William Plummer Letters

Collection Summary

Title: William Plummer Letters
Call Number: MS 2005-06
Size: 0.25 linear feet
Acquisition: Purchased from Charles Apfelbaum Rare Manuscripts and Archives
Processed by: JLY, 7-2005; MN, 9-30-2011

Literary Rights

Literary rights were not granted to Wichita State University. When permission is granted to examine manuscripts, it is not an authorization to publish them. Manuscripts cannot be used for publication without regard for common law literary rights, copyright laws and the laws of libel. It is the responsibility of the researcher and his/her publisher to obtain permission to publish. Scholars and students who eventually plan to have their work published are urged to make inquiry regarding overall restrictions on publication before initial research.

Content Note

The collection includes seven letters written by William Plummer in Wichita, Kansas, and sent to his brother, friends, and parents in Pennsylvania. The letters were written between 1870 and 1874 and discuss a variety of topics including Plummer's health, his work and farming experiences, and the weather and women in Wichita. Also includes one letter believed written by his sister Lizzie in 1872.

Series Listing

Series 1 Box 1 FF 1-7 William Plummer Letters. The collection includes seven letters written by William Plummer in Wichita, Kansas, and sent to his brother, friends, and parents in Pennsylvania. 1870-1874.
Series 2 Box 1 FF 8 Plummer Family Letter. The collection includes one letter believed written by William's sister Lizzie and "Mama." 1872.

Box and Folder Listing

Series 1 -- William Plummer Letters
     
Box 1 FF 1 William Plummer to his brother, December 2, 1870. In the letter Plummer discusses his health, the weather, and his employment.
Box 1 FF 2 William Plummer to his brother, December 20, 1870. Plummer discusses his business experiences while in Kansas and encourages his brother to continue to study and read. The letter also discusses women, Plummer's health, and an upcoming church festival.
Box 1 FF 3 William Plummer [signed Brother Sniffles(?)] to his brother, January 28, 1871. This letter discusses the weather, women, the "smutty sheet," "Soiled Doves," and his disappointment in his brother's writing and spelling. Other items of interest mentioned are the Vidette newspaper and a grand Masonic Ball in Augusta.
Box 1 FF 4 William Plummer to his brother, February 17, 1871. Plummer discusses the weather, his experiences farming, the costs of farming, and offers advice to his brother on moving west.
Box 1 FF 5 William Plummer to his brother, April 23, 1871. In this letter Plummer asks his brother to continue to take his mother and sisters to church, he also mentions the weather, his health, women, and musicians.
Box 1 FF 6 William Plummer to his "Friends at Home," May 31, [no year given]. The letter discusses how rain reminds him of home and mentions an upcoming church festival.
Box 1 FF 7 William Plummer to his parents, June 2, 1874. Letter discusses Plummer's health, how he misses home, grist mills, and the weather. There is also mention of a murder trial, but no further discussion in the letter.
     
Series 2-- Plummer Family Letter
     
Box 1 FF 8 "Lizzie" to her brother, June 30, 1872. It is believed the letter is written by William Plummer's sister Lizzie to their brother Col. The letter discusses Will's health, news of Louise, and sewing. The back page is a letter from "Mama." Envelope is included.