Henry Cummins papers, 1857-1863Cummins, Henry, 1840-engHenry Cummins's diaries and journal give a daily record of his studies, work, social life, and local events. He joined and recorded Dr. Patterson's 1861 geographic survey of northeastern Oregon. The diaries note his interest in science and spiritualism, especially the work of A. J. Davis. Cummins's notebook contains a phrenological analysis of himself by Dr. DeWolfe, Cummins's lecture and reading notes, the papers of the Pantheon of Science (Eugene) in 1851, and meteorological records for 1861-62.Henry Cummins came to Oregon in 1853 with his father William M. Cummins and settled in Lane County, near Eugene. He attended school and worked on his father's farm, in the Eugene bookstore, and at the People's Press of Eugene. In 1861, he joined Dr. A. W. Patterson on the geographical survey of northeastern Oregon. He worked in the printing office of the State Republican, moved to Salem in 1862, was appointed assistant clerk of the House of Representatives, and studied law in Lafayette and Salem.