The Bartholomew family members described in these papers include Kansas pioneer and internationally known botanist Elam Bartholomew (1852-1934), as well as his ancestors and descendants. Elam Bartholomew emigrated from Illinois to Rooks County, Kansas in 1874. He married in 1876 and, though actively engaged in farming, became internationally known for his work in botany and mycology. He traveled widely and conducted experimental work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding plant rusts. For his published works on plant rusts and fungi, his massive collection of specimens, and his discovery of more than four hundred new specimens, Bartholomew was awarded master's and doctoral degrees from Fort Hays State University, where he became an instructor and established the Fort Hays State Herbarium.
From the guide to the Bartholomew Family collection, 1894-1987, (University of Kansas Kenneth Spencer Research Library Kansas Collection)
