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McKernan Family Papers, 1863-1897

 Collection
Identifier: University Historical Collection 185

Content Description

This collection contains correspondence, and other materials, dating from 1863 to 1897 concerning the McKernan Family of Eau Claire. The collection documents the pioneer experiences of the family. A biographical note provided by the donor is included in the collection. Materials are organized chronologically.

Dates

  • Creation: 1863-1897

Creator

Access Restrictions

Collection is open to the public.

Use Restrictions

Researchers are responsible for using in accordance with 17 U.S.C. Copyright owned by the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire.

Biographical/Historical Note

In 1847, Patrick McKernan, the son of Thomas (Sr.) McKernan immigrated to the United States from Ireland, and was followed by other members of his family, specifically Mary McKernan (wife of Thomas (Sr.), Mary McKernan (daughter of Thomas (Sr.), Thomas (Sr.) McKernan, Thomas (Jr.) McKernan, and possibly children. They all entered through the Port of New Orleans, and made their way to the Upper Midwest. Several McKernans made their home in Wisconsin, specifically in Eau Claire County, but Thomas (Sr.) died en route in Illinois. In 1865, Felix and Thomas (Jr.) McKernan (sons of Thomas (Sr.) McKernan) went west to take their part in the gold mining boom, but they returned to Eau Claire in the 1870s, purchasing both new and old McKernan homes to settle down. Several branches of the McKernan family were living in Eau Claire at the time, and their descendants remain here to this day.

Extent

0.2 Linear Feet (1/2 archives box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Summary

The bulk of this collection is comprised of correspondence from 1863-1897 between various members of the McKernan family and their relatives, friends, and acquaintances. The McKernan family began to emigrate from Ireland to the United States c. 1847. In 1856, some members of the family arrived in the Eau Claire area, while others dwelt in Iowa and other parts of Wisconsin. Later on, Thomas (Jr.) and Felix McKernan left Wisconsin to explore the West, before ultimately settling in Eau Claire County.

Acquisition Information

Donated to the Special Collections and Archives, University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire in September 2025.

Accession Number

26-002

Reference Code

UHC185

Processing Note

Processed by Elva Crist in September 2025.

Related Names

Subjects

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Status
Published
Author
Elva Crist
Date
September 29, 2025
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections and Archives, McIntyre Library, UW-Eau Claire Repository

https://library.uwec.edu/archives/
Contact:
Special Collections and Archives, McIntyre Library
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
103 Garfield Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54701 United States
715-836-2739

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