Robert Lang Campbell journal
Scope and Contents note
The collection contains Campbell's original handwritten journal where he describes his missionary experiences in Scotland; emigration to Nauvoo, Illinois; experiences traveling to Utah as a Mormon pioneer; and duties as a Mormon Church leader. Dated 1843-1848.
Campbell also added to the end of his journal handwritten transcriptions of his missionary certificate, his appointment to the Glasgow Conference, and a letter to the Church in Wales from Franklin D. Richards. Dated 1849-1850.
Journal also includes some writings by later owners of the journal, dated approximately 1917, and the obituary of Agnes Stewart Campbell, daughter of Robert L. and Mary Stewart Campbell, approximately 1941.
Also includes a photocopy and unedited typescript of the journal. Photocopy and typescript does not include obituary or later handwritten notes.
Dates
- Creation: approximately 1843-1941
- Creation: Majority of material found within 1843-1850
Creator
- Campbell, Robert Lang, 1825-1872 (author, Person)
Conditions Governing Access note
Microfilm, photocopy, and transcription of original journal are open for public research. Access restricted to original journal due to condition. Contact the Supervisor of Reference Services for permission to access restricted material.
Conditions Governing Use note
It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances. Permission to publish material from the Robert Lang Campbell journal must be obtained from the Supervisor of Reference Services and/or the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Coordinating Committee.
Biographical History
Robert Lang Campbell (1825-1872) was a convert to the Mormon Church from Scotland, missionary, and a clerk to early Church leaders.
Robert Lang Campbell was born in 1825 to Alexander and Agnes Campbell in Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, Scotland. Robert was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1842 at the age of seventeen. He served a mission to nearby Dalry, receiving the Aaronic Priesthood in November 1843. He emigrated to Nauvoo in March 1845 and became a member of the Quorum of Seventies, and worked as a clerk for John Smith, William Smith, and Willard Richards.
Robert married Joan Scobe, his sweetheart from Scotland, in November 1845, with the sealing performed one year later. Due to an illness, Robert and Joan had to delay their exit from Nauvoo and were witness to the Battle of Nauvoo in September 1846. Robert and Joan left Nauvoo with other Saints in September 1846, traveling to Winter Quarters in October; where, sadly, Joan delivered a stillborn baby boy, then died herself. Robert continued his clerking and transcribing work until his mission to the British Isles in 1850. While there, he married Mary Stewart. They returned to Salt Lake in 1854, where Robert continued to serve the Church as the Historian's clerk, copying portions of Joseph Smith's History. Plural marriage being in practice, Robert was asked to take additional wives, and married Jeanie Brown.
During his life, Robert also served as secretary of Deseret Agricultural and Manufacturing Society (an elected position), was appointed as a regent of Deseret University, a member of the Legislative Assembly, and elected Superintendent of Schools for Salt Lake County. Robert also acted as Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives of Utah Territorial Legislature, where he worked until his early death April 11, 1872, at the age of 47.
Extent
1 microfilm reel (0.5 linear ft.)
3 folders (0.15 linear ft.)
Language of Materials
English
Other Finding Aids note
A more detailed finding aid is available in print in the repository.
Other Finding Aids
File-level inventory available online. http://files.lib.byu.edu/ead/XML/VMSS496.xml
Custodial History
Journal donated by Afton Walker in 1974. Donor is a descendant of Moses W. Taylor. Original transcription was created by Dennis Rowley, curator of manuscripts, in 1975. Updated transcription created through Transcribe program in 2019.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Donated; Afton Walker; September 1974.
Appraisal note
LDS cultural, social, and religious history (19th Century Mormon and Western Manuscripts collection development policy IV.a.i.1, November 2013).
Existence and Location of Copies
Photocopy of original available in folder 1. Transcription of original available in folder 2. Microfilm copy of transcription original also available.
Processing Information note
Processed; David J. Whittaker, Arlene Alder & CeliAnne Carr; February 1991 (Reformatted May 1999).
Updated; Ryan K. Lee; April 2016.
Subject
Genre / Form
Geographic
Topical
- Title
- Register of the Robert Lang Campbell journal
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- David J. Whittaker, Arlene Alder, & CeliAnne Carr
- Date
- February 1991 (Reformatted May 1999)
- 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.
- Sponsor
- Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant, 2007-2008
Repository Details
Part of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Repository
1130 HBLL
Brigham Young University
Provo Utah 84602 United States