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Howard C. Burgess Papers

 Collection
Identifier: WCMss-393

Scope and Contents

The Howard C. Burgess Papers houses personal material of Howard C. Burgess. This collection, which dates from 1900 to 1975, consists of biographical information, genealogical materials, correspondence, photographs, newspaper clippings, honors and awards, scrapbooks, memorabilia from travel, and other materials documenting Burgess.

Dates

  • Creation: 1900-1975

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Biographical Note

Howard C. Burgess was born March 23, 1893, in Columbus, Kansas to F. Fremont and Sarah Kelsey Burgess. He came west with his family in 1899 and spent time in Pendleton prior to moving to Hardman, Oregon in 1900. He attended public schools in Oregon and Washington. The family later moved to Pullman, Washington, where he graduated high school. He graduated from Washington State College (later called Washington State University) in 1916 with a degree in general agriculture. He was high point man on the livestock judging team that won the Pacific Coast Conference.

From 1917 to 1919 he served in the U.S. Cavalry Remount Service, stationed at Fort Keogh, Miles City, Montana. His duties there included breaking and training horses. Burgess married Pearl Morrison on April 26, 1919, in Pullman. She died February 12, 1973. He went to Palouse, Washington, in 1920 to assist his father on the family farm. He began a career as a county extension agent, serving at Kelso, Washington and in Madison County, Montana, before coming to Walla Walla in 1930. He served as county agent until his retirement in 1958.

Burgess than began work at Baker-Boyer Bank as agricultural representative. He was involved in many community activities, including serving on the board of the Southeastern Washington Fair for many years. He was active in judging horses and livestock, and volunteered with the Walla Walla Chamber of Commerce, state and county historical associations, the Boy Scouts, and the Marcus Whitman Foundation. He also wrote extensively for historical publications, wrote a book, Running Bird, published in 1968, and wrote poetry. Burgess died March 17, 1984.

Extent

6.98 Linear Feet (3 record cartons, 1 manuscript box, 2 flat boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The Howard C. Burgess Papers, which date from 1900 to 1975, contain biographical information, correspondence, memorabilia, newspaper clippings, scrapbooks, and photographs related to Howard C. Burgess. Burgess was a veteran, author, leader in civic affairs, and an innovator in agricultural techniques.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated to the Whitman College and Northwest Archives by Howard C. Burgess on July 21, 1970. The accession number associated with this donation is retro-0190.

Title
Guide to the Howard C. Burgess Papers
Author
Rayana Weller
Date
2014, 2019
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the Whitman College and Northwest Archives Repository

Contact:
345 Boyer Avenue
Walla Walla WA 99362 United States
509-527-5922