Record Class: Textual
Date: 1902-1992
Creator: Harold Linder
Provenance: This collection was donated to the Special Collections Department, Pickler Memorial Library, Truman State University by Harold Linder. The first installation, which included the farm diaries and their transcription publications, were donated in November 2019. The second installation of farm ledgers and the transcription publication for the letters to Germany were donated in May 2021. The letters as well as the transcription publication for the letters from home were donated in September 2021.
Extent: 2.21 linear feet
Language: English, German
Repository: Special Collections Department, Pickler Memorial Library, Truman State University
Access: Open
Processed by: Emma Christensen
Processing Information: This collection is in its original order.
Keywords: Adair County; Harold Linder; Kirksville; Linder; Oran H. Linder; Oran R. Linder, Christa Linder, Rural Life; Missouri, Germany, British Columbia, Canada

Abstract: This collection contains diaries and ledgers dating from 1902 through 1992, which are significant to the history of rural Adair County, Missouri and the Linder family. This collection also contains letters dating from 1968 through 1974 written by Christa Linder to family in Germany, and letters dating from 1964 through 1981 from Merle and Oran H. Linder to Harold Linder, which are significant to the history of the Linder family. All pieces in this collection connect to the Linder family. Oran (Hubert) Linder wrote all but one diary that is included, with the other written by O.R. (Bob) Linder, as well as the farm ledgers.

The Linder Diaries have been scanned and are available to view in our digital library. View the Linder Diaries online.

Historical Sketch: Oran Hubert Linder (1904 – 1998) was born in Adair County, Missouri to a long line of Linders, where he spent his life farming in rural Missouri. Oran’s great-grandfather, Andrew Linder, was the first to relocate the Linders to Adair County, moving from Illinois in 1836. Oran Linder’s father was O. R (Bob) Linder, who also kept diaries. Only one of O.R. Linder’s diaries remains in this collection; Oran Linder wrote all others included. In 1932, Oran married Merle Schillie (1909 – 2006), who was also from a pioneer farming family in rural Adair County. The two raised four sons together: Harold, Gene, Dean, and Oran Jr. Oran recorded his daily farm work and weather in these diaries, and later in life, he recorded his travels and town activities after he was retired from the farm.

Along with farming, Oran was employed at Missouri Farmers Association for 15 years and at a Kirksville lumberyard for 21 years. His diaries include mention of all such jobs. After retirement, Oran and Merle spent time traveling to all 50 states, keeping up with baseball and visiting relatives. The bulk of this part of Oran’s life can be found in the diaries from 1971 – 1992. Any diaries from 1932 through 1970 are not included because they do not exist to Harold Linder’s knowledge. The letters written to Harold from 1968 – 1981 also give good insight into life in Kirksville and the life of the Linders. It is most certain that letters were written to Harold’s three other siblings, but they have not been preserved to be included in this collection.

Christa (Ude) Linder (1939 – 1981) was born in Hamburg Germany and resided in Germany until the age of 29, when she immigrated to Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In 1969, she moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, where she met Harold Linder. Harold and Christa married in March 1971, and had two children together, Tina (1972) and Mark (1974). After moving the family to Tempe, Arizona in 1978, Christa was unfortunately diagnosed with breast cancer. After a tough fight, Christa passed at the age of 41 in May of 1981. Harold has worked to preserve Christa’s life by publishing her letters she wrote to her parents in Germany.

Harold Linder, Oran’s oldest son, is the donor of this collection. Harold Linder is an exploration geologist who currently resides in Arizona. Besides traveling and prospecting, Harold enjoys learning about his family history and reflecting on his cherished time spent growing up in Kirksville, Missouri. Harold Linder transcribed Oran and O.R.’s diaries, as well as his late wife Christa’s letters and his parents Merle and Oran’s letters, into publications which are beneficial to the Linder family and Adair County. These transcription publications can be found in Special Collections, Pickler Memorial Library, Truman State University.

Box 1:

Series 1: Farm Diaries of Oran Hubert Linder

Written at or near the Linder farm in Adair County, Missouri, located in the southwestern corner of the county, roughly nine miles south of Kirksville. Daily entries pertaining to typical farm life in northeastern Missouri: weather, chores, crop yield, livestock; mention of social activities such as trips into Kirksville and visit from friends and relatives. Frequently mentioned persons include O.R. Linder, Nancy Linder, Mildred Linder, Russell Linder, and Merle Schillie, among others. Most diaries include memoranda pages with personal information such as banking notes, important sales, and important dates.  

Transcribed in “Farm Diary: Adair County, Missouri (1926-1931)” by Oran H. Linder (Pickler Memorial Library, Special Collections, CT 275 L46823 A3 2008).

Series 2   Diary and Farm Ledger of O.R. (Bob) Linder

1.7   1 January 1944 – 31 December 1944

Written at or near the O.R. Linder farm in Adair County, Missouri, in an area between Goose Creek and Hog Creek, near the Chariton River. Daily entries record weather, seasons, and farm work, as well as daily chores of household importance and in relation to livestock and crops. Almost no personal or family information is included, but rather detailed information of farm life in Adair County, Missouri during 1944. Persons frequently mentioned include Nancy Linder and Bill Linder. This diary includes a memoranda page at the end detailing egg and chicken sales.

Transcribed in “Farm Ledgers and Diary: Adair County, Missouri (1902-1956)” by O.R. Linder (Pickler Memorial Library, Special Collections, CT 275 L46827 A3 2019).

Series 3   Town and Travel Diaries of Oran Hubert Linder

1.8   8 August 1971 – 15 July 1972

1.9  4 April 1974 – 24 February 1980

1.10  22 March 1981 – 24 October 1983

1.11  25 October 1983 – 31 March 1986

1.12  1 April 1986 – 23 May 1988

1.13  24 May 1988 – 28 January 1991

1.14  7 February 1991 – 21 January 1992

Written at the Linder family home in the southeastern corner of Kirksville, 1705 E. Hamilton Street, as well as wherever Oran and Merle vacationed - often in Tempe, Arizona where Harold Linder resided, Vancouver, British Columbia, and Honolulu, Hawaii. The entries in these diaries are not daily, but rather occur as Oran travels throughout North America. Entries include the typical day-to-day life of a retired couple, travels to relatives and friends, and notes of the weather. Persons frequently mentioned include Merle Linder, Harold Linder, Melvin Linder, Marvin Linder, Oran Linder Jr., among others.

Transcribed in “Town and Travel Diary: Kirksville (Adair County), Missouri (1971-1992)” by Oran H. Linder (Pickler Memorial Library, Special Collections, CT 275 L46825 A3 2017).

Series 4: Farm Ledgers of O.R. (Bob) Linder

1.15 14 February 1902 – 14 May 1944

Written at or near the O.R. Linder farm in Adair County, Missouri, near Novinger, Missouri. The entries represent ledger and account record notes, but are not consistent with monthly or daily records – the notes seem to consist around spring and summer months. Entries include notes about livestock breeding, items sold and purchased, and account balancing and budgeting. This ledger was obtained by Harold Linder’s cousins Margie Linder Daniels, Neil Linder, and Carol Linder Roberts.

Transcribed in “Farm Ledgers and Diary: Adair County, Missouri (1902-1956)” by O.R. Linder (Pickler Memorial Library, Special Collections, CT 275 L46827 A3 2019).

1.16 1920 – 1952

Written at or near the O.R. Linder farm in Adair County, Missouri. The entries represent account records and notes, but are not consistent with monthly or daily records. The ledger is not written in chronological order, and is divided between account records with specific people. Entries include notes about livestock breeding, items sold and purchased, and account balancing and budgeting.

Transcribed in “Farm Ledgers and Diary: Adair County, Missouri (1902-1956)” by O.R. Linder (Pickler Memorial Library, Special Collections, CT 275 L46827 A3 2019).

Box 2:

Series 5: Letters from Kirksville written by Merle and Oran H. Linder to Harold Linder

Written at the Linder Family home in the southeastern corner of Kirksville, 1705 E Hamilton Street, however known as RR 4 at the time most of the letters were written. The letters were addressed to Harold Linder and his family, and were written as a team effort between Merle and Oran. Letters included information about the weather, Kirksville happenings, family updates, and other pertinent information as to keep Harold and his family updated on life in Kirksville. Response letters are not included.

2.1 1 June 1964

Addressed to University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Envelope included.

2.2 11 January – 21 November 1966

Addressed to Geology Department, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Envelopes included.

2.3 2 January – 2 December 1967

Addressed to Thurlow Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Haro Street, Vancouver, B.C. Envelopes included.

2.4 7 January – 9 December 1968

Addressed to Thurlow Street, Vancouver, B.C.; Haro Street, Vancouver, B.C.; Stewart, B.C. Envelopes included.

2.5 3 January – 18 December 1969

Addressed to Haro Street, Vancouver, B.C. Envelopes included.

2.6 6 January – 12 December 1970

Addressed to Haro Street, Vancouver, B.C. Envelopes included.

2.7 10 January – 29 November 1971

Letters are not postmarked so addresses are unknown, though most likely to Vancouver, B.C. Envelopes not included.

2.8 January – 3 December 1972

Letters are not postmarked so addresses are unknown, though most likely to Vancouver, B.C. Envelopes not included.

2.9 7 January – December 1973

Letters are not postmarked so addresses are unknown, though most likely to Vancouver, B.C. Envelopes not included.

2.10 6 January – 8 December 1974

Letters are not postmarked so addresses are unknown, though most likely to Vancouver, B.C. Envelopes not included.

2.11 5 January – 4 December 1975

Addressed to West Tenth Avenue, Vancouver, B.C.; Most letters are not postmarked so addresses are mostly unknown, though most likely to Vancouver, B.C. Most envelopes not included.

2.12 6 January – 11 December 1976

Addressed to West Tenth Avenue, Vancouver, B.C.; Most letters are not postmarked so addresses are mostly unknown, though most likely to Vancouver, B.C. Most envelopes not included.

2.13 16 January – 8 December 1977

Addressed to West Tenth Avenue, Vancouver, B.C.; Most letters are not postmarked so addresses are mostly unknown, though most likely to Vancouver, B.C. Most envelopes not included.

2.14 10 February – 12 December 1978

Addressed to West Tenth Avenue, Vancouver, B.C; South Kenwood Lane, Tempe, Arizona. Envelopes included.

2.15 2 January – 9 December 1979

Addressed to South Kenwood Lane, Tempe, Arizona. Envelopes included.

2.16 7 January – 4 December 1980

Addressed to South Kenwood Lane, Tempe, Arizona; Doncaster Way, Vancouver, B.C. Envelopes included.

2.17 30 March – 5 April 1981

Addressed to M.D. Anderson Hospital, Houston, Texas. Envelopes included.

Box 3:

Series 6: Letters to Germany by Christa Linder

2.18 1968 – 1970 Binder

2.19 1968 – 1972 Box

2.20 1973 – 1974 Binder

Written in German by Christa (Ude) Linder to her parents, Paul and Elfriede Thees, in Hamburg and Appen, Germany. The letters contain information about Christa’s immigration to Canada, employment, her courtship and marriage with Harold Linder, their children, and other pertinent information as to keep her parents updated on her life. Christa wrote an average of two letters per week, and ceased writing in 1974 when her mother passed and her father moved in with her family in Tempe, AZ. The letters were translated by Christa’s friend Jutta Krause for the transcription publication. Response letters are not included.

The letters are organized in two binders and one expandable folder, which is how the letters were donated. The binders and folder include the letters transcribed in the publication, postcards, greeting cards, various photos, maps, and brochures. It is assumed that these were all items that were sent to Christa with the letters from her parents. The letters are not necessarily in chronological order.

Transcribed in “Letters to Germany (1968-1974)” by Christa Linder (Pickler Memorial Library, Special Collections, CT 275 L4682 A4 2020).