Using the Draper Manuscripts to Find Early Settlers
By: Cheri Daniels, KAO Editor & KHS Head of Reference Services One of the most underutilized resources we have here in the library is the Draper Manuscripts Collection on Microfilm. The primary strength of the Draper Collection lies in its early settlement information, specifically on the individual level. When Lyman Copeland Draper was born in 1815, he grew up around those who had settled the new western territories, and who had fought in the American Revolution or the War of 1812. These stories of bravery and hardships were enough to impress any youngster, but Draper was very influenced by these stories and realized...