisted as a second lieutenant, assigned to the 11th U.S. infantry regiment in Mexico City. Within days of his arrival in Mexico City, he was declared unfit for service on account of his battle wound, and sent home again.
Back in Columbia as a civilian, he dabbled in politics, and received a patronage job in the Pennsylvania Main Line of Public Works (the rail and canal system connecting Philadelphia and Pittsburgh). After several years, he opened up a grocery and dry goods store in Columbia's canal basin. He also became an insurance agent. In 1857, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and his reputation grew as a community leader. By 1860, he was president of the Borough Council, a founding member of the Columbia Board of Trade, Vice President of the Columbia Cricket Club, and a canal boat operator, in addition to a dry goods merchant, insurance agent, and Justice of the Peace. He had a wife, 5 surviving children, and legal guardianship of his sister's 4 children.
When Confederate forces shelled Fort Sumter, marking the beginning of the Civil War, Thomas Welsh raised and organized the first company of volunteers from Lancaster County, and took them into the field as their Captain. Within days, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment, which served out its 90-day enlistment in the Shenandoah Valley.
Returning to Harrisburg, he was appointed Commandant of Camp Curtin, the problem-plagued processing center for new recruits. In short order, Welsh cleaned up the camp's poor sanitary conditions, improved the health of the camp, and implemented soldierly discipline and training.
In October 1861, he resigned from his camp duties, and as Colonel of the 45th Pennsylvania, led his regiment into the field. After brief service outside of Washington, they were sent to South Carolina in December, where they were posted to Otter Island. After the battle of James Island, they were recalled to Newport News, in July 1862, then sent to guard Aquia Creek.
In September, now in brigade command in Burnsides' 9th Corps, Welsh chased Lee's Confederate army west into central Maryland. His brigade broke the enemy line in Fox's Gap, on Sept. 14, then 3 days later achieved the furthest Union advance at Antietam, reaching the edge of Sharpsburg, and nearly cutting off Lee's only avenue of escape. Welsh's gallantry earned him a field promotion to brigadier general, which Congress confirmed on March 13, 1863.
The 9th Corps (Welsh now in command of the 1st Division) was sent west in the spring of 1863, then dispatched south to support Grant's investment of Vicksburg. After Vicksburg fell, they turned east and defeated Confederate General Johnston at the Battle of Jackson. Welsh contracted malaria in the southern swamps, and died in Cincinnati upon their return north. One of his men later recalled, "Had he lived, Welsh would undoubtedly have attained a much higher command. 1
1. Beauge, Eugene, in Albert, Allen D., Ed., History of the Forty-Fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry 1861-1865, Williamsport, PA: Grit Publ. Co, 1912, p. 79.
System of Arrangement
The collection is arranged in series:
Series A Thomas Welsh before the Mexican War
Series B Mexican War, 1846-1848
Series C Between the Mexican War and the Civil War, 1848-1861
Series D Civil War
Series E Post-Civil War
Series F Miscellaneous Family Papers
Series G Papers from the families of Gen. Thomas Welsh and Blanton C. Welsh
Date Range
1839-1932
Year Range From
1839
Year Range To
1932
Creator
Wiggin, Richard C.
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 19
People
Welsh, Thomas
Welsh, Annie Eunice Young
Welsh, Blanton Charles
Welsh, Effie
Welsh, Lilian
Welsh, Mary Young "Mazie"
Buchanan, James
Subjects
Letters
Mexican War, 1846-1848
Military orders
Military promotions
Personal correspondence
Political campaigns
Presidents--Election
Speeches, addresses, etc.
United States. Army--Military life
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
Search Terms
Civil War
Correspondence, Personal
Letters
Mexican War
Military life
Military orders
Military promotions
Political campaigns
Presidential elections
Speeches
United States Army
Object Name
Archive
Language
English
Condition
Fair to good
Condition Date
2020-12-18
Condition Notes
Items are in fair to good condition.
Object ID
MG0828
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pa.
Classification
MG0828
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Almost all of the papers have been passed down through successive generations of Welsh's descendants, from Thomas Welsh's wife and children to his granddaughter, Emilie Benson (Welsh) Wiggin, to her daughter Nancy Jane (Wiggin) Townsend. After Nancy Townsend's death, her son Charles Townsend passed them on to his cousin, Richard Wiggin (grandson of Emilie Benson Wiggin) in 2015.
A few papers passed out of the family's possession and found their way into other collections. Richard Abel of Columbia, PA began collecting Welsh papers and artifacts some years ago, and subsequently transferred this collection of Welsh materials to Richard Wiggin in 2012.
Less detail
Collection
Military Collection
Title
Military Collection
Object ID
MG0078
Date Range
1764-present
  1 document  
Collection
Military Collection
Title
Military Collection
Description
This collection contains documents beginning with the American Revolution and continuing through the War of 1812, Mexican War, Civil War, World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. There are account books, notes and written letters, vouchers, inspections of camps, receipts of payments, honorable discharge certificates, lists of absentees, envelopes used during the Civil War, and lists of unpaid fines during the service of the Pennsylvania Militia soldiers. There are also newsletters and articles relating to World Wars I and II and the Korean War for advertisement and description of items including the history of the Philadelphia Naval Base.
Date Range
1764-present
Date of Accumulation
1764-present
Creator
LancasterHistory (Organization)
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 03
People
Alexander, Peter
Andre, John
Andrews, George
Auxer, Jacob
Barton, David R.
Baughman, George
Bausman, Frederick
Bethel, Samuel
Bevins, George
Biddle, George
Bietz, George
Billman, William L.
Bitner, Abraham
Bowers, George
Bowers, Lerina
Bowers, M. F.
Bradd, John
Brant, John
Brenner, Henry
Brush, George
Buchanan, James
Calwell, James
Cassidy, John
Cockley, David
Coleman, Robert
Comstock, Elmo
Comstock, Willard
Conyngham, G.
Cooke, Jacob
Crider, David
Dallas, A. L.
Demuth, William D.
Diffenderfer, Jacob
Diller, Adam
Duchman, John H.
Eshleman, John
Eugstler, Philip
Ewing, William
Fulton, Eleanore J.
Gardner, Daniel
Garrison, Lindley M.
Gidy, Peter
Graeff, Matthias
Haerrs, Dane
Hamilton, William
Hamilton, Robert
Hand, Edward
Haughman, George
Hayes, Rutherford Birchard
Heitler, Richard R.
Hiester, Gabriel
Hubley, Adam
Irvine, William
Jackson, Cyrus E.
Jacobs, Barnet
Jameson, Samuel
Johnson, Edward
Johnson, Relief
Johnson, Thomas
Kearns, Christian
Keller, Adam
Kendig, Adam
Kendig, Benjamin F.
King, Alexander
King, Robert, Jr.
Kirkpatrick, William
Kissel, Frederick
Landis, Bertha Cochran
Landis, Charles
Light, John
Lloyd, Thomas
Longenecker, John
Lutz, John
McCarty, Isaiah
McConnel, Abraham
McElhattan, Alexander
McKean, Thomas
McSherry, J. L., III
Megrady, Patrick
Mifflin, Thomas
Morgan, Thomas
Morrison, A. K.
Morrison, Alexander W.
Morrison, Samuel W.
Neal, Thomas
Nicholson, John
Ohlen, John
Paster, Peter
Patterson, James
Price, Rebecca L.
Price, Robert C.
Reigart, Adam
Reigart, Christopher
Reinoehl, Adolphus
Roath, E. D.
Ross, James
Russell, A. L.
Sample, Nathaniel W.
Scarritt, Jeremiah M.
Scott, Hugh
Shippen, Joseph
Skiles, William
Skillings, Charles W.
Smith, John M.
Smith, Richard
Snyder, Eberhart Michael
Snyder, Eugene
Speel, Alexander R.
Strickler, M. M.
Sutherland, Thomas Jefferson
Thompson, R. W.
Wager, Philip
Weller, John
White, John
Witmer, David M.
Witmer, Sarah
Wolf, Joseph
Work, Joseph
Wright, Horatio G.
Zahm, Mary
Zeilin, William F.
Buchen, Martin L.
Hildebran, James
Pratt, J. E.
Elias, C. Harry
Martin, E. K.
McClain, Frank B.
Hewitt, A. G.
Negley, J. S.
Subjects
United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
United States--History--War of 1812
Mexican War, 1846-1848
World War, 1914-1918
World War, 1939-1945
Korean War, 1950-1953
Letters
Business records
Programs (Publications)
Search Terms
Business records
Civil War
Clippings (Books, newspapers, etc.)
Correspondence
Discharge certificates
Envelopes
Finding aids
Jackson Riflemen
Korean War
Lancaster Militia
Letters
Manuscript groups
Mexican War
Military history
Military records
Monuments
Newsletters
Pennsylvania Militia
Programs
Receipts
Revolutionary War
Soldiers and Sailors Monument
War of 1812
World War I
World War II
Reunions
Extent
2 boxes, 25 folders, 1 cubic ft.
Object Name
Archive
Language
English
Object ID
MG0078
Location of Originals
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Related Item Notes
Curatorial Collection
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Restrictions are noted at the item level.
Copyright
Collection may not be photocopied. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at research@lancasterhistory.org.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
MG-78
Classification
MG0078
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Processed and finding aid prepared by DD, Summer 2000. Updated by HST, 2010, 2011.
Documents
Less detail
Collection
Tourist Brochures
Title
Tourist Brochures
Object ID
MG0095
Collection
Tourist Brochures
Title
Tourist Brochures
Description
Collection of brochures relating to tourist attractions, museums, historic sites, events, stores, farmers' markets, hotels, and restaurants in Lancaster, Lebanon, and York Counties. Visitors' guides and road maps provide additional information about points of interest. Items in the collection date back to the late 1920s and continue to the present, but most are from the mid-twentieth century.
Year Range From
1929
Date of Accumulation
1929-present
Creator
LancasterHistory (Organization)
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 03
People
Albert, Donna
Anderson, V. F.
Best, J. Donald
Buchanan, James
Burnley, Patricia Kling
Clark, Earl
Clark, Molly
Coleman, Robert
Eberly, Hiram M.
Fulton, Robert
Grubb, Peter
Hampton, Cindy
Hand, Edward
Heine, Paul L. H.
Heine, Paul, Jr.
Heisey, M. Luther
Hess, James E.
Horst, Mel
Loose, John Ward Willson
Kauffman, B. L.
Keener, A. E.
Kingston, Joseph T.
Heisey, M. L.
MacNeill, H. T.
Monaghan, Thomas J.
Motto, Marilyn
Procter, Edward C.
Pyle, Carl E.
Ross, Betsy
Shenk, Aaron S.
Smucker, Alma
Smucker, Paul
Stoltzfus, Louise
Sutter, John Augustus
Trach, M. A.
Tortora, V. R.
Subjects
Pamphlets
Tourism
Search Terms
340-23 Club
A. Bube's Brewery
Amish Country Motel and Restaurant
Amish Dutchland map
Amish Farm and House
Bill Bard Associates
Bird-in-Hand Farmer's Market
Brunnerville Iron Foundry
Candy Americana Museum
Catacombs
Central Hotel
Christian Herr House
Columbia Bank Museum
Columbia Cultural and Historical Association
Columbia Dungeon
Columbia Farmers' Market House
Conestoga Motor Inn
Conestoga Traction Company
Cornwall Iron Furnace
Doneckers
Donegal Presbyterian Church
Donegal Mills Plantation
Duck's New Holland House and Hotel
Dutch Haven
Dutch Wonderland
Dutchland Music Theatre
Elizabethtown College
Ephrata Cloister
Flory's Tourist Rest and Camp Site
Foodergong Lodge
General Engraving Company
General Sutter Hotel and Gold Nugget Saloon Restaurant
Gold Nugget Saloon Restaurant
Groff's Farm Restaurant
Guided Auto Tape Tour for Lancaster
Hammond and Company
Hans Herr House
Hebrew Tabernacle Reproduction
Heritage Center Museum
Heritage Map Museum
Herr Foods, Inc.
Herr's Potato Chips
Hex Barn
Historic Lancaster Walking Tour
Holiday Inn
Lancaster Host Resort
Host Farm
Hotel Brunswick
Hotel Wheatland
Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge
Intelligencer Journal
James Buchanan Foundation for the Preservation of Wheatland
Klein Chocolate Company
Kreider's Tourist Farm Home
Lancaster Automobile Club
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Lancaster County Central Park
Lancaster County Council of Churches
Lancaster County Heritage
Lancaster County Historical Society
Lancaster County Outlet Shopping Guide
Lancaster County Planning Commission
Lancaster Downtown Investment District Authority
Lancaster Hilton Inn
Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society
Lancaster-York Heritage Region
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
Leacock Presbyterian Church
Lititz Historical Foundation
Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery
Maps
Marken and Bielfeld Inc.
Masonic Homes
Masonic Villages
Mennonite Information Center
Miller's Smorgasbord
National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors Inc.
National Central Bank
North Museum of Nature and Science
Old Mill Stream Campground
Old Village Store
Olde Lincoln House
Original Brunswick Pennsylvania Dutch Tours
Pamphlets
Pathway Publishers
Patton School
Pennsylvania Dutch Harvest Frolic
Pennsylvania Dutch Country Visitors Bureau
Discover Lancaster
Pennsylvania Folklife Society
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
People's Place
Photo Arts Press
Plain & Fancy Farm and Dining Room
Police Museum
Postcards
Robert Fulton Birthplace
Rock Ford
Rough and Tumble Engineers Historical Association
Sentinel Printing House
Sickman's Mill
South Central Pennsylvania Travel Council
Stevens House
Strasburg Railroad
Susquehanna Valley Tour
Tourism
Trinity Lutheran Church
Underground Railroad
Veitch Printing Corporation
Verdant View Farm
Vernon Martin Associates
Village Restaurant
Wagonland
Warwick Haus
Wheatland
Wilbur Chocolate Company
Wilbur Chocolate's Factory Candy Outlet
Wilbur-Suchard Chocolate Company
York County Heritage Trust
Extent
1 box, 18 folders, .25 cubic ft.
Object Name
Archive
Language
English; Pennsylvania German
Object ID
MG0095
Location of Originals
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Access Conditions / Restrictions
No restrictions.
Copyright
Collection may not be photocopied. Please contact Research Staff or Archives Staff with questions.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Classification
MG0095
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Processed by AL and HST, July 2007. Finding aid prepared by HST, August 2007. Updated 9 January 2008, HST.
Less detail
Collection
Blanche Nevin Papers
Title
Blanche Nevin Papers
Object ID
MG0730
Date Range
1850s-1920s
: The Blanche Nevin Papers include manuscripts of Blanche Nevin’s prose and poetry, the 1878 contract for her statue of Gen. Peter Muhlenberg, letters, essays, biographies, and articles about her travels. The collection has not been fully processed—please see the inventory below. Creator: Nevin, Blanche
  1 document  
Collection
Blanche Nevin Papers
Title
Blanche Nevin Papers
Description
The Blanche Nevin Papers include manuscripts of Blanche Nevin's prose and poetry, the 1878 contract for her statue of Gen. Peter Muhlenberg, letters, essays, biographies, and articles about her travels.
Date Range
1850s-1920s
Year Range From
1850
Year Range To
1920
Date of Accumulation
[1850s-1920s]
Creator
Nevin, Blanche, 1841-1925
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 02
People
Buchanan, James
Muhlenberg, John Peter Gabriel
Nevin, Blanche
Other Creators
Nevin family
Subjects
Essays
Letters
Pets
Poetry
Travel
Search Terms
Artists
China
Contracts
Correspondence
Essays
Finding aids
Japan
Letters
Manuscript groups
Pets
Poetry
Sculptors
Travel
Extent
1 box, .5 cubic ft.
Object Name
Archive
Language
English
Object ID
MG0730
Location of Originals
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Related Item Notes
Leather portfolio (2014.020)
Blanche Nevin Collection (MG0039)
See also the Photograph, Library, and Curatorial Collections
Notes
The collection has not been fully processed-please see the inventory below.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Original documents may be used-contact Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit or request at the Reference Desk.
Copyright
Collection items may be photographed. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
MG-730
Classification
MG0730
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Inventory prepared by donor, 2014. Added to database 26 December 2023.
Documents
Less detail
Collection
James Buchanan Collection
Title
Newspaper article: “Secret Buchanan Letter Now Here"
Object ID
MG0096 F009 In03
Date Range
1963/03/23
  1 document     2 images  
Collection
James Buchanan Collection
Title
Newspaper article: “Secret Buchanan Letter Now Here"
Description
“Secret Buchanan Letter Now Here.” Newspaper article regarding the private and confidential letter from James Buchanan to John Black regarding Mexico. Lancaster.
Date Range
1963/03/23
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 03
Storage Container
Box 0001
People
Black, John
Buchanan, James
Subjects
United States. Department of State
Mexico
Mexican War, 1846-1848
Search Terms
United States Department of State
Mexico
James Buchanan
Buchanan Collections
Mexican War, 1846-1848
Articles
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Extent
1 item, 2 pages to scan, 28 x 22 cm
Object Name
Article
Language
English
Parent Object ID
MG0096
Object ID
MG0096 F009 In03
Location of Originals
photocopy
Associated Material
James Buchanan Papers, Dickinson College Archives & Special Collections,
http://archives.dickinson.edu/collection-descriptions/james-buchanan-papers
James Buchanan and Harriet Lane Johnston Papers, Library of Congress,
https://www.loc.gov/collections/james-buchanan-and-harriet-lane-johnston-papers/
James Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania,
http://www2.hsp.org/collections/manuscripts/b/Buchanan0091.html
James Buchanan Papers, Penn State University Libraries,
https://libraries.psu.edu/findingaids/1458.htm
Related Item Notes
James Buchanan Collection (MG0096) https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/lhdo3760
James Buchanan Family Papers
Historical Society of Pennsylvania microfilm
Photograph Collection
Curatorial Collection
Wheatland Collection
Wheatland Mansion
Notes
May 2020 PastPerfect Conversion
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pa.
Other Number
MG-0096, Folder 009, Insert 03
Classification
MG0096
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Digitization of the James Buchanan Collection was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 201808013051, 2019-2020.
Images
Documents
Less detail
Collection
Wheatland
Object ID
W.1939.015.001
  1 image  
Collection
Wheatland
Description
Bow front chest of drawers, 4 drawers, brass hardware. Hepplewhite Style, Old accession form dates artifact as being 1850
Provenance
James Buchanan
To Edward Y. Buchanan
To Alice Cunygham Buchanan Ewing
To Cornelia Lausdale Ewing Brooke
To Jack Brooke
To James Buchanan Foundation
LancasterHistory
Year Range From
1785
Year Range To
1810
Last Owner
Buchanan, James
Storage Location
Wheatland, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Northwest Bedchamber
Storage Wall
Northeast Wall
People
Buchanan, James
Subcategory
Furniture
Search Terms
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Object Name
Chest of Drawers
Material
Brass/Mahogany
Height (in)
38
Width (in)
42.5
Depth (in)
21.75
Condition
Excellent
Condition Date
2023-01-26
Object ID
W.1939.015.001
Accession Number
W.1939.015
Images
Less detail
Collection
Wheatland
Object ID
W.45.7
Date Range
1830s
Collection
Wheatland
Description
Mahogany chest of drawers. Three drawers which are width of chest and vary in depth. Two smaller drawers at top. Pillars on either side American
Provenance
James Buchanan- General & Mrs. Logan [friends of Buchanan and purchased chest at Buchanan estate sale]- Elizabeth Logan Payne [inherited chest from Logans]
Date Range
1830s
Last Owner
Buchanan, James
Storage Location
Wheatland, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Middle Attic
Storage Wall
Room 1
Subcategory
Furniture
Object Name
Chest of Drawers
Material
Mahogany
Height (in)
45.375
Width (in)
44.812
Depth (in)
22.062
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2003-10-21
Object ID
W.45.7
Notes
Information found in 'Restoration Committee Report 5/1/1957- 'Possibly an acquisition from Elizabeth Logan Payne-had belonged to Buchanan-Payne inherited the dresser from Gen. & Mrs. Logan who were friends of Buchanan in Washington.
Accession Number
W.45.7
Less detail
Collection
James Buchanan Family Papers
Title
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 7 Papers of Jonathan Messersmith Foltz, Series 1 Correspondence
Object ID
JBFP Part 7 Series 1
  1 document  
Collection
James Buchanan Family Papers
Title
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 7 Papers of Jonathan Messersmith Foltz, Series 1 Correspondence
Description
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 7 Papers of Jonathan Messersmith Foltz, Series 1 contains the correspondence of Jonathan Messersmith Foltz, from 1831 to 1858.
This collection contains correspondence from Dr. Jonathan M. Foltz-the majority of which are addressed to James Buchanan. There are no items from Foltz's childhood or later years (after retirement), nor materials from the early parts of his Naval career. The collection documents two of Foltz's deployments in some detail-his time on the Mexico-Texas border and the three years spent in South America. When writing to Buchanan, Foltz focused more on the political details he observed, rather than military activities. Some letters in the years and months leading up to the 1848 election document Foltz's involvement in the selection of a Democratic candidate for President. The materials do not include much about Foltz's family life, other than a few mentions of his wife and their wedding.
Admin/Biographical History
Jonathan Messersmith Foltz was born in Lancaster in 1810, the son of Jonathan and Elizabeth Messersmith Foltz. He studied medicine with Dr. William Thompson in Lancaster before attending Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. He was commissioned as an assistant naval surgeon in 1831. He reached the rank of surgeon in 1838.
As Naval Surgeon, Dr. Foltz served on the Raritan at the beginning of the Mexican-American War, where he witnessed battles at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma. About five years later, Foltz was deployed again-this time to South America aboard the Jamestown. He arrived in South America during the second half of the Platine War, fought by Brazil and Uruguay against the Argentine Confederation, from August 1851- February 1852. He also watched as the United States and Great Britain exerted their influence on the new nations and their often corrupt and ineffective governments. Through his service in the Navy and his trips to remote places (at that time), Foltz became an expert on exotic diseases. He published a number of articles on the subject. Prior to his service in Mexico and South America, Foltz also spent time in Asia, Europe and Northern Africa. Foltz served during the Civil War, participating in a number of campaigns and battles. Specifically, he served as Fleet Surgeon under Admiral David Farragut. He continued to serve in the Navy, eventually rising to the positions of Chief of the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery and Surgeon General of the Navy. In 1872, Foltz was put on the retired list, but continued to serve as Inspector General of Hospitals and Fleets, as well as Chief Surgeon of the Philadelphia Naval Hospital. Officially, he retired in 1873, after serving for forty-two years. He had reached the rank of Commodore.
Foltz married Rebecca Steinman (1830-1904), also from Lancaster, in 1854. They had three sons: Frederick Steinman (born Frederick Buchanan), Charles Steinman, and Jonathan Clinton Foltz. He lived with his family in Philadelphia. Foltz died at the age of 66 in 1877.
Not much is known about Foltz's relationship with James Buchanan, especially its origin. However, Foltz often called Buchanan his best friend and seemed to be a constant support of Buchanan for President, campaigning heavily for him leading up to the 1848 and 1856 elections (Foltz was stationed in South America in 1852).
Works Cited:
Franklin and Marshall College Archives and Special Collections. Jonathan Messersmith Foltz Papers, MS 21 Finding Aid. Lancaster, PA: Franklin and Marshall College, 2013. Accessed June 9, 2015. http://library.fandm.edu/archives/mscoll/jmfoltz.pdf.
Foltz, Charles S. Surgeon of the Seas: The Adventurous Life of Surgeon General Jonathan M. Foltz In the Days of Wooden Ships, Told from His Notes of the Moment Indianapolis, IN: The Bobbs-Merrill Company, 1931.
"Foltz, Jonathan Messersmith." In Appletons' Cyclopædia of American Biography, edited by James Grant Wilson and John Fiske. New York: D. Appleton, 1900. Accessed June 9, 2015. http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Appletons%27_Cyclop%C3%A6dia_of_American_Biography/Foltz,_Jonathan_Messersmith.
System of Arrangement
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 7 Papers of Jonathan Messersmith Foltz is arranged in one series. The series and subseries have been used to keep the consistency with cataloging throughout the James Buchanan Family Papers.
JBFP Part 7 Series 1 Correspondence
Subseries 1 Letters from Jonathan Messersmith Foltz
Year Range From
1831
Year Range To
1858
Creator
Foltz, Jonathan Messersmith, 1810-1877
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
People
Buchanan, James
Foltz, Jonathan Messersmith
Other Creators
James Buchanan Foundation for the Preservation of Wheatland (Lancaster, Pa.)
Subjects
Ship physicians
United States--Navy--Surgeons
United States--Politics and government--19th century
Mexican War, 1846-1848
South America--Politics and government--19th century
Search Terms
James Buchanan
Buchanan collections
Mexican War
Politics
United States Navy
Ship physicians
Surgeons
South America
Finding aids
Manuscript groups
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Extent
1 box, 49 folders, 58 items, .5 cubic feet
Object Name
Correspondence
Language
English
Object ID
JBFP Part 7 Series 1
Associated Material
Jonathan Messersmith Foltz Papers (MS 21), Archives and Special Collections, Franklin and Marshall College
http://library.fandm.edu/archives/mscoll/jmfoltz.html
[J. M. Foltz Medical lecture notes, 1825-1829], Health Sciences Library Historical Collections, Health Sciences Library, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC.
http://search.lib.unc.edu/search?R=UNCb1976055
Jonathan Messersmith Foltz papers, 1829-1871, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington, DC.
James Buchanan Papers, Dickinson College Archives & Special Collections http://archives.dickinson.edu/collection-descriptions/james-buchanan-papers
James Buchanan and Harriet Lane Johnston Papers, Library of Congress https://www.loc.gov/collections/james-buchanan-and-harriet-lane-johnston-papers/
James Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, http://www2.hsp.org/collections/manuscripts/b/Buchanan0091.html
James Buchanan Papers, Penn State University Libraries, https://libraries.psu.edu/findingaids/1458.htm
Related Item Notes
James Buchanan Family Papers
James Buchanan Collection, MG0096
Coleman Papers Collection, MG0275 Series 1
Andrew J. Steinman Collection, MG0066
Historical Society of Pennsylvania microfilm
Photograph collections
Curatorial collections
Wheatland Mansion
Charles S. Foltz, Surgeon of the Seas: The Adventurous Life of Surgeon General Jonathan M. Foltz In the Days of Wooden Ships, Told from His Notes of the Moment. Indianapolis, IN: The Bobbs-Merrill Company, 1931. Call # 923.5 F671f
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available.
Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material. Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Description Level
Series
Custodial History
The James Buchanan Family Papers were collected by the James Buchanan Foundation for the Preservation of Wheatland. This collection was relocated from the Wheatland mansion to the LancasterHistory archives in the Spring of 2009. Digitization of the James Buchanan Family Papers was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 201808013051, 2019-2020.
Documents
Less detail
Collection
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 1 James Buchanan
Title
Letter from James Buchanan to John Black
Object ID
JBFP 1.1.1.025
Date Range
1847/01/19
  2 documents     3 images  
Collection
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 1 James Buchanan
Title
Letter from James Buchanan to John Black
Description
Letter from James Buchanan to John Black, Esq. concerning Mexican affairs. Washington.
Date Range
1847/01/19
Creator
Buchanan, James, 1791-1868
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Container
JBFP Part 1, Box 1
People
Black, John
Buchanan, James
Subjects
Letters
Mexican War, 1846-1848
Search Terms
Letters
Correspondence
Mexican War, 1846-1848
James Buchanan
Buchanan Collections
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Extent
1 item, 2 pages to scan, 8.5 x 11 in.
Object Name
Letter
Language
English
Parent Object ID
JBFP Part 1 Series 1
Object ID
JBFP 1.1.1.025
Location of Originals
Photostatic copy. Location of original unknown.
Associated Material
James Buchanan Papers, Dickinson College Archives & Special Collections,
http://archives.dickinson.edu/collection-descriptions/james-buchanan-papers
James Buchanan and Harriet Lane Johnston Papers, Library of Congress,
https://www.loc.gov/collections/james-buchanan-and-harriet-lane-johnston-papers/
James Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania,
http://www2.hsp.org/collections/manuscripts/b/Buchanan0091.html
James Buchanan Papers, Penn State University Libraries,
https://libraries.psu.edu/findingaids/1458.htm
Related Item Notes
James Buchanan Family Papers
MG-96 James Buchanan Collection
Historical Society of Pennsylvania microfilm
Photograph collections
Curatorial collections
Wheatland Mansion
Notes
May 2020 PastPerfect Conversion
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Accession Number
JBMS2000.034.1
Other Number
JBFP Part 1, Series 1, Subseries 1, Folder 25
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
The James Buchanan Family Papers were collected by the James Buchanan Foundation for the Preservation of Wheatland. This collection was relocated from the Wheatland mansion to the LancasterHistory archives in the Spring of 2009. Digitization of the James Buchanan Family Papers was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 201808013051, 2019-2020.
Images
Documents
Less detail
Collection
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 1 James Buchanan
Title
Letter from James Buchanan to Mrs. Sarah H. Porter
Object ID
JBFP 1.1.1.029
Date Range
1847/11/04
  2 documents     6 images  
Collection
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 1 James Buchanan
Title
Letter from James Buchanan to Mrs. Sarah H. Porter
Description
Letter from James Buchanan to Mrs. Sarah H. Porter replying to her request for a lieutenancy for her son George since the President will fill all vacancies with veterans of the Mexican War. A clerkship is also unlikely because two of her sons already hold appointments in the government. There are no vacancies on his staff. With envelope and seal.
Date Range
1847/11/04
Creator
Buchanan, James, 1791-1868
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Container
JBFP Part 1, Box 1
People
Buchanan, James
Porter, George
Porter, Sarah H.
Subjects
Letters
Mexican War, 1846-1848
Job vacancies
Search Terms
Letters
Correspondence
Mexican War, 1846-1848
Employment opportunities
James Buchanan
Buchanan Collections
James Buchanan Presidential Library
Extent
2 items, 6 pages to scan, 8 x 10 in. and 3.5 x 5.5 in.
Object Name
Letter
Language
English
Parent Object ID
JBFP Part 1 Series 1
Object ID
JBFP 1.1.1.029
Associated Material
James Buchanan Papers, Dickinson College Archives & Special Collections,
http://archives.dickinson.edu/collection-descriptions/james-buchanan-papers
James Buchanan and Harriet Lane Johnston Papers, Library of Congress,
https://www.loc.gov/collections/james-buchanan-and-harriet-lane-johnston-papers/
James Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania,
http://www2.hsp.org/collections/manuscripts/b/Buchanan0091.html
James Buchanan Papers, Penn State University Libraries,
https://libraries.psu.edu/findingaids/1458.htm
Related Item Notes
James Buchanan Family Papers
MG-96 James Buchanan Collection
Historical Society of Pennsylvania microfilm
Photograph collections
Curatorial collections
Wheatland Mansion
Notes
May 2020 PastPerfect Conversion
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Accession Number
JBMS1996.123
Other Number
JBFP Part 1, Series 1, Subseries 1, Folder 29
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
The James Buchanan Family Papers were collected by the James Buchanan Foundation for the Preservation of Wheatland. This collection was relocated from the Wheatland mansion to the LancasterHistory archives in the Spring of 2009. Digitization of the James Buchanan Family Papers was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 201808013051, 2019-2020.
Images
Documents
Less detail

10 records – page 1 of 1.