Guide to the Mitchell Family Papers and Photographs 1876-1958
- Repository
- Heinz History Center
- Title
- Mitchell Family Papers and Photographs
- Creator
- Mitchell-Finley families
- Collection Number
- MSS 0746
- Extent
- 0.5 linear feet (1 box)
- Date
- 1876-1958
- Abstract
- Members of the Mitchell family settled in Southwestern Pennsylvania in the mid-19th century. Their direct relatives, and subsequent relatives through marriages, held an annual family reunion in Pittsburgh, Pa., for nearly 50 years. The Mitchell Family Papers and Photographs contain a family history, accounts of family reunions, academic notebooks, individual portraits, and posed family photographs.
- Language
- The material in this collection is in English
- Sponsor
- This collection has been made accessible as part of an NHPRC-funded Basic Processing grant.
- Publisher
- Heinz History Center
- Address
- 1212 Smallman St.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222
library@heinzhistorycenter.org
URL: https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org
History
The Mitchell family, whose roots trace back to 18th century Ireland and England, began immigrating to North America during the mid-19th century. Branches of the family settled in Ontario, Canada, Southwestern Pennsylvania, and in parts of Michigan. Through various marriages the Mitchell family tree grew, incorporating members of the Finley and Morrow families. Small branches of relatives include the Sampson, Duff, Campbell, and Eldridge families. The Mitchell-Finley family lived in or around three locations in Southwestern Pennsylvania: Turtle Creek, McKeesport, and Wilkinsburg. The family held their annual family reunion in Pittsburgh beginning in 1908, and for nearly 25 years it was staged in Highland Park. Edson Eldridge was the president of the Mitchell-Finley family reunion in 1955. Rae Finley was a teacher at Lincoln Park School in the Lincoln-Lemington neighborhood of Pittsburgh during the early 20th century.
Scope and Content Notes
The Mitchell Family Papers and Photographs contain a family history, accounts of family reunions, academic notebooks, individual portraits, and posed family photographs. One family history traces the family's early roots to Ireland and England in the 1730s, and gives descriptions of Mitchell family characteristics. Their descendants in North America began holding family reunions in Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1908, and a family ledger contains a yearly account, including attendance and board members, through 1958. Relatives mentioned in the collection include the Finleys, Morrows, and Eldridges. Edson Eldridge's lab notebook from Wilkinsburg High School (1922-1923) is included, as well as J.E. Finley's French phonetics notebook from 1927.
The collection contains 26 photographs depicting posed school classes, individuals, and family groupings. There are several images from of young children from Lincoln Park School in the 1920's, where Rae Finley was a teacher. Six photographs depict large gatherings of the Mitchell family, at reunions and other family events. Other images depict individuals whose connection to the Mitchell family cannot be determined.
Conditions Governing Access
None
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift from Edson Eldridge in 1980.
Archives accession # 1980.0013
Preferred Citation
Mitchell Family Papers and Photographs, 1876-1958, MSS 0746, Thomas and Katherine Detre Library and Archives, Senator John Heinz History Center
Processing Information
This collection was processed by Alex J. Toner on 03/02/2012.
Conditions Governing Use
Property rights reside with the Senator John Heinz History Center. Literary rights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact the Thomas and Katherine Detre Library and Archives of the Senator John Heinz History Center.
Subjects
- Mitchell family
- Finley family
- Morrow family
- Turtle Creek (Pa.)
- Wilkinsburg (Pa.)
- McKeesport (Pa.)
- Family history--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh