News Clippings

A collection of family papers, books, and other material accompanied by a travel trunk (or chest) from the Butts Family of Forest Grove, Oregon.

The trunk was used during the family's travel on the Oregon Trail. It is made of blind-stamped leather over wooden boards with metal hardware and is approximately 3' x 2' x 2.5'. The initials "J. B." are written in faint letters on the top of the trunk. The interior is lined with decorative paper probably dating from the 1840s or earlier.

The papers in this collection relate to the Butts Family and descendants, notably members of the Wilcox and Sheelar families. These items were originally stored within the trunk. Components include: Butts Family documents, correspondence and accounts, with a large quantity of letters to/from Dudley Wilcox; several photographs; printed ephemera such as calling cards; genealogical notes, booklets, and other sources related to the history of the Butts Family; and news clippings related to the family. These papers have been filed into archival boxes, stored separately from the trunk.

Books and other items in the collection have been kept with the trunk, including: a small Bible belonging to Mary Smith containing a lock of hair and pressed flowers; 14 other books, most of which are inscribed by family members, including school textbooks and religious works; 2 small wooden boxes containing small pieces of hardware and 2 starched cuffs; and 2 leather straps.