PRESTON B. PLUMB PAPERS

Finding Aid

Size: 0.25 linear feet

Literary rights:
Literary rights were granted to the Wichita State University. When permission is granted to examine the 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.

Restrictions: None

Content note:
The Preston B. Plumb Papers consist of eight letters written by Preston B. Plumb between the years 1880 to 1891. He wrote seven of the letters to a Cavaness, and the nature of the correspondence was general. One letter was written to Philip Morgan, American Minister to Mexico City, in which Plumb requested an escort for two female travelers.

Biographical note:
Preston B. Plumb was a progressive United States Senator representing Kansas from the years 1877 to 1891. He was born in Berkshire, Ohio in 1837 and moved to Kansas in 1855. Plumb was typical of the 1800s American entrepreneur, he entered one business venture after another on his upward climb to economic success. At sixteen years of age Plumb purchased a newspaper operation, the Xenia, in Marysville, Ohio. In 1855 he was part of an Kansas exploring party, and as a result he bought land one mile from Salina and developed the short-lived town of Mariposa. One year later he bought interest in the Emporia Town Company and became one of Emporials founding fathers.

Plumb settled in Emporia permanently, where he entered into a variety of occupations, not excluding his incorporation of the Jefferson City and Neosho Valley Railroad. In 1861, after passing the bar exam, Plumb opened the Plantz and Plumb Law Firm. That same year he was elected to the Kansas State Legislation. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Plumb formed a company of Emporia men to fight for the Union cause. He established the Emporia National Bank in 1872, which he remained the president of until his death in 1891.

Acquisition: Source unknown

Processed by: KJC, 14 Jan. 1992; JEF, 4-6-1999