Library OF THE UNIVLRSITY or ILLINOIS 027 I29R ( 89^94 -I90(/o^ „.r.orsnrs.o.rc..s..r^ ILLINOIS STATE V^ jf \ HISTORICAL LIBRARY. iiV£nSiT\ TRUSTEES' REPORT. DECEMBER 16, 1894 SPRINGFIELD ILL. Ed F. Hartman. Printer. 1895. ILLINOIS STATE H . L --RSITY Ur iLLlNuJo TRUSTEES'REPORT. DECEMBER 16, 1894 SPRlNtlFlELL) Il,r>. El). F. Hartman. Pkinteu. 1895. }^9Z/94- \Houfu (^ EEPOKT OF THE TRUSTEES. Room of the Illinois State Historical Library, Springfield, III., December 35, 1894. yTo John P. Altgeld, Governor of Illinois: r Sir: — The trustees of the Illinois State Historical Library, in ^ submitting this report to you, feel that they are not only discharging a legal duty, bnt, while so doing, that they are engaged in a work both pleasant and attractive; for whatever matters relate either directly or remotely to Illinois and its history present a charm to "^ be found only in the contemplation of a succession of great events ^ that are unexcelled in the annals of the world. Though by com- parison with the older nations of the Eastern Hemisphere the State of Illinois is but young, yet the history of its infaneij pre- sents more vigor than the listless history of iiieir old age. Like the young Grecian Hercules, it commenced to perform wonders in its very cradle. The brief space of four centuries includes the history of the American continent since the arrival of the Caucasian race. After that, also, nearly four centuries include the history of that great domain now embraced in the United States. Four cen- turies, in point of time, are but "a notch upon the paling" in the life of the universe; and, compared to the duration of the existence of the ancient nations of Europe, Asia and Africa, the United States are indeed just at the beginning of their great career. When Napoleon addressed his soldiers in Egypt, he told them that from the pyramids the shades of forty centuries looked down upon them. If, in the imagination, we could erect a pyramid on our soil, we would be forsed to say that the shades of only one-tenth of the centuries that cast their shadows upon the Napoleonic Legion fall upon us. But, though just at the threshold of their great career, the United States of North America, through giant strides in all ;. the arts and inventions, have eclipsed all the older civilizations. While admitting the durability of tlie learning and wisdom trans- mitted from generations to generations among the nations that border on the East Indian Ocean; admitting the impress made upon mankind through the preservation of knowledge by the vast Egyptian storehouses which, in the ages gone by, were the depos- r itories of useful information; the force and character impressed upon Europe by the intermingling of the effects of the earlitM- Greek and Roman civilizations with the results of the later Latin, Germanic and Anglo-Saxon scientific researches, yet (and possibly as the outgrowth of all of these with whatever influence they may 4 have exerted, whether immediately or even remotely on the dis- covery, settlement and upbuilding of our continent, aud, above all, intermingled with our air, our climate and hence with our new aspirations), we can justly lay claim to the establishment of a new order in a new world that will ever appear in the vanguard of mental, moral and material progress. And, in proof of this asser- tion, we call attention to the fact that when the nations of the earth came together last year in friendly competition, the United States out-ranked them all. Hence, amid this contemplation of the siaius past, present and future of this great and indissoluble union of States of which Illinois forms a part, every Illinoisian, as a member of the State aud the nation, may well feel proud; and that pride is increased when we recall the further fact that to the sum total of all this national greatness our state has added no insignificant part; in truth, its contribution to this national great- ness, by the erection of the most magnificent city of the world within its borders, made it possible to bring the rest of the world to meet here in that friendly competition of last year, inasmuch as the realization was brought to all that in this wonderful city, the magic growth on Illinois soil, there were more facilities for handling the multitude than anywhere else. Hence it is that while fulfilling the requirements of the law we bring to the discharge of that duty a patriotic cheerfulness and a proud love of state and country that make the work an inviting task. BRIEF HISTORY OF THE STATE. In asking for a continuance of this Historical Library, we do so on the ground that through its agency many books, documents, pamphlets, monographs, manuscrijjts, etc., relating to our history can be easily collected and preserved as demonstrated by the already large and valuable collection in the room set apart for this purpose. In thus having set apart a room for matter per- taining particularly and generally to Illinois, the State furnishes convenient access not alone to all who are interested in historical researches but to all who take a pride in learning aud knowing what a prominent position the State occupies, and we are con- \inced that all Illinoisians (Jo take this pride. This Library con- tains a record of the material and intellectual development of the State. A' development for which no citizen need to blush. During the two hundred and twenty-four years which have elapsed since tlie advent of the first white man on our soil, the growth materially and intellectually has been truly wonderful. And the history of these two centuries and a quarter is worthy of preservation. That history commences with the year in which an invitation was extended to the Indian tribes of the Northwest to a conference with the representatives of the French-Canadian government at the Sault Sainte Marie, at which conference the French in 1671 spread their dominion over the Northwest and the Indians of the Northwest were promised protection against their hostile eastern neighbors— the Iroquois. Prior to this time 5 there was a series of events spreading over nearly a century and a half that led up to this conference, and the history of this century and a half is an appropriate pa't of the aim of this Library, as it is the source from whence our own history springs. The early French settlements through New France, through Canada. Nova Scotia and Newfoundland were the vanguards of those French settlements that came to the Northwest and finally spread down through the Mississippi Valley. The doings then of the early French traders, missionaries, coureuvs do hois and ex- plorers are an appropriate part of the subject to be dealt Avith by Illinois historians. Besides this, there is a romantic charm about the very histori: truth of these early occurrences that will create love for all historic information. The names of Cartier, Cham plain and others will arouse the enthusiasm and rivet the attention of the historical investigator. The names of Quebec and Montreal, like the name of Florence to an Italian, "will be glorious names among glorious cities." After the famous con- ference of the Sault Sainte Marie came that famous voyage in 1673 that led to the discovery of the Northern Mississippi river by Marquette and Joliet and five companions; the discovery of the Illinois river on their return and the planting of the first mission station in Illinois by Marquette. Then, the stupendous voyage from Quebec to the Gulf of Mexico by LaSalle, Tonti and others laid open to the world the center and heart of the great country that prior to that time had been neglected, or failed to be visited rather, except by De Soto in the Southland and Mar- ([uette in the Northland. With the explorations came the build- ing of forts and the planting of missions. Fort Creve Coeur, near Peoria, and the Mission of the Immaculate Conception, in the present county of LaSalle, were among the earliest white man's monuments that were raised among the tribes upon the Illinois river. Then came the migration of the Kaskaskia Indians frosn the Northern Illinois river to Southern Illinois and the founding of Cahokia and Kaskaskia. These then were the be- ginnings of civilization "in the Illinois c- untry," as it was called for more than a hundred years after its discovery. Whilst these settlements grew, others formed around them. And in theii- midst was planted a great fort, at an expense of a million dollars, which became the seat of French power in America, and from which France dominated the Center of the New World for nearly ■half a century; until a transfer was made by the treaty of 17t)3 to the English; after which in 1765 the British fiag was planted on the ramparts of old Fort Chartres, to be moved by them to Fort Gage, near Kaskaskia, in 1772 on account of the encroachments of the Mississippi river on the west wall of Fort Chartres. The British power which was destined to be short-lived was conquered by George Rogers Clark in 1778 and the dominion over "the Illinois country" was transferred to Virginia; by Virginia ceded to the United States in l/'Hl; and then the history of "the Illinois country" pn^ceeds thi-ough its various stages, as part of the Northwest Terri:()iy, part of the Indiana Territorv, with Wis- 6 coiisiu constitutiog the Illiuois Territory, then admitted as a State and its subsequent history, during which it grew from '10,000 to 4,000,000 inhabitants. Of course this later liistory is easily at- tainable and obtainable. It consists of public records and doc- uments that are Avithin easy reach of all. But the earlier history consists of fragments that need to be collected in order that their preservation may form some sort of a symmetrical whole. For this reason we feel that special attention should be paid to the collection of maps, manuscripts, old letters and other writings bearing on some important event or shedding light either directly or collaterally on the same. The former capable and vigilant Boards of Trustees, through gifts and purchases secured the great bulk of printed books bearing on the history of this State and the Northeast, and hence it is not as easy to accumulate as in the early stages of the collection, though there are yet many books to be sought after and the- present Board has acquired many valuable books as will appear from this report and also the re- port of our librarian made to us, a duplicate of which is hereto attached and made a part of this report. The former Trustees also procured many valuable maps and other documents, and we have attempted to follow in their footsteps in the worthy examples set before us by them. Hence in the submission of this report Ave feel that your approval and the approval of our felloAv-citizens will be given. We have tried to adopt the most beneiicial methods for the Library and the people of the State, and at the same time do so in that economical manner so much desired by the people and which we find to be perfectly consistent with the ex- istence and welfare of the Library. In view of the important historic facts above hinted at and to secure many minor facts from oblivion Ave feel warranted in ask- ing the continuance of at least the usual appropriation for this Library, Avith the addition of a sum of 1500 or $600 for book cases absolutely necessary for the preservation of books and man- uscripts. HISTORY OF THE LIBRARY. In order to shoAv the Avork accomplished during its existence, we Avill giA'e a brief revieAv of the Historical Library. By reference to the laAvs of 1889, page 199, it Avill be found that on the 25th day of May, 1889, a bill that had passed the legislature Avas approved "For an Act to establish the Illinois State Historical Library, and to provide for its care and main- tenance, and to make appropriations therefor." The preamble de- clares that " It is important and desirable that all books, pamph- lets and other printed matter, manuscripts, monographs and other writings, illustratiA-e and descriptive of the history of the State, be collected and preserved in some permanent form, before it is too late to rescue from oblivion the memory of its earlier history, and those Avho founded it, as well as those Avho have been con- nected with its rise and progress in later days." This depository of useful information was estalilished more than two hundred years after the first seeds of Christian civilization had been sown in the Mississippi Valley, and seventy years after Illinois had entered upon her Statehood. The north ante-room of the State Library was set apart for the use of this Library under the provisions of the foregoing act, and Governor Joseph W. Fifer appointed Arthur Edwards, of Chicago, Hirani W. Beckwith, of Danville, and Ed- ward F. Leonard, of Peoria, as the first Board of Trustees to have control and management. This Board organized on November 25, 1889, at Springfield, as appears from the record kept, by the elec- tion of H. W. Beckwith as President and E. F. Leonard as Sec- retary. Miss Josephine P. Cleveland was selected as Librarian, " to serve until otherwise ordered," at a salary of $500 per annum. The act appropriated S2,500 to carry out its provisions. At this first meeting the Board by resolution respectfully requested the Commissioners of the State Library to transfer to their custodj- "whatever volumes, pamphlets and manuscripts relating to the history and biography of the State of Illinois are now in the State Library as a foundation for the Historical Library." The December report of 1890 shows that in accordance with this re- quest they had received the custody of some 442 books. These formed the nucleus around which a choice and rare collection of about 4,544 books has been built since then. It appearing at the second meeting, which was held in Chicago on Juue 18, 1890, that the resignation of E. F. Leonard had been accepted, and William L. Gross, of Springfield, had been appointed to till the vacancy, "on motion W. L. Gross was elected Secretary." As thus consti- tuted the Board continued and held meetings in Springfield on September 4, 1890, December 2 and 3, 1890, and December 16, 1890, at which last named meeting they made out their report to the Governor, from which it appears that the number of books had increased to 1,450. An oil painting of Judge Sidney Breese, photographs of engravings of Louis XIV, Colbert, Talon and La- Salle and photograph of Margery were secured and placed upon the walls of the room, thus calling attention to those who were in any way connected with our history. Valuable pictures of Grant «,nd Lincoln were also obtained, the one of Lincoln being a cabi- net photo of 1858. Tiie legislature in 1891, ill making appropria- tions, departed from the amounts allowed in the former act and gave to the Library, " for the continuation, care and maintenance thereof, tlie sum of $1,600 per annum, of which $600 per annum shall be paid as a salary to tiie Librarian." Thenceforward the salary of the Librarian has been $600 per annum, and the ex- penses of the Librarian iiave had to be borne by the $1,000 per annum that remains after taking out salary. After holding meet- ings on May 22 and 2:>, 1891, and June 23, ]891, at Sprins^field, and transacting such business as came before the Board, the terms of all the members expired, and on the 31st day of July, 1891, they were reappointed by Governor Fifer to succeed them- selves. At a meeting Jield in Springfield on the 17th, 18th and 19th days of September, 1891, Mr. Beckwith was selected as Presi- 8 dent and Mr. Gross as Secretary, on written motion of Dr. Ed- wards, which had theretofore been received through correspondence. Meetings were held in Springfield on October 27, 1891, and also in Chicago on January 27, 1892, at which meeting, all the mem- bers being present for the first time since their appointment, a reorganization was etfected by the re-election of Messrs. Beck with and Gross as President and Secretary respectively, thereby con- firming the action taken on September 17, 1891. A meeting at Springfield May 28th, 1892, and one in Chicago August 3-5, 1892, preceded the December meeting, at which the second report was made to the Governor. At the Chicago meeting in August a thorough discussion took place looking to the best means of ob- taining a vast fund of unpublished material through C^anadian sources, showiog the desirability of extending the accumulations in this respect. At the meeting of December 10, 1892, at which the second report was made out, it appears that the number of volumes, pamphlets, maps, etc., had increased to 3,613, exclusive of about 300 portraits and views. Suitable furniture had also been purchased, such as bookcases, tables and chairs. In 1893 the 38th General Assembly, " for the continuance, care and main- tenance" of this Library, appropriated -"^IjBOO per annum (of which $600 per annum be paid as salary of Librarian), to be ex- pended in the manner contemplated by the act " establishing saitl Library." (See Laws 1893, page 62.) The last meeting of our predecessors was held in Chicago on the V2nd and 23rd days of August, 1893. Their terms expiring. Governor John P. Altgeld appointed the present Board. Lambert Tree, of Chicago, was selected from the northern, Piobert A. Gray, of Blue Mound, from the central, and J. Nick Perrin, of Belleville, from the .southern portions of the State. LIBRARY UNDER PRESENT TRUSTEES. After our appointment by the Governor we arranged for our first meeting, to which we invited our predecessors, the retiring trustees. President Beckwith and Secretary Gross came to the library at our first meeting and most kindly and courteously welcomed us. We well remember also the eloquent discourse delivered to us bv the Governor in his office in behalf of Illinois, its history and its possibilities, on that day, the 22nd of September, 1893, after hear- ing which we proceeded to organize by the election of Lambert Tree as President, Robert A. Gray as Vice President and J. Nick Perrin as Secretary. The Librarian, Miss Josephine P. Cleve- land, was instructed to catalogue the books, and after passing upon several accounts and transacting the business before us we adjourned subject to the call of the President. On November 13, 1893, our second meeting was held, at which we ordered the purchase of some books, passed upon accounts and ordered a circular letter issued calling attention to the Library and its objects, thereby stimulating an interest in its behalf. "We also examined the financial status of the appropriation and found the- 9 sl,000 per annum appropriations for two years si ill intact outside of the $600 per anumn appropriations for these two years for Librarian's salary. Of the first years StjOO appropriation, the salaries for July and August had been allowed by the former Board and at this meeting we allowed the salaries for September and October, 1893, so that there remained $4:00 of the first year's salary for Librarian, and all of the second 3'ear's. This meeting was held at the room of the Library in Springfield. Before our next meeting the catalogue was completed and from it we found that on November 25, 1893, the number of volumes, pamphlets, itc, had grown to 3,975. Since then, of course, this number has grown still further under our management as we will show in another part of this report. Oar third meeting was held in Chi- cago at the residence of Judge Lambert Tree, on the 5th day of January, 1894. At this meeting it appeared that there was filed the correspondence between Jndge Tree and Mr. Higgiubotham, of tlie Columbia Exposition, relative to the d(^nation of all docu- ments pertaining to the World's Fair; also that Librarian had placed some volumes not germane to this Library in the State Library to receive others which are germane; and that Librarian was procuring Index and Accession books which have been so much needed for a long time. The Historical Magazines taken by the Library were continued and a correspondence ordered looking toward securing the remainder of the various County Histories not yet obtained. After passing on accounts and order- ing some purchases of books we adjourned again, subject to the call of the President. At our fourth meeting held in the Library Room in Springfield on June 28th, 1891:, we adopted resolutions of sympathy over the loss by death of Dr. "William F. Poole, the late Librarian of the Newberr}' Library, of Chicago, aiid sent copies of the same to Mrs. Poole and the Trustees of the Ne^v- berry Library, After ordering books and historical magazines and acknowledging donations and passing upon accounts we adjourned. The fifth meeting was held August 4th, 1891, at the office of Judge Tree, No. 70 LaSalle street, Chicago. Finding that the dictionary in the Library had merely been placed there as a loan it was replaced by another, and the Librarian was ordered to pro- cure the missing volumes of the American State Papers. It was the sense of the Board if the Governor concurred therein that the Librarian might attend the meeting of the National Library'' As- sociation, sj that Illinois might be represented. A number of ac- counts were passed upon and reports heard from Secretary, after which Board adjourned. Shortly after this meeting a financial report was made out to the Governor showing the condition of our finances. This meeting now, at which this report is adopted, is our sixth since our appointment a year ago last September. At the meeting held in the Library Room in Springfield on the 19th day of November, 1S94, the following transpired in substance: A large number of books were ordered purchased, some ordered bounJ, and some ordered on approbation, as well as also the ordering of some incidentals. We also acknowledged the receipt 10 of donations from various parties, audited accounts and signed vouchers and ordered minute made of our financial report. On the afteruoon of November 20, 1894, we adjourned. On Decem- ber 15, 1894, we again met for the further consideration of bi- ennial report and other business. BOOKS BOUGHT BY FORMER TRUSTEES. Shortly after we came into office we found from the Librarian's catalogue that on November 25, 1893, there were 3,975 books, pamphlets, &c., in the Historical Library. Among this number some very valuable ones procured by the former Board. While it would take a volume to go into detail yet we may be pardoned for enumerating a few of the most important. We found the shelves and cases well stocked with works bearing on the history of Canada and the Northeast; and among them the works of later historians like Shea and Parkman are especially desirable. Of course much of the earlier Canadian historical literature had been obtained. The Relations of the Jesuits, the works of Hennepin, Tonti and a number of early explorers Avere already in the col- lection and furnished the introduction to the history of the North- west which followed, culminating finally in Illinois. On the sub- ject of Illinois directly we found as shown by the catalogue 277 volumes and pamphlets. Among them were Breese, Brown, David- son and Stuve, Dresbach, Edwards. Ford, Gerhardt, Gillespie, Jones, Lusk, Mason, Moses, Peck, Pieynolds, Wallace and many others who have shed luster upon themselves and the State by writing its history. The great bulk of the different County his- tories had also been procured and only a r'ew remained to be secured. BOOKS, (fee, SECURED BY PRESENT BOARD. AVe have secured by purchase and donations 1,052 books and pamphlets, the number now in the Library amounting to 4,544. Among the more important books we secured are two volumes of the "Encyclopedia of Biography of Illinois," "Lake St. Louis, Old and New, and Cavallier LaSalle," by Desire Girouard, "Life and Letters of Lincoln," by Hay and Nicolay, Margry's Works, French's Louisiana and Florida, a number of volumes relating to Chicago, quite a number bearing on the Northwest, the Lake region and the Indian period, and some valuable works on the earliest period of that source that led to our history. Of the lacking County histories we purchased the history of Stephenson County. A manuscript history of Calhoun County was kindly contributed to the Library by Mr. G. B. Child, of that County. As illustrative of early times the "Views of Old Kaskaskia," con- tributed by Miss Mary Callahan, add materially to the portraiture of the Library. Miss Callahan also contributed "Stories of the Pioneer Mothers of Illinois." J. Nick Perrin contributed "Car- tier to Frontenac." And through the kindness of Mrs. E. B. Antiersou, of Washington, D. C, we received a contribution of 11 iucalculable benefit in the shape of original muster rolls of Illinois regiments, battalions and companies in the Black Hawk War. Judge Lambert Tree presented two Treasury Certificates of Mary- lard of 1780 and one of 1788. Bishop Seymour, original manu- script of his oration at laying of corner stone of State Fair Build- ings, July 4, 1894 "History of Whiteside County," by Mr. J. A^'. Alexander; Mr. F. J. Harris and Mr. Samuel J. Doods, of Lena, 111., Black Hawk pictures and battlefield of Stillman's De- feat; many courtesies and donations from Dr. John George Bou- rinot, of Canada; many courtesies and donations also from Rev, E. S. Walker, of Springfield, and a host of others as shown by Librarian's report. FINANCIAL REPORT. In our financial statement, made to you some time ago, we showed in detail the various items of expenditure. As a sort of recapitulation, to embrace also the expenditures made since then, we report the following. After allowing some accounts at our first meeting, on September 22, 1893, we found, through information at the Auditor's office, that there were S22.84 left of the appropriation made by the 37th General Assembly, which amount lapsed at the end of September, 1893. Hence we came in with the appropria- tion of the 38th General Assembly intact, outside of the Librarian's salary, two months of which had been allowed by the former board. The 38th General Assembly appropriated Sl,600 per an- num for the Historical Library, of which iB600 per annum was to be for Librarian's salary. Upon the appropriation thus provided, vouchers have been drawn up to and including this day, whose amounts and purposes aggregate as follows: Librarian's salary, July, Autrust, 1893 (by former trustees) ' $100.00 " months intervening to Jill V 1, 1894 5(X).0i) " " July, August, September, October, November, 1H94 250.00 Books, magazines, pictures, &c 347.03 Catalogue and index 32. EO Book stand, rubber stamp, &c 6.50 Printing 3.60 Expenses of Trustee Gray 48.96 Incidentals, e.xpressage, freight, cleaning room, postage and other farnishings, and Librarian's expenses to Amei-ican Library Ass'n 196.25 Total. $1,484.84 At the close of the year we will present another financial state- ment in detail, like the one presented before. Inasmuch as we deem the allowances made in the past amy)ly sufticient, we do not ask for increased amounts in tlie appropriations, except as hereto- fore stated, for bookcases. SUGGESTIONS. In submitting this report we beg leave, respectfully, to ofper a suggestion or two. While realizing tiiat matters are moving along- very smoothly, yet the overcrowded conditii)n of the library room 12 is a source of inconvenience and a hindrance to that ready mode of operation to the student, investigator and visitor which would otherwise exist if a larger and more commodious pla(,'e were pro- vided. There are, doubtless, some valuable historical documents, deeds and records in, the possession of various officials throughout the state who by law are made the custodians of the same and hence have no right to part with them. If some sort of legislation, con- stitutional of course, could be devised by which documents of this sort, that are purely of historic value and of none other, could be transferred to the state it would probably " rescue from oblivion " some valuable relics. Thanking you for your cociperation and extending our thanks to all Avho have aided and are aiding in the work of developing the history of Illinois, every page of which is replete with interest to her citizens, We respectfully submit this report. Lambert Tree, Prcsidrnf, Robert A. Gray, Vice-Prc^iiU'ut, J. Nick. Perrin, Secreiary, Trustees of the Illinois Slate Histoyicdl Lihrarij. L3 REPOET OF THE LIBRARIAN. Springfield, III., Nov. (i. 1894. To the I'lU^lecs. Illin(>tf< Stait' Historical Librwy, Hon. Lambert I'ree. Prrsicknt: Gentlemen:— 1 herewith submit to you my biennial report of this Li- brary: Fourteen months since, upon assuming- your duties as Trustees, Sep- tember 12th, 181)3, I submitted to you a resume of the work, etc.. per- formed by me, in this Library, under the supervision of your predeces- sors, from its organization. Xovembar 25th, 1889, to September 12th, 189.3. There were at tliat time in tlie Library: Dooks and pamphlets, by purchase and gift To the close ot the year tl893) there were added Total volumes and pamphlets to December 30,1893 3,875 261 4,136 LIBRA 11 Y AID. In that report I solicited the following: . 1st. Seal. 2nd. Letter press. ."hd. Accession book and index (2 volumes). 4th. Pasters or book plates. oth. Stamp (rubber) for accessions. (itli. Cards and cases for catalogue. Ttli. , Cases for books. Sih. Provision for protection of maps. 9th. Newspapers. lOtli. Stationery. lltli. Circulars regarding liu- Lil>rary. 121 h. I'i'inted postal cards, ■ 13th. Scrap books, one folio and one i|iiaito. 14th. Provision for protection of pictures. Most of these were cheerfully granted at that meeting, and they have aided much towards the successful performance of my work. The re- mainder were left over for future consideration, and T therefore respect- fully call your attention to them in this report, with additions. While the necessity of these may not seem so important to the casual observer, still I earnestly urge them at this time. 1st. ,1 Seal. Our official papers and books should ix'ar tlie >tamp of the Library. 2nd. Latter Pvcsa. To preserve copies of impoitant letters for refer- ence. 14 .■Jrd. Canh und Cases. The books liavc increased in iiuiiil)!'r to jiistity the use of a card catalogue. 4tli. Pasters. You have decided tiial we shall have book-jjlates. 1 de- sire that you clioose the device. .Itli. Cases. The value of the books, their condition, rarity, etc., de- mand that they .sliall be preserved from air. heat, dust and unnecessary handling, hence moi'e cases are needed to relieve tlie already conuested ones, and to unload the well tilled chairs and tables. (jtb. Maps. There ai'e ([uite a number of rare and valual)le inajts in the Library; some of them are originals, and persons often desire to con- sult themrthe unrolling and rolling is destructive: they should be ai- i-inged to exhibit and yet protect, either in folios or on rollers. Tth. Neu-siyapers. A generous supply of State ne\vsj)apers. eitlier daily or weekly, by gift or otherwise, seems a necessity to keep abreast with tlie history ''in any branch pertaining to the State" * * * * --and from th(> earliest known period of time." as articles often appear in them whicli perhaps cannot be obtained from any other source. Tlieii. t(»o. we can make history as we ])roceed. EXCHANGES. There are frequent iiKiuiries, from other lil)raries. and liistoiical soci- eties, "What have you to exchange?"' "'Please i)Ut this libraiT on your mailing list," etc. I am forced to confess that our only legitimate mat- ter for this purpose are our biennial reports (pamphlets), one of six and 1 he other of eight pages: these in exchange for volumes of reports, rang- ing from two to three hundred pages, with tifty to sixty i)ages of the annual i)roceedings of the libi'ary or society, the remainder genei'ally valuable articles oi' historical collections, biographies, etc. I send to such all I can find of interest to them in State publications, as an earnest of my good intentions: these are generally the Governor's messages, addresses a lid i)roclaniations, etc. While these are well received, we should have more distributing matter at our disposal. Illinois should have some legislative provision to collect and distribute its valuable statistics, as a ''Blue Book"" or ••Year P>ook."" such as we find in manv of the oilier States. STATK IIISTUUU AL SOCIETY. 1 would like to urge again tlie advtsability of a State Historical Soci- ety for Illinois. 'Jlie late Dr. Wm. V. Poole often suggested to me that one should be formed, but he thought the initial step should be taken outsidi of Chi- cago, but many in that city would co-operate. Will you not earnestly look into this suloject and favor an early call through the various papers of the State ft>r a meeting, to be held at the State capital, with a view of interesting citizens over the State and. if possible, effect an organ izationV By thus networicing the State with favoral)le influences, we shall find much material which lies hidden, and thus save from oblivion much valuabl(> liistory contained in the one hun- dred and two counties in this State. Many valuable papers and pictures descriptive of the early times could be obtained which are now mouldering in boxes and trunks stored ••away up in the attic,"" food, right choice food, for moth, rust or tire tiend. .VU this data should be procured ere it be too late. The waste of such valuable material for historv, which is constantly going on, almost within range of our sight, is deplorable. Xot long since 1 asked a lady, whose father was an earlv resident of this State, a prominent lawyer and member of the bar of Illinois, and at one time a representative in Congress, what had been done with the many books, 15 papers, letters, etc.. her father must have left at his death. She replied,. ••1 needed the room they took, so I burned over a bushel of letters, and more than three bushels of printed matter. '" My reply was, "Vandalism, pure and unadulterated, for they were tlie accumulation of a long and useful life." This is only (nw of inam/ such instances, not only in this city l)Ut all over the State. Another reason for urging this society so earnestly is.. Judge E. Anthony says, "Remember the pioneers." and I echo it: Re- member the pioneers, they bore the burden of the early day: they made histoiy for us: let us collect and preserve it. LIKER-INDEX. You desired me to make a list of the 3,87.5 volumes and p;imphlets which confronted you at the first meeting of your Board, and desired it. ••if possible, prior to its next meeting. "" I made a liner-index of -them and had five type-written copies made, one for each of you, and two to file. The gracious and complimentary letters you each wrote to me re- garding it was very gratifying. These letters, with the thought it would be of much service to you, amply repaid me for the arduous but pleasant labor upon it, often continuing into the "wee sma' hours of the morning in order that I might have it ready for the "next meeting of the Board."" RESOLrTIOXS AND TRANSFERS. A resolution, passed September 9th, 1890, between the Commissioners of the State library and the Trustees of the Illinois State Historical Library, authorized certain volumes and pamphlets then in tlie State Library, on the history of Illinois, to the number of 573, to be transferred as a nucleus to this library. Of this number there were received 442. leaving to be transferred at a later date 131. and which the Secretary of State will soon cause to be done: the delay thus far was unavoidable. The resolution passed by j'ou September 12. 1893, --That all volums.s and pamphlets, not spscial gifts, and not germane to this library, might be transferred to the State Library,"' was productive of much reciprocal l)enetit. Of these there have baen transferred 383 volumes, most of them duplicates to till broken sets. CIRCUL A U LETT E U. I am pleased to state that the ••circular letter'" issued Ijy y(ju iia- borne many good results. I insert it in this report for the information it contains regarding the provisions of the law establishing this library, also your wishes concerning it. (See Schedule Xo. 1). I have already judiciously distributed these circular letters to about one thousand three hundred and ninety-two (1,392) individuals, societies. etc. Many have responded by Ijringing tir sending ])ooks and pamphlets of value. A. L. A. CONFERENCE. 1 have prepared my report to you of the Ainuuil Conference of Li- brarians. SPECIAL GIFTS. A list of ••Donations and Donors"' is appended to this report, but there are a few of whom I make particular mention for their disinterested courtesy by sending to this library many and valuable gifts of books, pamphlets, pictures, mss., etc., among whom are: Mrs. E. B. Anderson, widow of the late General Robert Anderson, who sent to the State of Illinois, through (Jovernor Altgeld. the day-book 10 and original muster rolls, papers, etc.. to the nunil)er of about one hun- dred pieces, on the Blaclv llawk War. thus carrying out the wish of her husband as expressed in his life time. The Governor iias placed them in tills librai-y for safe keeping. The heirs of the late Senator David Davis presented to the State of Illinois an excellent marble bust of the Senator, b^t the position it occupied in the east corridor of the State House made it an easy target of vandalism to relic-hunters, and the Secretary of State, Win. IT. Hinrichsen, has it placed in this library for safety. Early in this year .ludge Lambert Tree presented a picture (framed) of the statue of LaSalle. This statue is in Lincoln Park, Chicago, a gift from Judge Tree. Senator John M. Palmer has given to this library many vahiable books, among them the set of the ''War of the Rebellion."" which, when finished, will number about one hundred volumes and about two hun- dred 'majjs of value: also many others of a miscellaneous cliaracter. irion. Wm. 31. Springer has been very thoughtful to send to us -other and valuable government documents. The Chicago Inter-Ocean, through the kindness of Hon. Thomas C. .^IacMillan, and the influence of Wm. Penn ^sixon, editor, sent a set of the "Curiosity Shop" and continues the current issues. Mrs. Francine E. Patton compiled a volume, while a member of the World"s Fair Illinois Woman's Board from this district, and presented it after the Fair, entitled "The Statistics of Woman's Work in Illinois, Educational, Charitable and Professional,'" bound in one-half Morocco.: Miss Mary Callahan, secretary of the World's Fair Illinois Woman's Board. ])resented a volume beautifully bound in Morocco, entitled '•Biograpliies of Pioneer Mothers and Women of Illinois," also fourteen (14) large size views of Kaskaskia. Illinois, and vicinity in the early time. These were valuable gifts, placing on record most of the unwritten history of women and her work in many lines. Who shall say that woman has not an influence and not many rights";' Dr. John George Bourinot, C. M. G., Hon. Secretary of the Royal Society of Canada. Ottawa, sent to this library seven (7) of the nine (9) volumes at the disposal of the society (the first two are out of print): also the transactions of the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec, eighteen (18) volumes. These are annuals, and we receive the current numbers as they are issued. He also sent some of his literaiT product- ions, three volumes: tlit>se in response to a letter from me. inciuiring '•from where I could procure"" tlie above reports, thus early showing a vital interest in this library. Rt. Rev. George F. Seymour, bishop of the diocese of S]iringtield, has sent to us many valuable books and i)ainphle1s on cliurcli (Episcopalian) history; also mss., etc. i Rev. E. S. Walkei-. of this city, many volumes and pictures. He rarely visits the library without some token of his interest. Through the courtesy or General .1. C. Smith, Chicago, L. L. ISlunn. Freeport. and Gil. Barnard. Chicago. 1 have received the history and aniuuil proceedings of the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders from 1870 to date. Prior to this time I must look to individuals to sctnl them to the library, as they now are rare and ditticult to find. HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. 1 have prepared a book in which to insert historical sketches of men and women. There are many interesting reminiscences in it already as a result of my advertising it in some of the papers. I confidently expect 17 more. These ai-e more interesting from tiie fact that they are the ex- periences of -those who send tliem. while the historian ' often writes from hearsay. Many of these sketches are from aged persons who have spent most of their days in this Prairie State. Of the other historic treasures in this library, quite an interesting volume mlglit be written. So many rare volumes have already been collected by you (trustees) that it seems as though the supply was surely exhausted. Xot so; every catalogue of note, and we receive many, brings to light many more just as important to us, to fill a vacancy, or round out well some subject, to make this the valuable reference library It should be. I trust the Thirty-ninth General Assembly (1895) will view this in all its important bearings, and will aid by a generous appropriation to further carry out the provisions of the law under which you are work- ing. There are rare Mss., etc. which must be ferreted out. which may take much time and money. rURXITURE. The furniture of the liljrary remains about the same as my last report. The Webster's Unabridged Dictionary you purchased, also the rest for it, has been a great convenience. The two accession books and index are my pride, also the scrap books (one folio and one quarto) wherein I can store our historical scraps. • I hope I may include in my next that we have more cases. WANTS. There are books, pamphlets and reports of organizations, having an ex- istence in this State, to which I desire to call especial attention, under the caption ,of ••wants," with the hope that those who read this report may respond: Cliurch History from all denominations. ^^lunicipal Eeports, towns and villages, as well as of cities. Newspapers from each county, at least in Illinois. Eailroads Reports, not only those entirely in Illinois, but of the lines running through or connecting — Illinois Central, prior to 1870. Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, prior to 1885. Wabash, prior to 1889. Eock Island, prior to 1889. Society reports in general — Ancient Order of United Workmen, history and reports. Knights of Labor, etc., etc.. history and reports. Knights of Honor, historv and reports. Knights of Pythias reports, prior to 1870. Masonic reports, prior to 1870. Odd Fellows reports, prior to 1870. University, college and school reports. Many of the 'above will have to come from individuals, as tlie corpora- tions have responded from those to which the date is noted. H. L. 2. 18 COKKESPONDENCE. , Tl)e c-alls upon my time, by eorrcspondeiice. have Ixhmi lar^e. pleasant and (luite catholic. It i-equires miicli time to conscient ioiisly aiul courte- ously teply to letters of as wide a range as comes to this library. Every letter is "of interest to the writer, and should receive the attention it deserves. Manv of them are for aid in historic researcli. There have been received from various sources, 1893 1894. Total, 1893 and 1894 There have been replies made and other letters written, 1893. . " " " " " 1894. Total replies made and other letters written, 1893-94 ;501 letters 363 ' ' 664 letters 463 520 983 There have been sect packages containing state printed matter to societies and libraries, etc., over one hundred and fifty in 1893 and 1894 The circular letter has been sent to individuals, church organizations, libraries, societies, newspapers, bar associations etc.,, 1893 The circular letter has been sent to individuals, church organizations, libraries, societies, newspapers, bar associations, etc. , 1894 Total pieces sent, 1893-94 150 lor 1,135 1,292 KKCAPITULATION. Total letters received in 1893, 1894 Total letters written in 1S93, 1894 Total packages sent in 1893, 1894 Total circular letters sent, 1893, 1894 Books and pamphlets, by purchase and gift, 1893 478 Books and "pamphlets, by purchase and gift, 1894 701 Total, 1893-94 Books and pamphlets, by purchase and gift, prior to 1893 Books etc., by transfer per resolution, 183, 200 Total books and pamphlets, by purchase and gift to November 19, 1894 Books and pamphlets to December 16, 1894 Total 664 983 l.iO 1,392 1,179 3,658 4,837 38.S 4,454 90 4,544 rSES OF THE Linit.MJV. You tleeiucLl it wise to carry out the plan of your predeces.sors. to con- tinue this as a reference library only. Many have availed themselves of the privilege of consulting the books— children from the schools as well as adults from colleges— some of the latter obtaining a table where they could come and consult the books and write out the data found, this sometimes for a period of three consecutive months, and for the purpose of writing their thesis for advanced honors in their various Alma Mater. Many have been the compliments bestowed upon your judicious selec- tion of books, not only by those who sought and found, but by those who visited it en route. 19 coNcxrsiox. In couolusion. 1 extend my grateful thanks to Hon. .lohn P. Altgeld, (Tf)vernor: Hon.AVni. II. Hinriclisen, Secretary of State: the kite Hon. Rufus TS^. Ramsay. Treasnrer of Illinois, and to Colonel Wm! F. Dose, for kind- nesses and encouragement received and aitpreciated: also to Miss S. T. Hinrichsen. Assistant State Librarian, who has aided me very much by her ever ct)nrteons and considerate dei)ortment. for, while our aims and objects are similai'. "the greatest good to the largest number." still, our avenues are separated, not only by a threshold, but by the law. To you. my res])ected trustees, for esjjecial encouragement in the ])er- formance of my many and varied duties, your ever courteous, patient and helpful demeanor to me at all times, I am grateful. Whatever I have accomplished in this library which is commendal^le, has been through your hearty cooperation as friends, as well as trustees. Respectfully submitted. .losp:PHrNE P. Cleveland. Librarian. 20 SCHEDULE NO. I. E. A. Gray, T.-Prrs., Blue 3Iouiid. ■ tt;^. ■ j nhrcmi J. N. Perrin, Sec. BelleTille, \ ^'^^o)itai i^iMmnj. SrRINGFIELD. Xov. 13. J 803. Circular Letter. The undersigned Trustees of the Illinois State Historical Librar.v beg' leave to invite your attention to the provisions of the law establishing this Library, and to earnestly solicit your valuable cooperation in aiding them to advance the objects which the law endeavors to secure. EXTRACTS FROM THE LAW OF 188H — PREAMBLE. "Whereas. It is important and desirable that all liooks. pamphlets and other printed matter, manuscripts, monograi)hs and other writings, illus- trative and descriptive of the history of the State, be collected and pre- served in some permanent form before it is too late to rescue from oblivion the memory of its earlier history, and those who founded it, as well as- those who have been connected with its rise and progress in later days." Sec. 4. '-The trustees shall have power * * * to procure, from time to time, as may be possible and practicable at reasonable cost, all books, ])amphlets, manuscripts. monograi)hs. writings and other material of his- torical interest and useful to the historian, bearing tii^on the ])oliTical, physical, religious or social history of the State of Illinois from the earlest known period of time." We feel assured that no argument is I'equired to show tlie imi)ortaiice of securing and preserving every book, document, letter or paper which tends to illustrate the history of our great State, so that it may be ac- cessible to the present and future student. The Trustees will gratefully acknowledge all assistaucr which ina\ be rendered to them in this behalf. Lambert Tree, Prcstdenf. .1. "X. TEituix. Hcci-etari), T». A. Gray. Ykr Prrnidnit. Address .losephiue P. Cle\ flaiid. Lil)i;uiaii. Springtield III. Schedule 'So. IT. DONATIONS AND DONORS. ApiMMuled as Schedule No. II, is a list of gifts for which grateful acknowledgment was made at the time they were received. This list inehides tliose previously referred to under tlie head of ''Special (iifts."' (See report of librarian.' from December, 18!)2, to December. ist)4. - 21 Donors. Address. !. S De Pauw Universitj' Dewey. Mel vil Dexter, F. C Diocese of Illinois, Secretary of Diocese of Springfield. (See Bishop Seymour) Diocese of Quincy. (See Bishop Bur- gess) Dodds, Samuel J Doggett, Samuel h> Donaldson, S . J DuBoi:^, Alexander Dubois, Fred T Dubois, Lincoln Dunlap, Henry M.' Dunn, .J. P., Jr Dyer, John Eddy, Henry T Khriich, F Engineers' and Surveyors' Society. (See S. A. Bullard; Everhard, M. D Fifer, Joseph W Finlev, J.H Flenry. Dr. Frank Flint, Weston Franklin College Gardiner, Charles D Gardiner, Miss Juliet Lake Forest, 111. DesMoines, 111. . . Chicago, 111 (ireencastle, Ind... Albany, N. Y New Haven, Conn. Chicago, Hi Manuscript Lena, HI Boston, Mass Chicago, HI Springfield, 111 . . . Blackfoot. Id Springfield, 111... Jacksonville, 111. . Indianapolis, Ind. Terre Haute, Ind. Philadelphia, Pa. Chicago, 111 Bloomington, 111..., Galena, 111 Springfield, 111 Washington, D. C. ., Franklin, Ind , iMiddle Grove, N. Y, Gay, Frank B Greely. A. VV (ioodspeed, T. W Government Documents. < Graham, A. A Gray, Robert A Green, C. R (iross, VV. L Hall A Hernck Hambaugh, J. M Hammond, A. C Handy, M. P Hanson, A. H Harris, J. F !!!!!!!!!! Harris, T. J lleilman, Rev. Lee M Hennighausen, T Holbrook, Edmund S Holmes, Dr. Bavard Holmes, Dr. R."W Hostetter, W. R ','. Houghton, Miniin & Co ".'". Howe, D. W Howe. Henrv '.'.'.'.'. Illinois College. (SeeJ. E. Bradley)!! III. State Board of Health. (See Dr. Scott) 111. State Board of Pharmacy. (See Dr. Fleury) ' ^ 111. State Hort. Soc'y. (See H. m'. Dun- lap) III. state Industrial School. (See Mrs M. R. M. Wallace) Hartford, Conn Washington, D. .C. Chicago, 111 Washington, D. C . Columbus, O Blue Mound. 111. .. Osage City, Kan .. Springfield, 111 Springfield, 111 Warsaw, 111 Chicago, 111. Chicago, 111 Lena, III Washington, D. C. Chicago, 111 Baltimore, Md Chicago, ill Indianapolis. Ind Columbus, O Jacksonville, 111. . Springfield, Til. Art portfolio. Manuscript. 2 1 2 40 1 1 I 4 Newspaper I picture and Hist, ar- ticles 60 1 1 5 Maps 36. 2 pictures and printed matter 1 picture Sub. Corpuscle. 1 picture. Chicago, 111 23 Ddnaiions (tnd Donors — Contini^ed. PoNoi; AnnuESs. < "3 o P i=! B ■a 3" <0 m (B 31 1 Donations. Miscellaneous. and 111. State Journal Co 111. State Library 111. State Medical Soc'y, (Army Navy.) I, See Dr. E. P. Bartlett) . 111. t^tate University Indiana Historical Soc'y. (See D. W. Howe) , Indiana State Library. (See Mies Ahern) Iowa Historical Soc'y Iowa State Library. (See Mrs. M. H. Miller) Jackson, M Joliet News. (See H. E. Baldwin) Jones, J. T Kansas Historical Soc'y. (See F. G. Adams Kansas State Library Kelso, Tessa L Kendrick, Rev. A. A Kohlsaat, H. H Ladies' Soldiers' Aid Soc'3', 1861-5 Lake Forest University. (See J. M. Coulter) Lannan, P. H Larned, J. N Latham, Mrs. R. B Leffingwell, Rev. C. W Library Bureau Library Bureau. (See R. R. Bowker).. Literary and Historical Soc'y of Can. (See J. G. Bourinot) Literary Light Magazine, Ed Littlefield, Chas. E Living Church. (See Rev. C. W. Lef- fingwell) Lockwood, Mrs. Mary S . . Logan, Mrs. John A Lombard University Luecke, Rev. M McClaughry, R. W McHenry, Dr. Geo. M Maclean, L. O Madison University. (See W. P. Bart- lett) Mann, Edward E Maryland Soc'y for History of the Germans. (See F. Ilennighausen) . .. Michael, W. H Michigan State Library. (See Mrs Spencer) Miller, Mrs. Flo. J., Edr Miller, James R Miller, Mrs. Mary H Milwaukee Public Library Milwaukee Public Museum. (See H. Neherling) • Minnesota Historical Soc'y. (See J. Fletcher Williams) Minnesota State Library ]M issouri Historical Soc'y Motgomery, J. Mortimer , Montgomery, Dr. J. T Moses, John Munn, L. L Murray, Geo National Grange of the Patrons of Hus- bandry. (See John Trimble) Springfield, 111 Urbana, 111 Indianapolis, Ind Iowa City, Iowa. . Des Moines. Iowa. Salem, 111 Joliet, 111 Topeka, Kan. Los Angeles, Cal . Upper Alton, 111 . Chicago, 111 Springfield, 111 ... Lake Forest, 111 Salt Lake City, Utah. Buffalo, N. Y Lincoln, 111 Chicago, 111 New York City, N. Y Quebec, Can Rockland, Me Chicago, Hi Washington, D. C. Galesburg, 111. . Springfield, 111. Pontiac, 111 Carmi, 111 Urbana, 111 Madison, Wis Chicago, 111. . Baltimore, Md Washington, D. C. Lansing, Mich. Monticello, 111 Des Moines, Iowa. Milwaukee, Wis. .. St. Paul, Minn St. Louie, Mo.... New York, N. Y. Charleston, 111 .. Chicago, III Freeport, III Washington, D., C. 11 1 picture. World's Fair Views. Ms. Volume Package Bulletins. Advertising & papers. Few numbers Sub. Magazine And papers Subscription Sab. "The Picket" 24 Donaiions and Donors — Coutinued. DONOUS. Address. < ■-d o p S B •o T> j^. CO rt «-» m Donations. Miscellaneous. >Cebraska State HiBt. Soc"y. (See J. A. TJarrett) ;Xeherling, Henry ■Nelson, Thomas XelBOii, William Newell, M. L. Newlin, W. H Xieliaus, John M Nixon, Wm. Penn North. Mrs. A. A Normal University. (See John W. Cook) Ohio Archaeological and Historical So- ciety. (See A. A. Graham) Palmer, John M Palmer, T. W Parish Mirror (Episcopalian). (See Hev. J. Rockroth) Patton, Mrs. Francine E Pennsylvania German Society Peoria Public Library.(SeeE.S.Wi]lcox) Perrin, J.N Peterson, Marcus Pillsbury, W. L Pierce, Fred Post, Edwin *Poole. Wra. F Pullman, Geo. M ilaab, Henry Piantoul, Parish Messenger. (See J. C. White) Rardin, J. K., editor Reilly, E. F Rice, J. M Rogers, Rev. Jas. E Rockroth, Rev. J Rose Polytechnic Institute Rounds, editor Royal Society of Canaua. (See J. G. Bourinot) Sanders, Mrs. Sue A. P Sangamon County Exposition Club Scott, Dr Seymour, Bishop Geo. F ShurtlefE College. (See Rev. A. A. Hen- diick) Shutt, Mrs. Wm. E Simons, Joseph Smith, Mrs. G. C Smith, J. C Snyder, J. F SpauklinE, Rev. C. H Spencer, Mrs. Mary E Springer, Wm. M Standrord, Leland Jr., University State Publications Stephenson, Miss Mary H Thayer, Mrs. Elizabeth D Thompson, Leonard Thompson, Rebecca J Thompson, Richard W..... Thompson, W. C Thurston, John H Thwaites, Reuben G Trimble, John Unknown Vai I , C h a 8 D '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'. Vandercook, John L Walker, Rev. E. S !.'..".'!'.!."".! Lincoln, Neb.. .. Milwaukee, Wis. Springfleld, 111 Peoria, III Chicago, III .. . . Springfield, III. Normal, 111 . Columbus, O.. , Springfield, 111. Detroit, Mich., . Belleville. 111.. .. Springfield, 111.. Philadelphia, Pa. Peoria, HI Belleville, 111.... Champaign, 111. Chicago, 111 . ... Chicago, 111 . .. Springfleld, 111. Charleston. 111.. . Madison, Wis Peoria, Hi Carlinville.IU.... Belleville, 111 Terre Haute, Ind. Rogers Park, 111. . Ottawa, Canada . . Bloomington, 111 . Springfield, 111 Upper Alton, 111 Springfield, 111 San Prancisco, Cal. Spriugfield, 111 Chicago, 111 Virginia, 111 Boston, Mass Lansing, Mich Springfield, 111 Palo Alto, Cal Petersburg, 111 Spriugfield, 111 Woburn, Mass Bloomington, Ind. Bloomington, Ind. St. Paul, Minn Madison, Wis Washington, D. C. Geneva, N. Y... Chicago, 111 Springfleld, 111. 1 1 1 1 13 3 46 15( 2 1 1 1 22 12 1 3 10 1 4 11 32 1 7 13 Map 23 World's Fair printed matter Papers Curio 1. Advertising Subscription. Sub. Rogers Park News Manuscript book. Government docum'ts . Papers Manuscript and papers *Decea8ed. 25 Donations and Donors — Concluded. Address. Donations. Donors. t a It) 1 1 Miscellaneous. Wallace, Mrs. M. R. M Chicago, 111 4 Webb W. Seward . New fork, N. Y Stafford, N. Y Webber, Mrs. J. H Historic paper Welch. Mrs Georo'e S Bushnell, 111 Wells, Rev. Albert E Traverse, Citv 20 o 1 3 1 Files of Living Church Weslej'an University White, Rev. J. C Bloomington, 111 Springfield, 111 Peoria, 111 Files, papers Willcox, E. S Williams, J. Fletcher St. Paul, Minn Winston, Hev. Dr. Wm. C Boston, Mass Wisconsin Historical Society. (See R. G. Thwaites) Woodruff, Etta. Madison, Wis. 1 566 Total 484 Total volumes and pamphlets 1,060 26 SCHEDULE III. BOOKS AND PAMPHLETS SINCE ORGANIZATION. Volumee and Pamphlets Received. To December 12, 1890 30, 1S90 1,450 27 1,477 1,108 1,073 478 701 First Report Second Report 1,450 Total to December 30, 1890 To December 30, 1891 16,1802 30, 1892 1,477 1,108 1,028 45 3,613 Total to December 30, 1893 To September 12, 1893 3,658 217 261 To December 30, 1893 Total to December 30, 1893 To November 19, 1894 4,136 701 Total to November 19, 1894 By Transfer 183 + 200 4,837 383 To December 16, 1894 4,454 90 Total to December 16, 1894 4,544 Third Report 4,544 ^^'"i/c/i'S; '^ Of ILLI mi 27 INDEX. Introductory 1 Brit^ History of the S?tate 4 History of the Library 6 Library uuder present Truetees 8 Books bought by former Trustees 10 Books, etc., secured by present trustees .... 10 Financial report 11 Suggestions 11 Librarian's Report 13 Index 27 Schedule 1 30 Schedule II 20 Schedule III 2ti ILLINOIS STATE iSTORKAL Library. FOURTH BIENNIAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES. DECEMBER 17, 1896. SPRINGFIELD, ILL.: Phillips Bros., State Printers. 1897. / ILLINOIS STATE HISTORICAL LIBRARY. Officers for 1894-6. President : Lambert Tree, No. 70 LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illlinois. Vice President : R. A. Gray. Blue Mound. Illinois, Secretcu'ij : J. N. Perrin, Lebanon, Illinois. Secretarv : Vm. H. Snyder, (Vice J. N. Perrin, resigned 1896) , Belleville. Illinois. Librarian : rosEPHiNE P. Cleveland, 215 West Monroe St., Springfield, Illinois. REPORT OF TRUSTEES. To His Excellency, John P. Altgeld, Governor of Illinois. Sir; — There seems to be two leading defects in the present con- dition and affairs of the library. These consist in, first, a lack of space for the increasing number of volumes being donated to, and purchased for th^ library; and, second, an insufficiency of funds to purchase the desirable books, pamphlets, manuscrix^ts, etc., which the law instructs the Board, from time to time to procure. There is also a lack of room to accommodate persons desiring to make use of the library for purposes of writing, making memoranda, etc. In con- nection with this we would suggest that if the adjoining senate judiciary room were added to the present quarters it would give to the library ample accommodation for the accumulation of volumes manuscrij)ts, etc., besides furnishing us with a commodious reading and writing room. The present library appropriation is very inadequate to meet the demands which it was created to supply. The annual appropriation was originally $2,500.00 but it has been contracted until it is now but $1,000.00. The law instructs us to procure ''all books, pam- phlets, manuscripts, monograms, writings, and other material of in- terest, and useful to the historian, bearing upon the i)olitical, physi- cal, religious or social history of Illinois, from the earliest known period of time." The salary of the librarian is but a meagre one, and the financial affairs of the library have been economically ad- ministered. But when the salaries of employes have been paid, and other necessary expenses, coming under the head of "maintenance and care," "sundries," etc., it may be readily seen that little money remains for the purchase of books, etc., and the glaring inadequacy of our $1,000.00 per annum appropriation will appear in bold relief. We urgently recommend the restoration of the apj^ropriation to its original amount- of $2,500.00. We desire to call the attention of the people of the state to the great importance and propriety of organizing a State Historical Society. Almost all of the prominent states boast of institutions of this nature, and old Illinois, with her proud history losing itself in the dim mist of the myths and legends of her aboriginal savages, should unquestionably "have a State Historical Society. It would materialy aid this Board of Trustees in obtaining and preserving old documents, records and other material shedding light upon the in- fancy of our now great and populous commonwealth. STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURES. Upon the appropriation of tlie last General Assembly, vouchers have been drawn, up to and including this day. for the following purposes and amounts: Books, magazines, pictures, etc ! §667 6S Book cases Expenses of Trustee R. A. Gray Incidentals I 94 25 82 00 130 SO $974 73 There have been added, during the last biennial period, 1,712 volumes and pamphlets, which, added to the number previously on hand, 4,541:, aggregates a total of 6,256. For further particulars see Librarian's report. Thanking you for your co-operation, and extenjiling thanks to those who have kindly donated to the library, we refer you to the report of our librarian Miss Josephine P. Cleveland who has been untiring in her efforts to make the library what it should be. We are under great obligations to her for the help she has rendered in hunting up and selecting desirable books, phamphletg and manu- scrijats. We respectfully submit this report. Lambert Tree. President, E. A. Gray. Vice President, W. H. Snyder, Secretanj. Trustees. Springfield, III., December 16, 1896. EEPORT OF LIBRARIAN. Springfield, December 17, 1896. Jo the Trustees of the IJlinuis State Historical Lihrarij: Gentlemen: — I herewith transmit to you, through Hon. Robert A. Gray, acting President, in the absence (in Europe) of our esteemed President, Judge Lambert Tree, my fourth biennial I'eport. The past two years have rolled quickly around and brought more satisfac- tory results than any of the previous years. The library machinery is wear- ing off its newness and runs smoother, still I find it needs constant care and attention to keep up all of its requirements. "It is line upon line, line upon line, here a little" and there a good deal. BOOKS. The trustees at the organization selected the period from LaSalle's discov- eries to the present, to build. Occasionally, to be sure, some book or books were purchased in order to secure them, but this was in keeping with the .spirit as well as the letter of the law, "from the earliest period of time known" (see Schedule I), and they selected well. This lead you followed, to continue the substantial foundation during the years of the third biennial period, after which, you recognized the LaSalle period as a pivotal point, and collected 'fore and aft. It is said that "to the making of books there is no end," but to select from these judicially, has been your duty, and one so well performed that many have been the words of praise regarding the collections in the State Historical Library; so well meant and deserving have these been, that many have sought its advantages, not only from the near vicinity, but from cities over tlie State, and even where there are other and lai-ger libraiy collections. Gentlemen have come here for two or three weeks at a time, on expense, to consult them, and often there have been parties of six or more students fi-om the universities, for days and weeks, even from Chicago, where library col- lections are pui'chased from an income of hundreds of thousands of dollars, while this library has only a very limited annual stipend. APPROPRIATIONS. The animal appropriation, $1,000, is (juite inadequate to the prescTit need. Many books are now on the market which are so costly as to be beyond your reach, and it has obliged you to make haste slowly in obtaining this valuable history, and there are so many books we should have to round out well the various branches pertaining to Illinois. By careful research books are often found, but so rare and scarce that the price is too high for our annual income, and you should be in a jiosition to purchase at once, when found, else they may be lost to you, being secured by some of the more fortunate libraries of vast incomes now organizing. Our appropriation is not only to be used to purchase books, but it is to pro- vide for the "care and maintenance of the library," (see Schedule I), inci- dentals, such as cases, furniture, binding, postage, expressage, freight, occa- sional janitor service, and the smaller items included unde rsiin dries, all to be within $1,000 per annum, requiring much rigid economy. The great State of Illinois surely should place her libraries above want, by sufficient appropriations — "to collect and preserve her history" (see Schedule I), yes, her valuable pioneer history; this is a large and almost unexplored field, and one seemingly now locked beyond human ingenuity to open and bring to view. "Remember the Pioneers." I most respectfully ask that you urge in your report to the Governor a larger appropriation, or at least restoring it to its original amount of $2,500 per annum. INADEQUATE ROOM. The law further stipulates that we shall have the use of this "north ante- room of the State Library rooms forever for the use of the Historical Library." (See Schedule L) When the law was passed organizing this library, 1889, this room seemed ample, and so it was for the tirst few hundred books, but we have at the pres- ent time 0,256 volumes, — biennial increase for 1894-6 of 1,712. These, with the furniture, cases, etc., make the room so crowded that there is too little room for those who visit to consult the books, and they must have more room and quiet to successfully study them. The additional room will facilitate not only the perusal, but aid in looking up references foi; the members of the General Assembly. The library, to be of great convenience, to them, should be on the same cori'idor. Thei'e seems now only one way to relieve this congestion, and this is to solicit the use of the Senate Judiciary Committee room, which is contiguous to this, during the interim of sessions of the legislature, and this room can be made to connnunicate easily with this, by the insertion of a door, and thus can be secured a large consulting room, to be surrendered during the sitting of the General Assembly; this seeming inconvenience can be easily endvired for such a limited period; hence, I also ask that you will endeavor to have this accomplished by a resolution passed by the legislature. STATE AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES. There is quite a marked difference in the modus ojierandi of a public and state library. In the former, the environments are circumscribed and the re- quisitions are almost a known duty, while those of the latter (state) are more catholic, and oftenjrequire much correspondence, at least a written reply, while it does not ahvaj's have books to give out. If purely a refei'ence library like this, the duties are greatly increased by the demands upon the librarian's time in not onl>- finding the books, but in hunting up the refei'ences, or replj'- ing to the (lueries when found. CORRESPONDENCE. With the growth of the library there is an increased correspondence, which of itself consumes much time just to carefully answer the letters received, not counting the ordinary routine of business. Then, too, there are gifts of books, et«., exchanges of reports from other libraries, historical societies, associa- tions, etc, which need courteous acknowledgments, not as a perfunctory duty, but as a pleasure, after reading the same, and often noting in the letter the salient points, for these represent much of the life of the librarian and should receive proper recognition. ILLINOIS STATE LIBRARY ASSOCIATION. Librarians and trustees from different cities in the State met in this city last January, and after an interchange of library curriculum, formulated a consti- tution and by-laws, and upon these organized a State Library Association for 9 mutual benefit, to bring' us in touch with each other in our work. The annual meeting to be held in January. I entered it in the name of the librarj^, so it should always receive the benefit. At a meeting recently held in Chicago, it was deemed advisable to add an- other section to the existing library law, with the aid of the General Assembly, for a Library Commission (see Schedule VII), to serve without remuneration, and to agitate continually and effectively the library work. This, with the benefit derived from articles in the Library Journal and Public Libraries, will aid much iji producing the "greatest good to the largest number." REPORTS. The last biennial reports were sent out as judiciously as possible to individ- iials and organizations having life within the limits of Illinois, yes, and else- where, with the view to enlist assistance in collecting the history desired, and the results have been verj' gratifying. The expressions of commendation re- ceived for a duty performed have added many rays of sunshine, none the least of these have been from you, for which I thank yo^^. HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. A wider range in the historical collections has been entered upon, and as the library becomes better known reports of reunions of various kinds, indi- vidual biographies, etc., either bound or in MS. are received. This extended interest by the public is very encouraging, as it aids in making history, and becomes a connecting link between the early and later period. Portraits of many of the early settlers of later years, beautifully framed, have been received. Curios, explanatory of our printed history, some of them of rare value, oth- ers of a crude sort, Indian implements of industry and warfare, too numerous to individualize in this report. I may be permitted, however, to mention some of them without being considered partial. A cane, whose history runs back in Illinois to 181:1, a gift to Mr. Archer Gray Herndon, from Hon. Samuel McRoberts, first native-born United States Senator from Illinois, who cut the stick at Mt. Vernon and had it especially mounted for Mr. Herndon, which was inherited by his son, Elliott B. Hern- don, and presented to the library by his widow, Mrs. E. B. Herndon. Life-size portrait, framed, of Simeon Francis, a life-long friend of Mr. Lin- coln, and organizer of the Illinois State Journal, presented by Mrs. Harriet Rumsey Taylor. , Life-size portrait, fi-amed, of the late Mrs. Myra Bradwell, the first woman lawyer in Illinois, and editor of the Chicago Legal News, pi-esented by her liusband. Judge James B. Bradwell. Thirty-eight photographic views of Kaskaskia and vicinity, taken and pre- sented by W. G. Eggleston, M. D. The " Piasa," framed picture, from a description by one of the pioneers of this State, Col. J. Miles, who as a young l)oy used often to see it; designed by Jerome Copley, drawn by E. A. Woelke, Jr.; i)reseiited by Hon. J. N. Perriu, Lebanon, 111, Regimental Returns of the 8th Regt., 111. Militia, 1829; also Rank Roll of the same, Nathaniel Buckmaster, Colonel commanding, 1828; i)resente(l l)v Mrs. A. M. Bradford, city. Indian bow and ai-row. made by chief, now citizen Highnocker, successor to l^awkaw, chief of the WinneVnigoes, who resides near (ireen Bay; purchased from him by ]\lr. Robert G. Walker, and presented by Rev. f*]. S. ^Valker, vcity. 10 The Mt. Carroll Courier, Gazette and Herald, from 1851 to 1894, saved and presented by Judge James Shaw of Mt. Carroll. An edition of the Joliet News, on white silk, edited and presented by the ladies of Joliet, through the courtesy of Senator Munroe, of Will county. Chicago Municipal Reports, etc., prior to the "Great Fire," 1872, and which are now very rare, presented by ©. G. Avery, Chicago, Diplomas and medals from the World's Columbian Exposition, trophies of the State of Illinois, sent to the library through the courtesv of Govei'nor Ahgeld. These, with many MSS., etc., are enlarging the collection quite materially, and for many of them there should bo a glass case to protect them pi'operly from the dust and dampness, and yet exhibit them, and I trust you will have such a case in the near future. BINDING. There are many books of value which have only paper covers, and should have a more substantial binding; many of them, collected after much re- search in foreign countries, relating to America, especially to Illinois and the Mississippi valley, from the early time. I also ask that you will solicit such legislation in the annual appropriation which will enable you to cover this large out-go, for there are many of them. CASES. There have been purchased since my last report fourteen new cases, placed in position, and are now almost eutirel}^ filled; besides these there have been added stack shelves on top of them, and they are filled; soon there will be more stacks into which will be placed the books now on tables and chairs awaiting a local habitation. The case you permitted me to order for the val- uable folio volumes we have, will soon be in position and will be a very sub- stantial one, large enough to hold most of these we already have, and is made so that it can be consulted without lifting the heavy volumes to another place, with conveniences to enable the student to make notes while perusing. There will be shelves above for smaller books of value, all enclosed with glass dooi's, and a substantial lock to insure against undue handling. One veiy rare set of these^ volumes to go in it, was found in London, and there are only a limited number extant, "McKenney's Gallery of Indians," folio, with hand painted pictures of them in their court dress. RUDOLPH INDEXER. Last, but not least, of our conveniences is the Rudolph Indexer. It is a great iinprovent upon the card and drawer system. When it was I'eceived I had about .i, 000 titles to prepare, catalogue and enter, and 1 hope soon to have it up to date, but with my routine duties I find it slow work, although you have been so thoughtful as to j^ermit me to have assistance in pi-eparing many of them. While there is not enough work in this library to justify a regular assistant, still, there are times when, with an]accumulated amount of work, a little temporary help is an absolute necessity, and j'ou have always upheld me in procuring it. I am glad to affirm that the Governor, and you, his Trustees, have voiced a growing zeal in the library work, by retaining me as librarian, despite politi- cal differences, thus enabling me to build more satisfactorily, and carry on more successfully, the plans 1 formulated early after my appointment, at the organization of the library in 1889. While I do not wish to convey the idea that I am better fitted to perform these duties, still our gifts vai-y, and it is better to follow out the same trend of thought if it be a good one. 11 GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS. We have been and are yet the recipients of government documents from our Senators, Hon. Shelby M. Cullom and Gen. John M. Pahner, and Represent- atives in Congress, Major James A. Connolly and Judge William M. Springer (during his term); also from Dr. T. D. Harris, Superintendent of Instruction, and F. A. Crandall, Superintendent of Documents. Their interest in this library has never waned. They have also aided me much in tilling ])roken sets of government documents, without which it would have been not only a diflftcult but expensive task. And our thanks are certainly due these gentle- men, even though, by citizenship, this is their library. STATE REPORTS. The state officials have been very courteous and particular to deposit their annual and biennial reports here. The library was organized rather late to procure all of the early publications, and I shall have to depend upon persons throughout the State to contribute tliese, for which I shall not only be very grateful, but will courteously acknowledge them and enter their names upon my list of donors. (See Schedule V.) CHURCH, SOCIETY AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. There has been a great increase in the interest taken by the various state organizations, which is evinced by receiving from ministers, clerks and secre- taries, their annual reports. Many of the railroads, which pass through, or only run a short distance into the State, send in annually their annual reports and history. CIRCULAR LETTER OP TRUSTEES, The Circular Letter No. 1 (see Schedule II), prepared by you early in your administration, I incorporate here, for it has awakened such an interest in, and desire to promote the welfare of, this library, by sending in that which you therein sought. NEWSPAPERS, PERIODICALS, ETC. The press of Illinois has been very thoughtful to note the improvements and history of the library, and I bespeak the continuance of this courtesy. I have found the editors ever ready and willing to print notices of " Wants," etc., to which are added their words of encouragement, not only to me, but to the public. I wish I could note a large number of gi-atuitous subscriptions, for these make very reliable and valuable history. CIRCULAR LETTER. The Circular Letter No. 2 (see Schedule III), which you prepared to send to the "old" soldier, who served in the Civil War, will unearth nmch history, and the interest you take in them, and the service they performed under Pres- ident Lincoln and General Grant in preserving to us a country which the pa- triots of the Revolution created under that inimitable leader, General Wash- ington, will surely be productive of mutual benefit. CONCLUSION. There have been many who have rendered material aid to this liln'ary in various ways to whom I wish to express my appreciation in this report. My thanks are especially due to Hon. John P. Altgeld, Governor, and Col. Wilham Dose, his Private Secretary, for their uniform thoughtfulness and en- couragement in the performance of my duties. To Hon. Wm. H. Hinrichsen, Secretary of State, for his ever willing acquies- cence in my requirements upon him for the conveniences and courtesies in the library. 12 To Miss S. T. Hinriehseu, State Librarian, and her assistants, who have seeming-ly vied with each other to render helpful service, and which will strengthen and cement a bond of friendship through life. To Miss C. R. Tozierj who has rendered valuable and voluntary assistance, without remunei'ation, in the library during my illness and absence from it, by keeping the library open and performing many other duties too numerous to mention. I cannot close this report without expressing my deep gratitude to you for the uniform consideration you have shown to me, and the words of commenda- tion you have expressed to me, more especially when so much needed, during my illness. These deeds of kindness have lightened very materially my duties. Verj^ respectfully submitted, Josephine P. Cleveland, Librarian. 13 SCHEDULE NO. I. ILLINOIS STATE HISTORICAL LIBKARY. Sec. 4. Powers and duties of the trustees defined: librarian to be chosen by the trustees and salary fixed. Sec. 5. Appropriates $2,500 per annum for use of the library. Sec. 1. Establishing a State Historical Li- brary at the capital. Sec. 2. Sets apart rooms for its use. Sec. 3. Trustees for the control and man- agement to be appointed by the Governor, who shall serve without pay. Whereas, It is important and desirable that all books, pamphlets and other printed matter, manuscripts, monographs and other writings, illustrative and descriptive of the history of the State, be collected and preserved iu some permanent form before it is too late to rescue from oblivion the memory of its earlier history, and those who founded it, as well as those who have been connected with its rise and progress in later days; therefore, An Act to establish the Illinois State Historical Library, and to provide for its care and maintenance, and to make appropriations therefor. Section 1. Be it enacted h)/ the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly: That there is hereby established at the capital of the State a historical library, which shall be known as the "Illinois Historical Library." See. 2. The north ante-room of the State Library rooms in the State House shall be set apart for the use of the State Historical Library, and free access thereto at all reasonable hours shall be forever had and maintained. Sec. 3. The Illinois State Historical Library shall be under the control and management of three trustees well versed in the history of the State, and qualified by habit and disposition to discharge the duties of their office, who shall be chosen and appointed by the Governor, by and with the consent of the Senate, for the term of two years, and until their successors have been appointed and commissioned. The said trustees shall receive no compensa- tion for their services, except for their actual expenses while in the discharge of their official duties, to be paid upon itemized accounts approved by the Governor. Sec. 4. The said trustees shall have power, and they are hereby required to make all necessary rules, regulations and by-laws not inconsistent with law to carry into effect the purposes of this act, and to procure from time to time, as may be possible and practicable at reasonable cost, all books, pamphlets, manuscripts, monographs, writings and other materials of histori- cal interest and useful to the historian, bearing tipon the political, physical, religious and social history of the State of Illinois from the earliest known period of time. They shall also have the power to select some person having the requisite qualifications as librarian and to fix the salary, not, however, to exceed the sum of five hundred dollars per annum. 14 Sec. 5. For the purpose of carrying' out the provisions of this act, the sum of twenty-live hundred doUars per annum is hereby appropriated out of any moneys in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, and the Auditor is authorized to draw his warrant therefor, payable to the order of the trustees of the "lUinois State Historical Library," upon proper vouchers, approved by the Governor. Approved May 25, 1889. Above act was amended as follows: Forty-first— To the Illinois State Historical Library, for the continuation, «are and maintenance thereof, the sum of one thousand six hundred dollars per annum, of which six hundred dollars per annum shall be paid as a salary to the library; to be expended under the provisions and in the manner speci- fied in the act of 1889 establishing said library. (See laws of 1891, General Appropriations, section forty-first.) SCHEDULE NO. II. Circular Letter No. 1. Springfield, Nov. 13, 1893. The undersigned Trustees of the Illinois State Historical Library beg leave to invite your attention to the provisions of the law establishing this librarj% and to earnestly solicit your valuable co-operation in aiding them to advance the objects which the law endeavors to secure. EXTRACT FROM THE LAW OP 1889— PREAMBLE. "Whereas, It is important and desirable that all books, pamphlets and other printed matter, manuscripts, monographs and other writings illustra- tive and descriptive of the history of the State, be collected and preserved in some permanent form before it is too late to rescue from oblivion the memory of its earlier historj', and those who founded it, as well as those who have been connected with its rise and progress in later days." Sec. 4. "The Triistees shall have power * * * to procure, from time to time, as may be possible and practicable at reasonable cost, all books, pamphlets, manuscripts, monographs, writings and other material of histoi'ical interest and useful to the historian, bearing upon the political, physical, re- ligious or social history of the State of Illinois from the earliest known period of time." We feel assured that no argument is required to show the importance of securing and preserving every book, document, letter or paper which tends to illustrate the history of our great State, so that it may be accessible to the present and future student. The Trustees will gratefully acknowledge all assistance which may be ren- dered to them in this behalf. Lambert Tree, President. R. A. Gray, Vice President. J. N. Perrix, Secretary. 16 SCHEDULE NO. III. Circular Letter No. 2, Dear Sir: — In accordance with the duty devolving upon the Board of Trus- tees of the Illinois State Historical Library, which was created by act of the legislature, among other things, to procure from time to time all books, manu- scripts, monographs and writings of historical interest and useful to the his- torian, bearing upon the political, military, physical, religious or social history of the State of Illinois from the earliest known period, the undersigned desire to collect as far as possible from living participants in the War of the Rebell- ion, a history of each of tlie Illinois regiments and the events in which they had so conspicuous and glorious a share. It is believed that a vast amount of interesting particulars of these regiments may thus be secured which could never be obtanied from mere official reports on record in the departments of the State and nation. The Board of Trustees therefore urgently request that you will I'ender the Library and the State the great service of writing with as little delay as possible a history of your regi- ment from your personal knowledge and experience with it, or if you for any reason cannot undertake to do so, that you will get some fit man in your regi- ment to do it, or suggest such a man to this Board. Trusting that you will heartily cooperate with the Board in its efforts in the direction indicated, which will be by it gratefully acknowledged, and awaiting a reply, we are, with high respect, Your obedient servants, Lambert Tree, Presidcfit, R. A. Gray, Vice Fresident, W. H. Snyder, Secretary. Trirstees. 17 SCHEDULE NO. IV. Books purchased and contributed during the fourth hiennial period, December 17, 1894, to December 17, 1896. Volumes. Pamphlets. Total. Purchase. Gift. Total. 1894-5 1,006 227 63 167 222 27 1,173 449 90 357 134 816 315 90 1.173 1895-6 449 rrOVPTTllTlPTlt T)onTmPTltS 90 1894-6 biennial increase. . 1,296 416 1,712 491 1,221 1,712 Books, etc., from organization to Decern ber, 1894 4, 544 17, 1896. . . 6,256 —2 H. L. 18 SCHEDULE V. List of Donors from Organization to Decemher 17, 1894. DONOKS. Address. mcj\,v K T^ \Ibanv. N. Y 1 1 1 1 Bloom ington. Ill Forbes S A Champaisrii, 111 Snrin"ficld 111 1 "Pnllpr Mr«; Sarah "R Roston Mass 1 2 Hartford, Conn Snrin<'fi<'l(l. Ill . ... 3 German Bantist Ctiur. h (Hist.) (See Rpv H Wr^rniickl Chicago, III 2 Wa>*hingt<)n,D. C Chi<-ag<', 111 1 1 Goo'sneed Rev Thos W Hartford, Conn Washiniiton, D. C... ( 'olniiihus ( ) . . . . 1 10 Government Documents Graham, A. A Graham, Dr. D. W 2 IChicago, 111 1 t * Deceased. 20 Donations and Donors — Continued. Donors. Address. m Donations. Miscellaneous. Topeka, Kas Upper Alton, 111..,. Wilmington, Del... Springfield, 111 San Francisco, Cal. Taylorville, 111 Galesburg. 111.. Springfield, 111 Kansas Historical Society. (SeeF. G. Adams) ". Kendrick. Rev. A. A Kenney , R. R Kidd.T. W. S Kinne, Mrs. E. D'Arcy Kitzmiller, Mrs. Emma Knights of Honor. (See H. F. Day) Knights of Pythias. (See H. P. Caldwell) Knights Templar. (See J. C. Smith) Knox College. (See Dr. Bateman) . . Knox, Miss Knox, Thomas Larned, J. N JBuffalo. X. Y. . . Lathrop, D. W : Des Moines, la . Leaverton, Mrs. D. A Palestine, 111. Leavett. Rev. J. A Lewis. Virgil A Lincoln University. (See C. E. Tur- ner) Lindahl. Joshua Springfield. Ill , Lindsley, J. B Nashville, Tenn Logan. Mrs . Mary S Washington, D. C . . . Logan, Dr. T. D Springfield, 111 Lon.ax. E. L Omaha, Xeb Long, M. H Salula, la Lonff Island Historical Society. CSee E. Toedieberg) Lord, J . .1 Springfield, 111 Lord, J. S t " Loring School. (See Miss Fowler).. jChicago, 111 Lundahl, Prof. B Charleston, W. Va. Lincoln, 111 , 11 18 1 1 picture . Picture. Presby'n Rec. 1832-39,MS. McClurg & Co I Maine Historical Society. (See H.' W. Bryant) , Maps, railroad j Maryland Soc'yof the History of the; Germans. (See P. Hennighauseuj. Mason c Orders. (See J. C. Smith). Massachusetts Historical Society Massachusetts Public Library. (See Mr. Tillinghast) Matsou. Mrs. M Mexican Veteran Association Miller, Mrs. Flo J Miller. Mrs. Mary H Milwaukee Public Library. (See H. i Xebrling) Milwaukee Public Museum. (Seel Wni. M. Wheeler) Minnesota Historical Library. (See .1. F Williams) Minnesota State Library. (See W. H.H.Taylor) Miss', uri Historical Library Montgomery, J ames Mortimer Moses. John Mount Morris College Chicago Portland, Me. Baltimore, Md.... Worcester, Mass. Boston, Mass. Princeton, 111. Monticello, 111.. Des Moines,.Ia. Milwaukee, Wis. St. Paul, Minn. (See Xebraska Historical Society. H. W. Caldwell) Xehrling, H !Nel on, William New Hampsliire Historical Society. ( See Mrs. I. W. Hammond) Xew Jersey Historical Society. (See W. Xelsou) St. Louis, Mo. .^ New York. X. Y Chicago, 111 Lincoln, Xeb — Milwaukee, Wis. Xewark, N. J. ... Concord, X. H. Newark, N. J. . ;MS. poem 4 maps . 4 maps. History 1875-89 Sub. "The Picket"'. * Deceased. 22 Donations and Donors — Continued. DONOKS. Address. Donations. Miscellaneous. New Jersey State Library. (See M. R. Hamilton ) New York Historical Society. (See Chas. Isham) New York Sons of the Am. Rev. Soc'y. ( See J. INI. Montgomery) — New York State Library. (See Mel- vil Dewey ) — Norton, E. L Northwestern University. (See Rev. H.W. Rogers) Trenton, N. J . . . New York, N. Y. (See Ohio State Historical Society. A. A. Graham) Ohio State Library Old Colony Club. (See C. F. Cham- berlain ) Oldroyd.O. H Oneida Historical Society. (SeeC. W. Darling) Albany, N. Y . Cincinnati, O. Evanston, 111. Cohimljus, O Boston, Mass. ., Springtield, 111 Utica, N. Y. 111. Ill, Paddock, .James H Springfield, Palmer, John M j Peabody, S. H IChampaign, Pearson, I. N Macomb, 111 Petersburg Observer. (See J. E. Davis ) Petersburg, Phelps, E.J Burlington, Piatt, \\m. H Monticello, 111 Pierce, F. C Chicago, 111 Pillsbury, W. L Urbana. Ill *P()0le, \Villiam F Presbyterian Church, Synod of Springfield, 111 111. Vt. Raab, Henry *Rauch, John H Redington, J. C. O Reeves, H. G Richmond, I. B Ricord, F. W Riggs, J. M Rogers. Rev. Henry Wade Royal Society of Canada. (See Dr. Bourinot) Chicago, 111 Syracuse, N. Y.. . Bloomington, 111. Newark, N. J. Chicago, 111. .. Ottawa, Can.. Salem Public Library Seymour. Rt. Rev. (ieo. F Seventy-third Reg. 111. Vol, Inf.... Shattuck, J. C Shurtleff College. (See Rev. A. A.i Kendrick ) Simpson, Mrs. Sue A Smith, J . C Smithsonian Institution Sons of Am. Rev., District of Colum- bia. (See A. W. Greely) Sons of Am. Rev., Illinois. (See J. L. Vandercook) Sons of Am. Rev., National. (See Dr. ^V. S.^Vebb) Sons of Am. Rev., New York. (See J, M. Jloiitgomery) Sons of Veterans, Illinois. (See Geo. B. Stadden ) Sons of Veterans, National. (See Geo. B. Stadden) Sons of Veterans, Springfield. (See Lieut. Grimes) Salem, Mass Springfield, 111 , Denver, Col Upper Alton, 111 .. Peoria, 111 Chicago, 111 Washington, D. C. Chicago, 111 Washington, D. C. New York, N.Y... 2 ....R. R. maps, 4. 91i.... Maps. 9 1 2 1 2 29 7 7 84 7 MS. records from 1832-39. lOj ... I History. l' 1 27 And 2S pictures. Deceased. 23 Donations and Donors — Concluded. Donors. Address. lic Library Bostonian Si>ciety Bradweil, .Tames B Brandon, Edward J Bridg'epoi-t Public Library But¥a lo Historical Society Burton, CM Cabinet Specimens Antiquities C mliridf^c Public Library Canadian Naturalist Carneirie Library Capital City Cycling Club (Springfield) Car> 1 1 1 ^1 1 1 > OF THE TRUSTEIEIS OF THE U U • •• ••* • •• • REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES. Rooms of the Illinois State Historical Library, Springfield, III., December 26, 1898. To John R. Tanner, Governor of Illinois. Sir: — The undersigned respectfully submit this report of their ac- tion since their appointment by you, as Trustees of the Illinois State Historical Library, to-wit: First — Inclusive of books, pamphlets, unbound matter, dupli- cates, etc., there are now in the library, pamphlets, 3,545; books, 6,546, or a total of 10,091 books and pamphlets. The last librarian's report to the preceding board, dated December 17, 1896, shows that that of like matter there was then in the library 6,256 numbers; increase. 3,7o5. Second — None of the biennial reports include the accumulation of newspapers, maps, letters, cuts, pictures, portraits, or manuscript documents, most of which is very precious historic and biographical matter. Third— ^Lately, upon a resolution of the Hon. A. L. Converse, which was unanimously jmssed, the board of supervisors of Sanga- mon county patriotically ordered all records and documents among the archives of the county, having thereon the name of the late President Abraham Lincoln, to be transferred to the State Historical Library. Some of these numerous manuscripts have lain in the basement of the court house at Springfield for near three-fourths of a century. Since their organization the several boards of trustees have been specially alert to secure every volume, pamphlet, print, picture or writing re- lating to, or illustrating, the i^ublic or private life of this typical and great son of Illinois. This contribution from Sangamon county in- cludes all poll books from Clary's Grove precinct; the New Salem precinct from 1881 to 1837; such poll books of the Springfield pre- cincts as contain the name of Abraham Lincoln; all the re^aorts made by Abraham Lincoln as surveyor or roadviewer, and the plats and maps accompanying the same; all petitions for xjublic highways in which Abraham Lincoln is named as one of the proposed reviewers, or which are in his handwriting or to which his name is attached as a petitioner; together with all petitions for roads subsequently sur- veyed by Lincoln; all the lists of judges and clerks of election in which the name of Lincoln appears; all documents and records of the 6 county co'niriisisionars' court in the handwriting of Lincoln; all lists of persons upon whom notices have been served by the sheriff or other public ofaceis In which the name Lincoln is included; receipt to Wm. F.iBori'y for bi^Jancedue for tavern license; marriage license to Abra- ham Lincoln and Mary Todd, with the clergyman's certificate of mar- riage; copy of the Vandalia Whig, extra, for April 4, 1833, contain- ing copy of the revenue law; certificate of Dr. David B. Mercer, relative to medicine for dependent child; survey of alterations in a road from Springfield to Paris, Illinois; survey of State road from Springfield to Shelby ville; copy of subpoenas issued by the county commissioners' court; reports from Road District No. 19, March 6, 1837; list of licenses by clerk of county commissioners' court, 1831; receipt of Denton OfPett for store license, 1831; specification for county jail in Springfield, in 1832. Fourth — During the settling of the old Northwest Territory, with its attendant struggles with the savages, wild animals and malarial conditions, the pioneers were so burdened in making history that they had little or no time to record it. It is only since the great and heroic import of their lives has grown apparent that we began to glean whatever record yet to be found as to these events, and the actors in them. The part that Virginia and Illinois took and_ its effect on the subsequent republic and its later destiny are only just now being unearthed. And it was along these lines that Governor Tanner, at Newport News, October 4, 189S, responded to the toast, "Illinois." Virginia was the mother commonwealth, Illinois county the daugh- ter territory, divided since then into five states, Ohio, Indiana, Illi- nois, Michigan and Wisconsin, with the old county seat at Kaskaskia, Illinois. The sons and daughters of the latter state, then gathered on the banks of James River in Virginia, shared in the ceremony of the christening and launching of a national battleship to be named "'The Illinois." All this and more our Governor most effectively told. A full compend of printed and illustrative matter, inclusive of speeches, toasts, incidents, names of participants, etc., relative to the occasion has been collected and arranged and deposited in the His- torical Library for safe keeping and future reference. Fifth — At the request of the board our co-trustee. Professor E. J. James, has prepared two papers, one a bibliography of the early newspapers of the State; the other on the unpublished laws of the Illinois Territory, marked exhibits A and B, respectively. They are made a part of our report with the request that they be printed with the Governor's report, and also separately in the nature of xaublica- tions of the Historical Library of Illinois. Sixth — The board again urgently and respectfully call attention to the necessity of more floor, shelf and storage room for the material already secured, making no reference to future additions. The limited quarters assigned for the deposits of the library are too small even to admit of a ready and free access to the volumes and other matter already there. Seventh — Of the accumulations on hand much of it is neither in- dexed or chapterized and its resources can only be made available by an ample system of cataloguing. To this imperative work our Li- brarian, Mrs. Jessie Palmer Weber, has devoted her time ever since her appointment in a most constant, patient and satisfactory manner. Her task in this connection now nears its end. and the result when duly printed as a catalogue, will be invaluable. Eighth — The board earnestly requests that the original biennial appropriation to the Historical Library Board be restored: and fur- ther that a sum of six hundred dollars be approi:)riated as a si^ecial sum to be used by the board in publishing such original matter as they may select from time to time relating to the early history of the State. Finally, the board takes this occasion to thank the Governor in an esi^ecial manner for the interest he has taken in the State Historical Library and for the encouragement he has given to the members of this board in their work. Respectfully submitted, H. W. Beckwith, (Signed) Edmund J. James, George N. Black. LIBKARIAN'S REPORT. Hon. H. W, Beckwith, President. E. J. James, Ph. D., Vice-President. Hon. George N. Black, Secretary. Board Trustees Illinois State Historical Library. Gentlemen — I have the honor hereAvith to transmit to you the fifth biennial report of the librarian of the Illinois State Historical Library, which contains an account of my first year of stewardship. I entered upon the work the 3rd day of January, 1898, and this period of nearly a year has been largely employed in making the catalogue which is so much needed. It is to be an analytical card catalogue, and there is still much work to be done upon it. The general books have been catalogued, but there are the govern- ment publications, many pamphlets, newspapers, maps, manuscripts and miscellaneous articles, such as newspaper clippings, photographs, curios, etc., yet to be classified and catalogued. This catalogue will be of great assistance to students and the general public in enabling them to find '"just what they want" if it be in the library. It will also serve, in connection with the proposed printed catalogue, to in- troduce the library's valuable collection to the people of this State, and of other states also through the libraries with which this library exchanges. The number of additions has been greater than during any biennial period, but it has not been as large as it would have been, but for the fact that you deemed it wiser to make no more than actually necessary purchases until the completion of the catalogue, and you have by this economy accumulated a larger fund than your limited income will usually place at your disposal. The report of the librarian dated December 17, 1896, gives the total number of books and pamphlets in the library at that time as 6,256. There are now in the library 6,546 books and 3,54-S pamphlets, including duplicate and unbound periodicals, making a total number of 10,091 books and pamphlets, an increase of 3,785 over the last biennial period. LINCOLN COLLECTION. Visitors to the library are always interested in the Lincoln collec- tion and are united in the opinion that Illinois should have the greatest Lincoln collection in the world. I recommend that special efforts be made to secure a copy of every book and pamphlet that has been written which relates to this great citizen of Illinois. The collection is already one in which you may justly feel pride, com- prising sixty-nine bound volumes (including 12 vols, by Nicolay and Hay, and 3 vols, by Herndon) and fifty XDamphlets. STATE HISTORY. Remembering the words of the preamble to the act creating this library: "Whereas, it is important and desirable that all books, pamphlets, and other jarinted matter, manuscripts, monographs, and other writings, illustrative and descriptive of the history of the State, be collected and preserved in some permanent form before it is too late to rescue from oblivion the memory of its early history, and those who founded it, as well as those who have been connected with its rise and progress in later days;" remembering as I have said these words, you have collected much that admirably meets the suggestions they contain. Your collection of books by and in regard to the early explorers of the Mississippi Valley and the Northwest is one which an older and richer library might envy, and the collection on Indians and arche- ology is excellent. Among the writers on the history of Illinois you have the works of Birkbeck, Flower, Oliver, Breese, Brown, Gov. Ford, Blanchard, Burnet, Edwards, Gov. Reynolds, Gerhard, Jones, Davidson & Stuve, Anthony, Lusk, Moses and Wallace, the Fergus Historical Series, the works of many other writers of lesser promin- ence, the "Annals of the West" compiled principally by Rev. John M. Peck, that noble pioneer of the State, whoje career was a beacon- light for its religious, educational and social progress. There are also many of the "gazetteers" and "emigrants' guides" so popular in early days, and so useful to the pioneers in assisting them in tracing their way through the almost trackless prairies. You have also the various legislative directories, and city direc- tories of several cities and towns, particularly of Springfield. In connection with other State histories is a collection of books on the Mormon religion, which is unequaled in this section of the country. Among them are five editions of the Book of Mormon; one of them being the rare edition published in Palmyra, N. Y., in l^^SO. This collection might be enlarged by contributions from citizens of Nauvoo and Hancock county, if their interest could be aroused, as many families may have old books or pamphlets, whicli alone are of little value, but which would be of the greatest interest and value in mak- ing complete this collection. 10 REGIMENTAL HISTORIES. I earnestly desire that efforts be made to secure regimental his- tories of the Illinois troops in the war of the rebellion. The soldiers of the great struggle of 1861-5 are passing away, and soon the noble part taken by Illinois will be but a glorious memory. We have statistics as to the names and number of the Illinois soldiers, we desire a record of the incidents of their daily life during that period, stories and anecdotes of a personal charcter that go to make up the personalities of the actors in that dark but glorious chapter in our national history. Such records are found only in the regimental histories written by the soldiers themselves. Many regi- ments have had no such history Avritten, but it may be possible to encourage the old soldiers to furnish the library with reminis- cences in writing, and these manuscripts may in time be edited and printed. It would be most interesting and fitting that the library have some sketch of each Illinois regiment. COUNTY HISTORIES. You have endeavored to secure a complete history of the State by counties. This collection comprises histories of eighty nine of the one-hundred and two counties. You are making diligent efforts to secure histories of the remaining thirteen, and no doubt the collection will soon be complete as far as histories of the counties have been written. These books are very useful and are often consulted. The library lacks histories of Boone, Calhoun, Ford, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Johnson, Kankakee, Mason, Massac, Menard, Pope and Tazewell counties. It is very desirable that the interest of citizens be aroused in the interest of their own county, and in having that history preserved by the State. This could be best accomplished, as has often- been suggested, by the formation of a State Historical Society with at least one member from each county. In this way, much interest could be aroused and the size and usefulness of the library greatly extended. It would be very advantageous to the library if Illinois autliors could be induced to present to it a copy of each book and pamphlet, and when the book could not be obtained as a gift, it should be purchased. This result might be obtained if the library could afford to employ some one to prejiare a small book or pamphlet on the bibliography of Illinois, gi.ing a list of Illinois authors and their books, including State reports and the reports of State officers. This has been done by the Wisconsin Stat.3 Historical Society. This society exhibited at the World's Fair a collection of books by Wisconsin authors. The labor of preparing such a book would be considerable, and would involve much patient research and correspondence, but it would be valuable and interesting, especially in showing what Illinois has accomplished in a literary way at the close of the nineteenth century. Illinois authors now living could not fail to be interested, and would be glad I am sure to aid as far as possible in its preparation. ]1 NEWSPAPERS. It T.oulcl be a valuable aid in ijreserviiig county htska'y'i'f.w^ 'ioUM have on file and preserve for reference, at least, one rie wsp^per f i^p^ each county in the State. Editors throughout the Stale with the proverbial generosity of the profession would be glad to assist us, and I hoj)e we soon shall be in a position, through enlarged facilities and more room to avail ourselves of their generosity. At present there is not suflBcient room for the care anu preservation of those we are already receiving. The library now receives as gifts, the Spring field Daily News, the Joliet Weekly Sun and the Rogers Park News- Herald. I earnestly recommend that some j)lan be devised for the care of these papers, and also for the arrangement of the valuable maj)s in the library, that they may be conveniently arranged for general use. The library receives by subscription the "American Antiquarian and Oriental Journal" and ''American Catholic Histor- ical Researches." I beg to suggest that other historical periodicals be added, particularly the "American Historical Review."' It would be well if some arrangements could be made with the State library whereby the two libraries might avoid the purchase of duplicates either in periodicals or books. I also urge that the pub- lications of historical societies be made complete, where the library now owns incomplete sets. I have corresponded with a numoer of such societies, and the sets have been made complete as far as gra- tuitous publications or those given in e.xhange. Libraries have sent you valuable publications with the expression of the hope that this library would shortly be able to send them something in exchange. This we will be able to do as soon as our proposed publications, which will accompany your fifth biennial report, are ready for dis- tribution. There is a large and constantly growing demand for books on genealogy, and many persons go away disappointed at the meagre- ness of the collection of books on this and kindred subjects, though the "New England Historic and Genealogical Register" and "Hen- ing's Statutes of Virginia" have proved a mine of information to many, and they are almost daily consulted. CATALOGUE. Your catalogue will be ready for the printer before the close of the next fiscal year of the State. The expense of a dictionary and classi- fied catalogue will be considerable, and you will require at least five hundred copies, that they may be given to the friends of the library who desire to make the acquaintance of the collection of books that it contains, and send to libraries that have been liberal to you in sending you their publications. I therefore suggest that the Legisla- ture be urged to make provision for the printing of the catalogue in its next appropriation for this library. I also beg to suggest that an appropriation be asked for the employment of a janitor for the library. It does not require the entire time of a janitor, but it does require some daily service, in order that the room may present a clean and inviting appearance, and that dust be not allowed to accumulate 12 bn tl?B fiirnjtuie ftnd. exposed books. Some one who is employed in some oiher capacity in the State House would be able to give the ^Jibrorv tji'o -li'Qcessary attention, and still have abundant time for 6t|i'6:r