ABSTRACT: This collection contains seven letters & accompanying envelopes addressed to and sent from Michigan teacher of the United States Indian Schools from 1890 to 1897. The received letters appear to be from a former suitor and a colleague from the Indian Schools and the sent letter are addressed to her parents.
HISTORY: At the time of receiving these letters, Helen Campbell lived in Birch Run and taught at the United States Indian Schools. Her father, Warren Campbell, and her mother, Anna Hoagland, moved to Michigan from the east coast between 1865 and 1870. Helen was born about 1873 and never married. Census records show her living with her parents until their death and taking over her father’s farm as he aged.
SCOPE: The letters addressed to Anna from her former suitor are anonymously signed with initials or pseudonyms and discuss both their former relationship and current activities. The letters to her parents discuss her work, schooling, and ask about the family farm.
HOLDINGS: 7 letters, 22 pages, 7 accompanying envelopes. Dated September 21, 1890 to December 6, 1897. Four letters are addressed to Mrs. Warren Campbell, and are signed by Helen Campbell. Three letters are addressed to Miss Helen Campbell and are signed by “Dodge the Light” and “B.W.” (Possibly the same sender) and William R. Kennedy from the Department of the Interior Indian School Service.
ACCESS: The collection is available for on-site use only in the Rare Book and Manuscripts Reading Room. Researchers are advised to call ahead concerning changes in hours due to University intersessions and holidays. The St. Louis Mercantile Library is located on levels one and two of the Thomas Jefferson Library building.
In observance of security procedures, certain services may not be available shortly before the daily closing time.
