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Burch Family Papers, 1821-1892

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Burch family
Title
Burch Family Papers
Dates
1821-1892 (inclusive)
1846-1858 (bulk)
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.
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Biographical Note

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

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Content Description

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.

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Use of the Collection

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

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Administrative Information

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.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

  • I: Family records and correspondence, 1821-1858

    • Description: Deed of land sale to Samuel Burch by Thomas and Elizabeth Blacklock

      Regarding indentured land in Grayson County, Kentucky

      Dates: July 17, 1821
      Container: Box 1, Folder 1
      Location: I: Family records and correspondence, 1821-1858
    • Description: Certificate of membership for Samuel and Eleanor S. Burch

      Membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church South in Keytesville, Missouri

      Dates: March 1847
      Container: Box 1, Folder 1
      Location: I: Family records and correspondence, 1821-1858
    • Description: Certificate of membership for Lucy A. Burch

      Membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church South in Keytesville, Missouri

      Dates: March 1847
      Container: Box 1, Folder 1
      Location: I: Family records and correspondence, 1821-1858
    • Description: 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.

      Dates: May 22, 1852
      Container: Box 1, Folder 1
      Location: I: Family records and correspondence, 1821-1858
    • Description: 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.

      Dates: April 7, 1854
      Container: Box 1, Folder 1
      Location: I: Family records and correspondence, 1821-1858
    • Description: Letter to B.F. Burch from Phoebe A. Burch

      Regarding family health and describing the drought in Missouri.

      Dates: August 17, 1854
      Container: Box 1, Folder 1
      Location: I: Family records and correspondence, 1821-1858
    • Description: 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.

      Dates: August 25, 1854
      Container: Box 1, Folder 1
      Location: I: Family records and correspondence, 1821-1858
    • Description: 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.

      Dates: March 11, 1855
      Container: Box 1, Folder 1
      Location: I: Family records and correspondence, 1821-1858
    • Description: 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.

      Dates: November 25, 1855
      Container: Box 1, Folder 1
      Location: I: Family records and correspondence, 1821-1858
    • Description: 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.

      Dates: July 25, 1858
      Container: Box 1, Folder 1
      Location: I: Family records and correspondence, 1821-1858

  • II: Military correspondence and documents, 1848-1857

    Military correspondence and documents are primarily from 1856 when Benjamin F. Burch was in the Oregon Territorial Volunteer Militia.

  • III: Political correspondence and records, 1842-1859

    • Description: Draft of witness letter attesting signature of Edward B. Cabell as county court elected official for Chariton County, State of Missouri
      Dates: 1842
      Container: Box 1, Folder 3
      Location: III: Political correspondence and records, 1842-1859
    • Description: Declaration on cloth "TO THE WORLD!!" stating defamation of character by J. Quinn Thornton toward James W. Nesmith (Oregon City)
      Dates: June 7, 1847
      Container: Box 1, Folder 3
      Location: III: Political correspondence and records, 1842-1859
    • Description: 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

      Dates: January 29, 1854
      Container: Box 1, Folder 3
      Location: III: Political correspondence and records, 1842-1859
    • Description: 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

      Dates: October 20, 1854
      Container: Box 1, Folder 3
      Location: III: Political correspondence and records, 1842-1859
    • Description: Letter to B.F. Burch from C.A. Holcomb (Clackamas County Sheriff)

      Regarding investigations of the Methodist Church, pro-slavery and abolitionism

      Dates: March 9, 1858
      Container: Box 1, Folder 3
      Location: III: Political correspondence and records, 1842-1859
    • Description: Printed transcript Hon. Alexander H. Stephens (Georgia) sent to B.F. Burch (Rickreall)

      On the admission of Oregon to statehood

      Dates: 1859
      Container: Box 1, Folder 3
      Location: III: Political correspondence and records, 1842-1859
    • Description: Printed transcript of Hon. Joseph Lane (Oregon) sent to B.F. Burch (Rickreall)

      Copy of his speech on admission of Oregon to statehood

      Dates: 1859
      Container: Box 1, Folder 3
      Location: III: Political correspondence and records, 1842-1859
    • Description: Printed Prohibition Broadside anti-saloon league, titled "The Reason Why"
      Container: Box 1, Folder 3
      Location: III: Political correspondence and records, 1842-1859
    • Description: 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.

      Container: Box 1, Folder 3
      Location: III: Political correspondence and records, 1842-1859

  • IV: Estate papers

    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.

    • 1: Samuel Burch, 1845-1858

      • Description: Call to Elisha M. Daniel to witness the opening of the Samuel Burch estate papers by Eleanor and Benjamin Burch
        Dates: May 15, 1845
        Container: Box 1, Folder 4
        Location: IV: Estate papers / 1: Samuel Burch, 1845-1858
      • Description: Land claim certificate of property along the Willamette River in Polk County by Samuel Burch
        Dates: October 28, 1847
        Container: Box 1, Folder 4
        Location: IV: Estate papers / 1: Samuel Burch, 1845-1858
      • Description: Receipt of land claim purchase paid to Joshua M.J. Daniel by Samuel Burch for land in Ricrol (Rickreall)
        Dates: October 8, 1847
        Container: Box 1, Folder 4
        Location: IV: Estate papers / 1: Samuel Burch, 1845-1858
      • Description: Probate Court declaration for the estate of Samuel Burch with Probate Court embossed seal signed by Judge John Iseckson
        Dates: May 15, 1854
        Container: Box 1, Folder 4
        Location: IV: Estate papers / 1: Samuel Burch, 1845-1858
      • Description: 2 copies of Administrators of Sale notice by Benjamin F. Burch for the property of Samuel Burch
        Dates: May 16, 1854
        Container: Box 1, Folder 4
        Location: IV: Estate papers / 1: Samuel Burch, 1845-1858
      • Description: 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
        Dates: September 5, 1854
        Container: Box 1, Folder 4
        Location: IV: Estate papers / 1: Samuel Burch, 1845-1858
      • Description: 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

        Dates: February 2, 1858
        Container: Box 1, Folder 4
        Location: IV: Estate papers / 1: Samuel Burch, 1845-1858

    • 2: John Townsend, 1855-1892

      • Description: 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

        Dates: January 19, 1855
        Container: Box 1, Folder 5
        Location: IV: Estate papers / 2: John Townsend, 1855-1892
      • Description: Letter to Benjamin Burch (unsigned from Washington City) regarding the John Townsend of Maryland estate settlement, unsigned
        Dates: February 1, 1855
        Container: Box 1, Folder 5
        Location: IV: Estate papers / 2: John Townsend, 1855-1892
      • Description: 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.

        Dates: February 10, 1855
        Container: Box 1, Folder 5
        Location: IV: Estate papers / 2: John Townsend, 1855-1892
      • Description: Letter to Benjamin F. Burch, Esq. from Vivien Burch (Baltimore) regarding the settlement progress on the John Townshend of Maryland estate
        Dates: July 21, 1855
        Container: Box 1, Folder 5
        Location: IV: Estate papers / 2: John Townsend, 1855-1892
      • Description: 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
        Dates: February 1858
        Container: Box 1, Folder 5
        Location: IV: Estate papers / 2: John Townsend, 1855-1892
      • Description: Letter to B.F. Burch (Independence) from Joseph Lane (Washington) regarding the Townsend of Maryland estate settlement
        Dates: May 2, 1858
        Container: Box 1, Folder 5
        Location: IV: Estate papers / 2: John Townsend, 1855-1892
      • Description: 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

        Dates: February 23, 1892
        Container: Box 1, Folder 5
        Location: IV: Estate papers / 2: John Townsend, 1855-1892

    • 3: Jordan M. Sisk, 1853-1855

      • Description: Affidavit of John E Davidson stating the residency of Jordan M. Sisk residing on land claim in Polk County
        Dates: April 18, 1853
        Container: Box 1, Folder 6
        Location: IV: Estate papers / 3: Jordan M. Sisk, 1853-1855
      • Description: Probate Court declaration for the estate of Jordan M Sisk with Probate Court embossed seal signed by Judge A.B. Boone, Judge of Probate
        Dates: November 23, 1853
        Container: Box 1, Folder 6
        Location: IV: Estate papers / 3: Jordan M. Sisk, 1853-1855
      • Description: 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
        Dates: May 8, 1854
        Container: Box 1, Folder 6
        Location: IV: Estate papers / 3: Jordan M. Sisk, 1853-1855
      • Description: 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
        Dates: March 10, 1855
        Container: Box 1, Folder 6
        Location: IV: Estate papers / 3: Jordan M. Sisk, 1853-1855
      • Description: 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
        Dates: May 6, 1855
        Container: Box 1, Folder 6
        Location: IV: Estate papers / 3: Jordan M. Sisk, 1853-1855
      • Description: Letter to B.F. Burch, Esq. from R. Wilcox (Oregon City) regarding the gold mine in the Sisk estate
        Dates: August 22, 1855
        Container: Box 1, Folder 6
        Location: IV: Estate papers / 3: Jordan M. Sisk, 1853-1855

  • V: Financial documents and receipts, 1843-1865

    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.

  • VI: Newspapers, 1854, 1898

    • Description: The Oregon Statesman
      Dates: December 12, 1854
      Container: Box 1, Folder 8
      Location: VI: Newspapers, 1854, 1898
    • Description: The Weekly Brunswicker (Brunswick, Missouri)
      Dates: June 25, 1898
      Container: Box 1, Folder 8
      Location: VI: Newspapers, 1854, 1898

  • VII: Reference photocopies of entire collection

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

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

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