Rowland Willard and Elizabeth S. Willard papers

The collection consists of diaries and other writings, correspondence, photographs, and other papers documenting the lives of Dr. Rowland Willard and his wife Elizabeth S. Willard. Dr. Willard's diaries and autobiography chronicle in particular his travels through New Mexico in 1825.

The 2004 acquisition consists of Dr. Rowland Willard's annotated manuscript autobiography in ink, in seven sections bound with string (372 p.), narrating in detail his life from early youth until settlement in Oswego, Indiana, including his encounter with Hugh Glass while travelling along the Santa Fe Trail in 1825 and his experiences in Mexico. The latter part of the memoir shares Willard's religious views, including his thoughts on slavery and the Civil War. The manuscript concludes with a passage dated 1880 July 26, Haddonfield, [N.J.]. Accompanying material includes a commonplace book of Willard's, titled "Cincinnati O--o" and dated 1829 Jun 28 (31 p.); and a manuscript draft of an incomplete translation of "Los Incas" with preface (95 p.). This acquisition also includes three bound diaries of Elizabeth Willard, kept irregularly from 1842 to 1886. One diary written in one of Dr. Willard's Cincinnati account books. Willard describes her religious convictions, the deaths of several children, and her family life, faith, church work, and travels. Also: 11 manuscript compositions by Elizabeth Willard, mostly religious quotations and some fiction, including what appears to be a draft of a short story (54 p.); 1 ALS from Lyman W. Willard to his mother, dated 1863 Sep 16; 7 ALS from Elizabeth Willard to family and friends, including a joint letter with a note from Dr. Willard; and 2 newspaper clippings of Elizabeth Willard's published writing (a poem and a letter).

Addition to the papers in 2005: manuscript journal (140 p.) kept by Dr. Rowland Willard during his travels along the Santa Fe Trail, 1825-1827. Daily entries record routes taken, scenery, plants, animals, fellow travelers on the Trail, and encounters with Indians. Includes descriptions of Taos, Santa Fe, and Chihuahua, where he settled and established his medical practice. Begins with Willard's departure from St. Charles, Missouri, on May 6, 1825, and traces his journey with a caravan of thirty-three men traveling by pack horse along the Arkansas River and into New Mexico. The journal describes local men of note in the various locales visited, including trader Augustus Storrs in Santa Fe, and the alcades of Santa Fe and Albuquerque. During his journey, Willard engaged in trading with those he encountered, and the prices of goods bought and sold are recorded in his journal. The journal also includes descriptions of the men Willard met in Chihuahua, including Comanche chiefs, Governor Arce, and several American traders. Addition also includes the March 15, 1884 issue of "The Directory", a newsletter for Haddonfield, New Jersey, with Willard's obituary; and a manuscript promissory note for $120.57, dated 1835 May 17, written to Willard from [Phanes Throop?] & Son.

The 2011 addition to the papers includes correspondence, including letters by Rowland Willard and Rowland Willard, Jr.; writings by Elizabeth Willard and Rowland Willard; portrait photographs of individuals and groups including members of the Willard family; printed materials including books and clippings; other papers, and a map by Elizabeth Willard.