Stevens: Thaddeus Stevens Collection, 1792-2001, Part 1

Call number: MG-115, Part 1

1 box     28 folders     .5 cubic ft.

Repository: LancasterHistory (Organization); PV7

Shelving Location:  Archives South, Side 3

Description: Collection contains information on Thaddeus Stevens, abolitionist and resident of Lancaster. Part 1 contains original and reproduced documents related to Thaddeus Stevens. This includes numerous items of correspondence in personal, political, and business contexts. Stevens’ will and legal documents related to his estate are also included. Several articles discuss Stevens and his legacy, with some correspondence stemming from an article regarding the presentation of a cane owned by Stevens to W. W. Griest. Other items include materials related to events marking Stevens’ 200^th birthday, prints and engravings, and miscellaneous legal documents. Part 2 contains photocopies of correspondence, speeches, legal documents, business papers, newspaper articles and congressional committee minutes.

Creators: Stevens, Thaddeus; LancasterHistory (Organization); Palmer, Beverly Wilson.

System of Arrangement: Organized in two parts; the second part into four series.

Part 1 Papers of Thaddeus Stevens 

Part 2 Photocopies of:

Series I  General Correspondence and Miscellaneous Documents

Series II  Speeches and Resolutions

Series III Legal Arguments and Legal and Business Papers

Series IV  Congressional Committee Minutes

Conditions for access: No restrictions.

Conditions Governing Reproductions: Collection may not be photocopied. Please contact Research Staff or Archives Staff with questions.

Language: English

Source of Acquisition: Items in Part I were collected by LancasterHistory, unless otherwise noted. The photocopies in Part II were donated by Beverly Wilson Palmer in 1996.

Preferred Citation: Thaddeus Stevens Collection (MG-115), Part 1, Box #, Folder #, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pa.

Related Materials:  See the Photograph, Library and Object Collections.

Processing History: Re-processed by SB, 2007-2008.

 

Part 1, Box 1

Folder 1  “Stevens, Thaddeus. Statesman.” Biographical information. No date.

“Thaddeus Stevens and School History,” from the Thaddeus Stevens Trade School Yearbook. Lancaster. 1955. Biographical information regarding Stevens’ involvement with education.

 

Folder 2  Correspondence

Folder 2, Insert 1  Letter from Thaddeus Stevens to Christian Haldeman as a recommendation for employment of J. Shank. Harrisburg. 30 May 1839.

Letter from Thaddeus Stevens to Thomas H. Burrowes proposing an improvement bill in Harrisburg. 12 May 1840.

Letter from Thaddeus Stevens to Smith, Maclay, et al. responding to a previous letter, accepting an invitation to New Berlin on 16 September [1840] and announcing the Erie Convention will be held September 10. 15 August 1840.

Depositions of witnesses to be taken at the home of George Heckert on June 12 between 9am and 5pm by a Justice of the Peace. 2 June 1841.

Folder 2, Insert 2  Photostatic copy of letter from Abraham Lincoln to Thaddeus Stevens asking for the honest opinion of a Pennsylvania politician regarding the Pennsylvania vote for governor and president. Lincoln asks Stevens to send his response to Springfield, Illinois. Washington, D.C. 3 September 1848.

Folder 2, Insert 3  Letter from Thaddeus Stevens stating that he did not receive his evening letters on the 24th, he will go to Kennett Square and lodge in Downingtown. He asks for no provisions and states that he must leave in time for Morgan’s corner. Lancaster. 26 October 1848.

Letter from Amos Ellmaker to Thaddeus Stevens with plans to reconcile the North and South by extending the Missouri Compromise to the Pacific. The letter contains suggestions and observations about slaveholders, slavery and the western states. Lancaster. 16 July 1850.

Letter from Thaddeus Stevens to Johnston accepting an invitation and mentioning lecture attendance. 29 July 1854.

Folder 2, Insert 4  Letter from Thaddeus Stevens to Ed McPherson regarding Peter Martin, a firm anti-slavery man who is opposed to the Kansas outrage, and favoring the restoration of the Missouri Compromise. Lancaster. 22 September 1855.

Letter from Thaddeus Stevens to Ed McPherson. Typed copy of the above letter.

Letter from Thaddeus Stevens to the Judge regarding a case that will probably be continued by the November court. With transcription of letter. 24 October 1857. Gift of Margaret Goeble.

Letter from Thaddeus Stevens to Thomas E. Franklin with the opinion that the army move should not be made until he departments are prepared. Washington, D.C. 11 December 1859.

 

Folder 3  Correspondence

Folder 3, Insert 1  Letter from Thaddeus Stevens to unknown recipient stating that he has seen Mr. [ ___ ] and Mr. Haldeman and proposes a paper book. Harrisburg. 25 April 1860.

Letter from Thaddeus Stevens to Thomas E. Franklin reporting that he finished the paper book and asks Franklin to go to the Supreme Court to let his cases go until the end of his term as, if he goes to Chicago, the length of his absence is uncertain. Washington, D.C. 7 August 1860.

Folder 3, Insert 2  Photostatic copy of a letter from Thaddeus Stevens stating that he had expected to be back sooner, but had a touch of rheumatism; mentions that humiliations go on and states that Buchanan is a traitor. Caledonia. 19 December 1860.

Folder 3, Insert 3  Letter of recommendation from Thaddeus Stevens for L. Hortman who was seeking employment. Lancaster. 18 April 1861.

Letter of recommendation from Thaddeus Stevens to Hon. William B. Thomas for J. J. Cochran who was seeking employment with Judge Hibsman and H. A. Zooks. Lancaster. 24 April 1861.

Letter from Thaddeus Stevens to Hon. William B. Thomas. Typed copy of above letter.

Folder 3, Insert 4  Photocopy of letter from Levi S. Reist to Thaddeus Stevens regarding a friend who was drafted into the military and pleading for his discharge by asking Stevens to speak to the governor. Lancaster. 15 December 1862.

Photocopy of Thaddeus Stevens’ request to Gov. Curtin to “Do something for this man if possible,” regarding Levi S. Reist. Washington. 19 December 1862.

Photocopy of jacket that contained Stevens’ request.

Folder 3, Insert 5  Letter from Thaddeus Stevens to O. J. Dickey stating that he will attend to the clothing, equipment, etc., he has heard nothing of the battle and is anxious to hear good news. Harrisburg. 2 June 1863. Gift of Mrs. Joan Keller, 19 December 2008.

Letter from Thaddeus Stevens to Col. O. J. Dickey regarding troop movement with Mead’s and Lee’s armies, Harrisburg, Gettysburg and Vicksburg. Harrisburg. 7 July 1863. Gift of Mrs. Joan Keller, 19 December 2008.

Folder 3, Insert 6  Photostatic copy of letter from Thaddeus Stevens to Col. S. Stevens regarding [Caledonia]. Thaddeus received the first communication from his manager that [the Confederates] were led on Tuesday to where the teams were and took all of the horses and mules and even crippled some horses. They took 4,000 pounds of bacon, molasses, contents of the store, $1,000 worth of corn from the mills and other grain, and $4,000 worth of bar iron. On Friday, they burned the furnace, sawmill, two forges and another mill. They kept the office and store room that night and burned them on Saturday. Damage was worse than Thaddeus expected and he doesn’t know what the poor families will do; he must provide for their relief. Lancaster. 11 July 1863.

 

Folder 4  Correspondence and Petition

Folder 4, Insert 1  Photostatic copy of letter from Thaddeus Stevens to John A. Karson regarding a pending bill that will increase the tax on whiskey. Washington, D.C. 25 January 1864.

Folder 4, Insert 2  Letter from Thaddeus Stevens to Ms. Moore regarding getting her a place and advising that a respectable lady not take a place where she is requesting. Washington, D.C. 28 May 1864. Gift of Mrs. Lulu M. Kant.

Folder 4, Insert 3  Letter from Thaddeus Stevens regarding the injury of Capt. Mercer. Washington, D.C. March 1865.

Letter from C. B. Penrose to N. Ellmaker stating that he is strongly inclined to agree with [Hiester] and Franklin.

Letter from Thaddeus Stevens to Ellmaker advising that Hamilton of Texas may be able to give him the information. 26 November 1866.

Folder 4, Insert 4  Letter from Thaddeus Stevens to Julia Erb encouraging her to arrange to sell something. Lancaster. 8 September 1867. Gift of Mazie V. Blessington, April 1946.

Letter from Frank Leslie to Thaddeus Stevens enclosing a proof impression of Stevens’ own portrait which Leslie proposes to publish and requesting a resume of public affairs. New York, New York. 28 November 1866.

Letter from Monsieur Ludouic le’Chant to Thaddeus Stevens stating that he has devised plans and inventions to aid the Union Navy during the Civil War and that he read in the newspaper that an admiral used one of his ideas to break through a rebel stronghold. He wrote to President Lincoln, but does not know if the letter was received by him. He did not like President Johnson as a Southern Democrat and chose to write to Stevens due to his Republican ways and his loyalty to democracy. France. 5 December 1866.

Letter from Thaddeus Stevens to McMillen regarding an opportunity for a clerkship for $100 per month.

Folder 4, Insert 5  Petition asking Thaddeus Stevens for consent to be a Republican candidate for the Office of United States Senator. No date.

Letter from Thaddeus Stevens to A. E. Roberts in response to a request to run for the U.S. Senate seat. The office “is not to be declined…But it has always been my opinion that no man should make himself a candidate for it…” 19 July 1866.

 

Folder 5  Correspondence and Threats from the KKK

Folder 5, Insert 1  Letter from Thaddeus Stevens to [ ____ ] stating that he will watch out for the recipient and sending his compliments to his wife and daughter. Washington, D.C. 5 July 1868.

Folder 5, Insert 2  Photostatic copy of a threat letter from the KKK to Thaddeus Stevens. No date.

Photostatic copy of a threat letter from the KKK to Thaddeus Stevens. No date.

Photostatic copy of a threat letter from the KKK to Thaddeus Stevens. No date.

Photostatic copy of envelope addressed to Thaddeus Stevens in Washington, D.C from New Orleans. No date.

Folder 5, Insert 3  Letter from Thaddeus Stevens to Dr. Isaac [McKiny] with a description of land, surrounding land and timber. Washington, D.C. May 4.

Letter from E. W. [McPherson] to Alfred Townsend reporting that in 1855 he had asked Stevens about the trustworthiness of Peter Martin in the anti-slavery cause and received a reply which he enclosed. (The enclosure is no longer with the letter.) Gettysburg. 23 October 1893.

Letter from E. W. [McPherson] to Alfred Townsend. Typed copy of the above letter.

Folder 5, Insert 4  Photostatic copy of a bill to abolish the slave trade in the District of Columbia. No date.

 

Folder 6  Letter to Ladies of Treasury Department thanking them for a gold-headed cane and letter which he found on his table in appreciation for his efforts in raising their salaries. He expressed his gratitude and gave reasons for declining the gift, and acknowledged that the ladies are equally capable and hard working as any of the men. Washington, D.C. 3 September 1866.

 

Folder 7  Documents related to Home, Bridge, Finances

Folder 7, Insert 1  Title search for the Stevens residence. John Ehler, Sheriff to Thaddeus Stevens. Sheriff’s Deed, 27 April 1843. Stevens paid $4,000 for two 2-story brick houses, brick brew house, brick shop, blacksmith shop and stable.

Folder 7, Insert 2  Measurements, dimensions and directions for the construction of a bridge over the Susquehanna River. [1812]

Folder 7, Insert 3  Postcard from E. S. L. to Mrs. Charles Coleman returning from the “Stevens country” where everyone is eager to help. Vermont. 6 September 1944.

Typescript copy of letter from Thaddeus Stevens to Col. Blanchard stating that he had to return to Pennsylvania for business and regretted that he was not able to meet with the Juvenile Society. If they raise $150 for the library, he will add another $50. Lancaster. 11 November 1854.

Typescript copy of note enclosing $50 for subscription to the library. No date.

Note that Stevens was one of the organizers of the Juvenile Society of the Peacham Academy.

Gift of Elsie Singmaster Lewars, 5 October 1945.

Folder 7, Insert 4  Order for payment to Joseph C. Snyder. 1 January 1858.

Order for payment to Jacob B. [Annoake]. 28 September 1858.

Order for payment to Springer & [Westhaeffer]. 2 October 1858.

Folder 7, Insert 5  Thaddeus Stevens received payment from [Evan] Green Committee of John Evans for professional services. 24 January 1848.

Thaddeus Stevens received payment from D. Miller. 23 March 1854.

 

Folder 8  Sale of the Lancaster Union & Tribune Printing Establishment

Folder 8, Insert 1  Inventory and receipt of stock at the time of sale of the Lancaster Union & Tribune Printing Establishment. 27 November 1851.

Articles of agreement of sale of the Lancaster Union & Tribune Printing Establishment. Signed by Thaddeus Stevens, John Landes, E. C. Reigart, Robert H. Long, George Brubaker, Benjamin Herr and Thomas E. Franklin. 20 November 1851.

Document of David Longenecker rights and ownership of the press to Thaddeus Stevens, et al. 24 January 1852.

 

Folder 9  Speeches and Court Case

Folder 9, Insert 1  “Speech of Hon. T. Thaddeus Stevens, of Pennsylvania, in the House of Representatives, June 11, 1852, on the Public Lands—the Tariff.” The speech addresses the House on the matter of several land bills with the question of the right and policy of government to dispose of public lands. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. 11 June 1852.

Folder 9, Insert 2  “In the Supreme Court of Penna., for the Middle District, May Term, 1856.” Real estate of John N. Lane, deceased, was argued over by various family members. Thaddeus Stevens, William B. Fordney and Thomas E. Franklin, attorneys involved. No conclusion. 1856.

Folder 9, Insert 3  “Speech of Hon. Thaddeus Stevens of Pennsylvania in the House of Representatives, February 13, 1867.” Consideration of the bill to provide for the more effectual government of the insurrectionary states. He felt that Congress had done nothing for the people of the South, who were hurt severely by the Civil War and Reconstruction. The bill is proposed to protect the loyal men from anarchy and murder. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. 13 February 1867.

Folder 9, Insert 4  “Speech of Hon. T. Stevens, of Pennsylvania, delivered in the House of Representatives, March 19, 1867, on the Bill (H.R. No. 20) Relative to Damages to Loyal Men, and for Other Purposes.” He proposed the punishment of traitors by confiscating their property and to increase the pension of wounded soldiers. He cited reasons that the rebels deserved a severe punishment. The politics of peace, in Stevens view, are identified, as well as allowing the ten rebel states to re-enter the Union. He suggested impeaching President Johnson. Published by the Republican Congressional Executive Committee. 19 March 1867.

 

Folder 10  Will

Folder 10, Insert 1  Photocopy of the last will and testament of Thaddeus Stevens. Handwritten by Stevens. Signed by Thaddeus Stevens, Edward Reilly and Christopher Daisz. 30 July 1867.

Photocopy of codicil of will, prepared by [O. J. Dickey], executor of codicil. 11 November 1867.

Photocopy of letters testamentary granted to Anthony E. Roberts, O. J. Dickey and Edward McPherson. 1 September 1868.

Folder 10, Insert 2  Photocopy of a rough draft regarding the execution of Stevens’ estate. No date.

Folder 10, Insert 3  Photocopy of the last will and testament and codicil of Thaddeus Stevens, as filed with the Lancaster County Register of Wills. 28 December 1868.

 

Folder 11  Will—Restricted Access—Do Not Use Originals

 

Folder 12  Estate inventory for Thaddeus Stevens. November 1868 and 22 December 1870. Received by Register of Wills on 4 January 1871.

Folder 13  “Funeral Obsequies of Hon. Thaddeus Stevens.” [August 1868]

Folder 14  Letters regarding Thaddeus Stevens

Folder 14, Insert 1  Letter from E. W. McPherson to the Executive Republican Congressional Committee expressing concern that the book is not progressing and that he would like a report from them. Washington, D.C. 8 August 1884.

Letter from E. W. McPherson to the Executive Republican Congressional Committee with a correction for chapter 36. Washington, D.C. 23 July 1886.

Folder 14, Insert 2  Letter from E. M. Gallaudet of the National Deaf-Mute College to W. W. Griest stating that Stevens always had an interest in the growth of the institution when he was chairman of the Committee of Appropriations and that Stevens’ successor had an “unfriendly attitude.” 16 September 1884. Gift of Rebecca Griest, 1943.

Folder 14, Insert 3  Photostatic copy of letter from Charles H. Barr, book seller and stationer, to Hon. B. F. Prescott reporting that the only portrait of Stevens in oil was at the Union League Club in Philadelphia. Lancaster. 18 December 1886.

Folder 14, Insert 4  Letter from George Powell, York School of Business, to Lottie Bausman at the [Lancaster County Historical Society] with reminiscences of Stevens and Buchanan and inquiring about a portrait of Stevens. York. 21 February 1917.

Letter from Mathiott Crockett, University of Vermont, to H. C. Thorban replying to a request for information about Stevens’ college days. 4 March 1931.

 

Folder 15  Programs

Folder 15, Insert 1  Program of the Dedication of Restoration of Stack of Caledonia Furnace and Memorial Tablet to Thaddeus Stevens, The Friend of the Mountaineer Children of Pennsylvania. Caledonia Parl. 30 July 1927.

Folder 15, Insert 2  Official program, “Thad Stevens, we are coming!” Memorial service at Shreiner-Concord Cemetery. 4 August 1934.

 

Folder 16 Lydia Smith Letters

Letter. Lydia Smith, Washington, to Mrs. McKeney. Discusses McKeney’s return to her home, Smith’s boarders, death of mutual friend, and possible change of residence. May [year unspecified]

Letter. Lydia Smith to Mrs. McKeney. Discusses McKeney’s recent wedding and forwards greetings from friends.

 

Folder 17 Major Thaddeus Stevens, Jr.

Folder 17, Insert 1 Military History of Thaddeus Stevens, Jr.

Book excerpts. “Military History of Thaddeus Stevens, Jr.,” comprised of several excerpted sections of History of Pennsylvania Volunteers, Samuel Bates. Accounts of units in which Stevens served, including 122^nd Pennsylvania, a regular infantry unit, and the 50^th Pennsylvania, an emergency militia unit formed during the Gettysburg campaign. Typewritten copy.

Folder 17, Insert 2 History of Majory Thaddeus Stevens, Jr.

Article. “Major Thaddeus Stevens.” Brief biography of Thaddeus Stevens, Jr., including professional and military career and description of his funeral services. Undated.

Folder 17, Insert 3 Letter from Stevens to Marshals Office

Letter. Thaddeus Stevens, Jr. to Provost Marshals’ Office, Lancaster. Certification of mustering at Lancaster into United States military service for the duration of one year. 29 December 1864.

 

Folder 18 The Story of Cid and the Deer Tail

Note. E. S. Lewars, Gettysburg. Discusses enclosed story involving Thaddeus Stevens’ deer hunting in the Gettysburg area, which casts Stevens in a positive light. Letterhead of Mrs. E. S. Lewars. 17 May 1944.

Newspaper excerpt. “The Old Commoner,” in The Star and Sentinel, Gettysburg, PA. Laudatory story of hunting incident involving Stevens, in which he is willing to surrender an entire deer carcass for the sake of acquiring its tail as a customary trophy. (photocopy of typewritten transcript), 7 July 1874.

 

Folder 19 Letters and Articles about Stevens’ Cane

Folder 19, Insert 1 Letters Regarding Thaddeus Stevens’ Cane, from E. R. Moore

Letter. [Unknown] to E. P. [sic] Moore, Northwestern Elevator Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Response to attached letter. Thanks Moore and his cousin for relating the history of Thaddeus Stevens’ cane, as well as that of Moore’s father, who presented it to Stevens. 10 February 1914.

Letter. E. R. Moore to unidentified cousin. Discusses recent interest in Stevens’ cane due to its acquisition by Congressman Griest. Describers Moore’s father, E. L. Moore, and the circumstances that led Moore to present a cane to Stevens. 19 January 1914.

Folder 19, Insert 2 Letters and articles from John Edmund Rutherford to W. W. Griest

Letter. John Edmund Rutherford, Harrisburg, to W. W. Griest, Lancaster. Discusses enclosed newspaper clipping as well as E. L. Moore’s career, contacts with Thaddeus Stevens, and connections to Rutherford. 26 December 1913.

Letter. John Edmund Rutherford to W. W. Griest. Thanks Griest for letter of 5 January and its enclosed newspaper clipping, as well as invitation to visit Griest’s office and see Stevens’ cane. 6 January 1914.

Sheet of newspaper clippings. Descriptions of E. L. Moore, reproducing and summarizing contents of Rutherford’s 26 December 1913 letter to Griest. (photocopy) 1914.

Folder 19, Insert 3 Letters between Rev. C. H. Forney and W. W. Griest

Letter. Rev. C. H. Forney, Harrisburg, to W. W. Griest. Discusses E. L. Moore’s career Forney’s relationship with him. Makes note of a cane presented to Forney by Moore, which Forney carried at Stevens’ funeral. 30 December 1913.

Letter. Rev. C. H. Forney to W. W. Griest. Discusses E. L. Moore’s career Forney’s relationship with him. Makes note of a cane presented to Forney by Moore, which Forney carried at Stevens’ funeral. (photocopy of typewritten transcript) 30 December 1913.

Letter. W. W. Griest to Rev. C. H. Forney. Thanks Forney for letter, possible similarities between canes, and enclosed newspaper clipping. 3 January 1914.

Newspaper clipping and transcript. Article, “Give Stevens’ Cane to Griest,” discusses Stevens’ cane and Griest’s receipt of it. (photocopy of original and typewritten transcript), 25 December 1913.

Folder 19, Insert 4 Forney Correspondence with W. W. Griest

Letter. Letter. Rev. C. H. Forney, Harrisburg, to W. W. Griest. Discusses E. L. Moore’s career Forney’s relationship with him. Makes note of a cane presented to Forney by Moore, which Forney carried at Stevens’ funeral. (carbon copy) 30 December 1913.

Letter. W. W. Griest to Rev. C. H. Forney. Thanks Forney for letter, possible similarities between canes, and enclosed newspaper clipping. 3 January 1914.

 

Folder 20 Published Biographical Information and Correspondence

Folder 20, Insert 1 Article – Star + Sentinel – “The Great Commoner”

Newspaper excerpt. “The Old Commoner,” in The Star and Sentinel, Gettysburg, PA. Laudatory story of hunting incident involving Stevens, in which he is willing to surrender an entire deer carcass for the sake of acquiring its tail as a customary trophy. (typewritten transcript), 7 July 1874.

Folder 20, Insert 2 Booklet – “Thaddeus Stevens”

Booklet. Thaddeus Stevens: A Letter Written to the Daily New Era, Lancaster, PA, by Hon. Charles I. Landis, President Judge of the Second Judicial District of Pennsylvania, Lancaster, PA: Press of the New Era Printing Company, 1916. Landis’ letter includes biography of Stevens, responding to claims made by Thomas Dixon, Jr. in “The Clansman” and “The Birth of a Nation.” Annotations, cover, “Prof Herbert H. Beck” and “Complements of Charles I. Landis.”

Folder 20, Insert 3 Letter from John Landis to Linn L. Reist copy

Letter. John H. Landis to Linn L. Reist, Portland, Oregon. Anecdotes and biographical information regarding Thaddeus Stevens, prepared in preparation for proposed observance of anniversary of Stevens’ birth. Letterhead of John H. Landis, Publisher, The Millersville Herald. (photocopy) 10 March 1916.

Folder 20, Insert 4 Thaddeus Stevens – An Address by J. Hay Brown

Address. “Thaddeus Stevens.” Delivered by J. Hay Brown at the dedication of the Boys’ High School, Lancaster. Discusses Stevens’ life and career in the context of public education. 26 September 1918.

Folder 20, Insert 5 Thaddeus Stevens – Champion of Freedom article

Article. “Thaddeus Stevens: Champion of Freedom.” Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Historic Pennsylvania Leaflet, no. 7. Biography of Stevens and discussion of his political career. 1957.

Folder 20, Insert 6 1 newspaper clipping copy – Stevens inducted into PA Hall of Fame; speech made by John Ward Wilson Loose

Newspaper clipping. “Thaddeus Stevens to be Honored: Will Be Inducted into Penna. Hall of Fame.” Article regarding Stevens’ induction, as well as the Pennsylvania Hall of Fame in general and past inductees. 7 November 1974.

Speech. “Remarks by John Ward Wilson Loose on the Installation of the Hon. Thaddeus Stevens in the Pennsylvania Hall of Fame.” Discusses Stevens’ life and work. 16 November 1974.

Folder 20, Insert 7 “Old Thad Stevens” part 1 1981 Dec; “Old Thad Stevens” part 2 1982 Jan; articles American History Illustrated

Magazine article. “Old That Stevens: One of the Strongest Men of the Nation,” by Hans L. Trefousse. American History Illustrated, vol. 16, no. 8. Biographical history of Stevens from birth to 1860. December 1981.

Magazine article. “Old That Stevens,” by Hans L. Trefousse. American History Illustrated, vol. 16, no. 9. Biographical history of Stevens from 1861 through his death. January 1982.

 

Folder 21 Correspondence Gift of Mrs. Joan Keller, December 2008

Order to pay. Thaddeus Stevens to Mark Connell. Orders payment of debt and five percent commission. Undated.

Letter. Thaddeus Stevens, Jr. to Col. C. J. Dickey. 11 February 1863. Informs Dickey of the military service and present disposition of “Bob.” Stevens promises to “see always” to Bob and forward any items to him.

Letter. Thaddeus Stevens to G. H. Harris, Esq. Letter written regarding land in Luzerne County. Notes brevity of stay at Lancaster and lack of relevant papers. Informs Harris that Stevens is authorized to recovery Harris’ interest in Rope and Shrawden lands. Discusses planned trip to Wilkes-Barre. 25 May 1865.

 

Folder 22 Fragment of Letter

Letter. Jane T. Pelland, School District of Lancaster, to Robert Case, Lancaster County Library and copies to Dr. Harold F. White and Dr. Roger A. Place. Requests Lancaster County Library’s board of directors’ consideration regarding the fate of several original documents containing Thaddeus Stevens’ handwriting. Discusses possibility of placing them on display at the Carter and MacRae Elementary School.

Fragment of letter. Thaddeus Stevens to [Mr. Roberts]. Fragment includes last two lines—“You know the writer; once canal commissioner under Gov. Ritner.” —as well as Stevens’ signature. [1850].

 

Folder 23 Images

Print. Image of marker of Thaddeus’ Stevens home from 1843 to his death. Marker placed by Lancaster County Historical Society. Notes on rear describing location. Undated.

Print. Copy of Jacob Eichholtz’s portrait of Thaddeus Stevens. Undated.

Engraving. Portrait of Thaddeus Stevens, with reproduced signature. Engraving by G. E. Perine and Co., New York. Undated.

Engraving. Portrait of Thaddeus Stevens, with reproduced signature. Slightly larger than above, with additional line, “Representative from Pennsylvania.” Engraving by G. E. Perine and Co., New York. Undated.

Engraving. Portrait of Thaddeus Stevens. Caption, “Thaddeus Stevens Ch. Com. Ways & Means H. R.” Undated.

Engraving. Portrait of Thaddeus Stevens. Undated.

Letter. [A]. C. H. Barr and Mrs. E. S. Sewons to unidentified party at Dartmouth College. Apparent transcription of letter held in Dartmouth College archives. Discusses portraits of Thaddeus Stevens, including previously sent engraving. Undated.

Print. Copy of Jacob Eichholtz’s portrait of Thaddeus Stevens. Reverse stamped, “Property of Lancaster County Historical Society. Poor condition; many cracks and creases. Undated.

 

Folder 24 Stevens Bicentennial

Postcard. View of Thaddeus Stevens Industrial School. Published by King Novelty Co., Lancaster. Undated.

Postcard. Portrait of Thaddeus Stevens. Published by the Stevens Trade School Bicentennial Committee. 1992.

Postcard. Portrait of Thaddeus Stevens. Published by the Stevens Trade School Bicentennial Committee. 1992.

Brochure. Invitation to Thaddeus Stevens’ 200^th Birthday Party, held on 4 April 1992. Includes brief histories of Thaddeus Stevens and Thaddeus Stevens State School of Technology, as well as schedule of events. 1992.

Brochure. Invitation to Thaddeus Stevens’ 200^th Birthday Party, held on 4 April 1992. Includes brief histories of Thaddeus Stevens and Thaddeus Stevens State School of Technology, as well as schedule of events. 1992.

Letter. Alex B. Munro, Thaddeus Stevens Trade School Alumni Foundation, to Jack Loose, Lancaster County Historical Society. Thanks Loose for participation in Thaddeus Stevens’ bicentennial celebration. 1992.

Brochure. Advertises conference, “The Legacy of Thaddeus Stevens,” held at Hotel Brunswick on 30 & 31 October 1992. Includes list of speakers and preregistration form. 1992.

Brochure. Advertises conference, “The Legacy of Thaddeus Stevens,” held at Hotel Brunswick on 30 & 31 October 1992. Includes list of speakers and preregistration form. 1992.

 

Folder 25 Manuscripts

Letter. Mrs. Robert E. Miller, Lake Wales, Florida, to Lancaster County Historical Society. Notes enclosure of several manuscripts related to Thaddeus Stevens found among family papers. 1 December 1973.

Envelope. Mrs. Robert E. Miller to Lancaster County Historical Society. 8 December 1973.

Articles of agreement between Thaddeus Stevens and John F. Caven. Stevens agrees to sell land in Luzerne County to Caven, and Caven agrees to sell Stevens stock in the Leavenworth, Dawnee, and Western Rail Road Co. in Kansas. 17July 1862.

Promissory note. Thaddeus Stevens and G[illegible] deElroy promise to pay $150 plus interest to bearer of note twelve months from date issued. 27. Reverse, note indicating receipt of interest for one year. 27 October 1848.

Articles of agreement between Harrisburg Bank and Thaddeus Stevens. Settles debts and issues of property sales between Stevens and the bank. 3 January 1844.

Agreement. Settles debt of Mrs. Bachman with real estate and Lancaster Bank stock. Thaddeus Stevens among representatives of Lancaster Bank. Undated.

Notice of evidence. Evidence to be filed in case of Abraham Minnich v. Benjamin Minnich & William Wamley, administrators of Michael Minnich, decedent. Submitted by Thaddeus Stevens as attorney for defendants. 12 February 1856.

Transcript of articles of agreement. Thaddeus Stevens agrees to sell land in Luzerne County to John F. Caven, and Caven agrees to sell Stevens stock in the Leavenworth, Dawnee, and Western Rail Road Co. in Kansas. 17July 1862.

 

Folder 26 Invoice presented to the City of Lancaster for the tolling of bells for the funeral of Thaddeus Stevens. Bells tolled at First German Reformed Church, Lutheran Church (Duke Street), St. Paul’s German Reformed Church, St. James Episcopal Church, St. John Episcopal Church, St. Joseph Reformed Church, Washington Fire Company. 26 August 1868. Approved on 25 September 1868 and paid. Gift of Clarke Hess, 7 October 2013.

 

Folder 27 Thaddeus Stevens note to Hon. John Strahm in Washington, D.C. regarding business with land in Potter County. 1846. Gift of Clarke Hess, 5 March 2014.

 

Folder 28 Three letters to Nathaniel Burt, Jr. from Thaddeus Stevens regarding civil court case with Watson McAnnally. Photocopies of letters provided by the Salisbury Twp. Historical Society, from the Burt Family Papers (Waterloo Farm), 28 June 2018.

Letter regarding date of trial and proof of rental agreement needed. 17 [January] 1846.

Transcription notes for 17 [January] 1846 letter.

Letter regarding a witness. 26 [February] 1846.

Transcription notes for 26 [February] 1846 letter.

Letter advising Mr. Burt that he should settle out of court. 8 August 1846.

Transcription notes for 8 August 1846 letter.