Geology of Jefferson County, 1902

The Johan August Udden papers, 1873-1987 and undated, contains biographical information about Udden, correspondence, research files, publications and manuscripts on geology and science, documentation of the Aurora, Illinois, earthquake in 1909, academic papers, and geological equipment. The collection is organized into six series.

The Biographical series, 1916-1973 and undated, includes an autobiography of J.A. Udden as well as notes on the Udden family. There are many tributes and memorials following his death, including the dedication of the Lindahl-Udden memorial on 5 May 1950. Included in this series are letters to Augustana alumni asking for pledges to establish an Udden Memorial Fund as well as a list of the faculty committee appointed to write a tribute. Also included is a biographical essay written by a history student at Augustana.

The Correspondence series, 1879-1931, contains correspondence between J.A. Udden and the Udden family, F.M. Fryxell, and Joshua Lindahl, as well as two folders of business correspondence.

The Research and Publications series, 1873-1912 and undated, contains Udden's publications from 1891-1924, including original manuscripts. Included in this series is documentation of the Aurora, Illinois, earthquake, which happened in 1909. Materials comprise Udden's observations of the earthquake, newspaper clippings about the event, and maps of the affected area.

The Miscellaneous Manuscripts series, 1910 and undated, contains Udden's notes, rough drafts, and charts for unidentified manuscripts.

The Academic series, 1875-1913 and 1987, contains speeches and lectures given by Udden at Augustana College, his grade book, 1875 commencement programs, and information about his flying machine, the Rotopter.

The Artifacts series contains sieves used by Udden in his fieldwork.