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Finding Aids

Stebbins family papers

 Collection
Identifier: 00014

Scope and Contents

A manuscript copy of Stebbins' book A History of Plymouth Church (of Lansing) written in 1893 is included. Stebbins compiled an autobiography entitled Sketches of My Life, which he was completing at his death in 1901. A copy of the text is included, as well as his diaries, account books and newspaper clippings on railroads.

Other materials in the papers are those of his children Arthur C. and Bliss Stebbins and Susan Stebbins Stark. Susan's papers consist of a biography of her father which she wrote and correspondence (1925, 1928) concerning a European trip. Arthur's materials are newspaper clippings about himself; Bliss' materials consist of correspondence and newspaper clippings about his European trip in 1910-1911. Newspaper articles by Arthur's son Francis R. Stebbins are also included.

The remainder of the papers consist of Mrs. C. B. Stebbins account books (1849-1856, 1884-1888), essays and notes written by unknown individuals, and writs for debt collection issued in England (1741) and Vermont (1821).

Dates

  • Creation: 1741 - 1976
  • Creation: Majority of material found within 1821 - 1940

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

The Stebbins family has resided in Michigan since 1837 when Cortland Bliss Stebbins moved to Palmyra, Michigan, from Vermont where he had been a cabinetmaker and part-time journalist. In 1843 Stebbins moved to Adrian, Michigan where he was also a cabinetmaker as well as editor of the Adrian Michigan Expositor. He was the first editor in the country to suggest Millard Fillmore for President, and after Fillmore became President on the death of Zachary Taylor in 1849, Stebbins was appointed Special Agent for the Post Office Department. His appointment lasted until Fillmore's term ended in 1852. Stebbins then operated a store in Adrian until 1857, when he moved to Lansing and became editor of the Lansing Republican. The next year Stebbins became an officer in the Michigan Department of Public Instruction, a position he held until 1878. He wrote much poetry and prose on a variety of subjects including temperance, politics, education, history, and religion.

Extent

2.33 Cubic Feet (44 volumes in box 3)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Custodial History

Gift of Mrs. Francis Stebbins, C. Rowland Stebbins.

Legal Status

Copyright: Michigan State University.

Property Rights: Michigan State University.

Literary Rights: Dedicated to the public (HC 00308).

Subjects

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title
Stebbins Family Papers
Status
4 Published And Cataloged
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the University Archives and Historical Collections Repository

http://archives.msu.edu/
Contact:
Conrad Hall
943 Conrad Road, Room 101
East Lansing MI 48824 US
517-355-2330