David Lynch Collection, Lancaster County Historical Society, Lancaster, Pa.
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.
This collection is open for research.
Cite as: [Indicate cited item or series here], Lynch, David. Papers, 1830-1875 (MC 13), Philadelphia Archdiocesan Historical Research Center.
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.
Accession number 1990.013
This collection was reorganized and refoldered from an older folder list. Mylar folders and acid free paper protect a few fragile documents.
An older finding aid is available in hard copy at PAHRC.
Digital reproductions of the David Lynch papers are available at http://digital.library.villanova.edu/Catholica%20Collection/American%20Catholic%20Historical%20Society/Historic%20Papers/
This folder contains correspondence of David Lynch. One letter is written by Lynch to Franklin Pierce, U.S. President, discussing an applicant for Postmaster of Pittsburgh, Lieut. Anderson, 1853.
This folder contains correspondence of James Buchanan (seven letters) and one deed:
Buchanan, U.S. senator from Pennsylvania, writes to Lynch regarding a dispute amongst the Pennsylvania Democrats and his desire to quell it, 1835.
J. L. Edward writes to Buchanan, U.S. senator, regarding Susan Kuhn’s pension claim, 1843.
Deed: Buchanan, U.S. Secretary of State, sells Arthur H. McClelland a lot in Pittsburgh for $500, 1845.
Buchanan, former Secretary of State, writes to Lynch considering a run for the presidency, 1850.
Buchanan, U.S. minister to Great Britain, writes to Lynch discussing his position in London and his adjustment to it, 1854.
Buchanan, still U.S. minister to Great Britain, writes to Lynch again considering a run for the presidency, 1855.
Lynch writes to Buchanan, President of the United States, endorsing Mr. Flinn and encloses a copy of a resolution in which Flinn supports Buchanan, 1857.
Lynch writes to Buchanan, U.S. President, and mentions the Democratic Convention, 1858.
This folder contains eight images of notable political and religious figures:
James Buchanan
George Washington
Bishop Struzziere
Bishop Joseph
Thomas Jefferson & John Adams
Bishop Ippolito
Bishop Moliyoni
Archbishop Pluyum