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The Earl family letters contain correspondence between members and friends of the Earl family in New York, Michigan, and Missouri, written during the latter half of the 19th century.

The Earl family letters contain correspondence between members and friends of the Earl family in New York, Michigan, and Missouri, written during the latter half of the 19th century. Most letters are addressed to Jane Layton before and after her marriage to Sanford Earl and have news about friends in New York and Michigan. One frequent correspondent, Ann Maria Adams, described life in rural Michigan. Several Earl family members wrote from Pembroke, New York, about family news and social activities. The collection also has three detailed letters that David E. Earl, a farmer in Avola, Missouri, wrote in 1874 and 1875. He discussed life in the rural Midwest, agricultural prices, and the effect of national politics on the local economy. An undated poem is entitled "Do they miss me at home."

Three Civil War diaries, a supply record book, and correspondence between Faxon and his wife and other members of the family concerning family affairs, the Rochester Colony (1851-1852), and a trip from Adrian to DuPlain township (1851), and description of Mount Clemens, Michigan, in 1849. In letters related to Faxon's Civil War service, he describes Camp Lyon, a boat trip to Cleveland, and the flooded Ohio River, a Washington's Birthday celebration, and the execution of a traitor. He tells of camp life and duties and of sickness in camp, of foraging and scouting parties, picket duty, skirmishing, and marches with the wagon trains. He shook hands with Lincoln and describes his appearance. Much of each letter is devoted to his religious activities and reflections. Also includes letters of Mary Stephenson Faxon describing her trip to Michigan before her marriage (1850) and a letter (1859) enlisting Faxon's aid in recruiting Methodist missionaries for work among Michigan Indians. Letter (Feb. 23, 1862) describes Washington's Birthday celebration. Correspondents include Edward F. Everest (Dec. 3, 1851), Theron James, and John Bromley. Diary entries describe William H. Howard speech (Jan. 27, 1864) and Abraham Lincoln White House reception (Apr. 1, 1864).