Finding Aid for Peter Quintard White papers, 1845-1908.
02788

Summary Information

Repository
Detroit Public Library. Burton Historical Collection.
Creator
White, Peter,1830-1908.
Title
Peter White papers
ID
02788
Date
1845-1908.
Extent
4.5 linear ft.
General Physical Description note
(9 boxes)
Language
English
Abstract
Papers include addresses, correspondence and writings concerning the history of and iron mining industry in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

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Biographical/Historical note

Marquette, Michigan businessman, Democratic state senator, and Republican regent of University of Michigan.Peter Quintard White was born in Rome, New York, on Oct. 31, 1830, the son of Dr. Stephen and Hariette (Tubbs) White. The family moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin when he was about twelve years old. At the age of thirteen, White left home and went to Mackinac Island. After a ship on which he worked was wrecked, he arrived at Detroit where he worked in a store and as a timekeeper. In 1849 White went to the sault with the party of Robert Graveraet. From there they continued to the site of the present City of Marquette, which was to be Peter White's permanent home. In 1850 he took charge of the general trading store of the Marquette Iron Company. He held the position of postmaster, as well as many other official posts, at various times. White took an active part in pressing for the construction of the Soo Canal and other projects to benefit the area. In 1853 he started a banking business which later became the First National Bank of Marquette. In 1853 he started a banking business which later became the First National Bank of Marquette. In 1857, after being appointed Register of the Land Office and Collector of the Port, White began the study of law, forming the law firm of White & Maynard. He was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. That same year he was elected to the State Legislature where he was an advocate of the University of Michigan and the St. Ignace to Marquette Railroad. White also pushed through projects such as the semi-centennial celebration of the Soo Canal, the re-survey of the Michigan-Wisconsin boundary, and other matters which would benefit the State of Michigan. In 1857 White married Ellen S. Hewitt; they had six children. Peter White died in Detroit on June 6, 1908 and was buried at Marquette. (from MPHC v. 37, p. 620-639) (blue index cards

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Arrangement note

Chronologically

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Administrative Information

Publication Information

Detroit Public Library. Burton Historical Collection. Feb. 19, 2010

Conditions Governing Access note

This collection is open for research use.

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Peter Quintard White papers, 1845-1908. (OCLC record)

[http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/295058722]

Controlled Access Headings

Corporate Name(s)

  • Catholic Church. -- Diocese of Marquette (Mich.)

Genre(s)

  • Correspondence. -- aat
  • Legal documents. -- aat

Geographic Name(s)

  • Marquette (Mich.)
  • Upper Peninsula (Mich.)

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Other Finding Aids note

Finding aid and white index cards available in the Burton Historical Collection and on the World Wide Web.

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Collection Inventory

BOX 1: Legal Documents & Correspondence, Sault Ste. Marie 

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BOX 2: -- University of Michigan 

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BOX 3: -- Diocese of Marquette 

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BOX 4: -- Miscellaneous 

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BOX 5: Legal Documents & Correspondence, Memorials 

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BOX 6: Miscellaneous 

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BOX 7: Addresses & Poems 

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BOX 8: Addresses & Miscellaneous 

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BOX 9: Miscellaneous 

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