Archives West Finding Aid
Table of Contents
Burch Family Papers, 1821-1892
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Burch family
- Title
- Burch Family Papers
- Dates
- 1821-1892 (inclusive)18211892
1846-1858 (bulk)18461858 - Quantity
- 2 linear feet : 1 oversize box
- Collection Number
- MSS 3
- Summary
- The Burch Family Papers is a collection of 65 original letters of mostly handwritten correspondence to Benjamin Franklin Burch of Rickreall, Polk County, Oregon. Included with the correspondence are handwritten legal and financial records and documents.
- Repository
-
Western Oregon University Archives
Hamersly Library
345 N. Monmouth Ave.
Monmouth, OR
97361
Telephone: 5038388419
Fax: 5038388399
libarchives@wou.edu - Access Restrictions
-
Collection is available for research.
- Languages
- English.
- Sponsor
- Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided, in part, by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Funding for archival supplies made possible, in part, by a grant from the Polk County Cultural Coalition.
Biographical NoteReturn to Top
Benjamin Franklin Burch was born on May 2, 1825 in Carlton County, Missouri. In 1845, he crossed the plains to Oregon, settling in Polk County. He was a teacher in the first school in Polk County, one of the earliest schools in Oregon. Burch served in the Oregon Territory Volunteer Militia in the Cayuse and Yakima Indian wars and attained the rank of captain.
He was a delegate to the constitutional convention from Polk County in 1857 and served on the Military Affairs Committee and on a select committee with La Fayette Grover and James Kelly to create a design for the state seal. Burch was elected to serve in the state house of representatives during the first legislative session in 1859. Later he served in the state senate from 1867 to 1870, (senate president in the 1868 session.) In 1877 Burch was appointed superintendent of the state penitentiary by Governor Stephen F. Chadwick, serving two terms. Also in 1887 he was appointed receiver of the land offices in Oregon City by President Cleveland.
Burch was a charter member of the Masons lodge in Independence in 1859. Following his death in 1893, he was buried in a lodge ceremony at the Burch Pioneer Cemetery in Rickreall, Polk County, Oregon.
Text adapted partially from "Biographical Sketch of Benjamin F. Burch", an online exhibit of the Oregon State Archives, http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/pages/exhibits/1857/during/bios/burch.htm
Content DescriptionReturn to Top
The collection is largely handwritten correspondence to Benjamin Franklin Burch of Rickreall, Polk County, Oregon. The collection contains family records and correspondence; military correspondence and documents; political correspondence and documents; estate papers for Samuel Burch, John Townshend and Jordan Sisk; and other financial documents and receipts. The collection also contains a few items to note, including correspondence related to the Civil War, military orders from the Indian Wars, and speeches on the admission of Oregon to statehood.
Use of the CollectionReturn to Top
Alternative Forms Available
Photocopies of all items available for research.
Restrictions on Use
For further information, see the Western Oregon University Archives Research Rules.
Copyright Information: Researchers are hereby cautioned that materials within archival and manuscript collections may be protected by copyright laws (Title 17, U.S. code). Researchers who plan to eventually publish their work are responsible to inquire about publication restrictions before beginning their research. Researchers wishing to quote from materials in any collections held by University Archives should consult the University Archivist. Reproduction of any item must contain a complete citation to the original.
Preferred Citation
Burch Family Papers, MSS 3, Western Oregon University Archives
Administrative InformationReturn to Top
Arrangement
The collection is arranged in one box. Because of the relationship to Western Oregon University and Polk County and the age of the documents, this collection is described at the item level. The collection is arranged into five series, each arranged chronologically within each folder. The five series are: Series I: Family records and correspondence; Series II: Military correspondence and documents; Series III: Political correspondence and records; Series IV: Estate papers; and Series V: Financial documents and receipts. The collection also includes photocopies of the entire collection for preservation purposes.
Preservation Note
Letters are in fragile condition.
Acquisition Information
Collection donated by the Burch family to University President Rice in July 1969.
Bibliography
Related Materials
Materials related to the founding families of Monmouth University and the city of Monmouth are located in University Archives records.
Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top
I: Family records and correspondence, 1821-1858Return to Top
| Container(s) | Description | Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box | Folder | ||
| 1 | 1 | Deed of land sale to Samuel Burch by Thomas and Elizabeth Blacklock
Regarding indentured land in Grayson County, Kentucky
|
July 17, 1821 |
| 1 | 1 | Certificate of membership for Samuel and Eleanor S. Burch
Membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church South in Keytesville, Missouri
|
March 1847 |
| 1 | 1 | Certificate of membership for Lucy A. Burch
Membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church South in Keytesville, Missouri
|
March 1847 |
| 1 | 1 | Land Claim survey report by A.R. Flint with paid receipt for claimed land by John W. Burch
Drawing and land claim description folded inside for 320 acres along Cow Creek claimed by J.W. Burch and stitched together with thread.
|
May 22, 1852 |
| 1 | 1 | Letter to Samuel Burch and wife (Rickreall, Oregon Territory) from son, Jon T. Burch (Forks Chariton)
Letter regarding the death of Jon's wife. Description of the community dissension of Bentons and anti-Bentons and the effect of the railroads in Missouri.
|
April 7, 1854 |
| 1 | 1 | Letter to B.F. Burch from Phoebe A. Burch
Regarding family health and describing the drought in Missouri.
|
August 17, 1854 |
| 1 | 1 | Letter to B.F. Burch from John D. Lock (Missouri)
Regarding death of Samuel Burch, general crop news, and political support of abolitionist congressman Col. Benton.
|
August 25, 1854 |
| 1 | 1 | Letter to Samuel Burch (Oregon City) from Jonathan Burch (Keytesville, Missouri)
Regarding family health, crop prices and debt, Asian Cholera epidemic in St. Louis and Chariton County, and the desire to move to Oregon.
|
March 11, 1855 |
| 1 | 1 | Letter to Franklin Burch from Jonathan Burch
Regarding family health, tensions between Methodists and Baptists and between North and South sympathizers, crop prices and Townshend estate settlement distribution.
|
November 25, 1855 |
| 1 | 1 | Letter to Franklin Burch and wife from Margaret E. Lock
Describes family health, relations between the Methodist and Baptists, a Negro lynching and a list of her children.
|
July 25, 1858 |
II: Military correspondence and documents, 1848-1857Return to Top
Military correspondence and documents are primarily from 1856 when Benjamin F. Burch was in the Oregon Territorial Volunteer Militia.
| Container(s) | Description | Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box | Folder | ||
| 1 | 2 | Envelope written to the Honorable Sam Burch (Rickreall, Polk County, Oregon) |
1911 |
| 1 | 2 | Letter to Sam Burch from Jennie Nesmith Ankeny (Walla Walla, Washington)
Regarding an 1848 letter the Oregon Territory Governor
|
June 15, 1911 |
| 1 | 2 | Letter to Col. C. Gilliam, 1st Regiment, Oregon Riflemen from Abernathy, Governor of Oregon Territory
Introducing Mr. I.M. Gilbert with recommendation for discharge from services to become a river pilot
|
January 1848 |
| 1 | 2 | Letter to B.F. Burch, Esq. from F.S. Owens and J.L. Meek
Regarding travel conditions to Fort Hall via Fort Boise along the Oregon Trail
|
March 24, 1848 |
| 1 | 2 | Letter to Benjamin F. Burch Esq. (Polk County) from R. Wilcox (Portland)
Regarding missed meeting and Army operations
|
June 28, 1848 |
| 1 | 2 | General Military Order Number 26 sent to Territory of Oregon Headquarters by the governor
Directing troops to assemble and proceed to Eastern Oregon
|
January 26, 1856 |
| 1 | 2 | Draft of letter written by Benjamin F. Burch in Dallas to Company B, R.B.O.M. Vols
Regarding his leaving military duty due to health complications
|
April 17, 1856 |
| 1 | 2 | Receipt from the I.M. Department to Capt. Burch (Salem)
Receipt for 1 coat and 1 pair of boots
|
April 24, 1856 |
| 1 | 2 | Military supply order |
May 5, 1856 |
| 1 | 2 | Handwritten copy of Special Military Order from Portland Army Headquarters notice of troop disbandment and disposal of military property |
May 10, 1856 |
| 1 | 2 | Certificate of military appointment of F.F. Daniel, signed by B.F. Harding (acting governor of Oregon Territory) |
August 1, 1856 |
| 1 | 2 | Letter to Captain B.F. Burch (Independence, Oregon) from B.F. Dowell (Washington City, DC) inquiring about reclaiming of land lost in the Oregon War and recommending attorney John S. Edwards, Esq. for legal assistance |
April 16, 1857 |
III: Political correspondence and records, 1842-1859Return to Top
| Container(s) | Description | Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box | Folder | ||
| 1 | 3 | Draft of witness letter attesting signature of Edward B. Cabell as county court elected official for Chariton County, State of Missouri |
1842 |
| 1 | 3 | Declaration on cloth "TO THE WORLD!!" stating defamation of character by J. Quinn Thornton toward James W. Nesmith (Oregon City) |
June 7, 1847 |
| 1 | 3 | Letter to Benjamin F. Burch from William N. Burch (Washington D.C.)
Describes the work of Joseph Lane for Oregon's admittance to the Union
|
January 29, 1854 |
| 1 | 3 | Letter to B.F. Burch from O.C. Pratt (Linn City, Oregon Territory)
Regarding his willingness to be the Democratic nominee to Congress and Senator Joseph Lane's aspiration to the presidency
|
October 20, 1854 |
| 1 | 3 | Letter to B.F. Burch from C.A. Holcomb (Clackamas County Sheriff)
Regarding investigations of the Methodist Church, pro-slavery and abolitionism
|
March 9, 1858 |
| 1 | 3 | Printed transcript Hon. Alexander H. Stephens (Georgia) sent to B.F. Burch (Rickreall)
On the admission of Oregon to statehood
|
1859 |
| 1 | 3 | Printed transcript of Hon. Joseph Lane (Oregon) sent to B.F. Burch (Rickreall)
Copy of his speech on admission of Oregon to statehood
|
1859 |
| 1 | 3 | Printed Prohibition Broadside anti-saloon league, titled "The Reason Why" |
|
| 1 | 3 | Printed broadside "Herald--Extra!: The $300,000 Swindle. Holladay wants to be Reimbursed his Election Expenses"
Describes the proposal by Ben Holladay to extract funds from the Oregon Legislature for campaign expenses after his loss in a congressional seat election.
|
IV: Estate papersReturn to Top
Twenty letters and handwritten documents pertaining to the three probate estates; Samuel Burch, John Townshend (Townsend), and Jordan M. Sisk. Samuel Burch was the father of Benjamin F. Burch. John Townshend (Townsend) was a relative of Samuel Burch and named as an heir to the estate. His estate was still in probate dispute when Samuel Burch died.
| Container(s) | Description | Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
1: Samuel Burch |
1845-1858 | ||
| Box | Folder | ||
| 1 | 4 | Call to Elisha M. Daniel to witness the opening of the Samuel Burch estate papers by Eleanor and Benjamin Burch |
May 15, 1845 |
| 1 | 4 | Land claim certificate of property along the Willamette River in Polk County by Samuel Burch |
October 28, 1847 |
| 1 | 4 | Receipt of land claim purchase paid to Joshua M.J. Daniel by Samuel Burch for land in Ricrol (Rickreall) |
October 8, 1847 |
| 1 | 4 | Probate Court declaration for the estate of Samuel Burch with Probate Court embossed seal signed by Judge John Iseckson |
May 15, 1854 |
| 1 | 4 | 2 copies of Administrators of Sale notice by Benjamin F. Burch for the property of Samuel Burch |
May 16, 1854 |
| 1 | 4 | Certification of Benjamin F. Burch as the executor of the Samuel Burch estate with Probate Court embossed seal, signed by James Taylor, Probate Judge of Polk County |
September 5, 1854 |
| 1 | 4 | Letter by Benjamin F. Burch as administrator of the Samuel Burch estate, witnessed by Ruben P. Boise, Associate Judge of the Supreme Court of Oregon Territory and certified by B.F. Harding, Secretary of Oregon Territory
Gives Joseph Lane power of attorney in the estate of John Townshend estate
|
February 2, 1858 |
2: John Townsend |
1855-1892 | ||
| Box | Folder | ||
| 1 | 5 | Letter to the Honorable Henry May, House of Representatives (Upper Marlboro) from Daniel C Digges
Regarding the Townshend of Maryland estate litigation and a request to speak with Mr.( Charles) Faulkner on his behalf
|
January 19, 1855 |
| 1 | 5 | Letter to Benjamin Burch (unsigned from Washington City) regarding the John Townsend of Maryland estate settlement, unsigned |
February 1, 1855 |
| 1 | 5 | Letter to B.F. Burch Esq. (Oregon) from Joseph Lane (Washington City) regarding the estate of John Townsend of Maryland
An undated attached note to General Lane from the case attorney, G. Fitz stating the Townsend case sided with the heirs.
|
February 10, 1855 |
| 1 | 5 | Letter to Benjamin F. Burch, Esq. from Vivien Burch (Baltimore) regarding the settlement progress on the John Townshend of Maryland estate |
July 21, 1855 |
| 1 | 5 | Appointment letter of Joseph Lane as attorney for Eleanor S. and Benjamin F. Burch (Polk County) for the John Townshend estate with witness verification statements |
February 1858 |
| 1 | 5 | Letter to B.F. Burch (Independence) from Joseph Lane (Washington) regarding the Townsend of Maryland estate settlement |
May 2, 1858 |
| 1 | 5 | Letter to Samuel Burch from Joseph Lane (Washington City) regarding the Townsend of Maryland estate settlement.
Letter is dictated with salutation and signature of Joseph Lane
|
February 23, 1892 |
3: Jordan M. Sisk |
1853-1855 | ||
| Box | Folder | ||
| 1 | 6 | Affidavit of John E Davidson stating the residency of Jordan M. Sisk residing on land claim in Polk County |
April 18, 1853 |
| 1 | 6 | Probate Court declaration for the estate of Jordan M Sisk with Probate Court embossed seal signed by Judge A.B. Boone, Judge of Probate |
November 23, 1853 |
| 1 | 6 | Letter to Benjamin F and Eliza Burch from W.B. and Sarah Sisk regarding the power of attorney of John Davidson and the estate of their son Jordan M. Sisk |
May 8, 1854 |
| 1 | 6 | Document letter giving power of attorney to Benjamin F Burch to act on the behalf of William B. Sisk and Sarah Sisk to claim the estate holdings of Jordan M Sisk |
March 10, 1855 |
| 1 | 6 | Proclamation letter from James Taylor, Judge of Probate (Dallas, Polk County) regarding payment of $500 to William Sisk, sole heir of the Jordan M. Sisk estate |
May 6, 1855 |
| 1 | 6 | Letter to B.F. Burch, Esq. from R. Wilcox (Oregon City) regarding the gold mine in the Sisk estate |
August 22, 1855 |
V: Financial documents and receipts, 1843-1865Return to Top
As a businessman, Burch kept receipts of financial transactions which include paid territorial county taxes, a legal judgment, promissory notes for accounts payable and received, sale and purchase of goods, and a Wells Fargo cashier's draft.
| Container(s) | Description | Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box | Folder | ||
| 1 | 7 | Receipt for refund to Charles H. Burch on a promissory note to William F. Wallace |
December 12, 1843 |
| 1 | 7 | Payment receipt paid from Samuel Burch |
December 23, 1846 |
| 1 | 7 | Promissory note to pay goods and oxen from C.H. Haslet to J.W. Burch |
December 4, 1847 |
| 1 | 7 | American and Unionist subscription receipt paid by Samuel Burch, signed by agent G.W. Coffenberry |
June 1, 1848 |
| 1 | 7 | Receipt for a legal judgment in favor of Major Horner from James S. Foster and John W. Burch |
August 11, 1848 |
| 1 | 7 | Promissory note to pay Dr. Lewis Myer $1200 at 10% interest from Michael Colmer witnessed by Mr. Burch |
June 6, 1849 |
| 1 | 7 | Tax receipt for Territorial County & school tax paid by Samuel Burch, signed James L Holman |
1850 |
| 1 | 7 | Tax receipt for Territorial County & school tax paid by Samuel Burch, signed W.S. Gilliam, collector |
1851 |
| 1 | 7 | Tax receipts in two payments for Territorial County & school tax paid by S. Burch, signed B.F. Nichols, Sheriff of Polk County |
1852 |
| 1 | 7 | Tax receipt for Territorial County & school tax paid by Samuel Burch, signed B.F. Nichols, Sheriff of Polk County |
1853 |
| 1 | 7 | Sales receipt for apples sold to Miller Bernsteel by Benjamin F Burch in Independence, O.T. |
July 19, 1858 |
| 1 | 7 | Sales receipt for Salem Printing and Publishing Company paid by B.F. Burch, signed by John H Miller, director in Salem, Oregon |
July 28, 1864 |
| 1 | 7 | Wells, Fargo and Co. cashiers draft to Capt B.F. Burch for $650 |
September 14, 1865 |
| 1 | 7 | Promissory note from Elisha W. Daniel co-signed by B.F. Burch to R.B. Miller |
November 28, 1881 |
VI: Newspapers, 1854, 1898Return to Top
| Container(s) | Description | Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box | Folder | ||
| 1 | 8 | The Oregon Statesman |
December 12, 1854 |
| 1 | 8 | The Weekly Brunswicker (Brunswick, Missouri) |
June 25, 1898 |
VII: Reference photocopies of entire collectionReturn to Top
| Container(s) | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Box | Folder | |
| 2 | 1 | Reference photocopies of Series I: Family records and correspondence |
| 2 | 2 | Reference photocopies of Series II: Military correspondence and documents |
| 2 | 3 | Reference photocopies of Series III: Political correspondence and records |
| 2 | 4 | Reference photocopies of Series IV: Estate papers: Samuel Burch |
| 2 | 5 | Reference photocopies of Series IV: Estate papers: John Townsend |
| 2 | 6 | Reference photocopies of Series IV: Estate papers: Jordan M. Sisk |
| 2 | 7 | Reference photocopies of Series V: Financial documents and receipts |
| 2 | 8 | Reference photocopies of Series VI: Newspapers |
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Cayuse Indians--Wars
- Frontier and pioneer life--Oregon
- Military--Oregon
Personal Names
- Burch, Benjamin Franklin
- Burch, Samuel
- Sisk, Jordan
- Townshend, John
Family Names
- Burch family
Geographical Names
- Dallas (Or.)
- Independence (Or.)
- Monmouth (Or.)
- Oregon Territory
- Polk County (Or.)--History
- Rickreall (Or.)
Form or Genre Terms
- Correspondence
- Letters (correspondence)
- Newspapers
Finding aid prepared by Jerrie Lee Parpart and Erin Passehl
2012
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
