John Vance Cheney papers, 1776-1895, bulk 1885-1895

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Summary

Creators:
Cheney, John Vance, 1848-1922
Abstract:
A collection of material related to the life and work of John Vance Cheney, American author and librarian.
Extent:
3.6 Linear Feet (3 boxes)
Language:
Materials are in English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item]. John Vance Cheney papers, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Background

Scope and content:

A collection of 218 items covering the years 1776-1895, which consists primarily of letters from publishers regarding Cheney's writings, especially his poetry, and letters from literary associates. Correspondents include: Ina Donna Coolbrith, Richard Watson Gilder, Edwin Markham, Joaquin Miller, Adolph Sutro, and Edmund Clarence Stedman. There is also one letter by Daniel Webster written shortly before his death. Several letters also deal with the Oakland Public Library and San Francisco Free Library.

Biographical / historical:

John Vance Cheney (1848-1922) was an author and librarian. Cheney grew up in Dorset, Vermont, where he studied law and was admitted to the bar; however, he decided not to practice law and moved to California. From 1873 he was a frequent contributor of poetry to periodicals, especially to the "Century." From 1887 to 1894 he served as librarian of the San Francisco Free Library. His literary associates included John Muir, Edwin Markham and Joaquin Miller. In 1894 Cheney moved to Chicago to become librarian of the Newberry Library, where he remained until 1909; his last years were spent in San Diego, California.

Acquisition information:
Purchased from Dawson's Book Shop, 1952.
Processing information:

Processed by Huntington Library Staff in May 1955. In 2020, Gayle Richardson created the finding aid derived from a legacy summary report.

Arrangement:

Arranged chronologically.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more information.

Terms of access:

The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item]. John Vance Cheney papers, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Location of this collection:
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108, US
Contact:
(626) 405-2191
reference@huntington.org
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