Rare Book & Manuscript Library
 

Elbridge T. Gerry papers, 1856-1912

Summary Information

Abstract

This collection contains the papers, consisting primarily of correspondence, of Elbridege T. Gerry (1837-1927), 1857 graduate of Columbuia College and later famous as a lawyer and philanthropist. There are also documents concerning Columbia College Class of 1857, college notebooks, memorabilia, and manuscript copies of Gerry's essays and orations.

At a Glance

Call No.: MS#0481
Bib ID 4078804 View CLIO record
Creator(s) Gerry, Elbridge T. (Elbridge Thomas), 1837-1927
Title Elbridge T. Gerry papers, 1856-1912
Physical Description 2.5 linear feet (5 manuscript boxes)
Language(s) English .
Access You will need to make an appointment in advance to use this collection material in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room. You can schedule an appointment once you've submitted your request through your Special Collections Research Account.

The following boxes are located off-site: 4-5. 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.

Arrangement

Arrangement

Cataloged and Arranged.

Description

Summary

As secretary of the Columbia College Class of 1857, Gerry carried on a detailed correspondence with many of its members. The bulk of the Gerry Papers are these carefully preserved letters, many of which are of a personal, intimate nature, and documents concerning the activities of the class as a whole. Of special interest are letters from Right Rev. Daniel S. Tuttle and manuscript copies of several of Gerry's own essays and orations. Also, some of Gerry's Columbia College notebooks and memorabilia of Gerry's student days.

Using the Collection

Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Restrictions on Access

You will need to make an appointment in advance to use this collection material in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room. You can schedule an appointment once you've submitted your request through your Special Collections Research Account.

The following boxes are located off-site: 4-5. 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 Governing Use and Reproduction

Single photocopies 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); Elbridge T. Gerry papers; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Accruals

Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Accession number--M-59.

About the Finding Aid / Processing Information

Columbia University Libraries, Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Processing Information

Cataloged Christina Hilton Fenn 06/--/89.

Revision Description

2012-06-27 xml document created by Judith Zupnick.

2019-05-20 EAD was imported spring 2019 as part of the ArchivesSpace Phase II migration.

2023-07-20 Added Columbia College notebook descriptions.

Subject Headings

The subject headings listed below are found in this collection. Links below allow searches at Columbia University through the Archival Collections Portal and through CLIO, the catalog for Columbia University Libraries, as well as ArchiveGRID, a catalog that allows users to search the holdings of multiple research libraries and archives.

All links open new windows.

Subject

Heading "CUL Archives:"
"Portal"
"CUL Collections:"
"CLIO"
"Nat'l / Int'l Archives:"
"ArchivedGRID"
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Portal CLIO ArchiveGRID
Animal welfare Portal CLIO ArchiveGRID
Capital punishment -- New York (State) Portal CLIO ArchiveGRID
Child abuse -- Societies, etc Portal CLIO ArchiveGRID
Columbia College (New York, N.Y.) -- Alumni and alumnae Portal CLIO ArchiveGRID
Columbia University -- Students Portal CLIO ArchiveGRID
Lawyers Portal CLIO ArchiveGRID
Mentally ill -- New York (State) -- New York Portal CLIO ArchiveGRID
New York (N.Y.) -- Social conditions Portal CLIO ArchiveGRID
New York (N.Y.) -- Social life and customs Portal CLIO ArchiveGRID
New York (State) -- Social conditions Portal CLIO ArchiveGRID
New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children Portal CLIO ArchiveGRID
Philanthropists Portal CLIO ArchiveGRID
Social problems -- New York (State) Portal CLIO ArchiveGRID
Tuttle, Daniel Sylvester, 1837-1923 Portal CLIO ArchiveGRID

History / Biographical Note

Biographical / Historical

Lawyer, philanthropist. Gerry was an 1857 graduate of Columbia College. He founded the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and was chairman of the legislative committee that abolished hanging in favor of the electric chair as capital punishment in New York State. He also worked with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and was chairman for the New York City commission for the insane.