Papers of Washburn-Taylor Family

Collection

Identifier: MWTC

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Papers of Washburn-Taylor Family consists of documents dated 1856 to 1936, with the bulk falling from 1865 to 1894. The papers belong to six different family members, with the bulk from John E. Washburn, Albina L. Washburn, and Clifford C. Taylor. The papers include legal cases and other materials documenting John E. Washburn's work in the judiciary system. Albina L. Washburn's papers focus primarily on her work on various social causes, such as the Women's Christian Temperance Union and women's suffrage. Clifford C. Taylor's papers include school work and class notes from his time at Colorado Agricultural College (now Colorado State University).

Dates

Creation: 1856-1936
Creation: Majority of material found within 1865-1894

Creator

Washburn (Family : Colo.) (Person)
Taylor (Family : Colo.) (Person)

Restrictions on Access

There are no access restrictions on this collection.

Restrictions on Use

Not all of the material in the collection is in the public domain. Researchers are responsible for addressing copyright issues.

Biography

The Washburn-Taylor family were early settlers in northern Colorado. The family consisted of several generations, beginning with Albina Louise and John Everett Washburn. They settled in the Big Thompson Valley in 1862. Albina became an educator and member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and John built several establishments including the first post office at Washburn's Crossing in 1863. Washburn was appointed county judge by Governor Evans when the county was organized in 1864, and held his office for two years. He was appointed Justice of the Peace in the 1870s. John died in 1886 at the age of 56, and Albina died in 1921 at the age of 86.

Winona Washburn moved with her parents, John and Albina, to Colorado when she was five, and later attended Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. She married Zackery Taylor in 1875. They had six children: Everett, Nellie, Estes Park, Laura, Luella, and Clifford Curtis. Zackery Taylor built Cliff Cottage near Carter Lake in Colorado before going bankrupt and moving to Wyoming for several years before returning to Fort Collins. Zackery died in 1899 at the age of 48 and Winona died in 1945 at the age of 90 in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Extent

2.5 linear feet (2 document cases, 1 flat box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Washburn-Taylor Family were early settlers in the northern Colorado area, including Fort Collins, Loveland, and the Big Thompson Valley area. The collection contains materials from various members of the family and includes correspondence, class notes, legal files, and brochures.

Arrangement

The collection consists of 1 series in 2 document cases and 1 flat box:

Series 1: Family papers, 1856-1936 and undated

Acquisition

The Papers of Washburn-Taylor Family was transferred from The Colorado State University Library in November 1972. An accrual of postcards was added in November 2021.