E.C.Schweitzer Company Records (Leland), 1877-1938 | Northern Illinois University

Collection Overview

Title: E.C.Schweitzer Company Records (Leland), 1877-1938

ID: RHC/RC/301

Extent: 1.5 Linear Feet

Date Acquired: 06/17/2010

Subjects: Blacksmithing, Butcher, E. Ericson’s and Sons, Hardware Industry, Leland (Ill.), Meat industry and trade, Schweitzer, E.C.

Languages: English

Scope and Contents of the Materials

The records of the E.C. Schweitzer business consist primarily of day books and account ledgers. The day books date from 1907 to 1938, and the accounts books range from 1887 to 1912, with some gaps in between. Also included are bills and a single correspondence. Of special interest is a paper sign for E. Erickson’s Sons Company. There is also a bill from E. Erickson’s and Son dated 1911 in this collection.

Collection Historical Note

Edward (E.C.) Schweitzer was born in Adams Township on July 28, 1864. His father, Joseph, and his mother Ida Walters were both immigrants from France and settled in LaSalle County where they began farming. His mother died in 1876 and his father died in 1904. Schweitzer was raised on the farm and had very limited education opportunities. Schweitzer began working as a farm hand and eventually rented his own land. After several years he began a meat market in Leland which flourished for two years. Eventually he returned to farming, only to later start his own butchering business. He married Bertha Olmstead on December 24, 1891 and had one daughter, Ruth. His wife died in 1906. Shortly after, Schweitzer began farming again and continued his mercantile interests. He died on July 29, 1926.

E. Ericson’s Sons was also located in Leland. They were dealers in farm implements and hardware specialties. They also made and repaired blacksmith work.

Subject/Index Terms

Blacksmithing
Butcher
E. Ericson’s and Sons
Hardware Industry
Leland (Ill.)
Meat industry and trade
Schweitzer, E.C.

Administrative Information

Repository: Northern Illinois University

Access Restrictions: There are no restrictions on access to the collection.

Use Restrictions: Property rights in the collection belong to the Regional History Center; literary rights are dedicated to the public.

Acquisition Source: Nathan Burlingame

Acquisition Method: Nathan Burlingame of Arlington, Virginia donated the E.C. Schweitzer Business Records to the Northern Illinois Regional History Center on June 17, 2010

Box and Folder Listing

Browse by Box:

[Box 1],
[Box 2],
[Box 3],
[Oversize Drawer 23],
[All]

Box 2

Volume 1: Accounts (1 volume), 1911-1912