Conditions Governing Access
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Biographical / Historical
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Preferred Citation:
Scope and Contents
Use Policy
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
Department of Special Collections and University Archives
Title: Thomas Leiper Kane Papers
Creator:
Kane, Thomas Leiper
Identifier/Call Number: M0058
Identifier/Call Number: 1459
Physical Description:
0.5 Linear Feet
(1 box)
Date (inclusive): 1846-1883
Abstract: Papers cover primarily Kane's two trips west, in 1846-1847 and in 1858. The collection contains letters, diaries, agreements,
clippings, notes for articles and lectures, drafts, sketches, and diagrams. Predominant subject matter is the Mormons, their
history, migrations, persecution, and characteristics. Descriptions of travel across the Isthmus of Panama and between San
Bernadino, Calif. and Salt Lake City, Utah are also found in the collection.
Conditions Governing Access
Open for research. Note that material must be requested at least 36 hours in advance of intended use. Audiovisual materials
are not available in original format, and must be reformatted to a digital use copy.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Purchased, 1934.
Biographical / Historical
Thomas Leiper Kane was a law clerk, abolitionist, an advocate for Mormons, and a Union Army officer during the Civil War.
He was born January 27, 1822 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania the son of John Kinzing and Jane Duval Leiper Kane. He traveled
to England and later studied law in France and served as an attache in the American legation.
After returning from Europe Kane was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar and served as a Clerk of the District Court in eastern
Pennsylvania. After 1846 he began advocating for Mormons and worked to mediate tensions betweens Mormons and the federal government.
Kane resigned from his post as clerk over disagreement with the Fugitive Slave Act of 1950. He also made two trips to the
West in 1846-1847 and in 1858. In 1853 Kane married Elizabeth Dennistoun Wood and they had four children.
In 1861 Kane helped raise the Thirteenth Pennsylvania Reserve Regiment (also known as the 42nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry)
and was elected to served as the lieutenant colonel of the regiment. Kane eventually rose to the rank of brevet major general,
served in the Army of the Potomac and was wounded multiple times.
After the Civil War Kane helped found the community of Kane, Pennsylvania and served as a director of the Sunbury and Erie
Railroad. He also served as president of the Board of State Charities and was a member of the American Philosophical, American
Geographical and Pennsylvania Historical Societies. Kane died December 26, 1883 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Note: for a more detailed biographical sketch, see the first folder in the collection.
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Page from catalog record https://searchworks.stanford.edu/view/4082757
Preferred Citation:
[Identification of item] Thomas Leiper Kane Papers, M058, Dept. of Special Collections, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford,
Calif.
Scope and Contents
The Thomas L. Kane papers primarily cover his two trips West in 1846-1847, and again, in 1858. There is some material covering
the period between these trips and some after 1858. The collection contains letters, diaries, agreements, clippings, notes
for articles and lectures, drafts, sketches and some diagrams.
Most of the subject matter relates to the Mormons, their history, migrations, persecutions, and characteristics. Kane also
describes in detail the country through which he passed along the Missouri River, across the Isthmus of Panama, and between
San Bernardino, Calif., and Salt Lake City, Utah. He also describes the difficulties of a long sea voyage.
A small amount of material relates to the Free Soil question, democracy, and state sovereignty. There is also an account of
an Indian massacre, a quasi-biblical history, a "Plea of a condemned man," and a geneology of a branch of Kane's wife's family.
NOTE: Much of this material is in the form of loose notes and drafts and some of it is not in Kane's hand.
Use Policy
While Special Collections is the owner of the physical and digital items, permission to examine collection materials is not
an authorization to publish. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study. Any transmission
or reproduction beyond that allowed by fair use requires permission from the owners of rights, heir(s) or assigns.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Mormons
Potawatomi Indians
Young, Brigham, 1801-1877