"8th Book", 25 Aug 1859 - Mar 29 1860
Scope and Contents
The James Gerrish diaries in this collection, dated 1854-1863, record the daily life of of an intinerant preacher on the Oregon frontier. Many of the entries are brief, listing information such as the weather, his location that day, and a devotional passage. An example from September 11, 1856 reads:
Arrose, visted my son John and returned home. Children convalesent. The day warm. Come holy spirit, warm my poor heart, fill it with thy love.
Some of the entries are longer and give greater detail about events and family relationships. For example, his entry for January 6, 1860, reads:
Frost this morning and fine sun all the day as I travelled to my Daughters Hinmans at Forest Grove whose Husband was upon the steemer Northerner which was wrecked on her way from San Francisco to Portland. He saved his life by swiming to shore but lost some 4000 Thousand dollars worth of merchandise which was upon her. He has returned home with his life [which is] most precious. Thank God for his mercyful good providence who cared for him.
The diaries were donated by George Williams, who is the descendant of another Tualatin Valley pioneer, Alanson Hinman. The Hinmans were related to the Gerrishes by marriage. George Williams' research notes and transcripts of the diaries and included at the end of the collection.
Dates
- 25 Aug 1859 - Mar 29 1860
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for research.
Extent
From the Collection: 0.5 Cubic Feet (1 box)
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Creator
- From the Collection: Gerrish, James (Person)
Repository Details
Part of the Pacific University Archives Repository