Fam. Family and Personal Papers

Abstract The Pedrick Family Papers were compiled over four generations beginning with William E. Pedrick (W.E.P.), who was a prominent entrepreneur in the mining industry and also a lieutenant during the Civil War. His children also participated in the mining industry and land speculation, but soon took interest in other professions such as artwork and design, as well as, electrical engineering. The collection includes blueprints, correspondence, deeds, accounting ledgers, photographs, maps,...

Scope and Contents

This collection contains 31 images of the aftermath of the Xenia tornado in April 1974. William Pitstick was the telephone manager who was called in to start the repairs after the 1974 tornado. He shot several rolls of film documenting the damage at street level across Xenia. These photographs offer an in-depth look at the city in the immediate aftermath of the tornado, and the vast majority of the photographs are very thoroughly labeled.

Scope and Contents

Microfilm copy of Oliver Protsman's diary providing insights on the early years of the Civil War from 1861-1863. Also included is a family history.

*Note: In the Diary Oliver spells his last name with an s but in the family records it is spelled with a z. It is unclear which one is correct.

Scope and Contents

Copy of a book of recollections by Gerhard Ehlers, made for his children, concerning his life in Germany before moving to the U.S. to work for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Scope and Contents

A three page typed portion of a autobiography of Margret Van Cleve who was the paternal grandmother of the Wright Brothers. It also includes a brief genealogy of the Van Cleve Reader family. Undated.

Scope and Contents

A microfilm copy of MS-75. Original manuscript collection has received additional records and/or processing since it was microfilmed.

Abstract

Records of a prominent Dayton, Ohio funeral home which serviced many from the Hungarian and other ethnic groups of the early 20th century. Funeral record and ledger books give a daily account of funerals, and contain information and vital statistics about people buried by the Riesinger Funeral Home in Dayton, Ohio. Also included are financial record books for 1931-1956, and a few photographs.

Scope and Contents

Contains Captain James Riley's log of the brig, James Madison, 1832-1835, as well as family letters, legal documents, petitions, clippings, biographical sketches, and photographs. Riley was a ship's captain, Ohio pioneer, and founder of Celina, Ohio. His family subsequently became prominent in Mercer County.

Abstract

The Dr. Malcolm L. Ritchie Collection is composed of documents relating to Dr. Ritchie's career in aeronautic and automobile engineering, as well as information relating to psychology and the effects on the human body due to machines. Journals, reference books, and slides/negatives are included. The collection also contains personal papers include Ritchie's family, war service, teaching and personal interests.

Abstract

Photocopies of reports and correspondence showing the history of ownership of Wright State University land during the 1800s, a listing of families buried in the Rockafield Cemetery, and correspondence from Rockafield family members during their service in the Civil War.