NCC: H. H. Rassweiler papers

These files contain various items and records related to the Rassweiler family. Two sets of journals exist. The first are Henry Rassweiler’s Personal Journals. Volume 1 (1859-1867) of Rassweiler’s personal journals include the years that he taught in a public school and was a student at North-Western College in Plainfield, Illinois. Rassweiler’s writings cover school subjects, notes on temperance, record of correspondence, notes on summer travels, personal budgets and news clippings pasted into the journal. Volume 2 (1868-1877) of his personal journals includes lecture notes for classes he taught and notes from faculty meetings. Six volumes of Family journals contain entries written both by Henry and Suzie Rassweiler. The first volume begins on their wedding day. Entries in all volumes relate to family life, current weather conditions, activities and travels, children, and personal health. The volume including 1871 includes entries on the Chicago fire. Information on Henry’s professional life is also recorded throughout all the journals. The final family journal (1888-1893) includes a summary explanation of his conflict with the Board of Trustees in 1887-1888 which resulted in his removal from the College. Additionally, entries in this journal also detail the split in the Evangelical Association and the resulting formation of Grace Church in 1890.

In addition to the family and personal journals of Henry and Suzie Rassweiler, there is also one journal written by C.F. Rassweiler from the years 1868 to 1870 in this series. Additional files include notes, and speeches and sermons written by Henry Rassweiler. The booklet titled Loyal to Our President and the Church by C.H. Tobias, published in 1888, discusses the injustice of Rassweiler’s dismissal as President and the student support of his efforts.