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Towner family papers

 Collection
Call Number: MS 500

Scope and Contents

These papers comprise materials belonging to the Tyler and Towner families. The majority are papers of Solomon Tyler relating to the sloop Lyon (or Lion) of Branford, Connecticut, and other vessels in which he had a share. In addition to the Lyon, other ships mentioned in the collection are the sloops Polly, Annay, Success, Prosperity, Speedwell, Hopewell, Dolphin, and the schooners Unity, Success, Phenix, and Dolphin. Among the Tyler family materials are early items from the Isaac Tyler family and legal and financial documents relating to ships. Solomon Tyler recorded his general business accounts (1789-1819) in the front of his account book, and those relating to the Lyon (1789-1800) in the back.

Also in the papers is a fragment of the Civil War diary, in the formed of a typed carbon, of John Edwin Towner, a descendant of Solomon Tyler.

A complete photostatic copy of the papers, including the account book, has been added to the collection.

Dates

  • 1743-1865

Creator

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Unpublished materials authored or otherwise produced by the creator(s) of this collection are in the public domain.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

Deposited by L. Eugene Towner, 1960. Final gift by Lester N. Towner, 1966.

Extent

1 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Catalog Record

A record for this collection is available in Orbis, the Yale University Library catalog

Persistent URL

https://hdl.handle.net/10079/fa/mssa.ms.0500

Abstract

Diary, account book, financial and legal papers, and photocopies of material relating to the Towner and Tyler families of Branford, Connecticut. Solomon and Isaac Tyler's shipping interests and John Edwin Towner's Civil War diary are significant materials in the collection.

Biographical / Historical

For a chart outlining the genealogical relations of the Tyler and Towner families, please consult the Genealogical Chart.

Title
Guide to the Towner Family Papers
Status
Under Revision
Author
compiled by Janet Elaine Gertz
Date
August 1981
Description rules
Finding Aid Created In Accordance With Manuscripts And Archives Processing Manual
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Part of the Manuscripts and Archives Repository

Contact:
Yale University Library
P.O. Box 208240
New Haven CT 06520-8240 US
(203) 432-1735
(203) 432-7441 (Fax)

Location

Sterling Memorial Library
Room 147
120 High Street
New Haven, CT 06511

Opening Hours