Chrystie Family papers, 1789-1946

Collection context

Creator:
Chrystie family
Extent:
3 linear feet 6 boxes, 1 flat box, 1 scroll box, and 1 volume
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

Correspondence, manuscripts, documents, photographs, memorabilia, and printed materials. The earliest document is Chalres Ludlow's appointment as a Midshipman in 1788, signed by President John Adams. There are also documents signed by U.S. President James Monroe and by New York Governors William L. Marcy and Thomas E. Dewey. The correspondence includes letter to Thomas Mackaness Ludlow Chrystie, 1841-1914, from Admiral David G. Farragut and Asa Bird Gardiner, of the Society of the Cincinnati, and his letterbook for 1896-1914. In Addition to Dr. Chrystie's medical practice and his personal life, some 25 pages in the letterbook are copies, in his hand, of letters from Captain Charles Ludlow, et al., aboard various ships in the U.S. Navy, 1801-1811. Papers of Thomas Ludlow Chrystie, 1872-1954 (Columbia A.B., 1892; Trustee, 1920-1926) include letters from Nicholas Murray Butler, Benjamin Cardozo, and Seth Low and manuscripts from his post as secretary for the Citizen's Committee on Reorganization of the New York Police Force, 1905-1906. There are 20 photographs relating to the Chrystie Family and Columbia University, including one of Dwight D. Eisenhower when President of Columbia. There are also 20 volumes from the Chrysties' libraries, notable among them are Thomas Ludlow Chrystie's law books, a number of Columbia University publications refering to the Chrysties, and family memorabilia.

Biographical / historical:

The Chrystie Family has long been closely associated with Columbia University. James Chrystie, 1750-1807, came to America from Scotland in 1775. He enlisted in the Pennsylvania Regiment, and served under Anthony Wayne at Ticonderoga. His great grandson, Thomas Witter Chrystie, 1808-1888, the first member of the family to recieve a Columbia degree (A.B., 1828, A.M., 1880) married Elizabeth Ludlow, daughter of Captain Charles Ludlow of the U.S. Navy in the War of 1812.

Access and use

Restrictions:

The following boxes are located off-site: Boxes 2-6, Scroll Box 7. You will need to request this material from the Rare Book and Manuscript Library at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.

This collection has no restrictions.

Terms of access:

Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Chrystie Family papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:
Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
Contact:
rbml@library.columbia.edu