Frederick Kesler papers, 1837-1899
Table of Contents
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Kesler, Frederick, 1816-1899
- Title
- Frederick Kesler papers
- Dates
- 1837-1899 (inclusive)18371899
- Quantity
- 7.5 linear feet, (10 boxes and 1 oversize folder; wooden chest)
- Collection Number
- MS 0049
- Summary
- The Frederick Kesler papers (1829-1985) consist of record books, daybooks, diaries, newspaper clippings, printed materials, photographs, books, and personal artifacts. Kesler was a mill-wright and bishop of Salt Lake 16th Ward. Click here to view the digitized items from the collection.
- Repository
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University of Utah Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections, J. Willard Marriott Library
University of Utah
295 South 1500 East
Salt Lake City, UT
84112-0860
Telephone: 8015818863
special@library.utah.edu - Access Restrictions
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The artifacts belonging to Mr. Kesler, kept in the record chest he built, include two beautiful canes, a Nauvoo Legion sword and scabbard, gold writing pens, and a tintype of Kesler in his Legion uniform, and a daguerreotype of Kesler in civilian dress. In order to view these items, please schedule an appointment with the Manuscripts Curator, Elizabeth Rogers, by calling 801-585-3076.
Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law. A temple apron is located in oversize box 11. Due to the sacred nature of this item, it cannot be viewed by the public.
- Languages
- English
Historical Note
Frederick Kesler (1816-1899) was born 20 January 1816, to Frederick and Mary Sarah Linsey Kesler, in Crawford County, Pennsylvania. He was of German and English descent. Mr. Kesler, Sr., was a trapper of fur bearing animals, and the family lived in small cabins located on streams and lakes and surrounded by dense forests. There were three boys and three girls in the family--Peter, Jacob, Frederick, Mary (?), Sally, and Polly. Mrs. Kesler died when her sixth child was born.
After the death of his wife, Mr. Kesler put his children in homes nearby and "went West" and was not heard from again. Frederick Kesler says "thus we were left orphans at tender years of age. We very seldom seen each other. One of my sisters I have not seen but once since we were thus seperated. We grew up amongst strangers and to a very great extent became strangers to each other and as we grew up scattering over the country and thus becoming lost to each other."
Frederick Kesler lived with the Edward Campbell family until he was nearly fifteen years of age, at which time he apprenticed himself to a millwright. At age nineteen he first contracted to build mills. In 1835 he built sawmills and a grist mill--the first flour mill in Iowa.
Frederick Kesler married Emeline Parker in 1836. Shortly after their marriage both became very ill of an unknown fever. When they were somewhat recovered he took Emeline to stay with her mother in eastern Ohio, and he went south by boat, leaving on 4 December 1837, and returning 5 May 1838. During this trip he built a large double sawmill and put into operation a corn mill, cotton gin, and cotton press in the vicinity of Vicksburg, Mississippi.
In 1839 Frederick Kesler first heard of the LDS Church. He visited Nauvoo and met Joseph Smith. Frederick and Emeline Kesler were baptized in June of 1840 and they lived in the Augusta Branch in Iowa. On October 2, 1841, Frederick saw Joseph Smith put the Book of Mormon manuscript in the southeast cornerstone of the Nauvoo House.
Frederick Kesler left Augusta on 2 September 1842, to "go East" to do missionary work. When he returned he brought Emeline's mother, step-father, and three small children with him. In 1845 Frederick moved to Nauvoo to work on the temple.
After the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, the Kesler family left Nauvoo on 16 April 1846. They arrived at Council Bluffs on 11 June 1846, where Frederick Kesler built a ferryboat which ran day and night. Kesler worked six hours on and six hours off day and night while "hundreds of waggons and thousands of people crossed the river." In 1847 he built a mill to grind corn in Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri.
Because he needed money for the trip west, in 1848 Frederick Kesler went to Texas to raise funds for this purpose. In 1849 he built a mill for the Pottawattomi Indians one hundred miles west of Kansas City.
In the spring of 1851, the Kesler family started toward Salt Lake City in the Orson Pratt Company. They arrived in Salt Lake on 1 October 1851.
Frederick Kesler planned to build a mill at Box Elder for himself, but President Brigham Young wanted him to build mills for the church, and he began immediately. He continued in this work until 1865 when an accident left him with a broken leg and hip which never healed. he continuted in an advisory capacity.
In 1854 and again in 1858 Frederick Kesler made extensive trips east to purchase machinery and other manufacturing supplies for the church. During these trips he visited mills, factories, shops, and supply places in St. Louis, Pittsburg, Philadelphia, and New York. He observed and studied many operations and purchased large consignments of materials.
Frederick Kesler was active in church organizations--he served as bishop of the Sixteenth Ward from April 7, 1856, until his death on 12 June 1899. He was director of the penitentiary sixteen years and also served for a time as warden. He was a justice of the peace for eight years and district school trustee for many years.
Frederick Kesler had three wives--Emeline Parker, whom he married in 1836, Jane Elizabeth Pratt in 1853, and Abigail Snow in 1858. He fathered thirty children--fifteen sons and fifteen daughters. Seven girls died when less than two years of age; three children, two boys and one girl died as teenagers. Emeline and Abigail divorced Frederick in 1872. Jane Elizabeth survived him. He died in Salt Lake City on 12 June 1899, at age eighty-three.
(Biographical information was obtained from Frederick Kesler's Autobiography and Andrew Jenson, Latter-Day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia 4 vols., Salt Lake City: Deseret News Press, 1901-1936.)
Content Description
The Frederick Kesler papers (1829-1985) consist of record books, daybooks, diaries, newspaper clippings, printed materials, photographs, books, and personal artifacts. Kesler's early years were spent in western Pennsylvania, Ohio, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas. Click here to view the digitized items from the collection. He was part of the first half-centry of Utah history and his lifetime spanned nearly a century of pioneer life. He has recorded day-to-day events during most of this period and has ammassed a valuable LDS Church and Utah history collection.
Kesler began building mills in 1835 and upon his arrival in Utah was immediately set to work by Brigham Young to construct mills for the territory. His talents in building mills and the machinery to operatte them are attested to by the variety and number he built in the first ten years of his residence in Utah Terriroty. A nail factory, button machine, flouring mills, sawmills, sugar works, irom works, carding machine, smut machine (for cleaning wheat), oil mills, and numerous others were built upon request. His role as a mill builder made him a man of great economic importance. He mentions many of the mills in his diaries, but no detailed records or diagrams have been located.
Among the more unusual and valuable items in the collection is a half-page of the original Book of Mormon manuscript (14th Chapter of the First Book of Nephi) which was presented to Mr. Kesler by Joseph Summerhays in 1884. It was removed from the cornerstone of the Nauvoo House in 1882. General Joseph Smith's Views of the Powers and Policy of the Government of the United States, 1844; two different invitations to a "Pic-Nic Party" in Big Cottonwood Canyon, 24 July 1857; an address by Brigham Young entitled "A Series of Instructions and Remarks," given at a Special Coucil in the Tabernacle 21 March 1858; revelations of Orson Hyde and John Taylor; and correspondence that includes letters from Joseph Smith and Brigham Young are among the valuable items.
A chest, constructed by Frederick Kesler, contained these records and is part of the gift to the University. A beautifully bound book housed in a specially built compartment in the record chest, contains Frederick Kesler's autobiography and his family genealogical records.
There are daybooks, partriarchal blessings, and an address book of Kesler family heads (thirteen books), dating from 1837 to 1899 and twelve diaries written between 1857 and 1899.
The correspondence contains personal letters from relatives and friends over a period of sixty years as well as letters from LDS church leaders.
In the file of Frederick Kesler's personal papers there are biographical materials, tributes, records of his church appointments and ordinations, geneological records, his will, and an account of his record chest and its contents.
An additional file contains invitations, theater programs, certificates, contracts, receipts, tax notices, land agreements, recipes, and tithing and temple records.
Artifacts belonging to Mr. Kesler and kept in the record chest include two beautiful canes, a Nauvoo Legion sword and scabbard, gold writing pens, and a tintype of Kesler in his Legion uniform, and a daguerreotype of Kesler in civilian dress. In order to view these items, please schedule an appointment with the Manuscripts Curator by calling 801-585-3076.
A microfilm of Frederick Kesler papers owned by Huntington Library has been secured for inclusion in this collection. The Huntington Library collection contains correspondence from several people, but is mainly concerned with the divorce suits Kesler's wives, Emeline and Abigail, filed against him. Some of the letters are from Brigham Young who sanctioned the divorces and set the amount of financial settlement.
In the account and daybooks in this collection are found more than in the diaries, the full extent of Frederick Kesler's genius. These daybooks were kept during the period of his greatest productivity, before the accident that permanently crippled him, and list in more detail the mills and machinery he built and for whom.
As mentioned previously, the record chest constructed by Frederick Kesler in 1889 was part of the gift to the University. This is a utilitarian piece, designed to securely contain records, books, and other objects. Despite its not being designed as a piece of furniture, its proportions are excellent and give a sense of strength and security without massiveness.
Several features of construction mark this as the work of a skilled craftsman, but not a cabinetmaker. The chest reflects well the background and purpose of its maker. Refinishing and restoring the chest were done in Western Americana in 1972 by Dr. W. W. Newby, professor of biology, emeritus, Univesity of Utah. It now houses some of the Kesler papers and memorabilia.
Use of the Collection
Restrictions on Use
The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library's Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.
Preferred Citation
Collection Name, Collection Number, Box Number, Folder Number. Special Collections, J. Willard Marriott Library, The University of Utah.
Administrative Information
Return to TopDetailed Description of the Collection
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Diaries and notebooks [Originals in Reserve]
The diaries contain numerous references to Frederick Kesler's activities as a mill builder, as a family man, and as an associate of Brigham Young and other LDS leaders. Please refer to the digitized copies for access purposes. Access to the originals must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the items if being used.
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Description:
The original diary has been removed and placed in Reserve. A digitized version is available in the collection for access purposes. Access to the original must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the item if being used.
The transcript of the diary was created by Kesler's great grandson, Larry D. Kesler in 2013.
Dates: 1842-1843; 2013Container: Box 1A, Folder 1 -
Description: Diary book 1 and diary book 2
The original diaries has been removed and placed in Reserve. Access to the original must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the item if being used.
A transcript of these two diaries is available in box 7.
Dates: 1857 November - 1858 July; 1858 July - 1859 NovemberContainer: Box 1A, Folder 2 -
Description:
The original diary has been removed and placed in Reserve. A digitized version is available in the collection for access purposes. Access to the original must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the item if being used.
A transcript of this diary is available in box 7.
Dates: 1859 November - 1874 JuneContainer: Box 1A, Folder 3 -
Description:
The original diary has been removed and placed in Reserve. A digitized version is available in the collection for access purposes. Access to the original must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the item if being used.
A transcript of this diary is available in box 7.
Dates: 1874 June - 1877 NovemberContainer: Box 1A, Folder 4 -
Description:
The original diary has been removed and placed in Reserve. A digitized version is available in the collection for access purposes. Access to the original must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the item if being used.
Dates: 1877 November - 1881 JulyContainer: Box 1A, Folder 5 -
Description:
The original diary has been removed and placed in Reserve. A digitized version is available in the collection for access purposes. Access to the original must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the item if being used.
A transcript of this diary is available in box 7.
Dates: 1881 July - 1885 JanuaryContainer: Box 1A, Folder 6 -
Description:
The original diary has been removed and placed in Reserve. A digitized version is available in the collection for access purposes. Access to the original must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the item if being used.
A transcript of this diary is available in box 7.
Dates: 1885 January - 1888 MayContainer: Box 1B, Folder 1 -
Description:
The original diary has been removed and placed in Reserve. A digitized version is available in the collection for access purposes. Access to the original must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the item if being used.
A transcript of this diary is available in box 7.
Dates: 1888 May - 1890 NovemberContainer: Box 1B, Folder 2 -
Description:
The original diary has been removed and placed in Reserve. A digitized version is available in the collection for access purposes. Access to the original must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the item if being used.
A transcript of this diary is available in box 7.
Dates: 1890 December - 1893 JuneContainer: Box 1B, Folder 3 -
Description:
The original diary has been removed and placed in Reserve. A digitized version is available in the collection for access purposes. Access to the original must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the item if being used.
A transcript of this diary is available in box 7.
Dates: 1893 June - 1896 JanuaryContainer: Box 1B, Folder 4 -
Description:
The original diary has been removed and placed in Reserve. A digitized version is available in the collection for access purposes. Access to the original must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the item if being used.
A transcript of this diary is available in box 7.
Dates: 1896 January - 1898 AugustContainer: Box 1C, Folder 1 -
Description:
The original diary has been removed and placed in Reserve. A digitized version is available in the collection for access purposes. Access to the original must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the item if being used.
A transcript of this diary is available in box 7.
Dates: 1898 August - 1899 JuneContainer: Box 1C, Folder 2 -
Description: Notebook
The original notebook has been removed and placed in Reserve. Access to the original must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the item if being used.
Dates: 1837Container: Box 1C, Folder 3 -
Description: Record book containing a biographical sketch and a history of Kesler's mission to the eastern lands
The record book has been removed and placed in Reserve. Access must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the item if being used.
Dates: 1890-1891Container: Box 1C, Folder 4 -
Description: Diary: "Visit to Jacob et al"
The record book has been removed and placed in Reserve. Access must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the item if being used.
Dates: 1890Container: Box 1C, Folder 5 -
Description: Diary
The record book has been removed and placed in Reserve. Access must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the item if being used.
Dates: 1891Container: Box 1C, Folder 6 -
Description: Memorandum books [financial records and note]
Kesler created account books which he labeled "Memorandum Books." These notebooks contain financial information and notes.
Dates: 1840; 1848-1849; 1854; 1858-1589; 1873-1874; 1886; 1891-1893; 1898-1899Container: Box 2A, Folder 1-11 -
Description: Record book containing patriarchal and other blessings of the Kesler familyDates: 1891Container: Box 2B, Folder 1
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Description: Record book containing name and address of heads of Kesler familyDates: 1889Container: Box 2B, Folder 2
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Subjects, 1829-1985
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Description: Autobiographies - Frederick KeslerDates: 1890; 1974Container: Box 3, Folder 1
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Description: Biographical sketch by E. D. Roundy - Frederick KeslerDates: 1892Container: Box 3, Folder 2
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Description: Birthday tributes - Frederick KeslerDates: 1885-1898Container: Box 3, Folder 3
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Description: Book of Mormon - page from original manuscript [RESTRICTED]
The manuscript page is in the handwriting of David Whitmer of 1 Nephi 14. This folder contains a photocopied version for access purposes. The original item has been removed and placed in Reserve. Access must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the item if being used.
Dates: 1829; 1884Container: Box 3, Folder 4 -
Description: Buchanan, President James - A Proclamation [photocopy]Container: Box 3, Folder 5
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Description: Cemetery lot certification - Frederick Kesler familyDates: 1895; 1905Container: Box 3, Folder 6
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Description: Chest dedication - Kesler family gathering and programDates: 1890Container: Box 3, Folder 7
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Description: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Kesler family memberships, ordinations, baptisms, etc.
Two original certificates have been removed and placed in Reserve. Photocopied versions are available in the collection for access purposes. Access to the originals must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the items if being used.
Dates: 1840-1869Container: Box 3, Folder 8 -
Description: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - official communicationsDates: 1872-1890Container: Box 3, Folder 9
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Description: Contents of Kesler record chest - List of all itemsContainer: Box 3, Folder 10
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Description: City Creek CanyonDates: 1853Container: Box 3, Folder 11
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Description: Court summons - Kesler and others, Iowa TerritoryDates: 1844Container: Box 3, Folder 12
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Description: Deed of landDates: 1875Container: Box 3, Folder 13
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Description: Fourth of July - programDates: 1857Container: Box 3, Folder 14
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Description: Funeral - Frederick KeslerDates: 1899Container: Box 3, Folder 15
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Description: Genealogical materials - Kesler familyDates: 1840s-1975Container: Box 3, Folder 16
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Description: Hyde, Orson - Revelation, NauvooDates: 1846Container: Box 3, Folder 17
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Description: Hyde, Orson - A Voice from Jerusalem: or a Sketch of the Travels & Ministry of Elder Orson HydeDates: 1842Container: Box 3, Folder 18
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Description: Indenture - Frederick Kesler to Abram ClarkDates: 1835Container: Box 3, Folder 19
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Description: InvitationsDates: 1854; 1857Container: Box 3, Folder 20
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Description: Jesus Christ letter - a letter purported to have been written by Jesus ChristContainer: Box 3, Folder 21
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Description: Manti Temple dedication - programDates: 1888Container: Box 3, Folder 22
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Description: Mills - Liberty Park - statement and publicationDates: 1852Container: Box 3, Folder 23
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Description: Mills - Potawatomie Indian ReservationDates: 1850Container: Box 3, Folder 24
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Description: Mills - Smut machineDates: 1843-1852Container: Box 3, Folder 25
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Description: Mills - The Trans MississippianDates: 1897Container: Box 3, Folder 26
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Description: Mills - Frederick Kesler business accounts with Brigham YoungDates: 1867Container: Box 3, Folder 27
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Description: Mills - Sawmill, Augusta, IowaDates: 1839Container: Box 3, Folder 28
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Description: Mining stock - Gold and Silver Mining Company certificatesDates: 1864Container: Box 3, Folder 29
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Description: Articles and news clippings
This folder contains the following items:
- A description of the collection by Everett L. Cooley printed in BYU Studies.
- News clippings [photocopies and transcriptions] regarding the Kesler collection and the Chase Mill.
- A list of flour mills designed by Kesler
Dates: 1973; 1982Container: Box 3, Folder 30 -
Description: Miscellany
This folder contains handwritten notes, receipts, advertisements, an architectural drawing, and other items. Two original items have been removed and placed in Reserve. Photocopied versions are available in the collection for access purposes. Access to the originals must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the items if being used.
Dates: 1844-1908Container: Box 4, Folder 1 -
Description: Missionary certificates - Frederick KeslerDates: 1890-1891Container: Box 4, Folder 2
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Description: Patriarchal blessings - Kesler familyDates: 1840-1902Container: Box 4, Folder 3
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Description: Penitentiary - report and certificateDates: 1866; 1890Container: Box 4, Folder 4
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Description: Pioneer Jubilee - programDates: 1897Container: Box 4, Folder 5
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Description: PoetryDates: 1833-1898Container: Box 4, Folder 6
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Description: Programs - theaterDates: 1875Container: Box 4, Folder 7
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Description: Property and land agreements - Frederick Kesler familyDates: 1837-1873Container: Box 4, Folder 8
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Description: ReceiptsDates: 1837-1859Container: Box 4, Folder 9
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Description: RecipesDates: 1884Container: Box 4, Folder 10
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Description: Schools - establishment of church schoolsDates: 1890Container: Box 4, Folder 11
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Description: Sixteenth Ward chapels - historiesDates: 1934-1949Container: Box 4, Folder 12
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Description: Smith, Joseph - General Smith's Views of the Powers and Policy of the Government of the United StatesDates: 1844Container: Box 4, Folder 13
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Description: Taylor, John - funeral programDates: 1887Container: Box 4, Folder 14
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Description: Taylor, John - revelationDates: 1882Container: Box 4, Folder 15
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Description: Tax notices - Jane E. Pratt KeslerDates: 1891-1912Container: Box 4, Folder 16
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Description: Temple ordinance record - performed by Frederick Kesler familyDates: 1876-1893Container: Box 4, Folder 17
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Description: Temple work - correspondenceDates: 1886-1888Container: Box 4, Folder 18
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Description: Times and Seasons, Vol. 3, No. 10
The original item has been removed and placed in Reserve. A photocopied version is available in the collection for access purposes. Access to the original must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the item if being used.
Dates: 1842Container: Box 4, Folder 19 -
Description: Tithing - Frederick Kesler familyContainer: Box 4, Folder 20
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Description: Will and testament of Frederick Kesler and power of attorney for Jane E. Pratt KeslerDates: 1879-1899Container: Box 4, Folder 21
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Description: Woodruff, Wilford - visionDates: 1877Container: Box 4, Folder 22
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Description: Writings of Frederick KeslerDates: 1874; 1896Container: Box 4, Folder 23
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Description: Young, Brigham - A Series of Instructions and Remarks by President Brigham Young at a Special CouncilDates: 1858Container: Box 4, Folder 24
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Correspondence, 1831-1975
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Description: Polly Adams to Frederick KeslerDates: 1890-1892Container: Box 5, Folder 1-3
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Description: Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Burnett to Frederick KeslerDates: 1881; 1885; 1889Container: Box 5, Folder 4
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Description: Abram Clark to Frederick KeslerDates: 1882-1887Container: Box 5, Folder 5
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Description: William McKay Dougan to Frederick KeslerDates: 1881-1884Container: Box 5, Folder 6
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Description: Orson Hyde to Frederick Kesler
One original letter has been removed and placed in Reserve. A photocopied version is available in the collection for access purposes. Access to the original must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the item if being used.
Dates: 1850Container: Box 5, Folder 7 -
Description: Archie B. Kesler to Clara KeslerDates: 1902-1903Container: Box 5, Folder 8
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Description: Emeline Parker Kesler to Frederick KeslerDates: 1831Container: Box 5, Folder 9
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Description: Frederick Kesler from His ChildrenDates: 1892-1899Container: Box 5, Folder 10
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Description: William Weeks to Frederick KeslerDates: 1852Container: Box 5, Folder 11
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Description: Alexander Lindsey to Frederick KeslerDates: 1881-1891Container: Box 5, Folder 12
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Description: Nieces and Nephews to Frederick KeslerDates: 1881-1891Container: Box 5, Folder 13
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Description: Miscellaneous LettersDates: 1875-1897Container: Box 5, Folder 14
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Description: Joseph Smith to Frederick Kesler
One original letter has been removed and placed in Reserve. A photocopied version is available in the collection for access purposes. Access to the original must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the item if being used.
Dates: 1840Container: Box 5, Folder 15 -
Description: John Taylor to Frederick Kesler
One original letter has been removed and placed in Reserve. A photocopied version is available in the collection for access purposes. Access to the original must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the item if being used.
Dates: 1886Container: Box 5, Folder 16 -
Description: Wilford Woodruff to Frederick Kesler
One original letter has been removed and placed in Reserve. A photocopied version is available in the collection for access purposes. Access to the original must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the item if being used.
Dates: 1888Container: Box 5, Folder 17 -
Description: Brigham Young to Frederick Kesler
One original letter has been removed and placed in Reserve. A photocopied version is available in the collection for access purposes. Access to the original must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the item if being used.
Dates: 1858Container: Box 5, Folder 18
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General materials
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Description: Photocopies of photographs located in Multimedia ArchivesContainer: Box 5, Folder 19-20
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Description: MiscellaneousDates: 1844Container: Box 5, Folder 21
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Description: Newspaper clippingsDates: 1850-1975Container: Box 5, Folder 22
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Archie B. Kesler materials
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Description: Business recordsDates: 1908-1910Container: Box 5, Folder 23
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Description: Walker Bank and Trust CompanyDates: 1959Container: Box 5, Folder 24
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Description: Raymond, Alberta, Canada - auction saleContainer: Box 5, Folder 25
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Description: Bill of sale for horseDates: 1909Container: Box 5, Folder 26
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Description: Cove FortDates: 1961Container: Box 5, Folder 27
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Newsletters and Grand Beehive exhibition, 1980
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Description: Kesler Family Organization letter and newsletterDates: 1980Container: Box 6, Folder 1
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Description: Grand Beehive exhibition catalogue
Some of Kesler's personal items were included in the exhibition catalogue.
Dates: 1980Container: Box 6, Folder 2 -
Description: Article on Frederick Kesler [photocopy]
Article was published in 1897.
Container: Box 6, Folder 3
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Diary transcripts
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Description: Diary transcripts of books 1-12
This box contains two bound volumes of the tweleve diaries transcribed exactly as Kesler wrote them. The original spelling, punctuation, and grammer have been maintained.
Dates: circa 1972Container: Box 7 -
Description: Diary transcript sheets for books 1-6 [Restricted - Not for Patron Use]
This box contains the master copies of the transcripts covering 1857-1885. Please use the bound copies in box 7.
Container: Box 8 -
Description: Diary transcript sheets for books 7-12 [Restricted - Not for Patron Use]
This box contains the master copies of the transcripts covering 1885-1899. Please use the bound copies in box 7.
Container: Box 9
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Books and general materials
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Description: The Book of MormonDates: 1865Container: Box 10, Folder 1
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Description: LDS Sacred Hymns and Spiritual SongsDates: 1877Container: Box 10, Folder 2
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Description: Temple apron
Due to the sacred nature of this item, access to the public is prohibited. This is in respect of the policy of the LDS Church History Department that defines sacred items as "Items that provide specific information about temple rites and ceremonies or other sacred matters that have not been officially approved for release. Sacred items may in some instances include privately produced records, published items, art, and artifacts." (LDS Church History Department Access Policy)
This box has been placed in Reserve.
Container: Oversize box 11 -
Description: Genealogical records
This is a photocopy of the geneological record in the Kesler Chest.
Container: Map case folder 1 -
Description: Wooden chest made by Kesler
This handmade wooden chest was designed and built by Kesler. It is located in the reading room in Special Collections. It contains the following items:
- Genealogical record book of the Kesler family
- Calligraphy pens
- Locomotive engineer hat
- Ruler mounted on a stand with the name "Kesler"
- Billy Possum child's silverware set box
- Silverware
- Sword
- 2 walking canes
- 2 leather belts
- Wooden shoe horn
- Empty leather pistol case
- Ink well
- Ribbons in handmade storage box
- In Sweden, and other stories, H. C. Andersen [18--?]
- Byerly's new American spelling-book: calculated for the use of schools in the United States, Stephen Byerly, 1822
- The western calculator, or, A new and compendious system of practical arithmetic; containing the elementary principles and rules, J. Stockton, 1826
- An introduction to ancient and modern geography : to which are added rules for projecting maps, and the use of globes, J. A. Cummings, 1827
- The young mill-wright and miller's guide, Oliver Evans, 1848
- An introduction to natural philosophy; designed as a text-book, for the use the of students in Yale college. Compiled from various authorities, Denison Olmsted, 1845
- Solomon's temple spiritualized; or Gospel-light fetched out of the temple at Jerusalem, to let us more easily into the glory the the new testament-truths, John Bunyan, 1824
- Charter of Great Salt Lake City : and ordinances and resolutions of the City Council, with Constitution of the United States, and organic act of the territory of Utah, 1859
- A miracle in stone: or : the Great pyramid of Egypt, Joseph A. Seiss, 1877
- The Freemason's monitor, containing a delineation of the fundamental principles of Freemasonry, Z. A. Davis, 1849
- Morgan's Freemasonry exposed and explained : showing the origin, history and nature of Masonry : its effect on the government, and the Christian religion : and containing a key to all the degrees of Freemasonry, William Morgan, [1882?]
- Cloth money bag stamped with "Deseret National Bank, Salt Lake City, Utah. $1,000 Gold"
- Cloth money bag stamped with "Zion's Savings Bank and Trust Co., No. 1 Main Street, Salt Lake City, Utah. $10,000"
- Fabric swatch
- Cloth with embroidered leaves
- Cloth bag containing "Pebbles from the Hill Cumorah by F. Kesler in 1890"
- Cloth bag containing "Pebbles from Palestine gathered by Sister Eliza E. Snow"
- Cloth bag containing "Piece of rock from my father's old home and apple blossoms gathered by Br. F. Kesler in 1890"
- Cloth bag containing "Relices from my brother Jacobs grave and house got by Br. F. Kesler in 1890"
- Metal pin
- Folder containing an advertisement for "Baldwin's improved four nevron turbine water well," an envelope, and two poems by others
In order to view the materials held within the chest, researchers must schedule an appointment with the Manuscripts Curator.
Dates: 1889
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