Robert G. Tatum Papers
This collection consists of several diaries kept by Robert G. Tatum, including one kept during the time he participated in the first ascent of Denali (then named Mount McKinley) in June of 1913. The other diaries date from between 1918 and 1923 and discuss Tatum’s daily life as well as his experiences as a priest throughout the United States, including Nenana, Alaska and Knoxville, Tennessee. The collection also includes a photograph album of Tatum in Alaska, several loose postcards and personal letters, the Bible that Tatum received upon his ordination to the priesthood in 1922, several address books, the 1921 commencement program for the University of the South, a copy of the February 1933 Sierra Club Bulletin, and a few other personal notebooks in Tatum’s hand featuring prayers and quotes. Also included is a certification of confirmation into the church from April 3, 1869, written in German.
Dates
- 1869 April 3-1956 October 12, undated
- Majority of material found within 1913-1923
Conditions Governing Access
Collections are stored offsite and must be requested in advance. See www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.
Conditions Governing Use
The UT Libraries claims only physical ownership of most material in the collections. Persons wishing to broadcast or publish this material must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants on www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.
Extent
0.5 Linear Feet (1 half box)
Abstract
This collection consists of several diaries kept by Robert G. Tatum, including one kept during the time he participated in the first ascent of Denali (then named Mount McKinley) in June of 1913. The other diaries date from between 1918 and 1923. The collection also includes a photograph album, several loose postcards and personal letters, a Bible, several address books, the 1921 commencement program for the University of the South, a copy of the February 1933 Sierra Club Bulletin, and a few other personal notebooks in Tatum’s hand. Also included is a certification of confirmation into the church from April 3, 1869, written in German.
Biographical/Historical Note
Robert George Tatum was born in August 1891 to George and Emma Tatum. He grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee but moved to Nenana, Alaska to work at the local Episcopalian mission. In March 1913, Tatum joined a group led by Archdeacon Hudson Stuck, the Episcopalian missionary to Alaska, to complete the first ascent of Denail (then named Mt. McKinley). The group, which also included Harry P. Karstens and Walter Harper, reached the top of the highest peak in the continental United States on June 7, 1913; Robert Tatum raised the American flag upon reaching the summit. Tatum was later ordained as an Episcopal priest on June 7, 1922 in Nenana but later returned to Knoxville to minister there for the next 43 years. He passed away on January 27, 1964.
Arrangement
This collection is in nine folders stored in a single half box.
Repository Details
Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository