Preliminary Guide to the McElroy Family Papers
1847-1927

Biographical Note

Pioneer family.

Thorton Fleming McElroy, 1825-1885. Sara Collins McElroy, 1827-1894. Harry Bates McElroy, 1861-1928. Thorton McElroy joined the gold rush to California, journeyed overland by wagon train to Oregon City, Or., to work on the Oregon Spectator, was sent by Thomas Dryer to Olympia, Washington to establish and publish "The Columbian" in 1852, was Territorial printer (1863-1872), and was foreman of the "Pioneer and Democrat".

Scope and Content

Family papers, including correspondence of Thornton F. McElroy, Washington Territorial official; his wife, Sara Collins McElroy; and their son, Harry Bates McElroy; papers relate to an overland journey to California in 1849, the newspaper publishing and printing business in Oregon and Washington Territories, politics in Washington Territory, and social conditions in the Northwest during the pioneer period; 1847-1927.

Typewritten transcription of two T. F. McElroy letters (May 8, 1849; June 8, 1849)

Alternate Forms Available

Selected documents available as digital copies at http://content.lib.washington.edu/pioneerlifeweb/collections.html

Restrictions on Access

Open to all users

Restrictions on Use

Creator's literary rights not transferred to the University of Washington Libraries.

Acquisition Info

Donated by Mrs. Charles E. Allison, 1959-61

Other Finding Aids

Inventory/container list available in Special Collections.