George Cather Ray Collection
Title: George Cather Ray
Collection
Collector: Mary Weddle
Dates: 1813-1933 bulk 1870-1922
Quantity: 19 boxes (9.0 linear feet)
Collection Number: MS
0113
Language: English
Restrictions: Please ask at repository.
Access and Use: For information on access or copyright, please see our guidelines or email
archives@unl.edu.
Historical Records Statement: Please see our statement on historical records and materials.
Preferred Citation: George Cather Ray Collection (MS 0113). Archives & Special Collections, University of
Nebraska–Lincoln Libraries.
Alternative Format: microfilm
Biography:
George P. Cather
Born to William and Emily Ann "Caroline" Smith Cather on 20 March 1847, George Perry Cather
grew up in Frederick County, Virginia. He taught briefly at a public school in Frederick County
and also served as a deputy sheriff. He married Frances (Franc) Amanda Smith on 26 June 1873,
and the same year the couple moved to Nebraska. Other family members, such as his parents and
brother, also moved to Nebraska. Cather filed a homestead claim near the towns of Bladen and
Blue Hill in Webster County, within the Catherton township, which was named after him. He served
as an officer for the township and on the Board of Commissioners for Webster County while
continuing his work as a lawyer. In the late 1890s, Cather served on a committee to review the
work of the County Treasurer. As a member of the Board of Directors of School District 38 in
Webster County, Cather became District Treasurer. George P. and Franc raised five children,
Grosvenor Phillips (G. P.), Blanche, Carrie, and twins Frank and Oscar. George P. Cather died on
2 February 1938.
Franc Smith Cather
Born on 5 October 1845, Frances Amanda Smith grew up in Hartford, Vermont. After her
graduation from Mt. Holyoke in 1870, she acted as tutor in the Cone household in her hometown.
The Cone's oldest daughter had been Franc's classmate at Mt. Holyoke and they hired Franc to
tutor their two other children Kate and Charles. Franc also taught at the Winchester Female
Institute, in Virginia. At the wedding of one her pupils, Jennie Cather, Franc met George P.
Cather. Franc married Cather in Virginia on 26 June 1873, and in the autumn of that same year
the couple moved to Nebraska. Franc Cather died on 29 April 1922.
G. P. Cather
G. P. Cather, born on 12 August 1883, grew up near Bladen in Webster County, Nebraska. He
lived in Grand Island and attended preparatory college there during the years 1898 to 1903. His
sisters Blanche and Carrie also attended Grand Island College at this time. He then moved to
Lincoln, Nebraska, and attended the University of Nebraska between 1904 and 1905. He left
Lincoln in order to homestead land in western Nebraska near Ogallala. In 1908, he enlisted in
the United States Navy and served sixteen months on the U.S.S. West Virginia. After his
honorable discharge, Cather returned to Bladen and married Myrtle Bartlett on 8 June 1910. The
couple raised wheat on a farm in Webster County. In 1914, he joined Company K of the Fifth
Nebraska National Guard Regiment of Blue Hill, Nebraska. Cather served as quartermaster sergeant
for Company K at Llano Grande, Texas, along the Mexican border, until the guard unit returned in
February 1917. After the outbreak of World War I, Cather attended officers training camp and
received his second lieutenant commission on 16 August 1917 at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. He left
for Europe from Hoboken, New Jersey, on the U.S.S. Manchuria. After his arrival 24 September
1917, Cather began additional training. He later served at the front as a lieutenant of Company
A, 26th Infantry. Cather died on 28 May 1918 while fighting along the Marne in France and became
the first Nebraska officer to die in battle. Many Cather scholars assert that the letters G. P.
wrote to his mother, Franc, inspired Willa Cather to create the character Claude Wheeler, who
appears in her novel entitled One of Ours.
George Cather Ray
George Cather Ray, born on 9 November 1907, is the son of W. Wallace and Blanche Cather Ray.
His grandparents were George P. and Franc Cather. George married Elizabeth Armstrong Ray. He
attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1930 and received a bachelor's degree in law
(LLB) in 1931. Ray also took classes at the Harvard Business School. The University of Nebraska
awarded him a Juris Doctorate in 1969. Ray entered the United States Navy in November of 1940
and served during World War II. He trained at the Navy Training Program in St. Louis, Missouri
from Dec. 1941 until March 1942. He then had command of the U.S.S.
Banner. He died in October 1972.
Scope and Content:
The George Cather Ray Collection is largely comprised of the papers of George P. Cather,
Frances (Franc) Smith Cather, and G. P. Cather. The George P. Cather materials include
correspondence, family photographs, County Treasurer reports, land assessments, and estate
information relating to his work as a land surveyor. The G. P. Cather items consist of
correspondence, battle training notes, military orders, and commissions. The Franc Smith Cather
materials consist mainly of correspondence with her children and others along with letters she
received and newspaper clippings she collected after her son G. P.'s death. The collection also
includes items from various other Cather family members such as receipts, estate information,
and land records from Frederick County, Virginia.
While the collection documents the daily lives, work, and interests of members of the Cather
family, it is also valuable resource for information on homesteading, farm life, railroads, land
surveying, politics, and college course work and social life, particularly in Nebraska. G. P.
Cather's correspondence also provides information on homesteading following the Kinkaid Act,
which made land in the Nebraska Sandhills open to settlers. His materials serve as a resource
for general duties and life in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army. Whenever possible the collection
was kept in the order created by the donor.
Subjects:
Cather, Willa, 1873-1947
Ray, George Cather, 1907-
Cather, George Perry, 1847-1938
Cather, Grosvenor Phillips (G. P.), 1883-1918
Cather, Frances (Franc) Amanda Smith, 1846-1922
Cather, Willa, 1873-1947. One of Ours
Homesteading
Frontier and pioneer life
Surveying--Nebraska
United States Army -- Military life
United State Navy -- Military life
Cather family
Series Description:
Series 1: George P. Cather, Boxes 1-7, Folder 7This series includes five diaries written by George P. Cather while he lived in Virginia,
family correspondence to and from Cather as well as his children G. P., Blanche, Carrie,
Frank, and Oscar Cather. Letters written between 1908 and 1909 document the effort to seek an
honorable discharge for G. P. from the U.S. Navy before he completed his commission. There are
numerous farm records included in this series, particularly records on crops and cattle, along
with ledgers relating to farm expenses and banking. There are copies of life and home
insurance policies from Aetna and Continental insurance companies. Many items reflect Cather's
duties in practicing law and serving public office, including estate and land assessment
records for Webster County. Materials on the sale of the Lipman's Circus include
advertisements of materials to be sold and receipts. Records relating to the Webster Country
Treasurer's office include those items relating to Cather's examination of the work of County
Treasurers M.B. McNitt and Christopher Fassler. The series also includes correspondence from
the Nebraska Republican party and the Webster County Republican party and various other
political materials, including selected items on silver coinage. Other political materials
include speeches and remarks made by United States senators such as George W. Norris of
Nebraska and James T. McCleary of Minnesota on tariff issues and labor and Theodore
Roosevelt's address, "Right of the People to Rule," delivered
at Carnegie Hall in 1912. Other political materials include amendments to the Nebraska state
constitution, speeches by Frederic M. Sackett of Kentucky to the U.S. Senate, and "General Dawes Talks Man to Man to the American Farmer" an address
delivered in Lincoln, Nebraska, in August 1924.
Series 2: George P. Cather and Franc Smith Cather, Box 7, Folder 8-10This series contains correspondence written to and from George P. and Franc Smith Cather
during their courtship and marriage as well as letters of condolence written to them following
the death of their son G. P. in France during WWI.
Series 3: Franc Cather, Box 7, Folder 11 - Box 11, Folder 2This series contains correspondence written to and from Franc Cather to her family and
friends. Of note are letters from Levi R. Leavitt, who hoped to marry Franc. Several folders
include letters from friends who attended Mt. Holyoke College with Franc, including Charles M.
Cone and female friends who wrote from Arkansas, Kentucky, California, and from as far away as
China. The majority of family letters are those from her son G. P., written while he attended
school in Grand Island and Lincoln, Nebraska, and during his service in the U.S. Navy and the
U.S. Army. Following these materials are letters from Franc's other children, Blanche, Carrie,
Oscar, and Frank, who also wrote to their mother while away at college. G. P.'s letters have
been housed separately from those of his siblings. This series also contains letters sent by
G. P. Cather's wife, Myrtle Bartlett Cather, and Myrtle's mother, Addie D. Bartlett. Of
significance to researchers interested in Willa Cather are letters that she wrote to her Aunt
Franc and to her father, regarding G. P.'s death, and the discovery of his grave in France.
The letters from Alice Prettyman and her son, Sgt. E.H. Prettyman, written between 1918 and
1921 refer to G. P.'s death. Letters from R. B. Payne and Oley Iverson, written to Franc
between 1898 and 1899, describe the two men's experiences during the Spanish American War.
Other items include essays that Franc wrote when she attended Mt. Holyoke College, bank
account books and cancelled checks, and materials relating to Mt. Holyoke College endowment
campaigns and a 1910 reunion book. Additional materials include newspaper clippings and
obituaries that Franc gathered after the death of her son G. P.
Series 4: G. P. Cather, Box 11, Folder 3- Box 13, Folder 8This series contains correspondence written to G. P. Cather from his mother and his
siblings. The letters cover the years he spent in Grand Island and Lincoln, Nebraska, and the
U.S. Navy and U.S. Army. There are letters written by his future wife Myrtle Bartlett Cather
and selected friends, including young women he met while attending school in Grand Island,
particularly Alice May. Letters to and from Nettie May and John May deal with Alice's
unexpected death. Other items relating to school are notebooks and one school composition
entitled "The Development of the Novel to Jane Austin [sic]."
This series also includes a battle training notebook that documents instructions for military
officers, Cather's commission recommendation, special orders, and expense vouchers from his
service during WWI.
Series 5: Cather Family Materials, Box 13, Folder 9- Box 15The Cather family series contains items from family members excluding George P., Franc, and
G. P. Cather. The materials have been arranged according to the oldest relative, followed by
their spouse and children, so all materials relating to a single family are filed together.
The series includes correspondence and items relating to Blanche Cather Ray, her husband and
children; Carrie Cather Lindgren and her husband; Frank Cather; and Oscar Cather. Blanche
Cather Ray's materials include items such as teaching certificates and teaching materials.
Selected materials from the Cather family and their home in Virginia are included, such as a
court petition for land in Frederick County submitted by David Cather and James Cather in
1813, land sale records from Thomas Cather, and estate papers from James Cather. Materials
relating to William Cather include receipts, records of his guardianship of his granddaughter
Alfaretta Ayre, and records of his service as sheriff and county administrator. Other items
include Alverna Cather's correspondence, last will and testament, and estate papers of Jennie
Cather Ayre. General materials include graduation announcements from Red Cloud High School,
bus guides, college bulletins, advertisements and catalogs.
Series 6: Photographs and Artifacts, Boxes 16-19This series contains photographs of George P. and Franc Cather as well as their children,
grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Pictures of family friends include one photo of Jessie
Householder, a former student of Franc Smith Cather. There are also photographs of extended
family and family friends. Selected artifacts in the collection include a lock of Franc
Cather's hair and a United States flag, approximately 9x12 inches.
Container List:
Series 1: George P. Cather, Box 1. Folder 1. Diary, diary transcription draft, 1866
Box 1. Folder 2. Diary, diary transcription draft, 1867
Box 1. Folder 3. Diary, diary transcription draft, 1869
Box 1. Folder 4. Diary, diary transcription draft, 1870
Box 1. Folder 5. Diary, Virginia trip, 1931, Oct. 12- 1931, Nov. 30
Box 1. Folder 6. Correspondence, from Charles Cather, 1874-1901
Box 1. Folder 7. Correspondence, from G. P. Cather, 1899
Box 1. Folder 8. Correspondence, from G. P. Cather, 1900-1901
Box 1. Folder 9. Correspondence, from G. P. Cather, 1902-1904, Mar.
Box 1. Folder 10. Correspondence, from G. P. Cather, 1904, Apr.-Dec.
Box 1. Folder 11. Correspondence, from G. P. Cather, 1905-1907
Box 1. Folder 12. Correspondence, from G. P. Cather, 1908
Box 1. Folder 13. Correspondence, from G. P. and Myrtle Bartlett Cather, 1909
Box 1. Folder 14. Correspondence, from G. P. and Myrtle Bartlett Cather, 1911
Box 2. Folder 1. Correspondence, from G. P. and Myrtle Bartlett Cather, 1912 undated
Box 2. Folder 2. Correspondence, from G. P. Cather, discharge, U.S. Navy, 1908-1909
Box 2. Folder 3. Correspondence, from Blanche Cather Ray, Oscar Cather, 1899, 1912, 1916
Box 2. Folder 4. Correspondence, from family, 1873
Box 2. Folder 5. Correspondence, from family, 1874
Box 2. Folder 6. Correspondence, from family, 1875-1877
Box 2. Folder 7. Correspondence, from family, 1878-1894 (see also Cather oversize box 2)
Box 2. Folder 8. Correspondence, from family, 1895
Box 2. Folder 9. Correspondence, from family, 1896-1900
Box 2. Folder 10. Correspondence, from family, 1901-1933
Box 2. Folder 11. Correspondence, from friends, 1873-1899
Box 2. Folder 12. Correspondence, business, 1873-1877
Box 2. Folder 13. Correspondence, business, 1878, Jan.-June
Box 2. Folder 14. Correspondence, business, 1878, July-Dec.
Box 2. Folder 15. Correspondence, business, 1879-1884
Box 3. Folder 1. Correspondence, business, 1885-1888
Box 3. Folder 2. Correspondence, business, 1889-1895
Box 3. Folder 3. Correspondence, business, 1896-1899
Box 3. Folder 4. Correspondence, business, 1900-1902
Box 3. Folder 5. Correspondence, business, 1908, Jan.-Aug.
Box 3. Folder 6. Correspondence, business, 1908, Sept.-1930
Box 3. Folder 7. Correspondence, business, undated
Box 3. Folder 8. Correspondence, Republican Party, 1880-1901
Box 3. Folder 9. Correspondence, Republican Party, 1901-1930, undated (see also Cather oversize box 2)
Box 3. Folder 10. Report card, 1869
Box 3. Folder 11. Lyric book, 1872
Box 3. Folder 12. Family history records, undated
Box 3. Folder 13. Farm records, bank account books, 1886-1887, 1884-1886, 1893, 1922-1926, 1927-1929
Box 4. Folder 1. Farm Records, receipts, 1870-1911, undated
Box 4. Folder 2. Farm Records, cancelled checks, 1925-1926, 1929
Box 4. Folder 3. Farm Records, loan notes, 1924-1925
Box 4. Folder 4. Farm Records, bills, 1878-1910
Box 4. Folder 5. Farm Records, bills, Cross and Johnston Lumber, 1907-1908
Box 4. Folder 6. Farm Records, payment collections, A.M. Cranes and George Sherman, 1869
Box 4. Folder 7. Farm Records, threshing, 1905
Box 4. Folder 8. Farm Records, threshing, 1931
Box 4. Folder 9. Farm Records, day book ledger, 1909-1910
Box 4. Folder 10. Farm Records, day book ledger, 1914-1921
Box 4. Folder 11. Farm Records, insurance, 1890-1918 (see also Cather oversize box 2)
Box 4. Folder 12. Farm Records, personal property, 1894-1904 (see also Cather oversize box 2)
Box 4. Folder 13. Farm Records, land sale and mortgages, McPherson County, 1881, 1890, 1916
Box 4. Folder 14. Farm Records, land lease and sale, Kansas, 1886-1892 (see also Cather oversize box 2)
Box 4. Folder 15. Farm Records, mortgages and leases, from George P. Cather, 1877-1908
Box 4. Folder 16. Farm Records, mortgages and leases, other individuals, 1887-1896
Box 4. Folder 17. Farm Records, deeds and notes, 1879, 1902, undated
Box 4. Folder 18. Farm Records, lawsuit, 1890
Box 5. Folder 1. Farm Records, mortgage note and releases, George P. Cather and Franc S.
Cather, 1891, 1893, 1897, 1899, 1910, 1915, 1923
Box 5. Folder 2. Farm Records, mortgages, Frank Cather, 1914-1916
Box 5. Folder 3. Farm Records, mortgages, Oscar Lindgren and Carrie Cather Lindgren, 1899, 1905, 1916 (see also Cather oversize box 2)
Box 5. Folder 4. Farm Records, tax book, 1869-1873
Box 5. Folder 5. Law records, last will and testament, Charles Lindgren, 1907
Box 5. Folder 6. Law records, executor records and receipts, Charles Lindgren, 1908-1909, 1912 (see also Cather oversize box 2)
Box 5. Folder 7. Law records, tax records, Charles Lindgren, 1908-1911, 1913-1915
Box 5. Folder 8. Law records, petition, Wilson estate, 1905
Box 5. Folder 9. Law records, last will and testament, Ellen Orndoff, 1880
Box 5. Folder 10. Law records, court summons, 1903
Box 5. Folder 11. Public office records, Deputy Sheriff, 1869-1870 (see also Cather oversize box 2)
Box 5. Folder 12. Public office records, Deputy Sheriff, Lipman Circus Sale, 1870
Box 5. Folder 13. Public office records, Census Office, Dept. of Interior, 1880-1881, 1885
Box 5. Folder 14. Public office records, County Treasurer, papers and figures, 1889
Box 5. Folder 15. Public office records, County Treasurer, lease records, 1879-1889
Box 5. Folder 16. Public office records, County Treasurer, settlements, 1886-1890
Box 5. Folder 17. Public office records, County Treasurer, published reports, 1887-1893, 1899
Box 5. Folder 18. Public office records, railroad land sales, 1878-1883 (see also Cather oversize box 2)
Box 5. Folder 19. Public office records, School District 38, meeting notices and minutes, voter
records, 1875-1883
Box 5. Folder 20. Public office records, School District 38, meeting notice, meeting minutes, voter
records, 1884-1894
Box 5. Folder 20. Public office records, School District 38, teacher contracts, 1883-1894
Box 5. Folder 21. Public office records, School District 38, account receipts, 1877-1895
Box 5. Folder 22. Public office records, School District 38, school bonds, 1890-1894
Box 5. Folder 23. Public office records, School District 38, school bonds, 1890-1894
Box 5. Folder 24. Public office records, School District 38, building site records and
bids, 1893
Box 5. Folder 25. Public office records, School District 38, insurance records, 1898 (see also Cather oversize box 2)
Box 5. Folder 26. Public office records, School District 38 Board, annual report, census
records, 1875-1886, 1889-1893
Box 5. Folder 27. Public office records, School District 38 Board, treasurer's report, 1875-1895
Box 6. Folder 1. Public office records, School District 38 Board, treasurer's payments, 1877-1895
Box 6. Folder 2. Public office records, School District 38 Board, instructions and
notices, 1892-1895, undated
Box 6. Folder 3. Public office records, election certificates, 1878-1906 (see also Cather oversize box 2)
Box 6. Folder 4. Public office records, election tallies, 1878, 1891, 1895-1898, 1902
Box 6. Folder 5. Public office records, county improvement records, 1905
Box 6. Folder 6. Public office records, county, town, and range sections, 1878
Box 6. Folder 7. Public office records, county assessment records, land and personal
property, 1882-1894, 1904, 1907-1908, undated
Box 6. Folder 8. Political material, speech, Catherton McKinley Club, 1890s
Box 6. Folder 9. Political material, speeches and remarks, 1896-1897, 1904, 1912
Box 6. Folder 10. Political material, speeches and remarks, 1920-1932
Box 6. Folder 11. Political materials, pamphlets on coinage and silver, 1892-1912, 1920-1932
Box 6. Folder 12. Political material, newspaper clippings, 1892-1928
Box 6. Folder 13. Records, First National Bank shares, 1897
Box 6. Folder 14. Records, pamphlet, Farmer's Alliance
Box 6. Folder 15. Records, business cards
Box 6. Folder 16. Advertisements and subscriptions, 1885-1899 (see also Cather oversize box 2)
Box 6. Folder 17. Advertisements and subscriptions, 1900-1901
Box 7. Folder 1. Advertisements and subscriptions, 1902, Jan.-Apr.
Box 7. Folder 2. Advertisements and subscriptions, 1902, May-Nov.
Box 7. Folder 3. Advertisements and subscriptions, 1902, Nov.-1906 (see also Cather oversize box 2)
Box 7. Folder 4. Advertisements and subscriptions, 1909-1923, undated (see also Cather oversize box 2)
Box 7. Folder 5. Newspaper clippings, Supervisor System, 1894
Box 7. Folder 6. Newspaper clippings, 1897-1933
Series 2: George P. Cather and Franc Smith CatherBox 7. Folder 7. Tickets
Box 7. Folder 8. Programs and performances
Box 7. Folder 9. Correspondence, transcriptions, 1872-1873
Box 7. Folder 10. Correspondence, 1873, 1891-1911
Series 3: Franc CatherBox 7. Folder 11. Correspondence, condolences, 1918
Box 7. Folder 12. Correspondence, from G. P. Cather, 1898-1899, Feb.Item 1. Letter, G. P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1898, Oct. 4Asks about crops, gardens and relates news of school and how he and his siblings are doing
at school.
Item 2. Letter, G. P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1898, Oct. 9Asks about weather and news back home. Explains that everyone is busy with tests or
extracurricular activities. Mentions that many are in speech, but that Willa does not like
public speaking. Says he visited soldiers' graves.
Item 3. Letter, G. P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1898, Oct. 13Asks about things on the farm. Talks about exams at school and why he did not pass his
composition exam.
Item 4. Letter, from G. P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1898, Oct. 16Writes about examinations and debates at school.
Item 5. Letter, from G. P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1898, Oct. 19Relates school news and asks about the farm. Explains that it will soon be time to ice
skate. His sister Blanche includes a very brief note about her grades on the back of the
letter.
Item 6. Letter, G. P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1898, Oct. 23Writes about buying supplies and their prices. Mentions a debate tournament and class
attendance. Notes that he went to church and wore his new tie.
Item 7. Letter, G. P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1898, Nov. 6Says they should have enough supplies to last until Christmas. Explains that he is having
difficulty in Latin and with grammar lessons. Asks if his mother would like any of the
pictures of the school that are being printed and asks if he can have his own picture
taken.
Item 8. Letter, G. P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1898, Nov. 10Writes about his Latin lesson for the following day.
Item 9. Letter, G. P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1898, Nov. 14Relates news of school. Asks if his mother has news of friends and family.
Item 10. Letter, G. P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1898, Nov. 16Says "the world must be coming to an end" because "Kyd" sold "Pet." Tells a story
of how the psychology department shot a dog in the basement and the noise it made. Asks if
his mother would like a picture of the college faculty. Encloses a Latin lesson.
Item 11. Letter, G. P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1898, Nov. 29Writes about a reception with the theme of geographical names. Writes about a prank that
the "Preps" played on the seniors by stealing their
canes.
Item 12. Letter, G. P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1898, Dec. 4Writes about being appointed a chair position for a literary and about a town fire the
previous week.
Item 13. Letter, G. P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1898, Dec. 5Relates some local news about a man found dead in a snow drift and about a person rumored
to have been kicked out of school. Writes that he is working on his elocution piece. Asks if
the popcorn will be husked so that they can bring some back to school after Christmas break.
Item 14. Letter, G. P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1898, Dec. 7Writes about school and extracurricular activities. Asks for news of "Olley."
Item 15. Letter, G. P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1898, Dec. 11Makes plans to travel home for Christmas. Writes about a band playing at the literary.
Notes they may be paying too much for rent.
Item 16. Letter, G. P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1898, Dec. 16Explains that his sister Carrie will send a letter about how the family will travel home
for Christmas.
Item 17. Letter, G. P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1899, Jan. 12Writes that his studies are keeping him really busy with very long lessons. Explains that
the freshman class got canes at a recent reception.
Item 18. Letter, G. P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1899, Jan. 25Writes that he dropped a class and asks his mother's opinion. Writes about a party. Talks
of "Olley" being stationed in Cuba and marching through
Havana.
Item 19. Letter, G. P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1899, Jan. 30Replies to his mother's comments about dropping a class. Explains that it is very cold and
he froze a finger and that many others have frostbite on their ears or toes.
Item 20. Letter, G. P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1899, Feb. 5Asks what kinds of damage the recent weather caused at home. Writes that the boys at
school chipped in to buy boxing gloves. Says he is not very good at boxing but played in a
few matches.
Item 21 .Letter, G. P. Cather to Franc Cather 1899, Feb. 8Comments on his progress in Latin this term.
Item 22. Letter, from G. P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1899, Feb. 9Writes that they only eat two meals a day as there is not enough time to go home to eat
between classes.
Item 23. Letter, G. P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1899, Feb. 12Notes that Nebraska is reaching record low temperatures. Decides that not leaving school
in the middle of the day for lunch means more time to study and more time to box. Notes that
his boxing gloves are nearly worn out and that he is thinking of buying a punching bag.
Item 24. Letter, G. P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1899, Feb. 14Gives an update on "Olley," who will be leaving Cuba soon.
Breaks his key in the door handle. Expresses his wish to stay at school if his father
agrees. Mentions that the eye doctor told Oscar Lindgren he might have to leave school
because it is hurting his eyes.
Item 25. Letter, G. P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1899, Feb. 15Writes of purchasing a key and selecting his piece for his elocution class.
Item 26. Letter, G. P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1899, Feb. 20Writes of attending a revival meeting. Worries about his elocution grade. Writes about a
German boy who suffered a train accident and about a Dutchman living across from his home.
Mentions that his brother Oscar came by and is expecting a letter from his mother.
Item 27. Letter, G. P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1899, Feb. 23Writes that weather causes him to miss the literary. Plans to send papers home with his
brother Oscar. Details a friend's case of the measles.
Item 28. Letter, G. P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1899, Feb. 27Talks of weather, snow, and choosing classes. Wonders how his brother Frank is doing and
how the farming is back home. Relates a story of a man dying because of morphine and
alcohol.
Box 7. Folder 13. Correspondence, from G. P. Cather, 1899, Mar.-Dec.Item 1. Letter, G. P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1899, Mar. 2Writes about his money spending habits and becoming a "spendthrift."
Item 2. Letter, G. P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1899, Mar. 5Responds to all of his mother's questions from her last letter. Mentions how everyone is
getting along at school. Asks about the wheat.
Item 3. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1899, Mar. 6Writes while at home baking bread and tells news of family, friends, and school.
Item 4. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1899, Mar. 6Asks how the cattle are doing. Mentions how everyone is doing in school and what their
school plans are for the spring.
Item 5. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1899, Mar. 8Provides updates on spring plans for school.
Item 6. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1899, Mar. 12Responds to his mother's having told him that "Mr. Graves"
is dead. Talks about taking a class for the second time.
Item 7. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1899, Mar. 17Sends his grades and notes that exam grades are better than daily grades.
Item 8. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1899, Mar. 19Mentions Oscar Lindgren's and Willa's geometry test. Explains he is a few dollars in debt
and must get it settled soon.
Item 9. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1899, Mar. 20Explains that he has fixed his bicycle and rode it to a neighboring town. Talks about his
grades and that he is below the average for the class.
Item 10. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1899, Mar. 26Writes to let his mother know about his money situation.
Item 11. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1899, Mar. 29Writes that he received a letter from Cuba. Talks of his grades.
Item 12. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1899, Apr. 2Talks about visiting a soldier and general school news. Answers the questions his mother
asked in her letter.
Item 13. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1899, Apr. 9Asks his parents for advice regarding school and explains that he is not as studious as
his sister Blanche.
Item 14. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1899?, Apr. 23Receives money and notes that the amount for clothes he needs might add up to more then
amount sent. Explains that if they need medicine he would like to buy it in order to get a
free watch.
Item 15. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1899, Apr. 30Writes about events relating to the Literary Club.
Item 16. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1899, May 3Notes that "Olley" plans to work for him over the
summer.
Item 17. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1899, May 9Relates extracurricular and class news.
Item 18. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1899, May 17Relates school news and the weather.
Item 19. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1899, Oct. 30Writes that the washer-woman has unreasonable charges.
Item 20. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1899, Dec. 10Relates weather and class news.
Item 21. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1899, Dec. 18Writes about a school reception.
Box 7. Folder 14. Correspondence, from G. P. Cather, 1900-1901Item 1. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1900, Jan. 9Relates school news and purchase of a puppy.
Item 2. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1900, Jan. 14Discusses school and the Literary Society. Asks about the money his grandmother gave him
as a Christmas gift.
Item 3. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1900, Jan. 21Sends names of officers chosen for Cadet company and his grades.
Item 4. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1900, Jan. 27Explains that he will be in one of the Literary Society's debates and that the football
season is coming soon.
Item 5. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1900, Feb. 4Talks of extracurricular activities.
Item 6. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1900, Feb. 8Relates news about weather and school.
Item 7. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1900, Feb. 18Relates news of the contest and health of new puppy.
Item 8. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1900, Mar. 4Relates baptism at a revival. Talks of organizing a baseball team.
Item 9. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1900, Apr. 22Receives money from his parents and notes that he is doing better in classes.
Item 10. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1900, May 13Talks of his grades and asks about money for commencement clothes.
Item 11. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1900, May 20 Talks about getting small pox vaccinations and about a soldier with small pox who left
camp and was fined.
Item 12. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1900, May 27Asks about the farm. Explains that he got a second small pox vaccination and that there
have been reports of small pox cases in both Hastings and Lincoln, Nebraska.
Item 13. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1900, Sept. 24Relates school news and news about the football season.
Item 14. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1900, Nov. 11Shares news about school, football, and a debate competition.
Item 15. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1901, Jan. 25Shares news about classes and activities. Makes comments on voting and the legislature
having trouble deciding on senators.
Item 16. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1901, Apr. 14Writes about German grades and attending lectures. Notes he is playing the first B-flat
clarinet.
Item 17. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1901, Sept. 16Writes about seeing the Pawnee Bill Wild West show. Notes he is working hard at school and
relates news of music and football.
Item 18. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1901, Nov. 12 Relates news of school and the topic for debate, which is providing voting rights to
African Americans. Notes that Grand Island beat Hastings in football.
Item 19. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1901, Dec. 1Notes that he did poorly on a chemistry exam and would like a new coat.
Item 20. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1901, Dec. 8Explains that he is running for vice president of the Literary Society and has been
elected manager of the first baseball team.
Box 7. Folder 15. Correspondence, from G. P. Cather, 1902-1903Item 1. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1902, Jan. 12Relates school and band news.
Item 2. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1902, Jan. 12Relates school news and the possibility of buying livestock.
Item 3. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1902, Jan. 26Writes about the school band and his studies.
Item 4. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1902, Jan. 30Relates school news and asks questions about a new kind of wheat.
Item 5. Postcard, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1902, Mar. 19Relates daily news.
Item 6. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1902, Apr. 1Writes about some of the pranks that the different classes play on each other.
Item 7. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1902, Apr. 17Relates school news and asks about the farm. Notes that a professor suggested he stop his
involvement with the band, but did not stop because other band members threatened to
quit.
Item 8. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1902, May 4Talks about playing "real music" and having band concerts.
Asks about the farm and if his father will put in a phone.
Item 9. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1902, Dec. 1Relates news about the band, literary society, and that the Grand Island football won the
state championship.
Item 10. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1903, Sept. 9Writes that the band went to Alma, Nebraska, and hired a drummer at $2.50 per day.
Item 11. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1903, Sept. 19 Asks about the farm and relates school news. Talks of construction on the courthouse and
library.
Item 12. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1903, Sept. 30Asks about weather and farming. Relates news about school, sports, and his grades.
Mentions a murder and a new jail.
Item 13. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1903, Oct. 13Confesses his school work is not going as well as his mother would have hoped. Notes that
he is the assistant manager of the school's football team. Mentions the trial for the murder
case.
Item 14. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1903, Oct. 26Relates football news relating to Lincoln and Bellevue teams.
Item 15. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1903, Nov. 2Mentions weather and asks for an update on farm news. Provides details on college football
games. Explains that the cellar steps were fixed but that the chimney is unstable.
Item 16. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1903, Nov. 30Says he hasn't written for a while because he didn't have the money for a two cent stamp.
Notes that the "reverend" died last week and talks of the
services and funeral. Asks his mother to have Oscar write because Oscar is not broke and can
afford stamps.
Box 7. Folder 16. Correspondence, from G. P. Cather, 1904, Jan.-Sept.Item 1. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1904, Jan. 9Writes about the buggy breaking down and that is not their fault, they were driving
safely. Explains that he passed all of his classes last term.
Item 2. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1904, Jan. 25Relates general news about the mail route, firing their milkman, and another college in
town.
Item 3. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1904, Feb. 11Writes that he will be playing music again soon. Notes that he will attend Richard III at
the opera house, though the college president forbid students living in the dormitory from
going.
Item 4. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1904, Feb. 29Writes about debate meetings, a function held to raise money for the debts of the
athletes, that baseball season starts soon, and talk of a new dormitory. Notes that Frank is
busy taking pictures and has become quite the businessman.
Item 5. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1904, Mar. 15Receives money from his mother and plans to take care of his debts. Mentions his studies
and taking vocal lessons. Asks if his father thinks it is a good idea that he borrow money
to buy a suit.
Item 6. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1904, Mar. 28Provides information on changes in his schedule and entering an essay contest instead of
oratory. Notes that several students are going to the World's Fair after commencement.
Item 7. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1904, Apr. 15Thanks his father for money sent to him and his sister Blanche and explains how the money
was used. Talks about a train bridge over the Platte that caught on fire and that train
traffic was re-routed. Writes of a close call with fire at their house and that he is
reading Robert Browning's poems in his literature class and enjoying it.
Item 8. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1904, Apr. 18Relates news of the local baseball team.
Item 9. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1904, May 2Relates news about school, music, baseball, and the weather. Mentions a broken hose and
how they cannot water the whole yard. Hopes that his parents get a chance to visit St.
Louis.
Item 10. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1904, May 16Talks about law enforcement, liquor licenses, and prohibition. Relates news about their
fruits and vegetables. Notes that "Barker" was sentenced to
hang. Asks that the rest of the family also write letters.
Item 11. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1904, May 28Writes about the numbers of flowers around and about election news.
Item 12. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1904, June 1Asks his mother to attend the school's commencement. Explains that he is singing in a
quartet and that the baseball team is traveling right now.
Item 13. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1904, June 1Asks about news from home and announces he is the newly elected president of the Literary
Society.
Box 7. Folder 17. Correspondence, from G. P. Cather, 1904, Sept.-Dec.Item 1. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1904, Sept. 27Writes that he has settled into classes at Lincoln. Shares a story about a car in Lincoln
that can go speeds over 100 miles per hour. Details where he is living and the cost of room
and board.
Item 2. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1904, Oct. 7Sympathizes about his mother feeling lonely back at home. Shares his class schedule,
meeting schedule, and news of other activities. Details life at the University of Nebraska.
Item 3. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1904, Oct. 13Explains that he has moved closer to campus. Details the Nebraska/Colorado football game.
Notes that the team will play in Omaha next and that he is one of the chosen band members
who will travel with the team.
Item 4. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1904, Oct. 20Explains that he is short on money and cannot write again until he has purchased
stationary. Relates news of the football team and band, and that he won't be home at
Thanksgiving on account of the band.
Item 5. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1904, Oct. 26Provides updates on the football team and the band. Asks about family news and about the
farm.
Item 6. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1904, Nov. 10WRites upon his return to Lincoln and gives his new address.
Item 7. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1904, Nov. 12Writes from Kansas City, Missouri, where he traveled with the football team.
Item 8. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1904, Nov. 17Provides details on his trip to Kansas City. Asks if his mother could spare money for him
to take cornet lessons.
Item 9. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1904, Nov. 28 Thanks his mother for the money she sent. Relates band and football news from
Thanksgiving break. Asks his mother to please get "the boys"
to write soon.
Item 10. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1904, Dec. 1Writes about the Thanksgiving football game. Asks for more money. Explains his plan to
stay in Lincoln over Christmas break and try to get a job.
Item 11. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1904, Dec. 6Writes that he is very pleased to be able to take cornet lessons and that after his first
lesson the professor said that he could move up from second cornet to solo cornet. Notes
that he felt taller as he left the room. Asks for money for a textbook and explains that his
brother Frank never came to visit during Thanksgiving break.
Item 12. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1904, Dec. 9Receives money from his mother and explains how he used it. Writes again of his plans for
Christmas break and his hope to get a job in Lincoln.
Item 13. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1904, Dec. 14Tells his mother not to worry about his Rhetoric grade and asks for family news. Explains
why he would like to stay in Lincoln over Christmas but will do whatever his father feels is
best.
Box 8. Folder 1. Correspondence, from G. P. Cather, 1905Item 1. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1905, Jan. 4Relates school and band news and about getting back into the routine of things at his
Lincoln home.
Item 2. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1905, Jan. 12Explains that he no longer wants to stay in school and would like to get a job and earn a
living. Talks about a rumor in Grand Island that he is drinking and that is the reason he
quit school. Assures his mother that this is not true and that any one who knows him would
know he has never touched liquor.
Item 3. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1905, Jan. 13Apologizes for sharing his troubles in his last letter. Explains that he has found a new
place to live and that his finals will be over soon.
Item 4. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1905, Jan. 22Discusses the weather. Notes that he will be playing with the University band one last
time. Mentions that he has heard that some land will be opening up in western Nebraska.
Item 5. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1905, Jan. 28Writes that he had his last examination and that he has started a job in Havelock,
Nebraska, which is 7 miles from Lincoln.
Item 6. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1905, Jan. 29Writes about his job in a shop in Havelock. Relates news about a big fire that happened in
Omaha and another one that happened in Lincoln. Tells his mother that if she is seeking the
truth about rumors she should ask people who would know what happened.
Item 7. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1905, Feb. 4Mentions a man he met at work and details the rates of pay at the shop. Explains that he
will be going to North Platte, Nebraska, soon.
Item 8. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1905, Feb. 8Writes that he is quitting work at the shop in Havelock and preparing to leave for North
Platte.
Item 9. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1905, Feb. 12Arrives in North Platte and writes of his efforts to secure a homestead in western
Nebraska.
Item 10. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1905, Aug. 3Writes about getting his homestead started and work on building a house. Notes that he
will try to write to his sister Blanche, but he is up until midnight and wakes up at 4
a.m.
Item 11. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1905, Aug. 14Provides news about his homestead and seeing a red wolf at his place.
Item 12. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1905, Aug. 20Writes that he has everything ready to build his house and that he is trying to make time
to help out those who gave him helped him set up his place. Plans to spend a Sunday in
Ogallala, Nebraska.
Item 13. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1905, Aug. 27Explains that he spends his entire week on the homestead and weekends with the Dunwoods,
so gets his mail on Saturdays and writes on Sundays. Tells how he killed a four-foot snake
and asks about family news.
Item 14. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1905, Sept. 2Writes about his father's visit to North Platte with his brother Oscar and notes that
Oscar did not find any land.
Item 15. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1905, Sept. 17Tells his mother that he does not make it to a post office very often. Asks her to keep
writing often because he likes receiving her letters. Explains that he needs to buy more
lumber for his house.
Item 16. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1905, Sept. 26Relates news of his homestead and needing a team of horses to move. Asks about family
news.
Box 8. Folder 2. Correspondence, from G. P. Cather, 1906, Jan.-May
Box 8. Folder 3. Correspondence, from G. P. Cather, 1906, Aug.-Nov.
Box 8. Folder 4. Correspondence, from G. P. Cather, 1907
Box 8. Folder 5. Correspondence, from G. P. Cather, 1908, Feb.-May
Box 8. Folder 6. Correspondence, from G. P. Cather, 1908, June-Aug.
Box 8. Folder 7. Correspondence, from G. P. Cather, 1908, Sept.-1909
Box 8. Folder 8. Correspondence, from G. P. Cather, 1910-1912
Box 8. Folder 9. Correspondence, from G. P. Cather, 1914-1916
Box 8. Folder 10. Correspondence, from G. P. Cather, 1916-1918Item 1. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1916, June 27Writes that his regiment is drilling hard everyday and that they are short of
blankets.
Item 2. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1916, July 17Notes that many troops are coming into his camp and that water is in short supply, which
makes it difficult for troops to wash the one set of clothes they each own.
Item 3. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1916, Aug. 21, Describes heavy workload at camp and notes, "If anyone joins the
Army to get out of work, he is certainly out of luck."
Item 4. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1916, Sept. 20Explains that his troops may be moving somewhere else in Nebraska and that his regiment
passed the efficiency exam.
Item 5. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1917, June 2Writes to say he has arrived at Ft. Snelling, Minnesota, passed his physical exam, and was
assigned to the 8th Company.
Item 6. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1917, June 18Relates that troops are being trained at Ft. Snelling by rotating positions within the
various companies.
Item 7. Letter, G.P. Cather to George P. Cather, 1917, June 18Writes his father about his Army training and notes, "The
Officers themselves say that they are attempting the impossible."
Item 8. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1917, July 4Sympathizes about "Myra's" health and suggests she spend a
year in Arizona. Writes about training hard and how many men are sent home.
Item 9. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1917, Aug. 7Writes that training and efficiency exams are ending at the Army training camp and that
information about where they will be sent is forthcoming. Notes that he has only heard
rumors and nothing official.
Item 10. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1917, Sept. 24Writes after arrival in Liverpool about plans to travel across the Channel to France at
night. Mentions that letters to the United States are censored and that he will write as
often as he is able.
Item 11. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1917, Dec. 3Writes he is glad to hear about life at home, though he is sorry that "Myra" is still doing poorly. Explains that he is going to
officer training school and is far from the front lines. Writes about France and states,
"France is a wonderful nation but she is certainly feeling the
effects of this war."
Item 12. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1917, Dec. 15Writes that he has moved and finished his classes. Informs his mother that he has not been
sick and wishes her a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Item 13. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1917, Dec. 25Receives a box of presents and despite a nice Christmas dinner he notes, "Christmas here doesn't seem like Christmas in the U.S.A."
Mentions that he is taking a class on how to use a French gun and that he is unsure of when
he will be assigned to troops.
Item 14. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1918, Jan. 21Writes about joining a regiment but that the headquarters had moved when he arrived. Notes
that he saw Paris. Tells his mother that he never hears any news from the United States
anymore but assumes it is still on the map. Mentions that sometimes he gets a funny feeling
she is not doing well though he hopes everything is allright.
Item 15. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1918, Jan. 28?Explains that he still has a funny feeling his mother is not doing well. Wonders why he
has not received mail and attibutes it to frequent moves. Writes that he is Second
Lieutenant in an infantry company.
Item 16. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1918, Feb. 5Writes about his worry about not hearing from his mother in such a long time. Mentions
that he had to refer charges against one of his men and there will be a trial. Explains that
due to letter censorship he is only allowed to write on one side of the paper and that he
almost forgot.
Item 17. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1918, Feb. 10Mentions that he is worried he hasn't heard from his mother. Explains that his division is
a training camp for the front and that they could be sent to the front line at any time.
Item 18. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1918, Feb. 26Explains that he is changing stations and will send his new address when he can. Asks his
mother to keep writing though he will not be able to get letters for a while.
Item 19. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1918, Mar. 20Writes that he is doing well and still has plenty of clothes and food. Talks about U.S.
and French generals.
Item 20. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1918, Apr. 16Hopes that the family is all doing well and says that he is fine. Explains that he cannot
write much interesting news because of regulations.
Item 21. Letter, G.P. Cather to Franc Cather, 1918, May 12Writes a letter in celebration of Mother's Day and includes a booklet of Mother's Day
poetry. Explains that he is doing well but cannot provide more news. Mentions rumors about
where his division will be sent but says nothing is official. Explains that it is likely
that those in the U.S. know more about the plan than the troops.
Box 8. Folder 11. Correspondence, Navy enlistment/discharge, 1908-1909
Box 8. Folder 12. Correspondence, from Blanche Cather Ray, 1891-1921, July
Box 8. Folder 13. Correspondence, from Carrie Cather Lindgren, 1898, Nov.-1899, Dec.
Box 8. Folder 14. Correspondence, from Frank Cather, 1898, Dec.-1913, Dec. undated
Box 8. Folder 15. Correspondence, from Oscar Cather, 1904, Jan.-1907, Oct. undated
Box 8. Folder 16. Correspondence, from Myrtle Bartlett Cather, 1905-1911
Box 8. Folder 17. Correspondence, from Myrtle Bartlett Cather, 1912-1919
Box 8. Folder 18. Correspondence, from Willa Cather, 1910-1920, Item 1. Letter, Willa Cather to Franc Cather, 1910, Jan. 5
Item 2. Letter, Willa Cather to Franc Cather, 1911, Feb. 22
Item 3. Letter, Willa Cather to Franc Cather, 1911, May 16
Item 4. Letter, Willa Cather to Franc Cather, 1913, Feb. 23
Item 5. Letter, Willa Cather to Franc Cather, 1914, Nov. 17
Item 6. Letter, Willa Cather to Franc Cather, 1915, June 16
Item 7. Letter, Willa Cather to Franc Cather, 1915, Dec. 25
Item 8. Letter, Willa Cather to Franc Cather, 1917, Sept. 9
Item 9. Letter, Willa Cather to Franc Cather, 1918, June 12
Item 10. Letter, Willa Cather to Franc Cather, 1918, June 26
Item 11. Letter, Willa Cather to Franc Cather, 1920, July 4
Item 12. Letter, Willa Cather to Charles Cather, 1920, July 7
Item 13. Letter, Willa Cather to Franc Cather, 1918, Nov. 11
Box 8. Folder 19. Correspondence, from Addie D. Bartlett, 1902, June-1917, Aug.
Box 9. Folder 1. Correspondence, from family, 1872, June-1874, Mar.
Box 9. Folder 2. Correspondence, from Levi R. Leavitt, 1860-1872, Apr.
Box 9. Folder 3. Correspondence, from Levi R. Leavitt, 1872, May-1875, Sept.
Box 9. Folder 4. Correspondence, from Charles M. Cone, 1872, June-1873, June
Box 9. Folder 5. Correspondence, from R.B. Payne, Oley Iverson, 1898-1899
Box 9. Folder 6. Correspondence, from Lieutenant M. Morris Andrews, 1918
Box 9. Folder 7. Correspondence, from Alice Prettyman, Sergeant E.H. Prettyman, 1918-1921
Box 9. Folder 8. Correspondence, from friends, 1862-1871, June
Box 9. Folder 9. Correspondence, from friends, 1871, July-Dec.
Box 9. Folder 10. Correspondence, from friends, 1872, Feb.-Aug.
Box 9. Folder 11. Correspondence, from friends, 1872, Sept.-Dec.
Box 10. Folder 1. Correspondence, from friends, 1873, Jan.-Apr.
Box 10. Folder 2. Correspondence, from friends, 1873, May-Dec.
Box 10. Folder 3. Correspondence, from friends, 1874-1879
Box 10. Folder 4. Correspondence, from friends, 1883-1907
Box 10. Folder 5. Correspondence, from friends, 1908-1911
Box 10. Folder 6. Correspondence, from friends, 1917-1918 undated
Box 10. Folder 7. School essays, 1866
Box 10. Folder 8. School essays, 1867
Box 10. Folder 9. School essays, 1868
Box 10. Folder 10. School essays, 1869
Box 10. Folder 11. School essays, 1870, undated
Box 10. Folder 12. Pamphlets, Ladies Reading Club, undated
Box 10. Folder 13. Newspaper clipping scrapbook
Box 10. Folder 14. Records, bank account books, cancelled checks, 1900s
Box 10. Folder 15. Mount Holyoke College, reunion book, 1910
Box 10. Folder 16. Mount Holyoke College, endowment campaigns, 1912-1922 undated
Box 11. Folder 1. Memorial service card, G. P. Cather
Box 11. Folder 2. Newspaper clippings, obituaries, G. P. Cather, 1918
Series 4: G. P. CatherBox 11. Folder 3. Correspondence, from George P. Cather, 1908
Box 11. Folder 4. Correspondence, from Franc S. Cather, 1898-1899, May
Box 11. Folder 5. Correspondence, from Franc S. Cather, 1899, Sept.-1900
Box 11. Folder 6. Correspondence, from Franc S. Cather, 1901-1902, Mar.
Box 11. Folder 7. Correspondence, from Franc S. Cather, 1902, May-1903, Apr.
Box 11. Folder 8. Correspondence, from Franc S. Cather, 1903, May-Dec.
Box 11. Folder 9. Correspondence, from Franc S. Cather, 1904-1907
Box 11. Folder 10. Correspondence, from Franc S. Cather, 1909
Box 11. Folder 11. Correspondence, from Blanche Cather Ray and W. Wallace Ray, 1896-1909
Box 11. Folder 12. Correspondence, form Carrie Cather Lindgren and Oscar Lindgren, 1899-1902
Box 11. Folder 13. Correspondence, from Carrie Cather Lindgren and Oscar Lindgren, 1903-1905
Box 11. Folder 14. Correspondence, from Oscar Cather, 1898-1906
Box 11. Folder 15. Correspondence, from Frank Cather, 1898-1904
Box 11. Folder 16. Correspondence, from Myrtle Bartlett Cather, 1905-1910 1918 undated
Box 11. Folder 17. Correspondence, from Caroline Cather, 1899, Mar.
Box 11. Folder 18. Correspondence, from R.B. Payne, Oley Iverson, H.C. Gress, 1898
Box 12. Folder 1. Correspondence, from R.B. Payne, Oley Iverson, H.C. Gress, 1899
Box 12. Folder 2. Correspondence, from Byrd Thorne, 1904-1905
Box 12. Folder 3. Correspondence, from Alice May, 1904
Box 12. Folder 4. Correspondence, from Nettie May, John May, 1904-1905
Box 12. Folder 5. Correspondence, 1895-1902, Mar.
Box 12. Folder 6. Correspondence, 1902, Apr.-Dec.
Box 12. Folder 7. Correspondence, 1903-1909
Box 12. Folder 8. School notebook, 1902
Box 12. Folder 9. School notebook, "medieval history" , undated
Box 12. Folder 10. School notebooks, undated
Box 12. Folder 11. School composition, "Development of the Novel..."
, undated
Box 12. Folder 12. Concert program, St. Paul's English Lutheran Church, 1904
Box 12. Folder 13. Report cards, 1916
Box 12. Folder 14. Farm insurance, 1905
Box 12. Folder 15. Bill and receipts, 1899-1909
Box 12. Folder 16. U.S. Army, commission recommendation, 1917, Apr. 22
Box 13. Folder 1. U.S. Army, special orders, 1917, Sept. 26
Box 13. Folder 2. U.S. Army, expense vouchers, 1917, Oct. 24
Box 13. Folder 3. Battle training notebook, 1917, Oct.
Box 13. Folder 4. David Cather, James Cather, court petition, 1813, Dec. 18
Box 13. Folder 5. Thomas Cather, land sale, undated
Box 13. Folder 6. Rachel E. Boak, receipts, 1874-1882
Box 13. Folder 7. James Cather, estate papers, 1875, 1879
Box 13. Folder 8. William Cather, correspondence, 1876-1878, June
Series 5: Cather Family MaterialsBox 13. Folder 9. William Cather, bankbook, 1882-1883
Box 13. Folder 10. William Cather, receipts, 1858-1879
Box 13. Folder 11. William Cather, receipts, 1880-1889
Box 13. Folder 12. William Cather, receipts, misc., 1870-1898
Box 13. Folder 13. William Cather, tax receipts, 1879-1887
Box 13. Folder 14. William Cather, estate receipts, 1887
Box 13. Folder 15. William Cather, sheriff and county administrator records, 1870-1873
Box 13. Folder 16. William Cather, guardian records, 1877-1884 undated
Box 13. Folder 17. William Cather, cattle records, 1881, 1883 undated
Box 13. Folder 18. Caroline Cather, correspondence, 1893-1898
Box 13. Folder 19. Caroline Cather, legal records, 1883 1898
Box 13. Folder 20. Caroline Cather, receipts, 1890-1898 undated
Box 13. Folder 21. Charles F. Cather, correspondence, 1885-1909
Box 13. Folder 22. Charles F. Cather, receipts, 1869-1889
Box 13. Folder 23. Alverna Cather Clutter Payne, correspondence, 1883, Nov. 29
Box 13. Folder 24. Jennie Cather Ayre, correspondence, 1877 (?)
Box 13. Folder 25. Jennie Cather Ayre, last will and testament draft, 1877, July 30
Box 13. Folder 26. Jennie Cather Ayre, estate papers, 1878-1882
Box 13. Folder 27. Blanche Cather Ray, birth certificate, 1878, Oct. 21
Box 13. Folder 28. Blanche Cather Ray, correspondence, 1898-1933
Box 13. Folder 29. Blanche Cather Ray, school records and notebook, "Science
of Common Things"
Box 13. Folder 30. Blanche Cather Ray, certificates, teaching and Teacher's Institute, 1892-1900 (see also Cather oversize box 2)
Box 13. Folder 31. Blanche Cather Ray, teaching materials, 1897 undated
Box 13. Folder 32. Blanche Cather Ray, reading circle materials, 1893-1894, 1898
Box 13. Folder 33. Blanche Cather Ray, Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle, 1892-1898
Box 14. Folder 1. Blanche Cather Ray, Chautauqua programs, 1906-1907
Box 14. Folder 2. Blanche Cather Ray, family history, undated
Box 14. Folder 3. Blanche Cather Ray, Grand Island cookbook, recipe clippings
Box 14. Folder 4. W. Wallace Ray, correspondence, 1902-1948
Box 14. Folder 5. George Cather Ray, correspondence, 1912
Box 14. Folder 6. George Cather Ray, birth affadavit, 1940, Aug. 13
Box 14. Folder 7. Margaret Ray, promotion certificate, 1923, Sept.
Box 14. Folder 8. Frances Ray, school material, "Child's Own Music
Book"
Box 14. Folder 9. Jennie Ray, correspondence, undated
Box 14. Folder 10. Carrie Cather Lindgren, correspondence, 1891-1898
Box 14. Folder 11. Oscar and Carrie Cather Lindgren, mortgage, 1905, Feb.
Box 14. Folder 12. Frank Cather, correspondence, 1900-1918
Box 14. Folder 13. Frank Cather, mortgages, 1914-1916
Box 14. Folder 14. Oscar Cather, correspondence, 1896-1900
Box 14. Folder 15. Oscar Cather, homestead sketch
Box 14. Folder 16. Wilella Payne, notebook, 1897
Box 14. Folder 17. Rettie Ayre, Jennie Cather, wedding invitations, 1896 1904
Box 14. Folder 18. Slonaker, land sale deed, 1833, Aug.
Box 14. Folder 19. Graduation announcements, name cards
Box 14. Folder 20. Funeral, memorial materials, 1891 1906-1917 1961
Box 14. Folder 21. Grand Island College, bulletins, misc.
Box 14. Folder 22. Nebraska bus guides, 1928, Aug., Nov.
Box 15. Folder 1. Pamphlets, American Baptist Publication Society, etc.
Box 15. Folder 2. Theatre programs (see also Cather oversize box 2)
Box 15. Folder 3. Convention books, Indiana League of Women Voters, 1923, May 1-3
Box 15. Folder 4. Advertisements and catalogs
Box 15. Folder 5. Advertisements and catalogs
Box 15. Folder 6. Misc. documents, prescription, school report, speech
Series 6: Photographs and ArtifactsBox 16. Folder 1. Photographs, Cather family, George P. Cather, 1866-1933
Box 16. Folder 2. Photographs, Cather family, George P. Cather, 1866-1933
Box 16. Folder 3. Photographs, Cather family, George P. Cather and grandsons, 1913-1916
Box 16. Folder 4. Photographs, Cather family, Franc Smith Cather, 1872-1921
Box 16. Folder 5. Photographs, Cather family, George P. and Franc Cather family, 1888-1914
Box 16. Folder 6. Photographs, Cather family, George P. and Franc Cather family, 1888-1914
Box 16. Folder 7. Photographs, Cather family, George P. and Franc Cather family, 1888-1914
Box 16. Folder 8. Photographs, Cather family, George P. and Franc Cather family, 1888-1914
Box 16. Folder 9. Photographs, Cather family, G. P. Cather, 1892-1918
Box 16. Folder 10. Photographs, Cather family, G. P. Cather, 1892-1918
Box 16. Folder 11. Photographs, Cather family, G. P. Cather, 1892-1918
Box 16. Folder 12. Photographs, Cather family, Blanche Cather Ray and family, 1889-1922
Box 16. Folder 13. Photographs, Cather family, Blanche Cather Ray and family, 1889-1922
Box 16. Folder 14. Photographs, Cather family, Blanche Cather Ray and family, 1889-1922
Box 16. Folder 15. Photographs, Cather family, George Cather Ray, 1910-1943
Box 16. Folder 16. Photographs, Cather family, George Cather Ray, 1910-1943
Box 16. Folder 17. Photographs, Cather family, George Cather Ray, 1910-1943
Box 16. Folder 18. Photographs, Cather family, George Cather Ray, 1910-1943
Box 17. Folder 1. Photographs, Cather family, Carrie Cather Lindgren and family, 1878-1950s
Box 17. Folder 2. Photographs, Cather family, Carrie Cather Lindgren and family, 1878-1950s
Box 17. Folder 3. Photographs, Cather family, Frank Cather and family, 1890s-1927
Box 17. Folder 4. Photographs, Cather family, Frank Cather and family, 1890s-1927
Box 17. Folder 5. Photographs, Cather family, Frank Cather and family, 1890s-1927
Box 17. Folder 6. Photographs, Cather family, Oscar Cather and family, 1890s-1973
Box 17. Folder 7. Photographs, Cather family, William Cather
Box 17. Folder 8. Photographs, Cather family, Emily Ann Caroline Cather
Box 17. Folder 9. Photographs, Cather family, Charles F. Cather, Virginia "Jenny" Boak
Cather
Box 17. Folder 10. Photographs, Cather family, Jennie Cather Ayre, 1870-1872
Box 17. Folder 11. Photographs, Cather family, Kyd Clutter
Box 17. Folder 12. Photographs, Cather family, Clutter family
Box 17. Folder 13. Photographs, Cather extended family, Charles Cather
Box 17. Folder 14. Photographs, Cather extended family, Robert Cather
Box 17. Folder 15. Photographs, Cather extended family, Rueben Cather
Box 17. Folder 16. Photographs, Cather extended family, Rueben Cather's children
Box 17. Folder 17. Photographs, Cather extended family, James Cather
Box 17. Folder 18. Photographs, Cather extended family, Joseph Cather
Box 17. Folder 19. Photographs, Cather extended family, Opal Cather
Box 17. Folder 20. Photographs, Cather extended family, Grace Cather
Box 17. Folder 21. Photographs, Cather extended family, John, Joseph, and Henry Cather
Box 17. Folder 22. Photographs, Cather extended family, Jonathan Kackley, Mary Kackley
Box 17. Folder 23. Photographs, Cather extended family, J.A. Kackley
Box 18. Folder 1. Photographs, Cather extended family, Ellis Kackley, Roy Kackley
Box 18. Folder 2. Photographs, Cather extended family, Mary Kackley
Box 18. Folder 3. Photographs, Cather extended family, Craig Kackley
Box 18. Folder 4. Photographs, Cather extended family, Fred Morgan
Box 18. Folder 5. Photographs, Cather extended family, Arthur Cather, Janet Cather
Box 18. Folder 6. Photographs, Cather extended family, Napolian [sic] Cather Howard
Box 18. Folder 7. Photographs, Cather extended family, Minnie Breeding
Box 18. Folder 8. Photographs, Cather extended family, Laura Moore Prescott
Box 18. Folder 9. Photographs, Cather extended family, Dorothy Adams Crisler
Box 18. Folder 10. Photographs, Cather extended family, Sarah McDonald
Box 18. Folder 11. Photographs, Cather extended family, Josie Kanaley, Isabelle Kanaley
Box 18. Folder 12. Photographs, Cather extended family, Arthur McKee
Box 18. Folder 13. Photographs, Cather extended family, Thomas Brann McKee
Box 18. Folder 14. Photographs, Cather extended family, Ethel Brann McKee
Box 18. Folder 15. Photographs, Cather extended family, Cordelia McKee Farmer, George
Farmer
Box 18. Folder 16. Photographs, Cather extended family, Charles McKee
Box 18. Folder 17. Photographs, Cather extended family, Adaline McKee
Box 18. Folder 18. Photographs, Cather extended family, Viola Lockwood McKee
Box 18. Folder 19. Photographs, Cather extended family, McKee family
Box 18. Folder 20. Photographs, Cather extended family, Isaac Newton Gray
Box 18. Folder 21. Photographs, Cather extended family, Ruth Gray, Bessy Gray, Ruby Gray
Box 18. Folder 22. Photographs, Cather extended family, Gray family
Box 18. Folder 23. Photographs, Cather extended family, Gray family
Box 18. Folder 24. Photographs, Cather extended family, Blanche Smith, 1910
Box 18. Folder 25. Photographs, Cather extended family, John T. Smith, 1869
Box 18. Folder 26. Photographs, Cather extended family, John L. Smith
Box 18. Folder 27. Photographs, Cather extended family, George G. Smith
Box 18. Folder 28. Photographs, Cather extended family, Julius Smith, Susan Smith
Box 18. Folder 29. Photographs, Cather extended family, Smith family
Box 18. Folder 30. Photographs, Cather extended family, Willela Payne (Smith)
Box 18. Folder 31. Photographs, Cather extended family, Payne family (Smith)
Box 18. Folder 32. Photographs, Cather extended family, Smith home, 1922, Aug. 21
Box 18. Folder 33. Photographs, Cather extended family, 1912-1926
Box 18. Folder 34. Photographs, Cather family friends, Jessie Householder
Box 19. Folder 1. Photographs, Cather family friends
Box 19. Folder 2. Photographs, Cather family friends
Box 19. Folder 3. Photographs, Cather family friends
Box 19. Folder 4. Photographs, Cather family friends
Box 19. Folder 5. Photographs, Cather family friends
Box 19. Folder 6. Photographs, Cather family friends
Box 19. Folder 7. Photographs, Cather family friends
Box 19. Folder 8. Photographs, Cather family friends
Box 19. Folder 9. Photographs, Cather family friends
Box 19. Folder 10. Photographs, Cather family friends
Box 19. Folder 11. Photographs, Cather family friends
Box 19. Folder 12. Photographs, Willowshade, 1883-1922
Box 19. Folder 13. Photographs, Oakshade, 1922
Box 19. Folder 14. Photographs, Cather family, homes, land, livestock, etc.
Box 19. Folder 15. Photographs, Cather family, homes, land, livestock, etc.
Box 19. Folder 16. Photographs, Cather family, homes, land, livestock, etc.
Box 19. Folder 17. Photographs, negatives
Box 19. Folder 18. Artifacts, hair, Franc Smith Cather, circa 1846
Box 19. Folder 19. Artifacts, U.S. flag, circa 1912
Box 19. Folder 20. Artifacts, fountain pen tips
Related Information on the Cather Family and relationships to Willa Cather: Charles F. Cather, father Mary Virginia Boak Cather, mother George P. Cather, uncle (father's brother) Franc Smith Cather, aunt (father's brother's wife) G. P. Cather, first cousin (son of George P. Cather) Blanche Cather Ray, first cousin (daughter of George P. Cather) Carrie Cather Lindgren, first cousin (daughter of George P. Cather) Oscar Cather, first cousin (son of George P. Cather) Frank Cather, first cousin (son of George P. Cather) W. Wallace Ray, uncle (by marriage to Blanche Cather Ray) George Cather Ray, first cousin, once removed (son of Blanche Cather Ray) Alverna Cather Clutter Payne, aunt (father's sister) Kyd Clutter, first cousin (son of Alverna Cather Clutter Payne) Wilella Payne, first cousin (daughter of Alverna Cather Clutter Payne) Edward Payne, uncle (by marriage to Alverna Cather Clutter Payne) Robert Bruce (R.B.) Payne, in-law (brother of Edward Payne, Alverna Cather Clutter
Payne's husband) Alfretta Cather, aunt (father's sister) Virginia (Jennie) Cather Ayre, aunt (father's sister) Alfretta (Rettie) Ayre Miner, cousin, (daughter of Virginia "Jennie" Cather Ayre) William Cather, grandfather Caroline Cather, grandmother Charles Cather, great uncle (brother of William Cather) Thomas Cather, great uncle (brother of James Cather) Rachel E. Boak, grandmother Aristotle Smith, cousin |