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Jacob Reiser family papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 2068

Scope and Contents note

The collection contains the originals of the Jacob Reiser family correspondence written between 1859-1891 [all but two of the letters are written in German - 20 in all]; photocopies of the correspondence; and an English translation of the letters.

Dates

  • 1822-1891

Creator

Conditions Governing Access note

Open for public research.

Conditions Governing Use note

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances. Permission to publish material from the Jacob Reiser family papers must be obtained from the Supervisor of Reference Services and/or the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Board of Curators.

Biographical History

Johann (Hans) Jacob Reiser was born November 10, 1822 in Strahleg, Fischenthal, Zurich, Switzerland. He was the eldest surviving son of Heinrich Reiser and Susanna Ottiker. During the 1860's, he emigrated to Utah and settled in Providence, Cache, Utah. He died on February 20, 1891.

Johann (Hans) Jacob Reiser was born November 10, 1822 in Strahleg, Fischenthal, Zurich, Switzerland. He was the eldest surviving son of Heinrich Reiser and Susanna Ottiker. On February 27, 1847, he married Elisabeth Reiser. Jacob’s brother Heinrich was first introduced and baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). A year after his conversion, Jacob and his wife were also baptized. Elizabeth was baptized a few weeks before Jacob on July 4, 1860 and Jacob was baptized on July 18, 1860.

Sometime during the years 1860 and 1864, Jacob, Elizabeth, Heinrich, and possibly a few other family members, emigrated on the ship Hudson. During the journey, Elizabeth passed, on July 17, 1864, and was buried at sea. Jacob and those that were with him arrived in Salt Lake City on October 26, 1864. For a while, Jacob lived with his brother Heinrich in Salt Lake. When he was able to start off on his own, he bought a log home and lot in Providence, Cache Valley, Utah. He paid for it with clothing and other items. While in Providence, he helped make roads, canals, and helped build the first railroad into Cache Valley as well as the co-op store and first ward meeting house.

On November 1866, Jacob married Susanna Morf in Salt Lake City, a forty-three year old divorced single mother. He was age 44. She had a son from a previous marriage who died in December 1866, when a tree fell on him. Like most men of his time, Jacob had a ten-acre lot. He made a living raising chickens, a few cows, and vegetables and fruit from the garden. In 1867, Jacob and Susanna had a baby girl. She would be the only living descendant of Jacob Reiser.

After four and a half years of marriage, Jacob’s second wife died on June 3, 1871, at age 48. The next year he again remarried to Elizabeth Kunz on October 26, 1872. Jacob died on February 20, 1891.

Extent

1 box (0.5 linear ft.)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The collection contains the originals of the Jacob Reiser family correspondence written between 1859-1891 [all but two of the letters are written in German]; photocopies of the correspondence; and an English translation of the letters.

Arrangement note

Arranged in three series: 1. Jacob Reiser family original letters, 1859-1891; 2. Jacob Reiser family photocopies of letters, 1859-1891; and 3. Jacob Reiser family transcriptions of letters, 1859-1891.

Other Finding Aids note

A more detailed finding aid is available in print in the repository.

Custodial History note

All items remained with the family until being donated to the BYU Library.

Immediate Source of Acquisition note

Donated; Sheri Libutti; March 26, 1997.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Item-level inventory available online. http://files.lib.byu.edu/ead/XML/MSS2068.xml

Appraisal note

19th Century Western and Mormon Manuscripts.

Processing Information note

Processed; David J. Whittaker (Curator 19th Century Western & Mormon Manuscripts) and Erin Chapman (Student Assistant); 2001.

Title
Register of the Jacob Reiser family papers, 1822-1891
Status
Completed
Author
David J. Whittaker; Benjamin Sipes
Date
2001; 2011 March 18
Description rules
Appm
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English in Latin script.
Sponsor
Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant, 2007-2008

Repository Details

Part of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Repository

Contact:
1130 HBLL
Brigham Young University
Provo Utah 84602 United States