John Lawrence Johnson diary and letter , 1851-1908

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Johnson, John Lawrence, 1830-1916; Roelofson, William A
Title
John Lawrence Johnson diary and letter
Dates
1851-1908 (inclusive)
1851
Quantity
0.1 linear feet, (1 folder)
Collection Number
A 270
Summary
John Lawrence Johnson (1830-1916) was a pioneer who came to Oregon with his parents in 1851. The collection includes Johnson's diary of that journey as well as a letter from Johnson's uncle.
Repository
University of Oregon Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives
UO Libraries--SCUA
1299 University of Oregon
Eugene OR
97403-1299
Telephone: 5413463068
spcarref@uoregon.edu
Access Restrictions

Collection is open to the public. Collection must be used in Special Collections and University Archives Reading Room. Collection or parts of collection may be stored offsite. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives in advance of your visit to allow for transportation time.

Additional Reference Guides

See the Current Collection Guide for detailed description and requesting options.

Languages
English
Sponsor
Funding for production of this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).

Historical NoteReturn to Top

John Lawrence Johnson (1830-1916) was born to Reverend Neil Johnson and Esther Roelofson of Tazewell, Illinois. He crossed the plains to Oregon with his parents in 1851, keeping a daily diary throughout much of the trip. After his arrival in Oregon, he married Viletta Kenady and they lived variously in Grande Ronde Valley, Marion County, Coos County, and Idaho, before settling in Marion County. Johnson was a member of the Washington Territory Mounted Volunteers during the Yakima War.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

John Lawrence Johnson's diary includes an autobiographical sketch of his early days in Illinois, followed by a daily account of his journey from Illinois to Oregon with his parents in 1851. Johnson also used the back of the diary as a ledger. There are typed transcripts of excerpts from Johnson's diary.

The collection also includes a letter from Johnson's uncle, William A. Roelofson of Illinois, to his family in Oregon, written in 1908.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Overland journeys to the Pacific
  • Pioneers--Illinois
  • Pioneers--Oregon--Diaries

Personal Names

  • Roelofson, William A

Family Names

  • Roelofson family

Geographical Names

  • West (U.S.)--Description and travel
  • West (U.S.)--History--1848-1860

Form or Genre Terms

  • Correspondence
  • Diaries
  • Logs (records)
  • Overland journals