Riis, Jacob A. (Jacob August), 1849-1914

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Journalist, author, and humanitarian.

From the description of Jacob A. Riis papers, 1870-1990 (bulk 1887-1913). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 71060723

Reformer, journalist, author.

From the description of Papers of Jacob A. Riis [manuscript], 1899-1914. (University of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 647814455

Jacob A. Riis, journalist and social reformer, was born in Denmark and moved to the United States at 21. He became a reporter for the New York tribune, 1877-1890, and the New York evening sun, 1890-1899. He was an activist for various reforms, such as cleaning up slums, child labor laws, and improved schools. His books include How the other half lives (1890), his autobiography, The making of an American (1901), and a biography of Theodore Roosevelt (1904).

From the description of Jacob A. Riis letters, 1899-1904. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 61113123

Jacob August Riis (1849-1914) was a journalist, author, social reformer, and photographer. He was born in Denmark and emigrated to the U.S. in 1870. While working as a reporter for the New York Tribune, he began his crusade to improve urban life. His efforts to ameliorate conditions in the slums included campaigns for effective child-labor laws and building codes. Riis worked at the Tribune until 1888 when he became a police reporter at the Evening Sun. After his retirement in 1899, he continued to write books and articles and lectured extensively. Riis and his second wife, Mary Phillips, moved to a farm in Barre, Massachusetts in 1911.

From the guide to the Jacob Riis papers, 1871-1916, 1900-1910, (The New York Public Library. Manuscripts and Archives Division.)

Journalist, reformer, and author, of New York, N.Y.

From the description of Papers, 1900-1910. (Duke University Library). WorldCat record id: 20121460

Police reporter, reformer, photojournalist.

From the description of Photographs, [ca. 1890-1910] (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 155487140

Jacob August Riis (1849-1914) was a journalist, author, social reformer, and photographer.

He was born in Denmark and emigrated to the U.S. in 1870. While working as a reporter for the New York Tribune, he began his crusade to improve urban life. His efforts to ameliorate conditions in the slums included campaigns for effective child-labor laws and building codes. Riis worked at the Tribune until 1888 when he became a police reporter at the Evening Sun. After his retirement in 1899, he continued to write books and articles and lectured extensively. Riis and his second wife, Mary Phillips, moved to a farm in Barre, Massachusetts in 1911.

From the description of Jacob Riis papers, 1871-1916, bulk (1900-1910). (New York Public Library). WorldCat record id: 122378768

Biographical Note

  • 1849, May 3: Born, Ribe, Denmark
  • 1860s: Educated in private Latin schools, Ribe, Denmark
  • 1870: Emigrated to America
  • 1874: Began work for the South Brooklyn News, a weekly newspaper operated by the local Democratic Party
  • 1876: Married Elisabeth D. Nielsen (died 1905)
  • 1877 - 1888 : Police reporter, New York Tribune
  • 1888 - 1899 : Police reporter, New York Evening Sun; began lecturing on life in the slums
  • 1890: Published How the Other Half Lives. New York: Charles Scribner’s sons
  • 1892: Published The Children of the Poor. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons
  • 1897: Secretary, New York Small Parks Commission
  • 1901: Published The Making of an American. New York: Macmillan Co.
  • 1902: Published The Battle with the Slum. New York: Macmillian Co.
  • 1903: Published Children of the Tenements. New York: Macmillian Co.
  • 1904: Published Theodore Roosevelt, The Citizen. New York: Outlook Co.
  • 1907: Married Mary Phillips
  • 1910: Published Hero Tales of the Far North. New York: Macmillian Co.
  • 1914, May 26: Died, Barre, Mass.

From the guide to the Jacob A. Riis Papers, 1870-1990, (bulk 1887-1913), (Manuscript Division Library of Congress)

Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
referencedIn Riis, Jacob A., 1849-1914 : [miscellaneous ephemeral material]. Metropolitan Museum of Art, Thomas J. Watson Library
referencedIn John Adams Kingsbury papers, 1841-1966, (bulk 1906-1939) Library of Congress. Manuscript Division
creatorOf Authors' manuscripts collection, [ca. 1910-1960] New York State Historical Documents Inventory
referencedIn Houghton Mifflin Company contracts, 1831-1979 (inclusive) 1880-1940 (bulk). Houghton Library
creatorOf Century Company. Century Company records, 1870-1924. New York Public Library System, NYPL
creatorOf Winter, Edwin W. (Edwin Wheeling), 1845-1930. Edwin W. Winter papers, 1870-1923. Minnesota Historical Society Library
referencedIn Autograph collection of American writers, 1808-1970. Temple University Libraries, Paley Library
referencedIn Stokes, James Graham Phelps, 1872-1960. James Graham Phelps Stokes papers, 1779-1960, (bulk 1884-1960). Columbia University in the City of New York, Columbia University Libraries
referencedIn Krebs, A. Sonnin (August Sonnin), 1877-1969. Inbound personal correspondence of A. Sonnin Krebs, 1899-1903. Hagley Museum & Library
referencedIn Houghton Mifflin Company correspondence and records, 1832-1944. Houghton Library
referencedIn Pach Brothers Portrait Photograph Collection, 1867-1947, undated (bulk 1880-1940) New-York Historical Society
referencedIn Frank Parsons papers, 1888-1908 Yale University. Department of Manuscripts and Archives
creatorOf Page, Walter Hines, 1855-1918. Letter to Jacob Riis, 1896 September 26. University of Virginia. Library
referencedIn Letters from various correspondents, 1869-1942. Houghton Library
referencedIn Theodore Roosevelt Collection: Books, pamphlets, periodicals, 18-- - <ongoing> Theodore Roosevelt Collection, Harvard College Library, Harvard University
referencedIn Edwin W. Winter papers., 1870-1923. Minnesota Historical Society
creatorOf Burditt, Ellen Lord, 1835-1919. Letters received, 1893-1902. Boston Athenaeum
referencedIn New York (State). Governor. Unfiled correspondence and other records relating to appointments, charges and complaints against public officials, extraditions, and proclamations, 1862-1930. New York State Archives
creatorOf Riis, Jacob A. (Jacob August), 1849-1914. Letter 1903 May 22, New York to Knolt [manuscript] / Jacob A. Riis. UMBC, Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery
referencedIn Robinson, Corinne Roosevelt, 1861-1933. Papers, 1847-1933 Theodore Roosevelt Collection, Harvard College Library, Harvard University
referencedIn Morris Werner papers, 1920-1981, 1940-1950 New York Public Library. Manuscripts and Archives Division
creatorOf Riis, Jacob A. PAD/D pamphlet file : miscellaneous uncataloged material. Metropolitan Museum of Art, Thomas J. Watson Library
creatorOf Riis, Jacob A. (Jacob August), 1849-1914. Jacob A. Riis letters, 1899-1904. Pennsylvania State University Libraries
creatorOf Jacob A. Riis collection, [ca. 1880]-1962. New York State Historical Documents Inventory
referencedIn Roger William Riis Papers, 1903-1990, (bulk 1921-1952) Library of Congress. Manuscript Division
referencedIn Mark Anthony De Wolfe Howe additional papers Houghton Library
creatorOf Riis, Jacob A. (Jacob August), 1849-1914. Letter, 1914 Jan. 19, Battle Creek, Mich., to [A.T.] White [Brooklyn?]. University of Michigan
referencedIn Century Company records New York Public Library. Manuscripts and Archives Division
referencedIn John Adams Kingsbury papers, 1841-1966, (bulk 1906-1939) Library of Congress. Manuscript Division
creatorOf Riis, Jacob A. (Jacob August), 1849-1914. Papers of Jacob A. Riis [manuscript], 1899-1914. University of Virginia. Library
referencedIn Felix Adler papers, 1830-1933. Columbia University. Rare Book and Manuscript Library
referencedIn Parsons, Frank, 1854-1908. Frank Parsons papers, 1888-1908 (inclusive). Yale University Library
referencedIn The Nation, records, 1879-1974 (inclusive), 1920-1955 (bulk). Houghton Library
creatorOf Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement (New York, N.Y.). Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement Records, 1891-1990. New York Public Library System, NYPL
referencedIn Century Company records New York Public Library. Manuscripts and Archives Division
referencedIn Century Company records New York Public Library. Manuscripts and Archives Division
referencedIn George B. Cortelyou Papers, 1871-1948, (bulk 1897-1908) Library of Congress. Manuscript Division
referencedIn Jacob August Riis Collection, 1899-1914 University of Virginia. Library. Special Collections Dept.
referencedIn Theodore Roosevelt Collection: Political cartoons: Original cartoon drawings, 1896-1942. Theodore Roosevelt Collection, Harvard College Library, Harvard University
referencedIn Henry Meade Bland Papers, ca. 1905-1931 Bancroft Library
referencedIn Additional correspondence and compositions, 1873-1945. Theodore Roosevelt Collection, Harvard College Library, Harvard University
creatorOf Richard Watson Gilder papers, 1855-1916. New York State Historical Documents Inventory
referencedIn Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement Records, 1891-1990 New York Public Library. Manuscripts and Archives Division
creatorOf Riis, Jacob A. (Jacob August), 1849-1914. Jacob Riis papers, 1871-1916, bulk (1900-1910). New York Public Library System, NYPL
creatorOf Riis, Jacob A. (Jacob August), 1849-1914. Branson-Jackson Family Papers, 1794-1962. Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College
referencedIn Walter Hines Page letters from various correspondents, American period Houghton Library
referencedIn Bland, Henry Mead, 1863-1931. Letter, 1910, Jan. 22, San Jose, California [to] Mr. Edwin Markham, New York City. / Henry Mead Bland. Wagner College, Horrmann Library
creatorOf Riis, Jacob A.. Riis, Jacob A. : [photography bio file]. Metropolitan Museum of Art, Thomas J. Watson Library
referencedIn Ben B. Lindsey papers Library of Congress. Manuscript Division
creatorOf Papers, 1900-1910. Duke University Libraries, Duke University Library; Perkins Library
referencedIn Richard Watson Gilder papers, 1855-1916 New York Public Library. Manuscripts and Archives Division
creatorOf Photographs, [ca. 1890-1910] New York State Historical Documents Inventory
creatorOf Jacob Riis papers, 1871-1916, 1900-1910 New York Public Library. Manuscripts and Archives Division
referencedIn Gertrude Käsebier papers, 1894-1934 New York Public Library. Manuscripts and Archives Division
referencedIn Papers, 1857-1962. Andover-Harvard Theological Library
referencedIn Community Service Society Archives, 1842-1995. The Rare Book and Manuscript Library,
referencedIn John H. Finley papers, 1892-1940, 1913-1935 New York Public Library. Manuscripts and Archives Division
referencedIn Correspondence and compositions, 1718-1946 (inclusive) 1873-1919 (bulk). Theodore Roosevelt Collection, Harvard College Library, Harvard University
referencedIn Boothby, Frederic E. (Frederic Eleazer), 1845-1923. Frederic E. Boothby autograph letters, 1898-1912. Maine Historical Society Library
referencedIn Wald, Lillian D., 1867-1940. Lillian D. Wald Papers, 1895-1936. Columbia University in the City of New York, Columbia University Libraries
referencedIn Walter Hines Page letters from various correspondents, American period Houghton Library
referencedIn Theodore Roosevelt Collection: Books, pamphlets, periodicals, 18-- - <ongoing> Theodore Roosevelt Collection, Harvard College Library, Harvard University
referencedIn Kellogg, Paul Underwood, 1879-1958,. Paul U. Kellogg collection, 1899-1907. Western Michigan University, Dwight B. Waldo Library
referencedIn American authors collection, 1832-1956. Stanford University. Department of Special Collections and University Archives
referencedIn Dodge, Henry Nehemiah, 1843-1937. Papers, 1857-1962 (inclusive), 1857-1936 (bulk). Harvard University, Divinity School Library
referencedIn Blaine, Anita McCormick. Correspondence and papers, 1828-1958. Wisconsin Historical Society, Newspaper Project
creatorOf Estabrook, Harold Kelsey, 1870-. Papers, 1898-1918. Boston Athenaeum
referencedIn Adler, Felix, 1851-1933. Felix Adler papers, 1830-1933. Columbia University in the City of New York, Columbia University Libraries
referencedIn George Moses Price files and scrapbook, 1883-1952 [bulk 1912-1942]. Kheel Center for Labor-Management Documentation and Archives
referencedIn Houghton Mifflin Company contracts, 1831-1979 (inclusive) 1880-1940 (bulk). Houghton Library
referencedIn Wald, Lillian D., 1867-1940. Papers, 1895-1936 [microform]. Twentieth Century Legal Treatises
referencedIn Theodore Roosevelt Papers, 1759-1993, (bulk 1878-1919) Library of Congress. Manuscript Division
creatorOf Patterson, John Henry, 1844-1922. Papers 1839-1921. Ohio History Connection, Ohio Historical Society
referencedIn McBee, Silas, 1853-1924. Silas McBee papers, 1872-1923 [manuscript]. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
creatorOf RIIS, JACOB. Artist file : miscellaneous uncataloged material. Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)
creatorOf Johnson, Robert Underwood, 1853-1937. Papers of Robert Underwood Johnson [manuscript], 1885-1925. University of Virginia. Library
creatorOf Riis, Jacob A. (Jacob August), 1849-1914. Letter, 1890 Nov. 18 [n.p.] to [A.T.] White [Brooklyn]. University of Michigan
referencedIn Lillian D. Wald Papers, 1895-1936 Columbia University. Rare Book and Manuscript Library
creatorOf Riis, Jacob A. (Jacob August), 1849-1914. Artist file. Brooklyn Museum Libraries & Archives
referencedIn Giddings, Franklin Henry, 1855-1931. Franklin Henry Giddings papers, 1890-1931. Columbia University in the City of New York, Columbia University Libraries
creatorOf Riis, Jacob A. (Jacob August), 1849-1914. Letter addressed to My dear Sir, 1902 June 1. University of Virginia. Library
creatorOf Amory, Copley, 1890-1964. Papers, 1860-1942. Dartmouth College Library
creatorOf Finley, John H. (John Huston), 1863-1940. John H. Finley papers, 1892-1940, bulk (1913-1935). New York Public Library System, NYPL
referencedIn Mary Immaculata, Sister, R.S.M. Jacob August Riis : typescript : a man of vision / Sister Mary Immaculata, O'Neill. Center for Brooklyn History (2020-)
referencedIn Office of the Messrs Rockefeller. General files. 1890-1961. Rockefeller Archive Center
creatorOf Werner, M. R. (Morris Robert), 1897-1981. Morris Werner papers, 1920-1981, bulk(1940-1950) New York Public Library System, NYPL
creatorOf Jacob A. Riis Papers, 1870-1990, (bulk 1887-1913) Library of Congress. Manuscript Division
referencedIn Price, George Moses, 1864-1942. George Moses Price files and scrapbook, 1883-1952, bulk 1912-1942. Cornell University Library
referencedIn Community Service Society. Archives, 1842-1995. Columbia University in the City of New York, Columbia University Libraries
Role Title Holding Repository
Relation Name
correspondedWith Adler, Felix, 1851-1933 person
associatedWith Alexander, William V. person
associatedWith Amory, Copley, 1890-1964. person
associatedWith Ben Yassuf, Miss, person
associatedWith Blaine, Anita McCormick. person
associatedWith Bland, Henry Mead, 1863-1931. person
correspondedWith Bland, Henry Meade, 1863-1931 person
associatedWith Bok, Edward William, 1863-1930. person
correspondedWith Boothby, Frederic E. (Frederic Eleazer), 1845-1923. person
associatedWith Briar Brae. corporateBody
associatedWith Burditt, Ellen Lord, 1835-1919. person
correspondedWith Carnegie, Andrew, 1835-1919 person
associatedWith Century Company. corporateBody
associatedWith Community Service Society. corporateBody
correspondedWith Cortelyou, George B. (George Bruce), 1862-1940. person
associatedWith Council of Confederated Good Government Clubs. corporateBody
associatedWith Dellenbaugh, Frederick Samuel, 1853-1935 person
associatedWith Denison, John Hopkins, 1870-1936. person
associatedWith Dodge, Henry Nehemiah, 1843-1937. person
associatedWith Estabrook, Harold Kelsey, 1870- person
associatedWith Finley, John H. (John Huston), 1863-1940. person
associatedWith Giddings, Franklin Henry, 1855-1931. person
associatedWith Gilder, Richard Watson, 1844-1909. person
associatedWith Holt, Hamilton, 1872-1951, person
correspondedWith Houghton Mifflin Company. corporateBody
correspondedWith Howe, M. A. De Wolfe (Mark Antony De Wolfe), 1864-1960 person
associatedWith Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement (New York, N.Y.) corporateBody
associatedWith Johnson, Robert Underwood, 1853-1937. person
associatedWith Käsebier, Gertrude, 1852-1934 person
associatedWith Kellogg, Paul Underwood, 1879-1958, person
correspondedWith Kingsbury, John Adams, 1876-1956. person
correspondedWith Krebs, A. Sonnin (August Sonnin), 1877-1969. person
associatedWith Lawrence, William, 1850-1941. person
correspondedWith Lindsey, Ben B. (Ben Barr), 1869-1943. person
correspondedWith Lowell, Josephine Shaw, 1843-1905 person
associatedWith Mary Immaculata, Sister, R.S.M. person
associatedWith McBee, Silas, 1853-1924. person
correspondedWith Moore, Martha Riis person
associatedWith Museum of the City of New York. corporateBody
associatedWith Nation (New York, N.Y. : 1865). corporateBody
associatedWith New York Public Library. corporateBody
associatedWith New York (State). Governor. corporateBody
associatedWith Office of the Messrs Rockefeller. corporateBody
correspondedWith Owre, J. Riis person
associatedWith Page, Walter Hines, 1855-1918. person
associatedWith Parsons, Frank, 1854-1908. person
associatedWith Patterson, John Henry, 1844-1922. person
associatedWith Perry, Bliss, 1860-1954 person
associatedWith Phillips family family
associatedWith Phillips family. family
associatedWith Pond, James B. (James Burton), 1838-1903. person
associatedWith Powell, Lyman P. (Lyman Pierson), b. 1866. person
associatedWith Price, George Moses, 1864-1942. person
correspondedWith Riis, Elisabeth D. Nielson, d. 1905 person
associatedWith Riis family. family
associatedWith Riis family. family
correspondedWith Riis, John person
correspondedWith Riis, Kate person
correspondedWith Riis, Kate person
associatedWith Riis, Katie. person
correspondedWith Riis, Mary Phillips person
associatedWith Riis, Mary Phillips, d. 1967. person
correspondedWith Riis, Roger William, b. 1894 person
correspondedWith Robinson, Corinne Roosevelt, 1861-1933 person
correspondedWith Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919 person
correspondedWith Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919 person
correspondedWith Saint-Gaudens, Augustus, 1848-1907 person
associatedWith Sea and Land Settlement. corporateBody
associatedWith Small Parks Committee (New York, N.Y.) corporateBody
associatedWith Springfield Boys' Club. corporateBody
associatedWith Stokes, James Graham Phelps, 1872-1960. person
associatedWith Tracy, Roger Sherman, 1841-1926 person
associatedWith Wald, Lillian D., 1867-1940. person
associatedWith Werner, M. R. (Morris Robert), 1897-1981. person
associatedWith White, Alfred Tredway, 1846-1921. person
associatedWith Winter, Edwin W. (Edwin Wheeler), 1845-1930 person
associatedWith Winter, Edwin W. (Edwin Wheeling), 1845-1930. person
Place Name Admin Code Country
Barre MA US
Ribe 21 DK
Subject
Alcoholism
Anarchism
Apartment houses
Architecture
Authorship
Charities
Child labor
Children
Child welfare
Civic improvement
Civic improvement
Housing
Humanitarianism
Journalism
Journalism
Journalists
Journalists
Kindergarten
Lecturers
Legislative bodies
Lodging houses
Low-income housing
Markets
Playgrounds
Police
Pollution
Poor
Poverty
Reformers
Schools
Social settlements
Slums
Slums
Social history
Social problems
Social reformers
Tenement houses
Tenement houses
Women
Working class
Working classes
Occupation
Authors
Journalists
Lecturers
Philanthropists
Photographers
Police reporters
Social reformers
Activity

Person

Birth 1849-05-03

Death 1914-05-26

Americans

Danish,

English

Information

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