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John Cumming California Gold Rush and western migration research files
mssCumming
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Table of contents
Title: John Cumming California Gold Rush and western migration research files
Inclusive Dates: 1827-1993
Bulk Dates: 1849-1859
Collection Number: mssCumming
Extent:
8 boxes (3.3 linear feet)
Repository:
The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens
The Huntington Library
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, California 91108
Phone: (626) 405-2191
Fax: (626) 449-3477
Email: reference@huntington.org
URL: http://www.huntington.org
Abstract: Research material collected by historian John Cumming, chiefly on western immigration from Michigan.
Language of Material: The material is in English.
Collection is open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department.
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 permission rests with the researcher.
[Identification of Item], John Cumming California Gold Rush and western migration research files, The Huntington Library,
San Marino, California.
Gift of John Cumming, Jr. and Marilyn B. Cumming, March 2017.
John Cumming was born in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts in 1915. He taught in the Detroit Public School system before becoming
director of the Clarke Historical Library at Central Michigan University in 1961. Cumming served as director for 22 years,
substantially increasing the size of the library during his tenure. He was a member of a number of professional organizations
and researched Michiganders who went west in the 19th century, especially to the California Gold Rush. He was also an author
of many books and journal articles. Cumming married Audrey Marie Severence in 1939 and together they had two sons, Robert
and John. He died in 2010.
This collection is comprised of the research conducted by historian John Cumming in his study of Michiganders who went west
in the 19th century. The collection includes transcriptions of articles, diaries, and letters written by emigrants from Michigan
to the American West, many of which were published in Michigan newspapers. The dates cited refer to the date of the originals
from which the transcriptions were created. Often the location of the originals is noted on the transcriptions. Also included
are several items written by John Cumming. There is one folder that contains original letters from the Gold Rush era: Box
4 (13): Gold Rush Notes: contains original manuscript items and letters.
Arrangement
The original order of the collection was maintained. It is arranged alphabetically by folder title.
Cumming, John, 1915-, collector
Overland journeys to the Pacific -- Personal narratives
Pioneers -- West (U.S.) -- History -- 19th century
Voyages to the Pacific coast -- Personal narratives
California -- History -- 19th century
Michigan -- Emigration and immigration
West (U.S.) -- Description and travel
articles
diaries
essays
letters (correspondence)
photocopies
research (documents)
stats (copies)
transcriptions (documents)
typescripts