Burch Family Papers,

Overview of the Collection Creator Burch family Title Burch Family Papers Dates 1821-1892 (inclusive) 1821 1892 1846-1858 (bulk) 1846 1858 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: 503-838-8419 Fax: 503-838-8399 libarchives@wou.edu Access Restrictions Collection is available for research. Languages Sponsor English. 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. 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. http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv77441 1

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 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. 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 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. http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv77441 2

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. Detailed Description of the Collection I: Family records and correspondence, 1821-1858 1 1 Deed of land sale to Samuel Burch by Thomas and Elizabeth Blacklock Regarding indentured land in Grayson County, Kentucky 1 1 Certificate of membership for Samuel and Eleanor S. Burch Membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church South in Keytesville, Missouri 1 1 Certificate of membership for Lucy A. Burch Membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church South in Keytesville, Missouri 1 1 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. 1 1 Letter to Samuel Burch and wife (Rickreall, Oregon Territory) from son, Jon T. Burch (Forks Chariton) July 17, 1821 March 1847 March 1847 May 22, 1852 April 7, 1854 http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv77441 3

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. 1 1 Letter to B.F. Burch from Phoebe A. Burch Regarding family health and describing the drought in Missouri. 1 1 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. 1 1 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. 1 1 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. 1 1 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. August 17, 1854 August 25, 1854 March 11, 1855 November 25, 1855 July 25, 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. 1 2 Envelope written to the Honorable Sam Burch (Rickreall, Polk County, Oregon) 1 2 Letter to Sam Burch from Jennie Nesmith Ankeny (Walla Walla, Washington) Regarding an 1848 letter the Oregon Territory Governor 1 2 Letter to Col. C. Gilliam, 1st Regiment, Oregon Riflemen from Abernathy, Governor of Oregon Territory 1911 June 15, 1911 January 1848 http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv77441 4

Introducing Mr. I.M. Gilbert with recommendation for discharge from services to become a river pilot 1 2 Letter to B.F. Burch, Esq. from F.S. Owens and J.L. Meek Regarding travel conditions to Fort Hall via Fort Boise along the Oregon Trail 1 2 Letter to Benjamin F. Burch Esq. (Polk County) from R. Wilcox (Portland) Regarding missed meeting and Army operations 1 2 General Military Order Number 26 sent to Territory of Oregon Headquarters by the governor Directing troops to assemble and proceed to Eastern Oregon 1 2 Draft of letter written by Benjamin F. Burch in Dallas to Company B, R.B.O.M. Vols Regarding his leaving military duty due to health complications 1 2 Receipt from the I.M. Department to Capt. Burch (Salem) Receipt for 1 coat and 1 pair of boots March 24, 1848 June 28, 1848 January 26, 1856 April 17, 1856 April 24, 1856 1 2 Military supply order May 5, 1856 1 2 Handwritten copy of Special Military Order from Portland Army Headquarters notice of troop disbandment and disposal of military property 1 2 Certificate of military appointment of F.F. Daniel, signed by B.F. Harding (acting governor of Oregon Territory) 1 2 Letter to Captain B.F. Burch (Independence, Oregon) from B.F. Dowell (Washington City, DC) inquiring about reclaiming of land lost in the Oregon War and recommending attorney John S. Edwards, Esq. for legal assistance May 10, 1856 August 1, 1856 April 16, 1857 III: Political correspondence and records, 1842-1859 http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv77441 5

1 3 Draft of witness letter attesting signature of Edward B. Cabell as county court elected official for Chariton County, State of Missouri 1 3 Declaration on cloth "TO THE WORLD!!" stating defamation of character by J. Quinn Thornton toward James W. Nesmith (Oregon City) 1 3 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 1 3 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 1 3 Letter to B.F. Burch from C.A. Holcomb (Clackamas County Sheriff) Regarding investigations of the Methodist Church, proslavery and abolitionism 1 3 Printed transcript Hon. Alexander H. Stephens (Georgia) sent to B.F. Burch (Rickreall) On the admission of Oregon to statehood 1 3 Printed transcript of Hon. Joseph Lane (Oregon) sent to B.F. Burch (Rickreall) Copy of his speech on admission of Oregon to statehood 1842 June 7, 1847 January 29, 1854 October 20, 1854 March 9, 1858 1859 1859 1 3 Printed Prohibition Broadside anti-saloon league, titled "The Reason Why" 1 3 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. 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 http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv77441 6

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 1 4 Call to Elisha M. Daniel to witness the opening of the Samuel Burch estate papers by Eleanor and Benjamin Burch 1 4 Land claim certificate of property along the Willamette River in Polk County by Samuel Burch 1 4 Receipt of land claim purchase paid to Joshua M.J. Daniel by Samuel Burch for land in Ricrol (Rickreall) 1 4 Probate Court declaration for the estate of Samuel Burch with Probate Court embossed seal signed by Judge John Iseckson 1 4 2 copies of Administrators of Sale notice by Benjamin F. Burch for the property of Samuel Burch 1 4 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 1 4 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 May 15, 1845 October 28, 1847 October 8, 1847 May 15, 1854 May 16, 1854 September 5, 1854 February 2, 1858 2: John Townsend 1855-1892 1 5 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 January 19, 1855 http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv77441 7

1 5 Letter to Benjamin Burch (unsigned from Washington City) regarding the John Townsend of Maryland estate settlement, unsigned 1 5 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. 1 5 Letter to Benjamin F. Burch, Esq. from Vivien Burch (Baltimore) regarding the settlement progress on the John Townshend of Maryland estate 1 5 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 1 5 Letter to B.F. Burch (Independence) from Joseph Lane (Washington) regarding the Townsend of Maryland estate settlement 1 5 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 February 1, 1855 February 10, 1855 July 21, 1855 February 1858 May 2, 1858 February 23, 1892 3: Jordan M. Sisk 1853-1855 1 6 Affidavit of John E Davidson stating the residency of Jordan M. Sisk residing on land claim in Polk County 1 6 Probate Court declaration for the estate of Jordan M Sisk with Probate Court embossed seal signed by Judge A.B. Boone, Judge of Probate 1 6 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 April 18, 1853 November 23, 1853 May 8, 1854 http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv77441 8

1 6 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 1 6 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 1 6 Letter to B.F. Burch, Esq. from R. Wilcox (Oregon City) regarding the gold mine in the Sisk estate March 10, 1855 May 6, 1855 August 22, 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. 1 7 Receipt for refund to Charles H. Burch on a promissory note to William F. Wallace December 12, 1843 1 7 Payment receipt paid from Samuel Burch December 23, 1846 1 7 Promissory note to pay goods and oxen from C.H. Haslet to J.W. Burch 1 7 American and Unionist subscription receipt paid by Samuel Burch, signed by agent G.W. Coffenberry 1 7 Receipt for a legal judgment in favor of Major Horner from James S. Foster and John W. Burch 1 7 Promissory note to pay Dr. Lewis Myer $1200 at 10% interest from Michael Colmer witnessed by Mr. Burch 1 7 Tax receipt for Territorial County & school tax paid by Samuel Burch, signed James L Holman 1 7 Tax receipt for Territorial County & school tax paid by Samuel Burch, signed W.S. Gilliam, collector December 4, 1847 June 1, 1848 August 11, 1848 June 6, 1849 1850 1851 http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv77441 9

1 7 Tax receipts in two payments for Territorial County & school tax paid by S. Burch, signed B.F. Nichols, Sheriff of Polk County 1 7 Tax receipt for Territorial County & school tax paid by Samuel Burch, signed B.F. Nichols, Sheriff of Polk County 1 7 Sales receipt for apples sold to Miller Bernsteel by Benjamin F Burch in Independence, O.T. 1 7 Sales receipt for Salem Printing and Publishing Company paid by B.F. Burch, signed by John H Miller, director in Salem, Oregon 1 7 Wells, Fargo and Co. cashiers draft to Capt B.F. Burch for $650 1 7 Promissory note from Elisha W. Daniel co-signed by B.F. Burch to R.B. Miller 1852 1853 July 19, 1858 July 28, 1864 September 14, 1865 November 28, 1881 VI: Newspapers, 1854, 1898 1 8 The Oregon Statesman December 12, 1854 1 8 The Weekly Brunswicker (Brunswick, Missouri) June 25, 1898 VII: Reference photocopies of entire collection Container(s) Description 2 1 Reference photocopies of Series I: Family records and correspondence 2 2 Reference photocopies of Series II: Military correspondence and documents 2 3 Reference photocopies of Series III: Political correspondence and records http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv77441 10

Container(s) Description 2 4 Reference photocopies of Series IV: Estate papers: Samuel Burch 2 5 Reference photocopies of Series IV: Estate papers: John Townsend 2 6 Reference photocopies of Series IV: Estate papers: Jordan M. Sisk 2 7 Reference photocopies of Series V: Financial documents and receipts 2 8 Reference photocopies of Series VI: Newspapers Names and Subjects 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 http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv77441 11