Nathaniel Baxter/Robert Jackson Papers

Collection

Identifier: MSS.0036

Staff Only

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

1875 - 1969

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 (Mannie 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.

Extent

.42 Linear Feet (1 Hollinger Box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

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.

Physical Location

Offsite Storage, Special Collections & Archives

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 Archive Annex.