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Ernest Mahan Papers

 Collection
Identifier: UUS_COLL MSS 142

Scope and Contents

This ten-box collection consists of the extensive research papers of Ernest Mahan, compiled during the 1930s while preparing a biography on Joseph Smith, Jr. For unknown reasons the biography was never completed.

Box 1 contains biographical sources for early LDS publications. Boxes 2—7 contain Mahan's research notes. Boxes 8—10 consist of an array of early LDS publications and correspondence, legal documents, and various notes taken by Mahan.

Dates

  • 1930-1940

Language of Materials

Material in English

Conditions Governing Access

No restrictions on use, except: not available through interlibrary loan.

Conditions Governing Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.

Permission to publish material from the Ernest Mahan Papers must be obtained from the Special Collections Manuscript Curator and/or the Special Collections Department Head.

Biographical Note

Ernest Mahan was born July 25, 1898, in West Baden Springs, Indiana, to Andrew and Rena Mahan. On April 22, 1923 Mahan married Maurine Mendenhall at her parents' home in Yorktown, Indiana. Thereafter Mahan attended the University of Indiana and received a bachelor's degree and master's degree. Transferring to the University of Wisconsin, Mahan earned a doctorate degree in United States history in 1930.

From 1917—1920 Mahan taught at the elementary school in West Baden Springs. He served as principal of the Senior High School (1920-1921) in Galveston, Indiana, and one year each in the same position at Mount Summit, Indiana, and Williamsburg, Indiana. During 1924—1928, Mahan worked as principal of the Senior High School in Centerville, Indiana. After teaching one summer session in the State Teachers College at Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1930 Mahan was appointed as assistant professor of Social Science at the Kansas State Teachers College (now Pittsburg State University).

Mahan was appointed to the rank of associate professor in 1931, professor in 1932 and in 1939, he became head of the department. In 1945 Mahan became Dean of Instruction and Head of the Department of Social Science. He resigned as Dean of Instruction in 1959, but continued to teach full-time until his retirement in 1968, and thereafter, served as an adjunct for several years.

During Mahan's life he was a member and elder of the Pittsburg First Presbyterian Church. His professional memberships included the Kiwanis Club, Phi Alpha Theta fraternity, the Kansas State Historical Society, the National Education Association, the American Association of School Administrators, the Mississippi Valley Historical Association, the Kansas History Teachers Association, the Kansas Educators Club, and the American Association of University Professors. Mahan contributed numerous articles to the Mississippi Valley Historical Review, Dictionary of American History, The Historian, and The Educational Leader. Ernest Mahan died in Kansas on September 14, 1985.

Extent

10 boxes (5 linear feet)

Abstract

This collection consists of the extensive research papers of Ernest Mahan, compiled during the 1930s while preparing a biography on Joseph Smith, Jr. For unknown reasons the biography was never completed.

Arrangement

Arranged by subject matter.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

During August of 1989 the papers in this collection were loaned to USU Special Collections & Archives for the purpose of making photocopies. The original papers remain in private possession.

Source:

  • Roberts, Randy, Curator of Special Collection at Pittsburgh State University. Pittsburgh State University, The Ernest Mahan Collection

Processing Information

Processed in March of 2005

Title
Guide to the Ernest Mahan papers 1930-1940
Author
Finding aid/Register created by Special Collections & Archives
Date
©2012
Description rules
Finding Aid Based On Dacs (Describing Archives: A Content Standard, 2nd Edition)
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid encoded in English.

Revision Statements

  • 2009: Template information was updated to reflect Archives West best practice guidelines.

Repository Details

Part of the Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections & Archives Repository

Contact:
Merrill-Cazier Library
Utah State University
3000 Old Main Hill
Logan Utah 84322-3000 United States
435 797-8248
435 797-2880 (Fax)