Skip to main content

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.

Dates

  • 1745-1914
  • Majority of material found within 1775 - 1862

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Unpublished materials authored or otherwise produced by the creator(s) of this collection are in the public domain.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

Gift of Maria Trumbull Dana, 1943.

Extent

0.5 Linear Feet (1 box)

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.0525

Abstract

Chiefly correspondence of the Wadsworth, Silliman, and Trumbull families. Of note in the eighteenth century correspondence is the exchange between Joseph Trumbull and Jeremiah Wadsworth concerning the business of the Commissary General during the American Revolution. Major correspondents in the later period are Faith Trumbull Wadsworth, Benjamin and Harriet Trumbull Silliman and their children. There is a long series of ninety-one letters (1806-1846) to Eliza Winthrop Sebor from Faith Trumbull Wadsworth and also a diary kept by her between 1803 and 1846. Another by John Noyes Wadsworth from 1790 to 1815 is largely made up of his financial accounts from Durham, Conn. and Genesee, New York. This volume was continued (1815-1835) by John's son, Wedworth. Also in the papers are miscellaneous legal and financial papers, clippings and memorabilia.

Biographical / Historical

For charts outlining the genealogical relations of the Wadsworth, Sillman, and Trumbull families, please consult theGenealogical Charts.

Title
Guide to the Wadsworth Family Papers
Status
Under Revision
Author
compiled by Staff of Manuscripts and Archives
Date
October 1982
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