Nathaniel Baxter/Robert Jackson Papers
Scope and Contents
This .42 linear feet collection contains 51 items (of which 20 are photographs) relating to the lives of the Baxter and Jackson families, Nashville, and Vanderbilt University. The collection is divided into four series:
Series I - Nathaniel Baxter and Robert Jackson families
- Speeches delivered at the funeral of Jere Baxter, copy of a Tennessee Senate memorial resolution in honor of Senator Nathaniel Baxter, Jr. pamphlets featuring articles on and by Nathaniel Baxter Jackson, and an obituary of Mrs. Robert F. Jackson (Mannie B. Jackson) who originally assembled the collection.
Series II – Offprints/articles - history of Nashville, Tennessee
- Historical articles about Nashville, and early medical education in Nashville.
Series III – Programs - Vanderbilt University – History and Events
- Programs for banquets, special events, commencement exercises held at Vanderbilt University. It also contains the Court’s decision relative to the lawsuit between the Methodist Church and Vanderbilt, a World War I Honor Roll, and a 1929 survey of technical education in the South.
Series IV - Family photographs.
- Baxter, Holderness, and Jackson families.
Dates
- Creation: 1875 - 1969
Conditions Governing Access
The physical materials from this collection may be viewed only in the reading room of Vanderbilt’s Special Collections and University Archives. Materials should be requested two to three days in advance to facilitate easier access. Contact specialcollections@vanderbilt.edu to schedule an appointment.
Biographical Note - Baxter and Jackson Families
The families of Nathaniel Baxter and Robert Jackson were prominent Nashville, Tennessee families, and closely affiliated with Vanderbilt University. Three generations of the family served on the Vanderbilt University Board of Trust.
Nathaniel Baxter, Sr. [1812-1895] came to Nashville when it was still wilderness. He was an attorney, prominent in the business, legal and social life of Nashville.
Nathaniel Baxter, Jr. [1844-1913] born in Columbia, Tennessee, later became a Senator from Davidson County, Nashville, Tennessee. He joined the Confederate Army at the age of 16. He fought in many battles including the battle of Franklin, was twice wounded during the Civil War, and when discharged had attained the rank of captain. He became a lawyer, businessman, and became Speaker of the Senate in 1911, and a member of the Board of Trust of Vanderbilt University.
Jere Baxter [ -1904]. Illiteracy was to his mind the most threatening peril of the times. He was largely instrumental, as a member of the Senate in 1903, in securing the legislation of that session for the improvement of the common schools. He was founder of the Tennessee Central Railroad.
Robert F. Jackson [ -1933], born in Jackson, Tennessee and a 1881 Vanderbilt University graduate, was a prominent attorney and leader in social, civic, religious and educational circles in Nashville. He worked with the following organizations: Nashville Bar and Library Association, Council of the American Bar Association, State Bar Association, Board of Stewards of the West End Methodist Church, Round Table Club, Old Oak Club, and Belle Meade Country Club. He was also a member of the Vanderbilt University Board of Trust.
Mrs. Robert F. Jackson (Mamie B.) [ -1959], a native of Nashville, was a social and civic leader. She worked with the following organizations: West End Methodist Church, Nashville Chapter of the American Red cross, Bundles For Britain, National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in Tennessee, Ladies Hermitage Association, Polk Memorial Association, Garden Club of Nashville, McDowell Music Club, Centennial Club, Belle Meade Country Club, English Speaking Union, and Review Club. For many years, she served as president of the Vanderbilt Aid Society, and the Vanderbilt Garden Club.
The Nathaniel Baxter/Robert Jackson Papers were donated to Vanderbilt University by Mrs. Eunice Holderness Ridley, the grand-daughter of Mrs. Robert R. Jackson in 1976.
Full Extent
0.42 Linear Feet (1 letter Hollinger)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
This .42 linear feet collection contains 51 items (of which 20 are photographs) relating to the lives of the Baxter and Jackson families, Nashville, and Vanderbilt University.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
This collection was received from Mrs. Eunice Holderness Ridley in 1976. Presumably, Mrs. Ridley inherited these items from her mother Mrs. Holderness, who died a few years previously, and presumably Mrs. Holderness collected and cared for them after inheriting them from her mother, Mrs. Robert F. Jackson.
Separated Materials
Separation List: 1) VU diploma (AB 1903, Marvin Holderness) to Special Collections Diploma Collection. 2) 18 photos to Photographic Archive. 3) VU Football sweater and freshman beanie to University Archive Artifact Collection.
- Title
- Finding Aid for the Nathaniel Baxter/Robert Jackson Papers
- Status
- Completed
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- English
Repository Details
Part of the Vanderbilt University Special Collections and University Archives Repository
Special Collections Library
1101 19th Ave. S.
Nashville TN 37212 United States
specialcollections@vanderbilt.edu
About this Site
This site contains collection guides, or finding aids, to the archival collections held by Vanderbilt University Special Collections and University Archives, the History of Medicine Collection, and the Scarritt Bennett Center. Finding aids describe the context, arrangement, and structure of archival materials, allowing users to identify and request materials relevant to their research.
Requesting Materials
Each finding aid contains a link to request materials from the collections. Collections can also be requested by emailing the repository directly through the library website. Each repository has its own location, hours, and contact information. Please consult the repository with questions about using the materials. Collections are non-circulating and must be used in the repository’s reading room. In many cases, the collections are stored off-site and require advance notice for retrieval.