Call Number:

MC 13

Repository:

Philadelphia Archdiocesan Historical Research Center

Extent:

0.2 linear feet (; 1 box)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Cite as: [Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], David Lynch papers, 1830-1875 (MC 13), Philadelphia Archdiocesan Historical Research Center.

Date:

1830-1858 (bulk) and 1830-1875 (inclusive)

Creator:

Lynch, David, 1793-1860

Form:

Clippings, Correspondence, Deeds, Engravings (prints), Ephemera, Legal instruments, Pamphlets, and Photographs

Abstract:

David Lynch (1793-1860) was an active member of the Democratic Party in Pennsylvania in the mid-19th century and a friend and supporter of President James Buchanan. The bulk of this collection is comprised of Lynch's correspondence with other politically active Pennsylvanians and includes letters between Lynch and Buchanan. Also included are personal papers, pamphlets, religious ephemera, newspaper clippings, photos, and engravings.

David Lynch (1793-1860) served as a major in the land and marine services in the War of 1812, and received a land warrant in June 1858 under the Act of 1850 which granted land to certain military personnel. In 1830, Lynch received an auctioneer's license in Pennsylvania. As auctioneers were normally appointed by the governor, it seems likely that Lynch, then 37, was already well-connected politically in the state. In 1833 he was appointed Post Master of Pittsburgh and held that position until July 1840. At the time of the 1850 census, Lynch was still living in Pittsburgh with his family, Mary (age 44), Isabella (age 18), Robert (age 17), Andrew (age 12), and Joseph (age 8), and working as a tobacconist.

The small collection mostly consists of correspondence to and from David Lynch. The records also include personal papers, pamphlets, a newspaper clipping, correspondence of members of the Lynch family, religious ephemera, photographs of paintings, and engravings.

The collected correspondence animates the networking amongst prominent mid-nineteenth century Pennsylvanians, often avowed Democrats, and reveals party members’ maneuvers and sentiments in response to the rise of the new Republican Party. Many letters and documents illustrate Lynch’s close relationship with President James Buchanan. Four pamphlets originate during Buchanan’s presidency; they include two copies of the Lecompton Constitution, a transcript of a Lincoln-Douglas debate, and speeches of Senator Stephen Douglas. The newspaper clipping contains a reference to the Lecompton Constitution.

In addition to a few letters, the Lynch Family folder contains legal documents, a stock certificate, and Catholic memorabilia. Finally, the collection contains a folder of eight images of political and religious figures.