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Albert M. McPherson papers, 1850-1961

Overview of the Collection

Creator
McPherson, Albert M.
Title
Albert M. McPherson papers
Dates
1850-1961 (inclusive)
1907-1961 (bulk)
Quantity
0.5 cubic feet
Collection Number
MG 425
Summary
McPherson was an engineer, a member of the 1907 graduating class at the University of Idaho. The papers include correspondence, University of Idaho memorabilia, and photographs.
Repository
University of Idaho Library, Special Collections and Archives
Special Collections and Archives
University of Idaho Library
875 Perimeter Drive
MS 2350
Moscow, ID
83844-2350
Telephone: 2088850845
libspec@uidaho.edu
Access Restrictions

The manuscript group is open to the public. Researchers must use the collection in accordance with the policies of the University of Idaho Special Collections and Archives.

Languages
This collection is in English.
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Biographical Note

Albert Mortimer McPherson was born in Rockford, Illinois, on November 26, 1883 and died at Wichita Falls, Texas, in 1961. He was a member of the 1907 graduating class at the University of Idaho and is listed as being from Boise before his admittance to the U.I. Preparatory School. The description beneath the photograph of McPherson in the 1908 Gem of the Mountains goes on to say that he was “Captain in Company C, cadet U.I. battalion; second team football; advanced to Senior Class the second semester of his junior year, having taken four years’ work in three; Theta Mu Epsilon.” Albert married a fellow University of Idaho student, Nettie Hitt, from Weiser, Idaho.

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Content Description

The papers of Albert M. McPherson span the years 1850 to 1961 with the bulk of the material covering the years 1907 to 1961.

McPherson’s daughter, Marguerite, included a brief biography of the family (folder 1) that includes the succession of places where the family lived as Albert’s engineering career took them to southern Idaho, Utah, and Texas. The biographical sketch contains rather limited information, but includes her mother, Nettie (Hitt) McPherson, her sister, Helen, and her grandfather, A. F. Hitt. Photographs of the Albert McPherson and family include some identification on the back of the images.

Also included with this manuscript group is a diary written by McPherson’s great-uncle, E. M. Hartt. The diary and letters were written to his family between 1850 and 1851 as he traveled from Missouri to California during the early gold mining days. They record many instances of encounters with other immigrants as well as his adventures as a struggling placer miner.

Artifacts in this collection include a suede scabbard that held McPherson’s sword during his time as a cadet at the U of I. The other item is a wallet with his name on the inside flap that contains various identification cards related to his profession as a civil engineer.

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Use of the Collection

Restrictions on Use

Consult Head of Special Collections and Archives on permission for use.

Preferred Citation

Albert M. McPherson papers, MG 425. Special Collections and Archives, University of Idaho Library, Moscow, Idaho.

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Administrative Information

Arrangement

The papers were not arranged in any particular order when they were received, therefore, an order was imposed and the material foldered by subject matter.

Acquisition Information

The papers of Albert M. McPherson were donated to the University of Idaho Library by Mrs. Marguerite Boone in 1999. She was the daughter of Albert McPherson.

Processing Note

The papers were processed by Marilyn Sandmeyer in April 2007.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

  • Description: Biographical information and wallet, 1916-1999
    Container: Box 1, Folder 1
  • Description: Correspondence concerning donation, 1992
    Container: Box 1, Folder 2
  • Description: Correspondence, birth/death certificates, 1941-1961
    Container: Box 1, Folder 3
  • Description: Shriners certificate, 1917
    Container: Box 1, Folder 4
  • Description: Flyers to freshmen and sophomores and scabbard cover, 1906-1907
    Container: Box 1, Folder 5
  • Description: Diary of E. M. Hartt, 1850-1851
    Container: Box 1, Folder 6
  • Description: Photographs of Nettie and Albert McPherson and family, 1920s-1957
    Container: Box 1, Folder 7
  • Description: Photo of Carry McPherson, undated
    Container: Box 1, Folder 8
  • Description: Photo of Alex McPherson, undated
    Container: Box 1, Folder 9
  • Description: Photo of Albert McPherson, 1955
    Container: Box 1, Folder 10
  • Description: Photo of McPherson family in Boise, 1898
    Container: Box 1, Folder 11
  • Description: Photo of McPherson at U of I and Utah (4), 1907 and undated
    Container: Box 1, Folder 12
  • Description: Photo of Nettie (Hitt) McPherson, 1907 and undated
    Container: Box 1, Folder 13
  • Description: Photo of Nettie McPherson, undated
    Container: Box 1, Folder 14
  • Description: Photo of Albert McPherson graduating class, 1907
    Container: Box 1, Folder 15
  • Description: Photo of Albert McPherson and cadets, undated
    Container: Box 1, Folder 16

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Subject Terms

  • Gold miners--California--Diaries.
  • Gold mines and mining--California--History--19th century.
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