Oscar M. Henry diaries, 1885-1915

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Summary

Creators:
Henry, Oscar M.
Abstract:
This collection of diaries serves as a window into the life of Oscar M. Henry, a California rancher, farmer and miner. Henry wrote the diaries on his farm in Amador County, California from 1885 to 1915. In daily entries, Henry documented his social and business dealings, listed daily and weekly visitors, and reported the weather. He also recorded the various tasks he completed from day to day, from slaughtering hogs and hauling wood to plowing, gardening and maintaining the fences. The diaries reflect his attention to detail; for example, he cited from whom and for how much he bought the books he used as his journals. In general, the journals illustrate the life of a prosperous Californian in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Extent:
0.8 Linear Feet (2 boxes)
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Oscar M. Henry Diaries. MS-R 63. Special Collections and Archives, The UCI Libraries, Irvine, California. Date accessed.

For the benefit of current and future researchers, please cite any additional information about sources consulted in this collection, including permanent URLs, item or folder descriptions, and box/folder locations.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection of diaries serves as a window into the life of Oscar M. Henry, a California rancher, farmer and miner. Henry wrote the diaries on his farm in Amador County, California from 1885 to 1915. In daily entries, Henry documented his social and business dealings, listed daily and weekly visitors, and reported the weather. He also recorded the various tasks he completed from day to day, from slaughtering hogs and hauling wood to plowing, gardening and maintaining the fences. The diaries reflect his attention to detail; for example, he cited from whom and for how much he bought the books he used as his journals. In general, the journals illustrate the life of a prosperous Californian in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

The diaries are organized in chronological order. Four diaries in the collection are originals, and the remainder are photocopies of originals not held by UCI. The container list indicates which diaries are originals.

Biographical / historical:

Oscar M. Henry was a farmer and mine owner in Amador County, California during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The Henry family first arrived in the United States in the 1720s from Scotland, settling first in Virginia, then in Tennessee. Oscar Melbine Henry was born on October 21, 1851 in Cherokee County, North Carolina. The extent of his education is unknown.

As a young man, Henry relocated frequently, moving to Arkansas, Wyoming and Idaho. In 1876 he settled in Amador County, California. In 1879, he married Amanda Jane Bean Dicken. The couple had three children: Mary Ida Henry (1880), Rose E. Henry (1884), and Samuel Oscar Henry (1886), in addition to three boys from Amanda's previous marriage.

Henry and his family often traveled into Volcano, Sutter Creek, Jackson and Amador City to engage in various business dealings, including gold mining. He was primarily a farmer and rancher. On his small family farm, he grew hay, wheat, barley, and fruits. He also raised livestock, including cattle and hogs, owned a vineyard and sold timber. He prospered, even purchasing land beyond the homestead, an unusual accomplishment for the typical land-owner. He owned a few houses and also invested in property in Oakland.

Oscar Henry was also a prominent community figure. He founded a school on his ranch land and served on the school board. His distinction in the community is reflected in the diary in which he makes note of numerous visitors to his home.

He died on January 25, 1916, while working on his farm. His farms were inherited by his son Samuel, who bequeathed the property to his wife, who then sold it.

The biographical information was gleaned from verbal recollections of Henry's granddaughter Elizabeth R. Annis, who donated his diaries to the library.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Elizabeth R. Annis in 1995.
Processing information:

Processed by Alexis Schwarz in 1998.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Property rights reside with the University of California. Literary rights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. For permissions to reproduce or to publish, please contact the Head of Special Collections and University Archives.

Preferred citation:

Oscar M. Henry Diaries. MS-R 63. Special Collections and Archives, The UCI Libraries, Irvine, California. Date accessed.

For the benefit of current and future researchers, please cite any additional information about sources consulted in this collection, including permanent URLs, item or folder descriptions, and box/folder locations.

Location of this collection:
P.O. Box 19557
Irvine, CA , US
Contact:
(949) 824-3947
spcoll@uci.libanswers.com
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