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John Johnston papers

 Collection
Identifier: 1000-144
John Johnston papers
John Johnston papers

Scope and Contents

The John Johnston papers include correspondence, biographical information, materials about the study of science at Wesleyan University, and a scrapbook of programs from 19th century Wesleyan events.

The correspondence of John Johnston contains much interesting material on and around the formative years of Wesleyan University. Many of the letters deal with science (fossils and minerals); the teaching of science (textbooks, lab experiments, and equipment); letters of inquiry and requests for catalogs from prospective students; addresses at commencement; and contributions to Frankfort Mineral Cabinet. The collection is especially useful on the topics of science and science vis a vis Methodism at the dawning of Darwinism. Other letters in the collection discuss the Civil War and Wesleyan University.

The correspondence of J.G. Blair is notably interesting for comments on the Civil War and on science education in relation to religion, or "inquiries into the mysteries of God's great laboratory." (January 27, 1863)

A. Rollins' letter for February 3 is an interesting diatribe on the suspect morals of a Wesleyan student. A letter (May 6, 1851) from M. C. White from China contains the flavor of his life as a missionary as he "tries to preach in Chinese on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays in a little room opening to the street between the river and the south gate of the city." Many of the J. Holdich letters of the 1860s deal with the politics as well as the sorrow of the war. Among other Johnston correspondents are Nathan Bangs, Cyrus Foss, Joseph Cummings, the Hoyts, and Orange Judd.

Dates

  • Creation: 1833-1877, 1919-1920

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

In public domain - No Copyright - United States

Biographical / Historical

John Johnston was born in Bristol, Maine and received his B.A. and M. A. degrees from Bowdoin College. Before coming to Wesleyan, he taught at Cazenovia Seminary (Oneida Conference) in New York from 1832-1835. At Wesleyan, Johnston began as Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Lecturer in Natural Science in 1837, was Professor of Natural Science from 1837-1873, and Professor Emeritus from 1873 until his death in 1879. Johnston was acting President of Wesleyan twice in this period. Her served in 1851-1852, prior to the presidency of Augustus William Smith, and in 1857-1858 following Smith's presidency.

Extent

0.75 Linear Feet (1 hollinger box and 1 small flat box)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The John Johnston papers include correspondence, biographical information, materials about the study of science at Wesleyan University, and a scrapbook of programs from 19th century Wesleyan events.

Arrangement

Correspondence is arranged chronologically.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Two autograph notes in folder 8 were the gift of Robert Maas, 1980

Items in folders 1-6, 9-10, and 13-15 were the gift of Robert J. Williams, great-grandson of John Johnston, 1987-1988.

Other materials assembled by John Spaeth, University Archivist.

Title
John Johnston papers, 1833-1877, 1919-1920
Status
Completed
Author
Processed by Diana Perron, January 1990 Encoded by Valerie Gillispie, February 2008
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the University Archives Repository

Contact:
Olin Library
252 Church Street
Middletown CT 06459 USA
860-685-3864