Vera H. (Mrs. William) Eldridge (1910-1988) Collection (KC0053)

William Egbert Eldridge (1902-1989) was born in Gainesville, Texas, and married Vera Marie Haworth of Kansas City, Missouri, in 1931. Mr. Eldridge was employed at Cook Paint and Varnish for 32 years and in 1970 was elected Recorder of Deeds for Clay County, Missouri. He was re-elected in 1974 and 1978. Vera Eldridge (1910-1988) was editor of “Modern Boxoffice Magazine” and editor of publications for National Bellas Hess and McCleary Hospital. Both Mr. and Mrs. Eldridge were active in historical societies, civic groups, and were instrumental in establishing Watkins Mill State Park. In addition, Mr. and Mrs. Eldridge wrote numerous articles for newspapers and local historical publications concerning Clay County history.

The papers in this collection were acquired by Mr. and Mrs. Eldridge during their historical research. The collection consists of transcripts of material on the families of Calvin Smith, Dan Carpenter, and Mrs. O.P. Moss, the former Catoline Marjory Thornton. The Smith papers include a history of Smithville, information on family history, and the “Autobiography of Calvin Smith”. The Carpenter papers include a family history, account sheets, family letters, the “Autobiography of Dan Carpenter,” and his journals for 1847-1848 at Barry, Missouri, and his California travel journal for 1850.

Also included is a photocopy of the original journal of Mrs. O.P. Moss of Liberty, Missouri. This journal was purchased by Mrs. Eldridge from Glenn's Books. It is a transcription by Mrs. Moss of her letters written from about 1857 o 1889. Their content deals primarily with Mrs. Moss’ religious convictions and church activity. Mrs. Moss was the Corresponding Secretary of the Ladies Society of William Jewel College in 1871 and an active participant in the missionary efforts of her Church in Liberty. Mrs. Moss was the sister-in-law of Col. Alexander Doniphan and the journal contains several letters written by Mrs. Moss to Col. And Mrs. Doniphan. The parents of Mrs. Moss, Col. John Thornton and Elizabeth (Trigg) Thornton were prominent pioneers in Western Missouri. Col. Thornton was appointed judge of Clay County, Missouri by Gov. McNair in January 1822, after serving as appointed judge of Ray County. Mrs. Moss mentions her parents in her journal with great affection and reverence.

Also within the collection is the transcript of “My 50 Years at Jewell” by Professor John Davis. It covers the period of his student years through his years of employment at the college, 1903-1970. Topics covered include the campus buildings, college legal status and tax exemptions, patrons of the college, and anecdotes about the staff and faculty.

This addition consists of a photocopy of articles printed in the Liberty Chronicle from October 11, 1934 - May 23, 1935. These articles are a serialized edition of the diary of James Love, written October 8, 1851 - July 4, 1853. James Love was born in Clay County, Kentucky in 1820. After teaching school for several years in Missouri he enrolled in the University of Missouri at Columbia. This diary was kept during his years at the University. Love taught at William Jewel College after his graduation. In 1855 Love and his wife (Lucy) founded the Clay Seminary for girls and operated it for ten years. In 1860 Love was the president of the Missouri Teacher’s Association. But, in 1866 Love quit teaching and became cashier at Clay County Savings Association. James Love died in 1914 at his Liberty, Missouri home. More detailed biographical information in included in the initial serial dated October 11, 1934.

This addition is a list of the marriages of Blacks after the Civil War. Statute 451.160, dated 1865, permitted children born to slave parents prior to emancipation, to be legitimized by the performance of the ceremony of marriage, and the recording of all children born to the couple. This list is organized in two parts. The first part is an alphabetical listing by the man’s surname which included the full name of the wife, the date of marriage, the number of children, and the page on which the marriage was recorded. The second part of the list is organized by the females’ maiden name and then provides the page where the marriage was recorded and the last name of the husband. ca. 1810-ca. 1970.

13 folders.

INVENTORY 

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updated: Monday, February 07, 2011
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