John Doyle Lee papers

Collection

Identifier: ACCN 0186

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The John Doyle Lee papers (1876, 1949, 1982) comprise two categories of documents: typescripts of diaries and journals written by Lee between 1841 and 1851 and typescript documents written about Lee at later dates. The latter category includes book excerpts, a legal document, and a research paper.

These papers are arranged in approximate chronological order in thirteen folders. John Doyle Lee was born in KasKasKia, Williamsburg Township, Illinois, on 6 September 1812 and died, by firing squad, in Iron County, Utah Territory, on March 23, 1877. The documents in the collection authored by Lee comprise ten typescripts of his diaries and journals, some bound, that record missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and assignments by leaders of the Church. These documents have in common logs of travel, including locations visited, mode of travel and distances, points made in sermons and in debates with local clergy (Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist and Campbelite), and a listing of families that provided food, lodging, or gifts. It appears that Lee made friends among his converts, for he was warmly welcomed back in subsequent visits. At times, there are gaps in the text that make Lee's story somewhat difficult to follow. Included in folders 4, 7, and 10 are unbound journals identified with the name Fred Collier. These are copies of the material in the bound journals preceding them, but the text of these is less complete and are annotated. However, these versions do contain material not included in the other, bound copies. These diaries and journals deal almost entirely with church-related activity. There is very little reference to Lee's personal interests or family life. His efforts to keep his reporting impersonal go so far as to refer to his own participation in meetings in the third person. The second category of papers, those written about Lee, include a copy of excerpts from a small book (not identified by title, author or date) that comment on Lee's activities in 1847, a copy of a response to Lee's 1876 indictment, and a research paper (circa 1982) by a Brigham Young University student commenting on Lee's trial and execution.

Dates

1876
1949
1982

Creator

Lee, John D. (John Doyle), 1812-1877 (Person)

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.

Original item located in box 1, folder 11 has been removed and placed in Reserve. Access must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the item if being used.

Conditions Governing Use

The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library’s Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.

Extent

0.5 Linear Feet (1 Box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The John Doyle Lee papers (1876, 1949, 1982) comprise two categories of documents: typescripts of diaries and journals written by Lee between 1841 and 1851 and typescripts of documents written about Lee at later dates. The latter category includes book excerpts, a legal document, and a research paper.