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Ellis Taylor Peirce correspondence

 Collection — Box: 1
Identifier: MSS 1573

Scope and Contents

Letters, mostly typed, to and from Ellis Peirce. The missives largely are to and from family members and friends and are concerned with family and friendship matters. They also mention the publication of books by Ellis' associates, and refer to relations with Indians. Also includes some photographs. Dated 1921-1925.

Dates

  • 1921-1925

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 Ellis Taylor Peirce correspondence must be obtained from the Supervisor of Reference Services and/or the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Coordinating Committee.

Biographical History

Ellis Taylor Peirce (1846-1926) was an author and story-teller who lived in Hot Springs, South Dakota.

Ellis Taylor Peirce was born 24 April 1846 in Oak Hill, Pennsylvania, to Joseph Peirce and Prudence Blackburn. In 1863 he graduated from the state normal school in Millersville, Pennsylvania, and joined the Union Army during the Civil War.

Peirce moved to the Black Hills of South Dakota in 1876, becoming one of the pioneers of the area. In 1878, he elected sheriff of Custer County. He later moved from Custer to Rapid City, went into a partnership in a hotel with Dan J. Stafford, and was elected sheriff of Pennington County. In 1902 Peirce was elected to the state legislature from Fall River County. In his later years he ran a barbershop in Hot Springs.

Peirce became acquainted with many interesting characters who lived in frequented this region, including leaders of Native American tribes. Stinking Bear of the Oglala tribe named him "Bear Tracks." Peirce became known as a story-teller of life in the Black Hills region in the late 19th Century, and often published his stories in the local press.

Ellis Taylor Peirce died on August 13, 1926, in Hot Springs, South Dakota.

Extent

1 box (0.5 linear ft.)

Language of Materials

English

Custodial History

Collection was purchased from Fred Rosenstock in 1975.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Purchased; Rosenstock; 1975.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Purchased; Fred Rosenstock; 1975.

Appraisal

Utah and the American West cultural, social, and religious history (19th Century Mormon and Western Manuscripts collection development policy IV.a.i.4, November 2013).

Existence and Location of Copies

Digital copy available on disk in Box 1.

Processing Information

Record updated; Ryan K. Lee; 2018.

Title
Register of Ellis Taylor Peirce correspondence
Status
Completed
Author
Garrett Schroath
Date
2011 March 14
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