The Archives and Rare Books library is excited to announce that the John Day Caldwell papers (UA-81-22) have been processed, and a finding aid has been completed. The collection contains a wealth of documents dating from 1782 to 1902 that provide a detailed look into the settlement and early history of Cincinnati, as well as Ohio state history.
John Day Caldwell (1816-1902) worked in numerous roles in Cincinnati, including as a transportation agent, newspaper editor, librarian, city commissioner and Cincinnati Board of Education clerk. During the Civil War, Caldwell assisted in establishing the Cincinnati Home Guards, a civilian group of men who protected and patrolled the city.
His papers, originally stored in metal bread tins by Caldwell, were received as part of the Ohio Mechanics Institute records back in the 1970s. A card catalog was created for the collection, and the papers were rehoused into archival boxes following their receipt. However, archivists at ARB have reprocessed the collection for better organization and have created a corresponding finding aid that can be accessed online.
Caldwell was a collector of historical documents and he collected and kept records on topics such as freemasonry, African American freemasonry, notable Americans, United States politicians, various organizations in Cincinnati, railroads, philosophy and religion, general American history, history of local education, libraries, slavery and abolition, military history, book publishing, public safety services, land surveys, history of newspapers, charities, business ventures, science, local entertainment, non-American history, gas companies, and water works.
Many of Caldwell’s papers consist of his notes and research, letters, and printed materials. Within his collection are letters from Thomas Jefferson, General George B. McClellan, Horace Mann, Charles Francis Hall, David Barrow, and governors of Ohio and Kentucky.
Glimpse into the collection
Caldwell’s papers make up 34 archival boxes and 2 oversize boxes (17.85 linear feet) and are arranged into series by topic. This treasure trove of material includes items such as Caldwell’s handwritten notes, lists of early businesses, Cincinnati theater histories, early Cincinnati newspapers, original land warrants, Cincinnati settlement histories, Civil War correspondence and early church service programs.
Overall, the Caldwell papers provide a wealth of primary sources, supplemented by Caldwell’s own notes, on Cincinnati and Ohio Valley history. It will be a wonderful resource for historians, students, and educators. ARB is proud to provide increased access to the collection through its reorganization and new finding aid with the goal of enhancing access to the collection through a future digital collection highlighting many materials in the collection.