Steven K. Madsen collection on Blacks in Utah

Collection

Identifier: ACCN 0689

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Steven K. Madsen collection on Blacks in Utah (1879-1980) was collected between 1965 and 1979 by Steven K. Madsen, whose study of the early arrival of Black people in Utah (after 1847) and the Black community of Union, Utah Territory, was prompted by an interest in history aroused by the U. S. Bicentennial celebrations of the mid-1970s. This collection contains only photocopies, and includes news clippings from The Deseret News; excerpts from Book of Marks and Brands and Book of Pioneer; deeds for property in the community of Union; Union Fort Cemetery records; handwritten recollections of descendants of early Black residents; and an announcement of a 1979 series of lectures, sponsored by the Utah State Historical Society, by University history professors on "Blacks In Utah and Universal Mormonism." Very few written historical records on African Americans who came to Utah and remained are available. One exception is the record of Green Flake, who arrived in Salt Lake along with two other Black people in the first party of Latter Day Saint Pioneers. Green Flake was an enslaved person, friend, and driver for Brigham Young. Flake was later freed, settled in the community of Union, married, and raised a family. He is buried in the Union Fort Cemetery.

Dates

1879-1980

Creator

Madsen, Steven K. (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Conditions Governing Use

The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library’s Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.

Extent

0.25 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Steven K. Madsen collection on Blacks in Utah (1879-1980) contains photocopied materials about early African Americans in Utah, especially about Green Flake and the community of Union. Included are clippings and book excerpts related to Green Flake, property records for Union, records of Union Fort Cemetery, and reminiscences by relatives of Green Flake. Also included are clippings and other materials on Black people in the LDS Church (1965-1979).