DATE: ca. 19th century
CREATOR: Bent, Silas Junior (1768-1827); Bent, Silas III (1820-1887); McKinley, Crittenden (1854-1913).
SCOPE: This collection has been arranged into four series: 1) Silas Bent [Junior] papers; 2) Silas Bent [III] collection; 3) Crittenden McKinley papers; and 4 ) Miscellaneous. Most of the correspondences are bound within books. Any loose correspondences are arranged according to the original order rather than chronologically. Some of the correspondences have been described to the item level. All other items have been arranged according to the orginal order.
A finding aid to this collection is available for download: M-261 Finding Aid (pdf.)
EXTENT: Silas Bent's [Junior] papers mainly consist of professional correspondences concerning his first employment position and continue until his death. Included are many warrants for his various appointments.
Silas Bent's [III] collection consists mainly of his professional correspondences, clippings related to ship travel, a scrapbook, a large collection of bonds, and books either created by or received during his lifetime. Also included in the collection is Bent's personal military service sword. Both his military career and his insurance career are well represented.
The Crittenden McKinley papers consist of some photographs and a scrapbook.
ACCESS: This collection is available for on-site use only in the Rare Book and Manuscripts Reading Room. Some of the material in Special Collection M-261 may be photocopied, digitally scanned or photographed, subject to condition. For collections marked limited access, researchers are advised to contact the library at least three business days in advance of their visit to submit a request to view the physical material.
A finding aid to this collection is available for download: M-261 Finding Aid (pdf.)
Researchers are advised to call ahead concerning changes in hours due to University intersessions and holidays. The St. Louis Mercantile Library is located on levels one and two of the Thomas Jefferson Library building.
In observance of security procedures, certain services may not be available shortly before the daily closing time.
Preferred Citation: When citing the material from this collection, the preferred citation is: From the Special Collections of the St. Louis Mercantile Library at the University of Missouri – St. Louis.
