J. Neilson Barry papers

Collection

Identifier: MS 0003

Staff Only

Summary

Material consists of correspondence with Idaho State Historical Society officials Gertrude McDevitt, H. J. Sweeney, and Merle Wells from 1932 to 1959 regarding Idaho territorial history, Pacific Northwest fur trade and routes. The correspondence includes historical notes and information about Idaho place names and events, various maps and notes relating to the routes of Lewis and Clark, Pacific Northwest fur trade routes, and the locations of Fort Reed, Fort Henri, and Fort Nez Perce. Also included is a typescript of the unpublished manuscript "The Trail Makers of Idaho."

Dates

Creation: 1932 - 1959

Biographical Note

J. Neilson Barry was a historian and Episcopal clergyman. Born in Wilmington, Va. on 26 November 1870, he attended various private military and theological schools. After an active missionary life in the Pacific Northwest and in the East of the United States, he retired in 1922 to Portland, Oregon. During his missionary life in the Pacific Northwest he developed an interest in the region's history. He was secretary of the Historical Research Council of Portland (also known as Trail Seekers Council), member of the Oregon and Washington State Historical Societies, and of the Sons of the American Revolution. He published many articles on Idaho history and the Pacific Northwest. J. Neilson Barry died in 1961.