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The James M. Smith family collection consists of Smith's incoming and outgoing correspondence concerning New York state politics, economic conditions, railroad development, and family news, as well as genealogical materials relating to the Smith family.

The James M. Smith family collection (122 items) contains letters and other materials related to James Murdock Smith of northern New York. The Correspondence series (115 items) includes Smith's correspondence from 1834-1889. Smith received 34 letters from his father, H. D. Smith, whose letters often pertain to politics, New York lands (with at least one mention of the Ogden Land Company, January 21, 1841), railroad construction and finance, and economic conditions in New York State. Among other subjects, he mentioned improvements to the town of Gouverneur (September 3, 1856), "unusually frequent" bankruptcies in Ogdensburg (January 3, 1854), Democratic Party factions, the Know-Nothings, and slavery and abolitionists. Smith's professional correspondence includes letters from New York Congressman Solomon G. Haven, who discussed the Dred Scott case (January 13, 1857), and from philanthropist Philo Parsons, who wrote about his plans to build a large park in Detroit, Michigan (December 8, 1873).

The series also contains personal letters that Smith received from family members, including his mother, Harriet Smith; his sisters, Esther M. Thrall and Louisa L. Anthony; and his aunt, Esther Doty. The Smith family reported news of Gouverneur, New York, and Doty commented on life in Green Bay, Wisconsin, in the 1850s, where she encountered mixed-race Native Americans (December 3, 1851). Many of the later letters concern James M. Smith's interest in genealogy. Smith also wrote 6 letters to his wife, Margaret, mentioning a cholera epidemic (August 28, 1852) and travel in southern Wisconsin (November 16, 1862), among other topics.

The Genealogy, Writings, and Ephemera series (7 items) includes 3 essays about the family of H. D. Smith, a political speech, and a newspaper clipping and printed advertisement regarding a historical work by R.W. Judson.

The John Morin Scott family papers are made up of correspondence, legal and financial documents, and other items related to multiple generations of the Scott family, including New York City lawyer John Morin Scott; his son, Lewis Allaire Scott; and his grandson, John Morin Scott, mayor of Philadelphia from 1841-1844.

The John Morin Scott family papers (3.25 linear feet) are made up of correspondence, legal and financial documents, and other items related to multiple generations of the Scott family, including New York City lawyer John Morin Scott; his son, Lewis Allaire Scott; and his grandson, John Morin Scott, mayor of Philadelphia from 1841-1844.

The collection's Personal Correspondence series (approximately 750 items, 1767-1889) is comprised primarily of letters between John Morin Scott and Mary Emlen Scott (whom Scott often addressed as "Bonny") from 1816 to the 1850s. During business trips to cities such as Harrisburg and Easton, Pennsylvania, John Morin Scott discussed his legal career, his work in the state legislature, political issues, and personal news; Mary Emlen Scott wrote about her life in Philadelphia. John Morin Scott also received letters from his children and from individuals respecting his term as Philadelphia mayor. Other correspondence includes an early series of letters to Mayor Richard Varick of New York City.

Lewis A. Scott's correspondence (132 items, 1868-1893) relates to the Scott family genealogy. Lewis A. Scott corresponded with family members about their ancestors and wrote to authors and publishing houses about printed accounts of the family lineage. Some letters pertain to Scott's attempts to locate documents about his early ancestors.

The collection's Legal Correspondence, Documents, and Financial Records series (approximately 800 items, 1764-1893) regard property, finances, and the legal affairs and estates of the Scotts and related families. John Morin Scott's legal correspondence (333 items, 1812-1844) contains business letters to Scott about court procedures, decisions, and financial matters. At least one item mentions a reward offered for the return of a captured slave (May 20, 1822). Documents include legal and financial contracts and agreements, financial accounts, bank checks, indentures, letters, and estate administration papers. Many items concern property in New York and one small group pertains to Revolutionary War surgeon Charles McKnight.

One small account book tracks the owner's expenses, and includes notes about the author's travels and activities, around 1850. A notebook contains a list of the Scott family silver in Mary Emlen's possession in 1874.

The Maps seriesincludes 19 surveyors' maps for land in Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, and other locations. Many of the surveys relate to members of the Scott family and allied families; some pertain to Philadelphia real estate. Three undated survey notebooks pertain to land in "Orange County" and "Deer Park," and include notes about deeds and surveys conducted in these areas.

The Genealogical Materials series (47 items, [1887-1891]) largely concern members of the Scott family and they include essays, extracts from published histories, notebooks, loose notes, a family tree, and applications for the Pennsylvania Sons of the American Revolution. At least 2 items relate to the Emlen family. Sketches of two coats of arms are accompanied by descriptions.

The Printed Items series includes 2 advertisements for genealogical and historical works, Mary Scott's reprinted will, a poem by W. T. Meredith titled "Ancrum's Cross," and 12 newspaper clippings. The clippings are obituaries and biographical articles about the younger John Morin Scott, including an account of an assassination attempt during his term as mayor of Philadelphia (1843).

This account book documents the sales of James Knowles and Thomas Horne, who sold farm produce and livestock between 1804 and 1809. The volume also contains information about Thomas Horne's financial affairs until 1833 and genealogical notes about his children. Three illustrations, including two by Elizabeth Heacock, were originally laid into the volume.

This account book (approximately 50 pages) documents the sales of James Knowles and Thomas Horne, who sold farm produce and livestock between 1804 and 1809. The volume also contains information about Thomas Horne's financial affairs until 1833 and genealogical notes about his children. Three illustrations, including two by Elizabeth Heacock, are laid into the volume.

The first section of the book (around 43 pages) primarily documents sales made by Knowles and Horne between 1804 and 1809. The pair, who dealt in farm produce and livestock, received cash from private and market sales. Some accounts from 1809 are attributed to Thomas Horne and a new partner, Benjamin Paschall. Additional financial accounts and notes related to Thomas Horne, dated 1813-1819, are interspersed within the accounts; one page contains accounts between Knowles and Horne, dated 1805. This section concludes with a page of accounts for "Pheby Horne," dated 1833.

Thomas Horne kept 6 pages of personal accounts between 1816 and 1820, including signed receipts from county officials in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, for Horne's tax payments. Two pages contain information about Thomas and Eliza Horne's children; the latest genealogical note records a death in 1885.

Three illustrated items were originally laid into the volume. Two are attributed to Elizabeth Heacock: a decorated version of her name and a pattern of colored shapes interlaced with love poetry. The third item is an artistic rendition of Thomas Horne's name, accompanied by illustrations of buildings and a ship.

The Lamb-Sykes family papers contain correspondence, financial and legal documents, daguerreotypes, and other materials related to the Philadelphia families' daily lives and business endeavors. The collection reflects their legal and mercantile affairs, investments, real estate, and involvement with the Mechanics Bank of Philadelphia.

The Lamb-Sykes family papers date from 1683 to 1947, with the bulk of the materials concentrated between 1819 and 1911. They form a record of the lives of the Lamb and Sykes families of Philadelphia, especially their financial, legal, and business activities. The collection includes approximately 300 letters; 9 linear feet of accounts, receipts, tax records, promissory notes, and legal documents; 60 account and expense books; 6 daguerreotypes; and 0.5 linear feet of school papers, family history, printed and ephemeral items, and other materials.

The Correspondence series is made up of approximately 300 letters to and from members of the Lamb, Sykes, and Norris families, between 1819 and 1907. Few writers sent more than a small number of letters to their family and friends. The correspondence reflects a variety of different activities and experiences, and many different geographical locations. Selected examples include:

• Six letters between the Carswells and the Jacksons. Andrew Jackson and his wife Rachel sent four letters to Margaret and Margaretta Carswell between 1819 and 1822; Margaretta and Andrew Jackson each wrote 1 letter in 1843. These letters refer to historical events, such as the Treaty of Doak's Stand (Rachel Jackson's letter of October 20, 1820). In 1843, Margaretta wrote to Andrew Jackson about her intention to create a school for girls. The former U.S. President commended her for her proposal, and promised to spread the word amongst his female relations.
• Five letters by Margaret Carswell, cousins, and siblings to Margaretta Lamb, from West Ely, Missouri, in the winter of 1837-1838
• Approximately 10 letters between Margaretta and her husband, written when Lemuel traveled to London in the late 1830s. In these letters they discussed business and domestic life in Philadelphia.
• Four letters written by Margaretta's daughter Margaret, during her travels to France and Germany in 1846
• Six letters to Margaretta Lamb from her (former) pupils in 1851
• Five letters by Margaretta's son Samuel, written from Panama, then San Francisco, in 1854. By the following year, he moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he wrote approximately 15 letters. In his letters from San Francisco, he described the quality of life in the West difficulties finding work, and the influx of people to the area.
• Approximately 21 letters by Lemuel Lamb, Jr., in the mid-late 1850s from Detroit, Michigan; Superior, Wisconsin; St. Louis, Missouri; Chattanooga, Tennessee; New Orleans; Dubuque, Iowa; Pittsburgh; Marshall, Texas; and others. In letters to his mother and father, he remarked on his journey west, a cholera outbreak, his own good health, and his business affairs.
• Twenty letters to Isaac Norris, Jr., from Jennie Carlile Boyd in Newport, Rhode Island, between April and July 1890. She wrote 15 of them on mourning stationery.
• Approximately 27 letters from Harriet Lamb, Charles [Grugan?], and [Anne Grugan?] about their stay in Paris in 1851 and detailing the final illness and death of Margaret Lamb.

The Documents and Financial Records series consists of approximately 9 linear feet of financial, legal, and land documents of the Lamb and Sykes family. The series includes documents related to court cases; estate administration records for Margaretta Lamb, Franklin Wharton, Sarah Moore, and others; documents related to land holdings in Philadelphia, New Jersey, Delaware, and Rhode Island; and papers related to trade, investment, and banking.

The Photographs series includes 6 cased daguerreotypes. One postmortem portrait of Harriet Lamb in her coffin is accompanied by Philadelphia photographer Marcus Root's receipt of sale and the undertaker's bill for funeral expenses (1853). The other daguerreotypes are undated portraits of unidentified individuals and groups.

The Poetry, Recipes, Lists, and Fragments series contains 9 poems and writing fragments, 1 medicinal recipe, 1 recipe for cream pie, 1 book of lists, and 1 blank book. One poem, dated 1850 and titled "Fools and Their Money Parted," laments a decision to provide money to family members for the purposes of investment. The medicinal recipe is a "Cure for Cancer, Erysypelas, Humours, Diseases of the Liver, & Coughs" (undated). The book of lists is a volume of approximately 80 pages, which contains lists of books, Christmas gifts, prints, the contents of trunks, and other household objects (ca. 1880s).

The Printed Materials series consists of 2 circulars, 2 books, 16 stock reports, 23 issues of the serial Infant's Magazine, 2 pamphlets, approximately 60 newspaper clippings, and 2 engravings. See the box and folder listing below for more information about these items.

The Genealogy series consists of approximately 45 genealogical manuscripts pertaining to the Lamb, Norris, Pepper, Sykes, and Wharton families. One document regards Lemuel Lamb's immediate family, with birth and death dates for most of his siblings, and for some of his brothers-in-law. The Norris family genealogical materials include a 395-page family album with original and copied 18th- and 19th-century correspondence, photos and illustrations, newspaper clippings, and other items. A booklet printed by the "Provincial Councilors of Pennsylvania" includes a history of the Norris family. A similar booklet, prepared for an October 19, 1947, family reunion, describes the genealogy of the "Pepper Clan." The Sykes family materials are made up of copies of letters and writings documenting the early history of the family and their emigration to America. The Wharton family items include copied letters and writings, and an incomplete draft of the memoirs of Robert Wharton.

The Realia series includes 2 circular medals from the Bulldog Club of America, 1924 and 1925, and a metal nameplate from the urn of "Isacco Norris," Dr. Isaac Norris, who died in Italy.

An unidentified tradesperson, possibly a cooper or blacksmith within the area of Washington County, Maine, kept this account book between 1818 and 1824. They document debts and credits with several members of the community. Customers' debts included services (mending rakes, pails, and tubs, making tubs, and making a delivery) as well as goods (flax seed, various grains, leather, churns, and tubs). The accounts also record credits, often in the form of bartered services and goods such as chopping acres, setting shoes, making a chisel, and hay and corn. One sheet of paper is laid into the volume, recording births and marriages in Nathaniel C. Kelly and Abigail Kelly's family.

An unidentified tradesperson, possibly a cooper or blacksmith within the area of Washington County, Maine, kept this account book between 1818 and 1824. They document debts and credits with several members of the community. Debts included services (mending rakes, pails, and tubs, making tubs, and making a delivery) as well as goods (flax seed, various grains, leather, churns, and tubs). The accounts also record credits, often in the form of bartered services and goods such as chopping acres, setting shoes, making a chisel, and hay and corn. One sheet of paper is laid into the volume, recording births and marriages in Nathaniel C. Kelly and Abigail Kelly's family.

The McViccar-Antes collection contains correspondence, financial records, legal documents, and other items related to the McViccar and Antes families of northern New York.

This collection contains correspondence, financial records, legal documents, and other items related to the McViccar and Antes families of northern New York.

The Correspondence series (168 items) contains 1 letterbook and 167 personal letters that members of the McViccar and Antes families received from 1802-1901; most letters are dated 1817-1845 and 1865-1894. The earliest items pertain to Elizabeth Todd McViccar of Cambridge, New York, and her sons, John and Peter. John McViccar received personal letters from acquaintances and family members, including his brothers-in-law, Palmer, Halsey, and Nathaniel Townsend. John McViccar also received a series of letters from his brother Peter, who described his journey from New York to Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia in 1821. Peter McViccar continued to write about life at the college until the mid-19th century. One of Peter's letters contains ink drawings of Mount Vernon, the United States Capitol, and government buildings in Washington, D.C. (December 22, 1821).

On September 4, 1832, John McViccar wrote to his brother Archibald about the death of his young daughter, Louisa. John T. McViccar wrote several letters to his parents, John and Rhoda McViccar, relating his experiences at school in the 1840s. Other correspondents mentioned subjects such as travel to the South and discussed political issues. Most items dated after 1850 are related to the Antes family of Cicero, New York. Harriet (or "Harriette") Fiske McViccar wrote to her cousin, Mary McViccar Antes, wife of Evert Antes, with news from Fayetteville, New York (September 16, 1856). M. M. Duncan, an acquaintance of Mary Antes, discussed her employment and aspects of domestic life.

John McViccar's letter book (approximately 66 pages) contains copies of his personal and professional letters, dated September 8, 1818-October 3, 1840. He commented on aspects of his daily life, his finances, and his business affairs. Some of the letters from 1823 concern Elizabeth McViccar's estate.

The Legal and Financial Documents and Invitations series (64 items) concerns members of the McViccar (earlier items) and Antes (later items) families. Financial records include wills, receipts, and indentures, many of which relate to land in Onondaga County, New York. Evert Antes received several preaching licenses in the late 1800s; the series also contains 2 marriage certificates. Later items include a military discharge for Paul J. Antes, who served with the 3rd New York Volunteers during the Spanish-American War.

The Genealogy, Poetry, Obituary, and Visiting Card series (12 items) includes a newspaper obituary for John McViccar, genealogical notes about the McViccar family, essays by Evert Antes, and a calling card.

Three Photographs are portraits of Nancy Barkly Antes Benedict: one is a carte-de-visite, one is a large card photograph, and one is a tintype.

The Nimrod and Thomas Clark family collection contains correspondence, legal documents, financial records, and other items related to the Clark family of Montgomery County, Georgia. Some items pertain to slave labor.

This collection (78 items) is made up of correspondence, legal and financial records, and other items related to the Clark family of Montgomery County, Georgia.

The Correspondence series contains 27 letters between members of the Clark and Purvis families. The first item is a 1-page letter that William S. Clark wrote to his father while serving with a military unit on Jekyll Island, Georgia, in January 1861. Margaret Clark also received a letter from a nephew about his life in Patroon, Texas, in April 1882, as well as letters from nieces and nephews about their lives in Seward, Georgia. The letters from 1885-1887 largely concern Thomas R. Clark's legal difficulties after he shot a member of the Troop family, an African American family who lived near the Clarks. His mother, who hoped that the case could be settled out of court, offered advice and later reported to relatives that the matter had cost him $60. Margaret and Thomas Clark also received letters from members of the Purvis family. The final item is a letter that Alma Clark wrote to Ellen Murray in April 1939.

The Legal Documents series (23 items) contains contracts and other documents related to the Clark family and to land in Georgia. Ten indentures and deeds are dated before 1853, mainly in Telfair County, Georgia; one includes a sketch of a plot of land in Wilkinson County, Georgia (June 20, 1807). Four items relate to African American laborers who worked for Nimrod Clark, including 2 receipts for the sale of a female slave (October 16, 1844, and October 10, 1853). Nimrod Clark and Mary Clark, a "freed laborer," made a contract in April 1866, and a judge apprenticed Caroline Clark, an 11-year-old African American girl, to Nimrod Clark in December 1866. Other items pertain to Georgia property and to Lewis P. Allard's discharge from the United States Army (June 9, 1865).

Financial Documents (17 items) include 3 Confederate war bonds (1862-1864), 13 receipts pertaining to members of the Clark family, and a small hand-bound volume with undated accounts and genealogical notes about members of the Clark family.

The Portraits and Photographs series (4 items) contains a drawn portrait of a soldier, a tintype print of a soldier, and two cartes-de-visite of Abraham Lincoln and his family.

The Ephemera series (7 items) includes 2 buttons from the "Dragoons Infantry" (1860), printed pages from a Bible class curriculum, and a school copybook.

This collection is made up of three letters from Great Lakes commercial shipowner, sailor, and farmer Richard O. Evans ("Orselas Evans") to his parents, giving them updates on his family and activities on Beaver Island and in Grand Traverse Bay area, Michigan, 1858-1859, and Peshtigo, Wisconsin, 1869. Orselas wrote about co-purchased ships, his time as a farm owner on Beaver Island, socio-political violence on Beaver Island around the 1858 spring elections, grief and family care on the death of his sister-in-law Harriet, logging and land ownership in Michigan and Wisconsin, and temperance. One page of genealogy accompanies the letters.

This collection is made up of three letters from Great Lakes commercial shipowner, sailor, and farmer Richard O. Evans ("Orselas Evans") to his parents, giving them updates on his family and activities on Beaver Island and in Grand Traverse Bay area, Michigan, 1858-1859, and Peshtigo, Wisconsin, 1869. Orselas wrote about co-purchased ships, his time as a farm owner on Beaver Island, socio-political violence on Beaver Island around the 1858 spring elections, grief and family care on the death of his sister-in-law Harriet, logging and land ownership in Michigan and Wisconsin, and temperance. One page of genealogy accompanies the letters.

The contents of the letters are as follows:

1858 October 25. Letter from Orselas Evans, Grand Traverse, to Thomas J. Evans and Mary E. Evans. 6 pages. Written on Orselas' 33rd birthday, giving updates on his brothers Marcius and George. Orselas sailed with George for much the summer, before George decided to take a canoe south to Grand Haven. Despite warnings from Marcius and Orselas, George did not stay along the shoreline and the last heard of him was his safe arrival at the Fox Islands (where George was apparently working as a fisherman at $20/month). Since his parents' last visit, Orselas moved to the Point near Mulletts Mill Stream and co-purchased a 12-ton vessel with Dr. Darwin Cushman. After about a month, he heard that the Mormons were driven off Beaver Island, so Orselas bought a small farm (40 acres) for $200--already cleared, fenced, and "in good Crops." Father Tyrell and George stayed on the island with Orselas and family over the winter. Despite putting great effort into farming, he found that very little would grow. Three acres of oats and 10 acres of meadow land were the only positive results, and so he became discouraged. He sold 20 acres to buy a 30-ton Schooner. Two sailing trips proved successful and so the family decided to move back to the Point. The Evanses moved to Beaver Harbor (about a mile from the farm).

The bulk of the October 25, 1858, letter is Orselas Evans' narrative of political and election strife on Beaver Island related to the spring elections. He informed his parents that he held multiple township offices, including Justice of the Peace, clerk, highway commissioner, school director, and undersheriff, and was "also a deadly enemy to Mormons and everything pertaing to Mormonism and as there was a number of old Mormons left upon the Island I had a good number of enimies and them too that were seeking to Get rid of me in some manner." As Town Clerk and on the Township Board, Orselas decided a question related to ballot counts in the spring election—that all ballots without a full name, i.e. "T. G. Evans instead of Thomas G. Evans," were to be discarded. In "doing this our party gained the election and I was nearly mobbed at the time." A Detroit lawyer was consulted, and it was determined that Orselas was correct in his decision. About a month later, one or more persons set fire to "a barn belonging to an old Mormon by the name of Camel," and Orselas with four others were arrested and brought before the magistrate. At the courthouse were "a large collection of Mormons Bogus Gentiles all my enimies and but few of Friends." Orselas wished for a trial, as he was innocent. The plaintiff had no evidence, and they were discharged.

And "then was the time I had ought to have smelt the cat and left but I am no coward in Such a place. I was speaking with the Justice Just outside the Door of the court room and the row commencd inside upon one of the others of my Party I went to the door ^to try to Get in to rescue him but the door was jamed full as well as the room inside with the cursed crew and determind ^to mob us in good earnest I did not wait long before my comrade (by Georges help) who happened to inside) got Clear and came headlong out of the door with ^a murderous villian close behind him with a bowie knife drawn to stab him. I stood ready and gave him a wipe one side of the head which laid him Sprauling and Gave my comrade time to Get away which did and the other three as fast as their legs could carry them. the moment I struck the villian one fellow drew a large Pistol from his Pocket and in his hurry only half cocked it and snapped it within six feet of my Breast the cap did not go or I should be now pening these lines to you two or three drawing revolvers at the same time ^I left and had not got many yards they fired two or three shots after me but none hit I kept secreted untill night when by the assistance of my friends I Got my Family on Board of my vessel and having a fair wind arrived in Grand Traverse on my old place by four Oclock the next day, after getting my Family settled comfortably I armed myself and vesel and started back determined to have war if they wanted war but when I got there the most of the damened vagabonds had absconded and the remainder were quiet enough so all I had to do was to pick up some Property I had left behind and sail back. I have been back a number of times since but No trouble I still own twenty acres of land there which I shall dispose of as soon as possible and that will probably end my Beaver Island adventures."

Orselas then informed his parents of the death of his sister-in-law "Harry" [i.e. Harriet Tyrell Evans] after a ten-day sickness. His brothers were so heartbroken that they asked Orselas to relate the event. Despite diligent care from Dr. Cushman, she had erysipelas which settled in her head and was so severe that it could not be helped. Lamented that Marcius and Harriet had just made plans for the future and had two "bright children." Orselas was deeply impacted, as on returning from a voyage found her already deceased and buried. Dr. Cushman said she was insensible and had no pain. On Marcius' and Harriet's children: "Marcius has Gave Selina out untill she arrives at the age of eighteen She has got a most exelent place seems quite contented Poor creature she is not old enough to realize her ^loss. Poor little Tyrrell Evans Marcius ^keeps him with him and would not Part with him for all chrisendom he is as fine a little manly fellow as I ever saw." Marcius will be staying with Orselas over the winter, has co-purchased a vessel with him, and will likely stay over the summer. Times are hard there and elsewhere but are improving. Hopes that his parents will utilize their services for moving, which will be "cheap as any other firm." Now has four girls and one boy, "all well plenty to eat."

1859 January 3. Letter from Orselas Evans, Grand Traverse Bay, to Thomas J. Evans and [Mary E. Evans], Austerlitz P.O., Plainfield, Michigan. 3 pages, plus a 1-page addition by Marcius Evans. 4 pages total. Orselas received their last communication. They brought in the New Year with good spirits, though he still had not heard from "prodigal Son George." If his parents haven't heard from George, Orselas expects that he is on Fox or Beaver Island—and also suspects that George may be there on account of his attraction to a "young female who bye the bye George use to stick pretty Close to when he lived with us." Wishes the best for his parents with their land speculation but cannot himself invest as he has "so many Irons in the fire." The vessel co-owned with Marcius needs $150-$200 worth of repairs, a dock needs to be built for $50-75, and road work will cost $25, not to mention the food and clothing of his family of three adults and five children. Marcius is partnering with him and the expectation is that the 30-ton vessel will be worth $450 and the finished dock $500. Next season's business is expected to be good as they expect a "rush of settlers" given the lands that came into the market last August. Mr. Hover built a sawmill on "the old Captain Mullets creek" and is now building a tannery and grist mill. This settlement has 19 families, all but four are squatters—who "are off the Indian reserve and have deeds of their lands – but we are all safe providing we have the money when these land shall come into market . . . this coming Spring." Mr. Barns who had been editor of the Grand River Enquirer is registrar of the land office at the head of West Bay, Traverse City. "I cannot imagine how could think that we could ever move out of Grand Traverse Why . . . it is by all adds the best and healthiest country in the western world . . . and for my part I shall look no further I am contented and perfectly satisfied." Is sending copies of the Grand Traverse Herald, now in its infancy but it will be a blessing. In the margin, Orselas gave his parents the names and the next birthdays of his children: Evelyn Emily (11 years old), Orselas (7 years old on February 6), Alice (5 years old on June 5), Adeline (3 years old on June 12), and Adelaide (1 year old on February 26).

Orselas addressed a page to his brother Thomas R. Evans, wishing him success with his occupation of "performing upon the violin and also in writing musick." Believes that with "steady Persevereance" he will become noted in the Science Art of musick." Hopes he will visit next spring and fall in love with the area. "People here are full of danceing and the time is not far distant when a good musician will make money here." Or, come visit this winter—he could travel with the mail carrier. Wishes to give one piece of advice as his older brother: "Taste not of intoxicating Drinks. My Dear Brother Experience that Greatest of School Teachers has Taught me to my sorrow the heavy Penalty that all who use Alchoholick drinks forfeit in the shape of lost energy loss of character Pains. misery in every form and shape. Oh my Brother Taste it not."

The final page of this letter was written by Marcius A. Evans to his parents, updating them on his children. Selina is with a family who are "very morral upright honest and industrious, and have but one Child which is an infant, and they are in good circumstances." "Tyrrell, I have engaged board with a Mrs. Hitchcock a fine motherly midle aged Lady, till spring" and then likely take him to his grandparents on the Evans side. Have you received any copies of the Grand Traverse Herald? "Father there is one thing that they are very much in want of in this country, that is a good edge tool maker, there is not a good axe in the country and a great quantity of timber to be disposed of."

1869 March 31. Letter from Richard O. Evans [i.e. Orselas Evans], Peshtigo, [Wisconsin], to Thomas J. Evans and [Mary E. Evans]. 3 pages. While he has been neglectful in correspondence, they think often of their parents and long to see them. Have had a very good winter for logging, which has made for "lively times." The logging season is over and preparations are being made for the spring. Has stayed at home over the winter on account of "Knoxys health" [i.e. Orselas' wife Clarissa Knox Tyrell Evans]. "Six weeks ago yesterday she gave birth to 10lb baby boy named U.S. Grant Evans." "this makes eleven children is it not time to stop." Evelyn taught the winter term at Cedar River, Michigan; they hope she will teach in the summer, but Orselas has secured her a position there so she can be close to home. Selina is attending school in Traverse City but will probably come home and stay. Marcius and Richard O. [Orselas] joined the "Good Templars." Praises the "great Giver of all good" for saving their children from "the destroyer," intoxicants. Marcius is going to Oconto when the ice is out, where he will work for the summer. They hear from New York every week and received clothing as a Christmas present—which could not be purchased in Wisconsin for less than $250. Gratitude for all they have done for Evelyn and wish to do for Alice. Hopes that brother Thomas too "will learn Wisdom and cast the Demon from him" [i.e. stop drinking alcoholic beverages].

A later sheet of paper is included with the collection, on which one of the Evans children wrote the birth and death dates of their parents Richard Orselas Evans and Clarissa K. Evans, the birth dates of seven of the Evans' children, and the marriage date of Eunice Evans (August 17, 1892).

This volume primarily contains information on the ancestors of Robert Leet Patterson, who included members of the Williams family, Herron family, Wilson family, and Baird family. Other entries pertain to the establishment of European colonies in North America, United States coinage, and the history of Derry, Ireland.

This volume (with enclosed items) contains information on the ancestors of Robert Leet Patterson, including members of the Williams, Herron, Wilson, and Baird families. Other entries pertain to the establishment of European colonies in North America, United States coinage, and the history of Derry, Ireland. The volume contains 468 numbered pages, but only around 110 are used. See the Detailed Box and Folder Listing for a table of contents.

The notebook includes extracts copied from historical and biographical publications, newspapers, and other sources. Most of the material pertains to family histories, including family trees, genealogical notes, and biographical sketches of members of the Patterson, Stockton, Williams, Herron, Huntington, Head, Wilson, Given, Nicholas, Chestnut, Leet, Anderson, Way, and Baird families. Other items pertain to European exploration and land claims in North America, early relationships between European powers and Native Americans, the history of the New Haven colony, differences between old and new dating systems, and the history and economic output of County Londonderry and the city of Derry, Ireland. One brief note concerns the establishment of Presbyterianism in Philadelphia. The volume also contains a list of the number and type of coins issued by the United States government every year from 1793-1883.

Materials enclosed in the volume include 9 newspaper clippings respecting the Highland Presbyterian Church's 1903 centennial celebrations; "Reports from Florida" in 1879; obituaries for members of the Patterson, Wilson, and Heron families, dated 1900-1909; 6 pages of genealogical notes, one of which is a fragment of a letter; and a draft letter responding to a family member's request for advice about purchasing a grocery store.

The Thomas and Daniel Osborn family papers contain correspondence and documents related to the ancestors and descendants of Yale graduate Daniel Osborn of Cutchogue, New York. The items primarily concern his son Thomas Osborn, a doctor in Riverhead, New York, and his grandson Thomas Gilbert Osborn, a Methodist Episcopal minister in New York and Connecticut. The materials pertain to family relationships and news, religion, property, family history, and other subjects.

The Thomas and Daniel Osborn family papers (81 items) contain correspondence and documents related to the ancestors and descendants of Yale graduate Daniel Osborn of Cutchogue, New York. The materials pertain to family relationships and news, religion, property, and family history, among other subjects.

The bulk of the collection is comprised of correspondence to and between members of the Osborn family, particularly Dr. Thomas Osborn of Riverhead, New York, and his son, minister Thomas Gilbert Osborn of Suffolk County, New York; Connecticut; and New York City. Dr. Thomas Osborn provided his son with family news from Riverhead, New York. Thomas Gilbert Osborn wrote about his experiences at a seminary in New York in 1841 and travel to the Azores on board a whaling vessel in the fall of 1842. Thomas G. Osborn later told his wife Jerusha of his father's failing health and funeral in the summer of 1849. Their letters also refer to finances, local news, and other aspects of everyday life. Thomas G. Osborn's incoming letters from acquaintances frequently pertain to the writers' religious beliefs.

The nine Tomas Gilbert Osborn diaries cover selected months between November 1, 1841, and April 6, 1844. At the time, he lived in Riverhead, New York, and his writings pertain to his educational and social life, employment, and health. He documented his efforts towards entering the law profession, including working with a lawyer in Riverhead, attending a semester at Harvard Law School, and reading legal texts. Othe educational and personal improvement efforts include notes on books read, reflections on historical and prominent figures, religious commentary, resolutions towards upright living, and involvement with the temperance movement.

Thomas G. Osborn's medical ailments are also featured heavily, primarily his ongoing bowel complaints and efforts to adjust his diet and lifestyle to recover his health. Medical notes, excerpts of medical texts, different advice and diets are covered in relation to dyspepsia and chronic diarrhea. In an effort to bolster his health, Osborn went on a mackerel fishing expedition, which he documents in detail, and joined a whaling voyage against his parents' wishes (see esp. entries beginning September 19, 1842). Capt. Rose [Jetur Rose?] was master of the vessel, apparently called Caroline. His entries about the expedition and his role as steward provide insight into labor, personal relations, illnesses, and diet onboard. A subsequent diary relates his and several crewmates' stay at a hospital at Faial, Azores, as they recovered from dysentery and other ailments, as well as an unpleasant sea voyage back to America. Several entries relate to the African American book during that homeward voyage, and sporadic mentions of African Americans can be found throughout the volume. Upon his return home, Osborn's journals turn more to documenting social visits, religious matters, and his entrance into preaching.

The collection includes several documents and ephemeral items. Three indentures concern Daniel Osborn's acquisition of land from 1737-1739, and 2 certificates pertain to claims registered by Samuel and Chatfield Osborn at a land office in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1838. Three medical lecture tickets (1804-1805) and a certificate (August 7, 1806) relate to Dr. Thomas Osborn's medical career, and fragments include an undated item with a lithograph portrait of George Washington surrounded by Civil War-era military paraphernalia and a brief poem.

A notebook contains recipes and instructions for medical treatments and additional notes and accounts, dated as early as 1797 and referring to events as late as 1874. A group of genealogical charts, copied letters, and notes (11 items total) provides information about members of the Fanning, Jagger, and Osborn families from the mid-17th to late 19th century. Two copies of a broadside regard the sale of items from Daniel H. Osborn's estate (March 5, 1867).