Lucius Lyon papers

Collection

Identifier: Collection 279

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Some materials which were given to the Library many years past, and which often have creation dates in the 18th or 19th century, were housed unprocessed in the archives. This material was reviewed and housed in acid free folders and boxes and brief inventories were created. Some of this “Old Collection” material is gradually being processed, usually where there is an existing general collection which fits the scope of the materials.

A general historical collection related to Grand Rapids pioneer Lucius Lyon was defined as early as 2001/2002. With the creation of Coll. 279, the Old Collection materials which appear to have come down from Lyon's estate found an archival home.

The bulk of the holdings currently in this devised collection are those Old Collection holdings which it appears that Lyon owned and used. Some of these may be related to his work as a surveyor or as a statesman, while others appear to be of general interest. Some items have annotations which seem to indicate Lyon's ownership, while other materials are simply present in the overall set. The Old Collection accession number begins with “L2.” Each item is annotated with an accession number so that researchers can identify the Lyon Old Collection accession items.

Dates

1755-1935
Majority of material found within 1834 - 1848

Biographical / Historical

Lucius Lyon (1800-1851) was a prominent U.S. citizen, Grand Rapids settler and leader in Michigan statehood. As with many pioneers, he was a land surveyor, later serving as Surveyor General for Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. He was surveying in the Ohio River area in the early 1830’s when he was elected as a delegate to Congress from the Territory of Michigan. Later he was a member of the convention which drafted the first Constitution of Michigan. Following that he became a U.S. Senator. He had purchased land holdings in Grand Rapids and a disagreement with Louis Campau over land boundaries resulted in the irregular street arrangements in downtown Grand Rapids that can still be seen today. Lyon is also said to have sunk the first salt well in Grand Rapids.

Extent

3 Linear Feet (Four boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Lucius Lyon (1800-1851) was a prominent U.S. citizen, Grand Rapids settler and leader in Michigan statehood. This is a devised collection containing books and other manuscript materials that appear to have once belonged to Lyon. The collection also includes a representative sample of original correspondence and documents from Lyon’s relationship with other important early Michigan and Grand Rapids figures. Thus is found here evidence of a financial transaction with the national political figure Lewis Cass. There is also a photograph of a bust of Cass, said to have once been owned by Lyon. Also included is an invitation from Governor Barry to meet with Lyon at the old National Hotel in Grand Rapids.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Lyon?, Campbell, Grand Rapids Historical Society, L.G. Stuart, et al.

Accession numbers: Old collection L2 and various additions.

Related Materials

Coll. 259, GRPL Newspapers. Box 39 contain newspapers associated with, and perhaps owned and used by, Lucius Lyon.

Coll. 263, See Squiers (Squires) papers. Lyon's Article of Agreement, Apr. 21, 1843.

Lucius Lyon papers, 1770-1934 (bulk 1833-1851) at the William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan.