Scammon, Jonathon Young. Papers, 1839-1890

  • IdentificationICU.SPCL.SCAMMON
  • TitleGuide to the Jonathan Young Scammon Papers1839-1890
  • PublisherUniversity of Chicago Library
  • LanguageEnglish
  • Date1839-1890
  • Physical Description2 linear feet (2 boxes)
  • RepositorySpecial Collections Research Center University of Chicago Library 1100 East 57th Street Chicago, Illinois 60637 U.S.A.
  • AbstractJonathan Young Scammon (1812-1890), pioneer Chicago lawyer and businessman and benefactor of Chicago cultural institutions including the old University of Chicago. The Papers contain correspondence sent and received by Scammon from 1838 to 1890, most related to his law practice. Also in the collection are the drafts for two speeches by Scammon and a miscellany of material among which is an address by General E. P. Scammon and pamphlets with brief reference to Scammon.

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When quoting material from this collection, the preferred citation is: Scammon, Jonathon Young. Papers, [Box #, Folder #], Special Collections Research Center, University of Chicago Library

Jonathan Young Scammon (1812-1890), was born in Whitefield, Maine. He received an EL. D. from Waterville College in 1869 and subsequently studied law in Maine. In 1835, he moved to Chicago, where he practiced law and was active in both commercial and civic affairs. Scammon died in 1890.

The correspondence includes 80 letters dating from 1838 to 1890. The letters deal almost exclusively with matters which arose in connection with Scammon’s law practice. There are occasional personal notes and individual items relating to Scammon’s political, business, humanitarian, and religious activities. Probably the single letter of the most general interest in the collection is that which Scammon received from Aug. Harlé of Paris dated January 24, 1865. Also in the collection are the drafts for two speeches of Scammon. The first is a welcoming speech to Lyman Trumball; the second is a speech denouncing Carl Schurz. Also included is a miscellany of material among which is an address of General E. P. Scammon, a couple of pamphlets with brief reference to J. Young Scammon, etc.

The following related resources are located in the Department of Special Collections:

  • NamesScammon, J. Young (Jonathan Young), 1812-1890