Skip to main content

DeMille family bible

 Item — Box: 1
Identifier: MSS 9172

Scope and Contents

Contains the DeMille family bible, which was passed down from Robert DeMille (Cecil's uncle) to the eldest son starting in 1852. It was briefly in the possession of Cecil B. DeMille during the production of the film The Ten Commandments. Recorded in the bible are marriage, birth, and death records for members of the DeMille family descending from William Edward Demille (1824-1873) and Margaret Blount Hoyt (1835-1911). Also includes letter from Cecil's office discussing the repair of the binding and returning the Bible to Spencer. Dated approximately 1852-2001.

Dates

  • Other: approximately 1852-2001

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Open for public research.

Conditions Governing Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances. Permission to publish material from the DeMille family bible must be obtained from the Supervisor of Reference Services and/or the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Coordinating Committee.

Biographical / Historical

The DeMille family was a prominent family in the entertainment industry.

William Edward Churchill (1824-1873) married Margaret Blount Hoyt in 1852 in North Carolina. His son Henry Churchill and Matilda Beatrice de Mille were playwrights and screenwriters, and parents of Cecil B. DeMille, who was one of the most successful directors and producers of the 20th century, as well as a founding father of the motion picture industry in the United States. William C. De Mille (brother of Cecil) was also a playwright and screenwriter, and his daughter Agnes was a dancer and choreographer.

Extent

1 box (0.5 linear ft.)

Language of Materials

English

Custodial History

Robert deMille, Cecil's uncle, passed the bible down the line of eldest sons. Cecil's cousin, John Camberling deMille, gave it to his son Robert Spencer deMille, who then passed it down to his son Robert Spencer deMille, who donated it to the L. Tom Perry Special Collections in 2018.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated; Robert Spencer deMille; July 19, 2018.

Appraisal

Media Arts History IV-a-1.

Related Materials

Additional papers and materials related to Cecil B. DeMille can be found in the Cecil B. DeMille papers (MSS 1400).

Processing Information

Processed; Deven Hunsaker, 2019.

Title
Register of DeMille family bible
Status
Completed
Author
Deven Hunsaker
Date
April 22, 2019
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English in Latin script.

Repository Details

Part of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Repository

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