Orlando Barnes papers

Collection

Identifier: 00010

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The material in the Barnes collection encompasses the period 1846 to 1899. Barnes graduated from the University of Michigan in 1850 and settled in Lansing to practice law. After establishing his reputation, he became attorney for the Jackson, Lansing, and Saginaw Railroad. He also assumed a promotional position with the Railroad, and eventually became its secretary and general manager.

Barnes was philosophically minded and frequently wrote on various social matters. The bulk of this collection consists of these undated narratives, particularly on slavery and utopianism. The remainder of the collection is composed of newspaper clippings pertinent to the subject of his writings, several orations by Barnes, and a few letters addressed to him. These letters are largely personal in nature. They include a letter of introduction dated August 5, 1872 from Zachariah Chandler.

Dates

Creation: 1846 - 1899

Creator

Barnes, O. M. (Orlando Mack), 1825-1899 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish material from this collection must be obtained from University Archives & Historical Collections, Michigan State University.

Biographical Note

Orlando Barnes was active in Democratic politics throughout his adult life. He was a state representative in 1863-1864. He served as mayor of Lansing from 1877-1878. He was defeated for governor in 1878 and for the U.S. Senate in 1883. From 1880 on he was chairman of the Democratic State Central Committee. In 1891 he was appointed to the State Prison Board.