Julia Gage Carpenter Papers

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: OGLMC-520

Scope and Contents

The Julia Gage Carpenter Papers consist of a photocopy of a diary from February 9, 1882 to March 19, 1904. Recorded are the details of daily life, particularly pioneer life and homesteading, hardships, farming conditions, weather reports, holidays and trips of family and friends. There are longer passages on the deaths of her father, mother, and infant son, James. Included in the diary are genealogies of Frank’s and Julia’s families. Mentioned occasionally is the author, L. Frank Baum, who married Julia’s sister, Maud. Baum is known for his series of books that were the basis for The Wizard of Oz. The collection also includes two photographs of the Carpenter family.

Dates

created: 1882-1904
Other: Date acquired: 01/15/1979

Creator

Carpenter, Julia Gage (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Open for inspection under the rules and regulations of the Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections.

Biographical or Historical Information

Julia Gage Carpenter, born in May 1851, was the daughter of Henry H. Gage and noted suffragette Matilda Joslyn Gage. She attended Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York, for two years before marrying James D. “Frank” Carpenter on February 9, 1882. Her husband was born in August 1860. The couple homesteaded in La Moure County, Dakota Territory, a few miles north of the Edgeley town site, living on the claim periodically from 1882 until 1901. Frank and Julia had three children: Harry G., born in Syracuse January 17, 1886; Magdalena Towers, born on the claim April 2, 1887; and James Lucius, born on the claim July 14, 1888, who lived only 8 months. In 1901, the Carpenter family moved to Fargo, where Frank sold insurance. They lived in Fargo the rest of their lives. Frank Carpenter died 17 November 1920, while Julia died in 1931.

Note written by