Washington's Vision

File — Box: 7, Folder: 21

Identifier: IV

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Staff Only

Scope and Contents

From the Collection: The Joseph Ellis Johnson papers (1831-1964) consist of the personal and family papers of Joseph E. Johnson (1817-1882). Johnson was a prolific writer, leaving a legacy of seven original diaries written, at broken intervals, between 1850 and 1876. The diaries give detailed accounts of his various travels. The collection also contains his daybooks, account books, and record books.

Correspondence between members of the Johnson family makes up a great part of the collection. From his travels, Johnson wrote many letters, sending his love and instructions to his wives and children, and also wrote to his hired help who were running his business establishments. Johnson and his third wife, Eliza, corresponded most frequently as conditions prevented them from living in the same locality until they arrived in Utah.

Deeds, receipts, documents, newspapers, and recipes for Johnson's patent medicines are in the collection. Other memorabilia include advertisements, invitations, theater programs, and family bulletins. An original manuscript and research correspondence for the book J.E.J.: Trail to Sundown by Johnson's son, Rufus, are also in the collection.

Click here to view the digitized items from the collection.

Dates

1831-1964

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.