Scope and Contents The Brownson family papers consist of correspondence between members of the Brownson, Johnson, and Allured families, as well as essays, poetry, and a sermon.Many of the letters are to Oscar Brownson of Pontiac and Evart, Michigan. Brownson entered Oberlin College in 1843, but a year later he returned to Pontiac to teach school. Several letters from a cousin, Franklin Barber, urged him to join the United States Navy, where he could get a free medical training. Brownson received...

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...

Scope and Contents This collection contains correspondence, a majority from relatives and school friends of Lottie Pendleton (later Mrs. George W. Bailey) whose home was in Cleveland, Ohio, and who attended college at Adrian, Michigan. The letters (1854-1862) are largely from students at Albion and Oberlin Colleges and the University of Michigan, discussing future visits and the infrequency or shortness of letters written or received. Also included is a letter from her brother, Harry, describing events of the...