October 29, 2022

Ambrose S. Shelley [RG2538.AM]

HISTORY NEBRASKA MANUSCRIPT FINDING AID



RG2538.AM:  Ambrose S. Shelley, 1843-1930



Papers:  1865-1969

Stockville, Frontier County, Nebraska

Size:  One folder



BACKGROUND NOTE



Born at Allentown, Pennsylvania, in 1843, Ambrose S. Shelley served with the 47th Pennsylvania Infantry during the Civil War.  He moved west after the war and worked for the Union Pacific Railroad before homesteading in Frontier County, Nebraska, near Stockville, in 1871.  Shelley married Hannah (Lynch) Gregory in 1879.  Hannah died in 1880, and Ambrose then married Nellie Lynch in 1886.  Ambrose S. Shelley died at his home near Stockville, Nebraska, on December 2, 1930.



SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE



This collection consists of one folder containing correspondence, a financial journal, and photocopies of obituaries and biographical sketches.  The correspondence consists of originals, photocopies and typescript copies of letters dating from 1865 to 1969.  Written by Ambrose Shelley, the earlier correspondence describes camp life during the Civil War and settlement in Frontier County in 1871.  The later correspondence, written after Shelley’s death, is mostly written by Shelley’s son, William.  It provides additional details about Ambrose’s life and settlement in Nebraska.



The financial journal kept by Ambrose Shelley provides information on farm activities from 1884 to 1886.  Some information regarding cattle brands and mares bred is included.  The biographical sketches and photocopies of obituaries relate to Ambrose Shelley, Nellie (Lynch) Shelley, John Lynch and Ellen Lynch.



INVENTORY



Correspondence, 1865-1969

Financial journal, 1884-1886

Obituaries and biographical sketches.



 



Subject headings:



Farm life — Nebraska — Frontier County

Frontier County (Neb.) — History

Lynch, Ellen

Lynch, John, 1864-1932

Shelley, Ambrose S., 1843-1930

Shelley, Nellie (Lynch), 1861-1934

U.S. — History — Civil War — Personal narratives



 



WFS/js                  09-03-1965

Revised TMM      10-14-2020

 

Become a Member!

Our members make history happen.

Join Now

You May Also Enjoy

Native Americans along the Trails at Chimney Rock

Native Americans along the Trails at Chimney Rock

Marker Monday: Phelps County

Marker Monday: Phelps County

Why John G. Neihardt was named Nebraska Poet Laureate in 1921

Why John G. Neihardt was named Nebraska Poet Laureate in 1921

About History Nebraska
History Nebraska was founded in 1878 as the Nebraska State Historical Society by citizens who recognized Nebraska was going through great changes and they sought to record the stories of both indigenous and immigrant peoples. It was designated a state institution and began receiving funds from the legislature in 1883. Legislation in 1994 changed History Nebraska from a state institution to a state agency. The division is headed by Interim Director and CEO Jill Dolberg. They are assisted by an administrative staff responsible for financial and personnel functions, museum store services, security, and facilities maintenance for History Nebraska.
Explore Nebraska
Discover the real places and people of our past at these History Nebraska sites.

Upcoming Events

View our new and upcoming events to see how you can get involved.

Become a Member

The work we do to discover, preserve, and share Nebraska's history wouldn't be possible without the support of History Nebraska members.

History Nebraska Education

Learn more about the educational programs provided at our museums, sites, and online.

History Nebraska Programs

Learn more about the programs associated with History Nebraska.

Latest Hall of Fame Inductee

The Nebraska Hall of Fame was established in 1961 to officially recognize prominent Nebraskans.

Listen to our Podcast

Listen to the articles and authors published in the Nebraska History Magazine with our new Nebraska History Podcast!

Nebraska Collections

History Nebraska's mission is to collect, preserve, and open our shared history to all Nebraskans.

Our YouTube Video Collection

Get a closer look at Nebraska's history through your own eyes, with our extensive video collections.

Additional Research Resources

History Nebraska Research and Reference Services help connect you to the material we collect and preserve.

Support History Nebraska
Make a cash donation to help us acquire, preserve, and interpret Nebraska’s history. Gifts to History Nebraska help leave a legacy and may help your taxes, too! Support the work of History Nebraska by donating to the History Nebraska Foundation today.

Volunteers are the heroes of History Nebraska. So much history, so little time! Your work helps us share access to Nebraska’s stories at our museums and sites, the reference room, and online.