This collection contains a sketchbook and copybook of Jacob Stauffer and his son, David McNeely Stauffer. The sketch of a log house and watercolor of the Mathiot House are both attributed to David McNeely Stauffer. Letters written to D. M. Stauffer refer to The Intelligencer, genealogy related to a portrait, and his collection of signatures.
Admin/Biographical History
David McNeely Stauffer (1845-1913)
Stauffer's extraordinary life began in 1845, in Mount Joy. His father was Jacob Stauffer and his mother was Mary Ann McNeely. He was raised by his stepmother since his mother passed when he was only a year old. His childhood home had somewhat of a local legend which claimed it was haunted by the unpleasant pirate who built it.
Around 1858, economic trouble forced the Stauffers to relocate to Lancaster City. His father took a job at the Lancaster Athenaeum library (on the 3rd floor of the old city hall) for small pay with the arrangement that he could establish his patent office there. David was inseparable from his father and spent more time at the library than he did at his home on North Duke Street.
From a young age David was enormously successful in school, no doubt due to his long hours at the library and absorbing the teachings of his father who was interested in natural sciences. He graduated from high school at an accelerated pace and earned his diploma at the age of 16. From there, he attended Franklin and Marshall college on a scholarship.
A crisis strikes Lancaster in 1862 with the invasion of the confederate army into Maryland. David, along with fellow classmates, were raised into a slapdash and disastrously ill prepared unit. They were eventually involved in the battle of Antietam if one uses the term "involved" loosely. Having virtually no experience or training they were kept out of the fight. After the short-lived adventure David returned to school for another year but, possibly hoping to see more action, he rejoined the service as an artillery man. Later, he accepted a job on the railways before he was offered an appointment as Master's Mate in the navy and he once again joined the military.
After his service, he returned to railroad work where he was determined to become an engineer. By 1870 he had achieved this goal, being appointed head engineer for construction of a Philadelphia street bridge. David was 25 years old. He worked diligently as an engineer for many years and finally opening his own business in New York as a consulting engineer in 1882. Stauffer was in high demand as he was considered an expert in his trade and was widely known. He was the second American to ever become a member of the Institute of Civil Engineers in London. He also became part-owner and chief editor for "Engineering News" for 23 years.
He was very active socially, largely invested in civic improvement, and belonged to numerous societies and clubs. He was also well-traveled. Appreciative of many arts, he took a particular interest in engravings which he collected. He even published a book which is critical to many collectors today: "American Engravers upon Copper and Steel".
Stauffer married rather late in life, at the age of 47, but his meeting with his wife is so extraordinary it sounds more like a sketch from a Melville novel. A shipwreck is the romantic occasion upon which these two lovers met, David and his future wife, Florence Scribner. David had been asked on an assignment for the Engineering News and Florence had been accompanying her father on a steamship when it wrecked in the Caribbean. They were married no more than a year later and set up residence in Yonkers, New York where he died in 1913.
Stauffer's passion for sketching was no doubt due to his father whose botanical sketches are still widely admired today. Of note is David's bookplate design used by Lancaster County Historical Society, which is one of many that he designed. He also left a legacy of no less than 70 drawings of early Lancaster City buildings, an unparalleled collection. Some buildings he documented still stand today; some weren't even standing when he drew them. He drew some earlier buildings that had been destroyed using only the descriptions from those who remembered them and historical documents.
Sources:
"David McNeely Stauffer". Elizabeth Clarke Kieffer. Papers of the Lancaster County Historical Society, vol. 56. 1952 no.7David McNeely Stauffer could be called many things: scholar, soldier, traveler, engineer, artist, collector, author. Clearly a man of many talents and many pursuits, in his life he seemed determined to collect a wide variety of experiences.
"Biographical Sketch of David McNeely Knox Stauffer". John W. Jordan. The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, vol. 37. (Philadelphia : PA).
"David McNeely Stauffer: The Little-Known Legacy He Left to Lancaster." A Talk to the Lancaster County Historical Society by C. Eugene Moore. May 7th, 1996.
"David McNeely Stauffer Aids Today's Scholars" in Artists' Album/Lancaster County. Gerald S. Lestz. Science Press, 1983.
See also: David McNeely Stauffer drawings in the Curatorial Collection
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Patrons must make an appointment with the Director of Archival Services to view the sketchbook in Folder 1. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
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-369
Other Number
MG-369
Classification
MG0369
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Processed and finding aid prepared 2010; revised 2014, 2015.
The George Steinman Papers, Series 1 contains an album, compiled by George Steinman, with many photographs of buildings, tombstones, monuments and scenes of Lancaster city and county. Ephemera and newspaper articles are among the photographs. Represented in the album are Postlethwaite's Tavern, hotels and taverns, fire houses, the Conestoga massacre, churches, cemeteries, Ephrata Cloister, prominent citizens and their homes, Stehli Silk Mill, and schools. The four boxes contain orginal correspondence, documents, photographs and ephemera or and pertaining to the same subject matter as the album.
The George Steinman Papers, Series 2 is a collection of original correspondence, documents, photographs, and ephemera primarily compiled by George Steinman. The contents of Series 2 represent Lancaster city and county events, prominent citizens, buildings, monuments, churches, cemeteries, schools, and businesses. Most of what Steinman collected relates to 18th and 19th century Pennsylvania, highlighting Lancaster and Philadelphia. One of the key events highlighted is the Revolutionary war; with documents and images related to Philadelphia, George Washington, the Atlee family, and General Edward Hand. There are images relating to the Christiana Riot and to various buildings in early Lancaster; including but not limited to the Old Jail, the British Prison, and Postlethwaite's Tavern. Also included in the collection is currency printed by Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia in 1764, and Confederate States currency and bonds.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), Series #, Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL if applicable. Date accessed (day, month, year).
"Mr. Geo. Steinman who started this collection of pictures. This book was presented to the Lanc. Co. Historical Society after his death by Mr. Geo. S. Franklin."
John M. Gibson is recorded as the donor, 1968, in LancasterHistory's accession records.
LancasterHistory is committed to preserving and providing access to materials chronicling Lancaster County's heritage. As a historical resource, this document reflects the racial prejudices and actions of the era. In order to maintain the historical integrity and context of collection items, LancasterHistory does not censor historical documents or edit language, titles, or organization names when transcribing original content.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available.
The use of the original album is restricted. Please contact Research@LancasterHistory.org with questions.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact Research@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. 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-184
Classification
MG0184
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Series 1 processed and finding aid prepared PK and MSH, 2008. Series 2 finding aid prepared by JE, 2018. Added to database 20 July 2021.
Digitization of this document was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # C980002119, 2021-2024.
Watercolor aerial-angled view picturing the lower right corner of the bed. Green fabric curtains are tied to the slender fluted wooden column beneath the top decorative gray wooden edging. A square wood portion of the column supports the cross piece at the foot of the bed. A white covering on the bed has pink stripes along its edge and a green flounce matching the curtains above hangs between the mattress and the floor. Printed in lower left corner: "BEDSTEAD/ YEATES' HOUSE/1879."
Watercolor of "Mirror/ Yeates Mansion/ Lancaster/Pa:-" In lower right corner is a letter embellishment "m?n:" and beneath it, "-1879-" Oval-shaped mirror hanging on the wall is edged ornately with gold-colored curved leafy branches. On the top at the center is a gold lamppost/ torch.
There is a brown mark on the bottom edge, about 1.5 inches from the left corner. There are the remains of a previous backing on the corners and sides of the reverse which have partially bled through to the fronts, especially at the lower left corner. (by Scott Sagar, 12/06/2000)
The piece is currently float-mounted in hinged window matting.
Object ID
P.77.31.42
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Role
Artist
Credit
Acquired through the generosity of the James Hale Steinman Foundation, Heritage Center Collection
Ink drawing on paper, depicting the entrance hall of the Yeates Mansion. The foreground shows a chair, cushioned bench, and rug as well as a map on the left wall and a framed coat of arms on the right wall. At midpoint are fluted pilasters supporting Doric Order entablature, and in the rear is an open stair case and a rear door.
The drawing itself is in black and white, while the border has been colored tan.
The caption at lower left reads "HALL OF 'Ye OLDEN TIME'/ YEATES MANSION/ LANCASTER. PA."
The artist has signed and dated the drawing in the lower right corner: "8/79/ D. McN. Stauffer"
(Written by Scott Sager) NOT FOUND IN BOX 0066, July 2023
This piece is currently float-mounted in hinged window matting.
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2000-12-13
Condition Notes
The edges are worn and browned. Part of the bottom left corner is A light brown mark appears at the bottom, to the left of the caption. There are remains of a previous backing on the corners of the reverse, and glue stains have bled through to the front., especially in the lower right corner.
The piece is currently float-mounted in hinged window matting.
Object ID
P.77.31.71
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Role
Artist
Credit
Acquired through the generosity of the James Hale Steinman Foundation, Heritage Center Collection
Ink drawing on paper, depicting the residence of Jasper Yeates Mansion. It shows a 3-story brick building with a 2-story rear section. The front entrance has a sideways staircase and pedimented door flanked by two columns. A man carrying a package is shown walking along the side of the house.
The drawing itself is in black and white, while the border has been colored tan.
A banner in the lower right corner reads " RESIDENCE/ OF/ HON/ JASPER YEATES/ LANCASTER/ PA"
The artist has signed and dated the drawing in the lower left corner: " D. McN. Stauffer. fecit 1879.""
(Written by Scott Sager) NOT FOUND IN BOX 0066, July 2023
This piece is currently float-mounted in hinged window matting.
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2000-12-13
Condition Notes
A significant brown mark appears in the lower left area of the drawing, between the stairs and basement window. A smaller brown mark appears in the sky, 1 inch to the left of the top of the chimney. A blue ink mark appears on the top edge, about 5 inches from the top right corner. There are remains of a previous backing on the corners of the reverse.
The piece is currently float-mounted in hinged window matting.
Object ID
P.77.31.72
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Role
Artist
Credit
Acquired through the generosity of the James Hale Steinman Foundation, Heritage Center Collection
Ink drawing on paper of the Old White House, a 2-story building with a raised doorway, basement entrance, and possible skylight in the roof. There is a high fence extending from the corner of the building. A man with a walking stick and a boy with a stick and hoop are shown in front of the fence.
The border has been colored light brown.
A sign over the door reads" JOHN WHITE BOOK BINDER" and a smaller sing on the second floor reads "1764." The caption at the bottom reads "The Old 'White" House/ East Orange St.: Lancaster Pa:/ in which tradition ways the Continental Congress met 1777 (?)"
Tradition also claimed that this was the house of Timothy Matlack during the Revolution.
(Written by Scott Sagar) NOT FOUND IN BOX 0066, July 2023
Ink drawing on paper of the parlor door of the Yeates Mansion showing a 6-paneled door with four strap hinges, crowned with pediment. The upper portion of the surrounding wall has been painted gray; the rest of the drawing is in black and white.
The caption reads:'PARLOR DOOR "YEATES MANSION"--/ LANCASTER PA.' A note at the bottom rights reads "Scale. 3/4" = 1"." The drawing is dated "9/79" in the lower right corner and appears to have the artist's signature. NOT FOUND IN BOX 0066, July 2023
There is significant brown mark on the right side of the door frame between the two lowest hinges. There are the remains of a previous backing on the corners and sides of the back, and some of this is visible on the front, specifically at the upper left corner and halfway down the left side.
The piece is currently float-mounted in hinged window matting.
Object ID
P.77.31.23
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Role
Artist
Credit
Acquired through the generosity of the James Hale Steinman Foundation, Heritage Center Collection
Ink drawing on paper depicting the Indian Queen Tavern, a large 3-story plastered stone building with a high pitches roof and multiple entryways. The paster has fallen off in several spots. A man sitting on the steps leading to one of the entrances is talking to a woman standing on the sidewalk. A street sign for Church Street is attached to a tree at the right corner of the tavern.
The caption written on a scroll at the bottom reads "THE INDIAN QUEEN TAVERN/LANCASTER PA: EAST KING ST." Below is written "D. McN. STAUFFER. SEPT. 1879." (Written by Scott Sagar.)
There are brown marks running down the right side and the remains of a previous backing on the corners and sides of the reverse, some of which is visible on the edges of the front, specifically the upper and lower left corners and about 4" in from the upper left corner.
The piece is currently float-mounted in hinged window matting.
Object ID
P.77.31.29
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Role
Artist
Credit
Acquired through the generosity of the James Hale Steinman Foundation, Heritage Center Collection
Ink drawing done over pencil sketch of the "Sawbuck House", done on a small lined piece of paper. The house is of brick and half timber construction. The side facing out to the right has two windows with fifteen panes each and twin shutters; above these two windows, closer to the peak of the roof, is a smaller, partially open window with nine panes showing.
The adjacent side, facing out to the left, has three windows and a door; one of these windows is similar to the first two, although with only twelve panes; the other two windows have their shutters closed. Below these two windows, almost at street level, is a much smaller window, probably looking into the basement. The door is set in from its frame, and has steps leading up to it, flanked by two low walls acting as railings. There is a chimney in the center of the roof.
The entire "Sawbuck House" is flush up against another, slightly larger building on its left side, also with a chimney in the center of the roof. To the right and slightly behind the "Sawbuck House" is yet another building, mostly obscured, but with another chimney and a high fence. A tree is shown growing at the side of this building. A sidewalk runs in front of all three buildings.
Written along the bottom of the drawing in ink is the following: '"Saw-buck" House--S.E. cor. Lime + Middle Sts--/Lancaster Pa--.'
Additional notes have been made in pencil: "S.E. cor. Lime + Middle Sts--." just above the curb of the sidewalk; "Brick" just above the basement window; and "Filled with stone." in the upper right corner above the tree. The number "25" also appears in upper right corner, and a circled "30" in the lower right corner.
Middle Street is now Howard Avenue. The Sawbuck House, also called the Powell House, was demolished before 1900.
The paper has become slightly worn and browned around the edges. The extreme lower left corner is creased, and the upper right corner has a small nick taken out, and a small hole below the number "25". There is also a 1/4" tear at the upper right corner, below the hole and extending to the edge of the paper.
This piece has been float-mounted in hinged window matting.
Object ID
P.77.31.01
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Role
Artist
Credit
Acquired through the generosity of the James Hale Steinman Foundation, Heritage Center Collection