Collections

Newton family correspondence, last will and testament of William Newton, miscellaneous, and an essay on New York religious settlements.

The collection consists almost entirely of family correspondence, 1812-1924, and undated. The correspondence discusses news of family and friends, and social conditions in England. Later letters, 1902-1924, are to Fannie Newton from her parents, William and Emily J. Newton of Henrietta (New York), discussing the death of William’s son-in-law, Frank Hinds and other family news. A letter from G. Ambrose, a member of Company B, 85th Indiana Infantry discusses the hardships of being a Civil War Soldier, January 19, 1863. The last Will and Testament of William Newton, February 18, 1924 of Henrietta (N.Y.), miscellaneous, and an undated essay on New York religious settlements complete the collection. The will mentions William’s dead daughter, Martha N. Short, and living relatives, son-in-law, Richard B. Short, son, Harold C. Short, and daughters Carrie D. Hindis, Ella N. Mellers, and Alice N. Dewitt.

The papers include biographical materials, financial records, correspondence, legal documents, miscellaneous, poetry, sketches and drawings, and material relating to the Michigan Soldiers' Monument Association, William Austin Burt, and a company of Iowa Militia.

The collection included biographical materials, financial records, correspondence, legal documents, miscellaneous, poetry, sketches and drawings, and material related to the Michigan Soldiers’ Monument Association, William Austin Burt, and a company of Iowa Militia, 1839. The collection is organized chronologically and then by types of materials. The materials relating to William Austin Burt are filed at the end of the collection.

The collection documents several generations of the Parker family of Frankfort, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor, Michigan, focusing on N. A. and Dora B. Parker.

The collection documents the Parker family of Frankfort and Grand Rapids, Michigan, particularly captain and lawyer N.A. Parker, and his daughter, Dora B. Parker, later of Los Angeles, California. Most of the collection consists of various types of family photographs in a variety of media, correspondence, legal documents, genealogical materials, publications, verse and poetry, and other materials. Dora’s life and that of women of her period and education are documented by photographs of activities, such as biking and trips, travel journals, and by the Woman’s Lakeside Literary Club (Frankfort, Michigan), Annual Programs, 1896/1897, 1919/1920-1925/1926, of which she was a member. N.A. Parker’s life is documented mostly in photographs, notably in a fine photograph album of the Civil War, mostly of the 20th Michigan Infantry, with carte de visites of officers of the unit, and one composite image of President Lincoln. Many of the photographs are autographed or have annotations on them concerning the officer’s death. N.A. Parker is also documented in post-war GAR reunion materials and in family genealogical materials. Two published books were retained in the collection because of the additional materials and personal dedications in them to Dora. Copies are separately cataloged in the Clarke. Although Mary E. Parker’s obituary notes her early activities as a suffragette, there is no documentation of these activities or interests within the collection.

The collection includes mostly photocopied correspondence, court case testimony, articles, and biographical materials from various Strangite sources. A users copy is available to researchers.

The collection includes mostly photocopied correspondence, court case testimony, articles, and biographical materials from various Strangite sources. A users copy is available to researchers.

The papers include accounts, land papers, correspondence, miscellaneous, and printed materials.

The collection includes Arthur Bronson’s Accounts, 1817-1843 and undated; Land Papers, 1833-1844, for Illinois, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, New York (State) and Kings County, and Wisconsin; Legal Papers, 1828-1849; Correspondence, 1820-1848 and undated; Miscellaneous, 1825-1843 and undated; and Printed Materials, including maps, laws, land sale fliers and advertisements, etc., 1815-1867 and undated. Companies documented include the Peru Iron Company, Union Bank of New York, and the Ohio Life Insurance and Trust Company.

Some of Arthur’s papers are found in the collections of his father and brother, Isaac and Frederic Bronson, and in the Bronson Family Papers. Bronson papers housed at other institutions are available at the Clarke on 30 reels of positive microfilm (Micro. Mss. F-40). These include Arthur’s letters, 1825-1838?, 1815-1844 and accounts, 1823-1844 (reels 3-5); letters, 1822-1834 (reels 9-10); letters, 1838-1844 (reels 13-16); legal cases, undated (reel 19); letters, 1835-1836 (reel 22); and accounts, 1846-1865 (reel 23).

For additional letters of Anna Eliza (Bailey) Bronson, see the Bronson Family Papers finding aid.

Letters to Arthur Bronson may also be found in the Charles Butler Papers (3 reels of positive microfilm, Mss. Micro. F-79).

correspondence, papers, divorce decree, and sermons of Morris Brown.

The collection mainly consists of Brown’s correspondence to his future wife, Maria Smith, and cousin, Emoline M. Whitmore of Hamburg (New York). There are a few letters addressed to Brown from the ladies. The correspondence discusses Brown's legal work, family news, and daily life. Also included is the family correspondence of Eleanor Fitzgerald of New York (NY), which concentrates on the graduation of Eleanor and her sister, Irene, from Smith College in 1908. Other family members represented in the papers include her mother, Daisy, father, Frank T., brother, Gerald, and sister, Edith, as well as cousins, uncles, and aunts and Esleek family members. There are also two sets of divorce papers, 1878-1895, and sermons by an unknown author, 1815-1834.

The papers include biographical materials, legal and financial papers, correspondence, maps, ephemera, and diaries.

The John Ball Family Papers consist of legal and financial records, correspondence, essays, ephemera, and diaries, largely but not entirely dated after John Ball moved to Michigan. The topically grouped material is arranged alphabetically. The legal and financial records contain certificates allowing John Ball to practice law in New York. A large portion of the correspondence is between John, his wife, Mary, and their daughter, Lucy, which consists mainly of family affairs and travel to Europe, especially Switzerland and France (1869-1894). Earlier letters cover family matters and Michigan social conditions (after 1836). A letter of 1 March 1883 describes travel conditions and Indians at Fort Vancouver and a letter of 29 November 1838 expresses John Ball’s anti-abolitionists sentiments. The diaries written by John Ball tell about a trip to Lansingburgh (New York), 1878, and a trip to New York and New Hampshire, 1883. Mary Ball’s diaries describe traveling abroad, 1872, and her daily life in 1874.

Copies of several books on Ball are in Clarke, as are the papers of Ball and McKee. McKee’s diary of his student years in Massachusetts and Vermont are in the Bentley Historical Library.

A portrait of John Ball is housed in the Clarke as well. The note on the back reads as follows: “John Ball. Portrait painted while he was a student at Dartmouth. Ball became one of Michigan’s most famous pioneers. He was the first to teach west of the Mississippi.” The portrait is in a small, oval frame.

His papers consist mainly of his research and genealogical files on Native Americans, particularly those in Michigan, notably 350 files (copies) from the National Archives, and also include his client files, diaries, and other materials. Box 26 is closaed until 2030 re: donor agreement.

The collection is composed of his accumulated reference files, client files, and writing, as some personal materials.

The reference files include copies of Probate Court files, commonly referred to as “350 files” from the National Archives, which are used extensively to prove tribal genealogy, lineage, and membership. The 350 files are in the original order that they were given to Keller by researcher Guy Fringer in 1994. A listing, by Fringer, precedes the files in the box. Additional reference files, largely photocopies, follow the 350 files in alphabetical order and concern the Keweenaw Bay and L’Anse Native American communities. Box 8 of the collection consists of user copies of all the 350 files. These files total 8 boxes of various sizes (4.5 cubic ft.).

A tape recording of oral interviews with Norman Landosky and Ron Douglas on August 1995, was used to create the report, A Micro model of leadership among the Ojibwa of south east Michigan and their descendants, 58 p. [89 p.].

Keller’s Native [American Research] Files, as he referred to them, consist of 4 boxes (2 cubic ft.) of copies of information which are organized by state and by topic. They largely relate to Michigan tribes, their issues and heritage, and Native American casino issues in general, although a variety of Native American topics both historic and current are covered. Most of these materials were compiled between 2000 and 2007 from newspapers, magazines, and Internet articles. Two publications (copies) of note by Charles Cleland-Report of the 19th Century History of the Saginaw, Black River, and Swan Creek Chippewa, 1992, and Theodore Karamanski-Isabella Indian reservation: A History of Allotment and Saginaw Chippewa, 1870-1934, 2007, the latter created for the Michigan Attorney General, are found in Box 21. There are also some research materials related to Caro local and church history. There are also some research materials related to Caro local and church history.

Also related to both his research and Native Files are a number of large binders of materials including Michigan tribe allotments, rolls, and research, New York tribes, partial copies of topical books, and genealogical reference materials, 3 boxes (3 cubic ft.).

His client files, 3 boxes (1.5 cubic ft.) include notes, emails, correspondence for genealogy research he conducted for his clients, mostly Native American genealogy for individuals to attain tribal membership. Correspondence in Box 26 is closed until 2030.

Keller’s diaries, 1969-2007, and his biographical materials folder, 5.5 boxes (approximately 2.5 cubic ft.) provide background on his life and interests. He later annotated the diaries covering his years at Albion college, 1969-1972, and that is found in a binder in Box 26.

Processing Notes: Various and numerous financial records, miscellaneous notes, duplicates, blanks, and out of scope published materials were removed from the collection (3 cubic ft.). Additionally, with the original Acc#72362, approximately 15 cubic ft. of publications, mainly out of scope genealogical newsletters were originally donated to the Clarke. Following his wishes, some publications were cataloged separately at the Clarke, some were transferred to specific genealogical research institutions, and the rest were disposed of.

The papers include biographical materials, family correspondence, diaries, genealogical materials, civil war unit records, Woman's Relief Corps materials, Spanish American war letter, family photographs, and realia of the Hampton and Stark families.

The Hampton Stark Family Papers consists of five major series, the papers of the Hampton family, the papers of the Stark family, a collection of Miscellaneous Papers (documents which were included with this collection but do not relate to either family), Family Photographs, and the Realia acquired by the Hamptons and the Starks. The overall collection contains Civil War correspondence, documents and diaries; family records, journals, and correspondence, genealogical information, and newspaper clippings, which reflect family and military life during and after the Civil War.

The Hampton Family papers include the papers of Charles, Emma, Charles Jr., and Arthur, as well as the Brearleys, Harry, Rachel, and William. The most important items in the Charles Gardiner Hampton series are the Civil War diaries and documents. The diaries cover his early life at Brooks Collegiate Institute, his enlistment, early prison confinement and release, battles of Bull Run, Middleburg and Gettysburg, capture and imprisonment at Libby Prison and his return to civilian life. His enlistment and discharge papers, promotion certificates and a listing of rations issued to him for one month are included. The veterans affairs folder contains a handwritten copy of the speech delivered to civic groups about the flag incident in Libby Prison, a printed copy of the speech (abridged) delivered before a California veterans group, and photographs of Captain Hamp H. Todd who provided the celebrated flag. The documents relating to Hampton business activities contain a letterpress book of correspondence relating to the sale of cider presses. The letters and documents relating to Myron H. Knapp are included here because Knapp worked for Hampton at some point in time. The newspaper clippings include obituaries which provide a good overview of Hampton's life and career.

The Emma Stark Hampton series contains family items such as a guest book, autograph album, a journal of inspirational words, and diaries and writings about the Woman's Relief Corps (WRC). The diaries are interesting because, while fragmented and covering only brief periods of time, they reflect Emma Hampton’s view of the changing world and her changing personality in addition to her activities in the WRC. The items in the WRC folder are from various Corps publications and numerous writings, including those of Emma Hampton, which reflect the interests of the organization. A large number of photographs of the major leaders of the movement may be found with her photographs. Additional information about the Corps can be found in the Hampton family correspondence series. The newspaper clippings included provide an overview of her life and importance to her community.

The major items in the Charles Glazier Hampton, Jr. papers are the extensive, early "Report On Asbestos" compiled in 1923.

The Hampton Family Correspondence includes a large number of Civil War letters. An extensive amount of correspondence written by Charles G. Hampton from Cuba in 1899 (only a few months after the end of the Spanish American War) reflects living conditions and social customs, the hostility toward the Americans, and the withdrawal of the troops of the 31st Michigan and the 6th Ohio from the island. This series also contains letters relating to Charles Hampton's involvement with the Grand Army of the Republic and Emma Hampton's correspondence relating to the WRC. Of special note are the letters signed by Clara Barton in 1886, General Mosby in 1901, and Maria Young Dongall and Clarissa Young Spencer (daughters of Brigham Young) in 1909. The series is arranged chronologically,

The Arthur Stark Hampton papers include a poem, canceled checks and a small account book.

William H. Brearley papers include a diary about his experiences with Company E, 17th Michigan Volunteers in Tennessee and Washington, D.C., 1864 1865. (Most of his papers are in the Detroit Public Library.)

Please note that the spelling of the name Stark is in question throughout this collection. Family members, printed sources and documents use the name Starks and Stark indiscriminately, often when related to the same person. For the sake of simplicity, Stark has been selected for use in this finding aid.

The Stark Family Papers features extensive genealogical information dating back to the English family roots. A detailed family tree beginning in 1685 and continuing through 1935, found in the collection, is invaluable to understanding the family relationships documented in the Hampton Stark collection. Also included with this material is a Stark Family history written by Israel Stark and a second copy transcribed by Emma Stark Hampton.

The Civil War papers found in this collection includes the diary of Milo L. Stark written near Falmouth, Virginia in 1863, and the diary of his father, Israel Buell Stark, written near Washington after Milo’s death in 1864. Also included (in Oversized folder) are the clothing and equipment records, muster rolls and ordinance reports for Milo’s "A" Company, 140th New York Volunteers, 1862 1863.

The Stark Family Correspondence includes family letters exchanged primarily between Israel, Milo, Maurice and Emma and describe family, social matters, and the war.

Also included is the eulogy is for Maurice Stark, read by J. K. Batchelder at the dedication of a monument in 1901, marking the passage of General John Stark and his troops in 1777 while enroute to the Battle of Bennington.

Mary Stark Cook’s papers include her last will and testament and a letter written in Chinese without a translation. No explanation is available as to why it was located with this material.

Miscellaneous Papers include documents which do not seem to relate to either the Hampton or the Stark families but which were included with the collection. Included here are Civil War and personal documents of Michigan men which may have been acquired as part of a larger collection of materials, the bulk of which did relate to the Hampton Stark families. Most of the men were born in New York and discharged in Michigan. Relationships are unclear but the items have been retained with this collection in the hopes of establishing connections to members of either family at some time in the future. Most of the documents are discharge papers, equipment and inspection reports, pension certificates, land deeds, and marriage certificates. A number of documents relate to Walter Durkee and to Romanzo M. Buck, both of Paw Paw, Michigan.

Family photographs include numerous family portraits, photographs of the Hampton homes on Blaine Avenue and on Woodward Avenue in Detroit (interior and exterior shots for both locations), and family poses. Of special interest is the photo of an early dentist office in 1900. Portraits of members of various branches of the extended families are included. Most of the photographs are identified but few are dated. Tintypes, daguerreotypes, postcards, and early positive prints are included.

The Realia in the collection includes a wooden rattle made by Charles Hampton in Libby Prison, two printing blocks (one with the likeness of Emma Hampton and one of the Hampton house in Detroit), a metal address plate with "Lt. Col. C. G. Hampton Co. D. 15th N.Y. Cav. Detroit, Mich.", a piece of wood addressed to C. G. Hampton, Detroit with a U.S. Grant stamp, a delegate badge from the 1888 Woman's Relief Corps convention, and Confederate money.

Papers include mostly correspondence, some from Michigan politicians, autograph album, and a scrapbook. Also included are the papers of Wilber M. Brucker.

John P. Schuch’s papers, mostly correspondence from 1920 to 1951, are chronologically arranged. They document his work as sheriff, hotel owner, National Guardsman, Michigan Representative, and Michigan Senator. Of particular note are congratulatory and other letters from Michigan and national politicians, including: Michigan Governor Fred W. Green, Herbert Hoover (signed), and Franklin Roosevelt (signed), all from 1928, and two letters from Michigan Senator Arthur H. Vandenberg, from 1930. Three autograph albums; 1882-1890; a Scrapbook, 1918, 1926, (1 Oversized volume), of newspaper clippings documenting his campaigns for sheriff in 1922 and 1925; and miscellaneous items, including a partial typed transcription of the treaty of 1819; are also included.

There are two folders of scrapbook materials, mostly relating to Wilber M. Brucker, dating, 1920-1930s. Included are newspaper clippings, photographs, campaign brochures, Christmas cards from Bruckers to Schuch, and invitations.

Item-level index cards are available to assist researchers.