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O. V. Brown collection

 Collection
Identifier: L021

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of O. V. Brown’s correspondence and other papers relating to his research on Abraham Lincoln, U.S. Civil War, southern Indiana, and Native American tribes from Indiana, ranging from 1806 to 1966. The included Civil War letters pertain to Marion Thurman, Spencer County, from family members serving the 25th and 48th IN Regiments (1861–1865). Brown’s Abraham Lincoln research includes correspondence from 1837 to 1965, and includes speeches made by Lincoln, printed publications, and maps of Dale, Indiana (resting place of Nancy Lincoln). Additionally, the collection contains account books for the Rockport Democrat, the William C. Jackson G.A.R. post, and records of freight received by the Bergenroth Brothers, Troy, Spencer County, Indiana.

There are also ledgers of advertisements, meeting minutes and registers from Rockport, Indiana newspapers, the Grand Army of the Republic, Jackson Post #332, the Occidental Hotel in Rockport, Indiana and freight received by the Bergenroth Brothers in Troy, Indiana ranging from 1844-1915. Also included are account books of William Thompson (1844-1850) and the Robert Taylor Store and Mill (1860-1865) (V012). Oversize folders include: Dale, Indiana maps (B031, Folder 3; OBC035; OBE026); undated newspaper clippings (OB161); and registers of visitors, 1955-1966 (B031, Folders 1 and 2).

Dates

  • 1806-1966

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Legal title, copyright, and literary rights reside with Rare Books and Manuscripts, Indiana State Library, Indianapolis, IN. All requests to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted to Rare Books and Manuscripts.

Biographical Note

Orian V. Brown was born to Albert Frederick and Alice (Clark) Brown on February 23, 1889 in Spencer County, Indiana. He served in the U.S. Army during World War I and was a member of the American Legion. Brown served as a scout leader for the Boy Scouts in 1920. He owned a lumber company, Brown Bros. Lumber Co., in Dale, Indiana and was an avid collector of historical documents and artifacts on Abraham Lincoln and southern Indiana. Brown died on June 9, 1966 and was buried in Dale Cemetery, Dale, Indiana.

Sources:

"Cooper Post, American Legion, Dale, Indiana." Rockport Democrat (IN), August 5, 1921, 3. Accessed September 1, 2021. NewspaperArchive.

"County News." Rockport Democrat (IN), May 28, 1920, 3. Accessed September 1, 2021. NewspaperArchive.

"Dale Collector of Lincoln Lore Dies." Jasper Daily Herald (IN), June 10, 1966, 1, 16. Accessed September 1, 2021. NewspaperArchive.

Findagrave.com. "Orian V. Brown." Find A Grave Memorial. Accessed September 1, 2021. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/111879239/orian-v-brown.

"Spencer County Soldier Boys." Rockport Democrat (IN), November 29, 1918, 3. Accessed September 1, 2021. NewspaperArchive.

Extent

5.3 Cubic Feet (7 manuscript boxes, 6 oversize folders, 11 volumes)

Language of Materials

English

Arrangement

This collection is arranged by subject.

Custodial History

This collection was received by Rare Books and Manuscripts as a donation from O.V. Brown during 1966.

Accruals

No further additions are expected.

Processing Information

Collection processing and finding aid completed by Brent Abercrombie during 2012/02. EAD finding aid revised 2021/08/19; 2021/10/18 by Lauren Patton; 2022/11/10 by Brittany Kropf.
Title
O. V. Brown collection
Status
Completed
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Rare Books and Manuscripts Repository

Contact:
140 North Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 U.S.A.
317-232-3671