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William Seward Webb Yellowstone Expedition journal and photographs, 1896

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Purdy, J. H. (John Henry); Webb, William Seward
Title
William Seward Webb Yellowstone Expedition journal and photographs
Dates
1896 (inclusive)
Quantity
.25 linear feet, (1 quarter letter box)
Collection Number
UUS_P0769
Summary
A photo album with the narrated itinerary and 42 photos of a hunting expedition to Jackson Lake, Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park in 1896.
Repository
Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections and Archives Division
Special Collections & Archives
Merrill-Cazier Library
Utah State University
Logan, UT
84322-3000
Telephone: 4357978248
Fax: 4357972880
scweb@usu.edu
Access Restrictions

No restrictions on access, except: not available through interlibrary loan.

Languages
English
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Content Description

A photo album with 42 photos of a hunting expedition to Jackson Lake, Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park organized by Dr. W.S. Webb and includes General Coppinger, officers, and 24 African American "Buffalo" soldiers of the Ninth Cavalry. Travel account written by J.H. Purdy, with photographs taken by F.J. Haynes. The expedition lasted from September 12th to October 11th, 1896. Other members in party include Lt. A.W. Perry, Lt. Guy Preston, Lt. E.F. Ladd, Ex-Lt. R.T. Emmet, officers of the Ninth Calvalry; George Bird, J.L. Webb, J.H.Purdy, "Tenderfeet"; Byron Ames and George Fayzette, Adirondack guides; Hague, Hague, and Nicoll, Yellowstone Park guides; Baptiste (Little Bat), government scout, interpreter, and Mighty Hunter; Short Bull, Ogalla Sioux Indian guide; Dick Turpin, stud groom; Sweeny, packmaster; Stephen Alsop, cook; George Barre and Charles Armstrong, "Wagnerians"; and Omaha Pete, Man of all Work. The names of the teamsters and the 24 enlisted men are not recorded. The 20 mules, however, became favorites of Dr. Webb - their names are listed.

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Historical Note

This hardcover volume recounts the 1896 expedition, organized and hosted by Dr. W. S. Webb, to hunt big game in the Yellowstone area, using an itinerary narrative and photographs. William Seward Webb (1851-1926) was a prominent figure in late 19th and early 20th-century America, known for his contributions to business, politics, and philanthropy. Born into a wealthy family, Webb pursued a diverse range of interests throughout his life. He made significant strides in the railroad industry, serving as the president of the Wagner Palace Car Company and later becoming involved in the development of the Adirondack and St. Lawrence Railroad. Webb also had a keen interest in agriculture and was instrumental in the establishment of experimental farms in Vermont. Furthermore, he played a pivotal role in the preservation of wilderness areas, notably serving as the president of the Sons of the American Revolution and advocating for the protection of forests and wildlife.

F. Jay Haynes (1853-1921) was a pioneering figure in the field of American photography, renowned for his stunning images capturing the landscapes and cultures of the American West during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His images not only served as promotional materials for the region's tourism industry but also contributed to the conservation movement by showcasing the natural wonders of the West.

J.H. Purdy, whose full name is not included in the source material, is widely thought to be John Henry Purdy, a New York lawyer and frequent social companion to Dr. Webb. He was the self-described "Historian" of the expedition, and "was a self-deprecating author who lightly poked fun at himself and his friends along their journey."

Source: A Party of Nimrods

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Use of the Collection

Restrictions on Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.

Permission to publish material from the William Seward Webb Yellowstone Expedition journal and photographs must be obtained from the Photograph Curator and/or the Special Collections Section Head.

Preferred Citation

Initial Citation: William Seward Webb Yellowstone Expedition journal and photographs USU_P0769. Special Collections and Archives. Utah State University Merrill-Cazier Library. Logan, Utah.

Following Citations:USU_P0769, USUSCA.

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Administrative Information

Related Materials

F. Jay Haynes photograph collection, UUS_P0565

Acquisition Information

Purchased from a rare books dealer.

Custodial History

The inscription in the front of the volume states: "Samuel B. Webb, from Van Webb, Oct 1952." This likely refers to Vanderbilt Seward Webb, the son of Dr. W.S. Webb, and Samuel Bletchley Webb, the nephew of Vanderbilt and grandson of W.S.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

Finding aid created by Heather Housley and Dan Davis
2024

CC Attribution
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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