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Wadsworth family papers

 Collection
Call Number: MS 525
Scope and Contents

The major part of this collection is approximately 250 letters received and sent by members of the Wadsworth, Silliman, and Trumbull families between 1745 and 1862. Most of the eighteenth-century letters are from Joseph Trumbull to Jeremiah Wadsworth, concerning business of the Commissary General during the Revolution. The later correspondence consists mainly of letters by Daniel and Faith (Trumbull) Wadsworth to Benjamin and Harriet (Trumbull) Silliman and their children and to Miss Eliza W. Sebor of Middletown. This family correspondence deals mainly with such personal matters as illness, death, visits, and gossip. The letters are indivually catalogued.

Among other items in this collection is a small diary of Faith Trumbull Wadsworth (Mrs. Daniel), mainly religious musings and family nostalgia, 1803-1846. This diary is in two small books copied by Susan Forbes Silliman (Mrs. Benjamin II), a great-niece of Mrs. Wadsworth. The other volume is an account of John Noyes Wadsworth, 1758-1815, a cousin of Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth, begun in 1790 and continued after 1815 by John's son Wedworth until 1835. There are also notes, clippings, memorabilia, and legal and financial papers.

The Wadsworth Family papers were given to Yale University Library by Maria Trumbull Dana. There are related items in the Silliman Family papers and the John Trumbull papers.

Conditions Governing Access

The materials are open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Unpublished materials authored or otherwise produced by the creator(s) of this collection are in the public domain. There are no restrictions on use. Copyright status for other collection materials is unknown. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Maria Trumbull Dana, 1943.

Dates
1745-1914
Majority of material found within 1775 - 1862
Extent
0.5 Linear Feet (1 box)
Related Names
Wadsworth family
Language of Materials
English