Finding aid for the Brewster family papers
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Title: |
Brewster family papers |
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Repository: |
Hudson Library & Historical Society
Phone: 330-653-6658
http://www.hudsonlibrary.org
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Creator: |
Brewster family |
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Dates: |
1796-1960 |
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Bulk dates: |
1796-1858 |
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Quantity: |
1 linear feet |
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Abstract: |
This collection contains the personal correspondences and business documents of the Anson Brewster family, as well as personal
correspondences of Dr. Israel Town and Lucy White Town. Anson's wife, Sally White Brewster, was the sister of Lucy White Town,
who married Hudson's first doctor, Israel Town.
Also included in this collection are six daguerreotype photographs, two journals, and the manuscript of a fictional account
of the Brewster family's life.
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Identification: |
MS B75 |
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Location: |
vault |
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Language: |
The records are in English |
Biography of Biography or History
Connecticut-born Anson Alvord Brewster (1807-1864) came to the Western Reserve with his family in 1823. They settled on a
farm in Ravenna, Ohio. Anson's father sent him to Washington, D. C. to learn the shopkeeping trade. Anson returned in 1827
and opened up a store on the corner of Aurora and Main Street in Hudson in 1839. Brewster's store at 5 Aurora Street and his
Gothic Mansion at 9 Aurora Street still stand today.
Anson Jr. married Sarah (Sally) White (1812-1889). Sally was the sister of Lucy White (1796-1867), who was married to Dr.
Israel Town, an early doctor in Hudson.
The Brewsters were dedicated Episcopalians and their time and money were essential to building Christ Church. Before the church
was built, services were held in the Brewster store.
Scope and Content
The Brewster family papers is comprised mainly of two sets of correspondence. The first set is the personal letters of Anson
Brewster, covering a period of time from 1811-1855. These are letters to and from family members along with some business
correspondence.
The second main set of letters are the Town-White letters, which span from 1818-1858. These are personal and family notes
including letters of courtship between Israel Town and Lucy White and letters to her family after their marriage.
The collection also includes original journals and photographs.
Statement of Arrangement
This collection is arranged into six series, as follows:
1) Miscellaneous documents
2) Journals and books
3) Photographs
4) Brewster letters
5) Brewster-Beebe letters
6) Town-White letters
Restrictions on Use
The collection is open for research use.
Restrictions on Access
The collection is open for research use.
Indexing Terms
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog.
Persons:
Brewster, Anson A. (Anson Alvord), 1807-1864
Brewster, Sarah White, 1812-1889
Town, Israel, 1791-1859
Town, Lucy White, 1796-1867
Family Names:
Brewster family.
Material Types:
Autograph albums.
Correspondence.
Journals (accounts)
Photographs.
Preferred Citation
[Box number, Folder number], Brewster family Papers, Hudson Library & Historical Society.
Acquisition Information
The collection was donated in 1974 by Miss D. Parsons (accession no. 74-1204)
Detailed Description of The Collection
Miscellaneous documents, etc., 1796-1926
Box 1 / Folder 1 / Piece 1
Recommendations for Anson Brewster (three items on one sheet): To Ichabod Brewster from Asa Deming, Wethersfield, Rocky Hill,
Mar. 7, 1796 re. Anson's apprenticeship. "To whom it may concern" I certify that Anson Brewster has served with me as a Clerk....has
been faithfull and in my belief perfectly honest, signed Asa Deming, Wethersfield, Rocky Hill, Jan. 23, 1797. Certification
of above by Wm. Hubbard, Colchester, State of Conn., Mar. 29, 1800., March 7, 1796, January 23, 1797, March 29, 1800
Box 1 / Folder 1 / Piece 2
Anson Brewster's list of books, Jan. 4, 1808. Noted on paper, "Moved into Mr. Switzer's house on 20th day of May 1813 agreed
to $120 for one year and longer if we can agree., January 4, 1808, May 20, 1813
Box 1 / Folder 1 / Piece 3
Discharge from Military Duty, 1810. (A.B. was Quarter Master of 19th Reg. in the 1st Brigade of the Conn. Militia) (Document
missing), 1810
Box 1 / Folder 1 / Piece 4
J. Morgan deed to Anson Brewster, property wort $2000. Signed Dec. 9, 1812. Recorded in Hartford, Dec. 19, 1812., December 9, 1812, December 19, 1812
Box 1 / Folder 1 / Piece 5
Receipt for note paid by Brewster to N. Morgan, $225, April 14, 1817. Also note of J. Merrows(?) to Morgan $50., April 12,
1817., April 12, 1817, April 14, 1817
Box 1 / Folder 1 / Piece 6
Bill for sale of Pocket Books (Simmons & Church), July 7, 1817
Box 1 / Folder 1 / Piece 7
List of articles sold by J. Church & E..S.. on tour to westward, 1817
Box 1 / Folder 1 / Piece 8
Ohio, Portage county, blank certificates for Wolf Bounties, 1820
Box 1 / Folder 1 / Piece 9
Signature of Anson A. Brewster, Raven(n)a, Ohio, 1822
Box 1 / Folder 1 / Piece 10
Leaf from diary of accounts, Mar.8-20, 18- (probably Anson A. Brewster's)mentions settling with Owen Brown; 82 deer skins
sold paid in Gin, etc. Looks interesting but difficult to decipher., March 8-20, 18--
Box 1 / Folder 1 / Piece 11
Thomas A. McCouley citizenship paper, Ravenna, O., signed by Geo. Kirkham, Clerk Feb. 21, 1838. Original & copy., February 21, 1838
Box 1 / Folder 1 / Piece 12
Clipping from Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 7, 1926, re. Brewster Scholarship at WRC, 1841, still being honored at WRU., 1841, July 7, 1926
Box 1 / Folder 1 / Piece 13
Program, WRC Commencement and Junior Exhibition, July 13, 1854
Box 1 / Folder 1 / Piece 14
Articles of Agreement made Oct. 5, 1857 between Anson A. Brewster and Socrates A. Thompson re. land in Territory of Minnesota
('true copy'), October 5, 1857
Box 1 / Folder 1 / Piece 15
Piece of program, Methodist Church, n.d., Miss Brewster's name among performers, undated
Box 1 / Folder 1 / Piece 16
Vital Statistics: a.Births; Sally White Brewster & partial list of her children. b.Deaths; Dr. Israel Town(e) & wife Lucy
White Town(e) & 2 sons, Edmund &Edward. c.Death; S.M. Buckingham (related to Brewster family), undated
Journals, books, etc., 1830-1960
Box 1 / Folder 2 / Piece 1
Sally White Brewster's "Common Book" resembles present day Autograph Book. Sally was Anson A. Brewster's wife. Date of
book 1830--, 1830--
Box 1 / Folder 2 / Piece 2
Anson Brewster's Journal for years 1839-1842 some pages missing., 1839-1842
Box 1 / Folder 3 / Piece 1
Mary Helen Brewster Wolcott (Sally & Anson A. Brewster's daughter), undated
Box 1 / Folder 3 / Piece 2
S.M. Wolcott (Mary Helen's husband), undated
Box 1 / Folder 3 / Piece 3
Anson A. Brewster, father of Miss Alice Brewster, one of many daughters (Item missing), undated
Box 1 / Folder 3 / Piece 4
Duncan Beebe husband of Ellen Brewster, father of Nellie Beebe (Item missing), undated
Box 1 / Folder 3 / Piece 5
Mrs. Jessie Beebe Hodge (2), sister of Nellie, undated
Box 1 / Folder 3 / Piece 6
Dr. Frank Hodge in his study, undated
Brewster Letters, 1811-1855
Box 1 / Folder 4 / Piece 1
To: Anson Brewster, Hartford, Conn. From: Dr. Ichabod Brewster, John's Island near Charle(s) town, S.C. June 23, 1811.
Ichabod's life as a doctor in the South. (Anson's brother), June 23, 1811
Box 1 / Folder 4 / Piece 2
To: Anson Brewster, Hartford, Conn. From: Dr. Ichabod Brewster, John's Island, S.C. Mar. 9, 1813. Mentions War of 1812.
Code at bottom of Letter., March 9, 1813
Box 1 / Folder 4 / Piece 3
To: Mrs. Aurelia Brewster, Hartford, Conn. From: Anson Brewster, Petersburg, Va. Nov. 5, 1813. On his way to settle Brother
Ichabod's estate, Ichabod died of fever. Doesn't think much of the countryside., November 5, 1813
Box 1 / Folder 4 / Piece 4
To: Mrs. Aurelia Brewster, Hartford, Conn. From: Anson Brewster, Charleston, S.C. Dec. 4, 1813. Saw Ichabod's grave.
Much stolen from estate., December 4, 1813
Box 1 / Folder 4 / Piece 5
To: Anson Brewster, St. Clairsville, O. From: James Church, Jr., Hartford, Conn. Jan. 6, 1818. Re. business transactions
and Ohio move., January 6, 1818
Box 1 / Folder 4 / Piece 6
To: Anson Brewster, Woodsfield, O. From: Charles Brewster, Craig Twp., Ind. ? Sept. 7, 1819. All about Chas. farm urges
Anson to come., September 7, 1819
Box 1 / Folder 4 / Piece 7
To: Anson Brewster, Woodsfield, O. From: Charles Brewster, Vevay, Indiana. Aug. 15, 1820. Chas. is moving on to Illinois,
thinks Anson should too., August 15, 1820
Box 1 / Folder 4 / Piece 8
To: Anson Brewster, Ravenna, O. From: Daniel O'Connor, Woodsfield, O. Mar. 27, 1821. Glad to hear of Anson's good fortune,
wishes he were there too., March 27, 1821
Box 1 / Folder 4 / Piece 9
To: Anson Brewster, Ravenna, O. From: Lot E. Brewster, New York. June 19, 1822. News of Lot's marriage to Eliza R. Hubley,
other family news (Lot, Anson's Bro.), June 19, 1822
Box 1 / Folder 4 / Piece 10
To: Mrs. Anson Brewster (Aurelia) From: Cynthia Alvord, Bolton. July 16, 1822. Mr. Storer brought news of his visit to
the Brewster's in Ravenna. (Cynthia Alvord is Aurelia Brewster's mother.) Mr. B. mentions visit in his Journal. (Original
document missing), July 16,1822
Box 1 / Folder 4 / Piece 11
To: Anson & Aurelia Brewster, Ravenna, O. From: Wm. & Harriet Deming (Harriet Aurelia's sister.) Washington, D.C. Re.
P.O. job. (two letters combined), July 8, 1823
Box 1 / Folder 4 / Piece 12
To: Anson Brewster, Ravenna, O. From: Sen. Benj. Ruggles, Washington, D.C. Jan. 10, 1825. Ruggles at present widower,
been married to Tirzah, Aurelia's sis., January 10, 1825
Box 1 / Folder 4 / Piece 13
To: Anson Brewster, Ravenna, O. From: Wm. Deming, Washington, Feb. 20, 1825. Re. Anson Alvord Brewster's apprenticeship
to merchant in Washington., February 20, 1825
Box 1 / Folder 4 / Piece 14
To: Anson, Aurelia & Family, Ravenna, O. From: Wm. Deming, Washington, Jan. 23, 1826. Re. Anson A.'s trip to Washington,
family news., January 23, 1826
Box 1 / Folder 4 / Piece 15
To: "Jr." Anson A. Brewster, Ravenna, O. From: Wm. Deming, Washington, Mar. 30, 1826. Family news; Details about A.A.'s
journey to Washington., March 30, 1826
Box 1 / Folder 4 / Piece 16
To: Anson Brewster, Ravenna, O. From: Lot E. Brewster, N.Y., Apr. 23, 1826. Family news & business news. Approves of
A.A. going in with Kent., April 23, 1826
Box 1 / Folder 4 / Piece 17
To: Anson Brewster, Ravenna, O. From: his sister Polly Buckingham, Colchester, Conn., May 11, 1826. News of the family.
Good wishes for the farm., May 11, 1826
Box 1 / Folder 4 / Piece 18
To: Anson Brewster, Ravenna, O. From: Polly Buckingham, Colchester, Conn. Oct. 25, 1827. Aurelia, Jr. in Conn. "Write
to father & mother.", October 25, 1827
Box 1 / Folder 4 / Piece 19
To: Anson Brewster, Ravenna, O. From: Benj. Ruggles, Senate Chamber, Jan. 11, 1828. Glad all are doing well, his daughters
are fine., January 11, 1828
Box 1 / Folder 4 / Piece 20
To: Anson Brewster, Ravenna, O. From: Wm. Deming, Washington, Apr. 21, 1828. Refers to Anson's complaint re. Post Ofiice,
Ravenna, O., April 21, 1828
Box 1 / Folder 4 / Piece 21
To: Anson Brewster, Ravenna, O. From: Martin Bishop, Zanesville, O. Aug. 8, 1828. Bishop has been in trying circumstances
for 3 yrs. Wants A.B. to write, August 8, 1828
Box 1 / Folder 4 / Piece 22
To: Sam G. Carver, Ravenna, O. From: Anson Brewster, Ravenna, O., Apr. 9, 1830. Indignant note, won't sell Prentis any
more corn, will sell to Carver., April 9, 1830
Box 1 / Folder 4 / Piece 23
To: Anson A. Brewster, Washington From: Anson Brewster, Ravenna, O. Jan. 11, 1831. Gossipy, wry letter, religion & masonry
mentioned., January 11, 1831
Box 1 / Folder 4 / Piece 24
To: Anson Brewster, Ravenna, O. From: C.J. Buckingham, N.Y. (Anson's nephew) Sorry his visit to Anson was so short; found
chart of Brewster family made by Uncle Lot and will send him one, wants vital statistics., July 11, 1839
Box 1 / Folder 4 / Piece 25
To: Anson Brewster, Ravenna, O. From: C.J. Buckingham, N.Y. July 31, 1841. Anson's father's death at 88. Expecting C.J.'s
brother Stephen from England, July 31, 1841
Box 1 / Folder 4 / Piece 26
To: Anson A. Brewster, Hudson, O. From: Saul Alvord, (Aurelia's nephew), Bolton. Nov. 4, 1842. Re. Saul Alvord, Sr.'s
death at 61 (Aurelia's brother)., November 4, 1842
Box 1 / Folder 4 / Piece 27
To: Anson Brewster, Esq. Portage County, O. From: HVS Alvord, (Aurelia's nephew) Bolton. June 9, 1843. Re. land deeds
re. Mr. Lyman & Harriet Deming & Brewster., June 9, 1843
Box 1 / Folder 4 / Piece 28
To: 'Sister' (Betsey White Coleman) From: Sally White Brewster, Hudson, O. Letter written, Jan. 14,17,19, 21, 23, 27,
29, 30, 1855. Mentions new daughter, news of her family including wedding of daughter Ellen to David Duncan Beebe on Christmas
Day., January 14-30, 1855
Brewster-Beebe Letters (Found behind chimney when Beebe House was renovated, 1948), January 17, 1884-July 26, 1884
Box 1 / Folder 5 / Piece 1
To: Nellie Brewster Beebe, Hudson. From: Aunt T. (?) Pontiac Mich. Jan. 17, 1884. Envelope with several letters & scraps
of paper & P.C. mostly illegible., January 17, 1884
Box 1 / Folder 5 / Piece 2
To: Nellie, Bessie & Jessie Beebe, Hudson, O. From: Wm. Brewster Beebe, Cleveland, O. July 26, 1884. Invitation to boat
ride & picnic., July 26, 1884
Town-White Letters, 1818-1858
Box 1 / Folder 6 / Piece 1
To: Lucy White, Granville, N.Y. From: Dr. Israel Town, Cleaveland, O. Nov. 2, 1818. Extolls the virtues of the area.
Wishes he had L. with him., November 2, 1818
Box 1 / Folder 6 / Piece 2
To: Lucy White, Granville, N.Y. From: Dr. Israel Town, Cleaveland, O. Apr. 15, 1819. Happy to at last get a letter.
Enjoys himself in C. Goes sailing on Sun., April 15, 1819
Box 1 / Folder 6 / Piece 3
To: Lucy White, Granville, N.Y. From: Dr. Israel Town, Batavia, N.Y. June 20, 1819. Loves L. dearly, wishes she'd write.
Will visit Granville in Fall., June 20, 1819
Box 1 / Folder 6 / Piece 4
To: Dr. Israel Town, Cleaveland, O. From: Lucy White, Granville, N.Y. Dec. 12, 1819. Didn't know I. was ill. L. ill
too. I. should write to her father re. their intended union. Her family doesn't know about it. Write soon., December 12, 1819
Box 1 / Folder 6 / Piece 5
To: Lucy White, Granville, N.Y. From: Dr. Israel Town, Cleaveland, O. Dec. 17, 1819. Feeling well, visited Canada, starting
Drug Store, will go to G. in Spring., December 17, 1819
Box 1 / Folder 6 / Piece 6
To: Dr. Israel Town, Cleaveland, O. From: Lucy White, Granville, N.Y. Mar. 13, 1820. Lucy's parents unwilling for the
'Union! Asks I. to write to them, may make a difference, otherwise she must give him up, very sad., March 13, 1820
Box 1 / Folder 6 / Piece 7
To: Lucy White, Granville, N.Y. From: Dr. Israel Town, Cleaveland, O. Apr. 28, 1820. Will write letter to parents. Will
see L. in July & bring her back to C., April 28, 1820
Box 1 / Folder 6 / Piece 8
To: Joseph White, Granville, N.Y. From: Dr. Israel Town, Cleaveland, O. Apr. 28, 1820. Asks for consent to marry L.,
can't be happy without her. Good prospects., April 28, 1820
Box 1 / Folder 6 / Piece 9
To: Dr. Israel Town, Cleaveland, O. From: Lucy White, Granville, N.Y. May 21-23, 1820. Answering both proposal letters,
father won't write but gives reluctant consent. Fears he will never see her again. Lucy very happy., May 21-23, 1820
Box 1 / Folder 6 / Piece 10
To: Mr. & Mrs. Joseph White, Granville, N.Y. From: Lucy White Town, Cleaveland, O. Aug. 23, 1820. L. happy with married
life. Tells about journey to Cleaveland. (Original letter very fragile, must have been passed around & read and reread.), August 23, 1820
Box 1 / Folder 6 / Piece 11
To: Mr. & Mrs. Joseph White, Granville, N.Y. From: Dr. I. Town, Cleaveland, O. Dec. 17, 1820. Lucy in fair health, wants
Betsy (sister) to visit. Rial T. men., December 17, 1820
Box 1 / Folder 6 / Piece 12
To: Betsy White, Granville, N.Y. From: Dr. I. Town, Cleaveland, O. Feb. 1, 1821. Domestic news, furniture came alright,
short note from Lucy, she's very happy., February 1, 1821
Box 1 / Folder 6 / Piece 13
To: Mrs. Betsy (White) Coleman, Fort Ann, N.Y. From: Lucy W. Town, Cleaveland, O. June 20, 1822. Lucy has been very ill.
Would like to see all members of the fam., June 20, 1822
Box 1 / Folder 6 / Piece 14
To: Mr. & Mrs. Joseph White, Granville, N.Y. From: Dr. I. Town, Hudson, O. Feb. 6, 1825. Should come see the Town's now
they have a family. Israel's father died. Note from Lucy mentions children Edmund & Mary. Still asking for a visit., February 6, 1825
Box 1 / Folder 6 / Piece 15
To: Mr. & Mrs. Joseph White, Granville, N.Y. From: Lucy W. Town, Hudson, O. Mar. 19, 1827. Will try & visit family.
Children go to school. Rial Town was married to Clarissa Thompson. Lucy is very pleasantly situated in Hudson., March 19, 1827
Box 1 / Folder 6 / Piece 16
To: Mr. & Mrs. J. White, N. Granville, N.Y. From: Lucy W. Town, Hudson, O. June 2, 1827. Towns are doing well but L.
hasn't seen parents in seven years. She will try visit them but will not bring children. Israel can't leave., June 2, 1827
Box 1 / Folder 6 / Piece 17
To: Sally White, Hudson, O. From: Morgan & Betsey Coleman, Fort Ann, N.Y. Feb. 20, 1831. (Morgan nephew - Betsey sister
of Sally) Family news, sounds as if the Sr. Whites are leaving Granville., February 20, 1831
Box 1 / Folder 6 / Piece 18
To: Sally White & Lucy W. Town, Hudson, O. From: Betsey W. Coleman, Fort Ann, N.Y. Aug. 7, 1831. Family news. Betsey
pleased Sally is going to school., August 7, 1831
Box 1 / Folder 6 / Piece 19
To: Sally White & Mary Town, Hudson, O. From: Lucy Coleman & Betsey Coleman, Fort Ann, N.Y. Jan. 6, 1832. Two letters
on one sheet. Lucy & Mary are cousins., January 6, 1832
Box 1 / Folder 6 / Piece 20
To: Lucy Town & Sally White, Hudson, O. From: Betsey Coleman, Fort Ann, N.Y. Jan. 8, 1832. Almost 2 yrs. since father
(Joseph White) died. Settling estate. Nothing in Granville now but father's grave., January 8, 1832
Box 1 / Folder 6 / Piece 21
Two letters on same stationary, letter addressed to Dr. I. Town, Hudson, O. To: L. Town & S. White From: Betsey Coleman,
Ft. Ann, N.Y. June 17, 1832. Why haven't they written? Mother about the same. To: Dr. Town, Lucy & Sally From: Brewster
Coleman, June 24, 1832. re. the estate of Father White. $28.62 a piece left for the heirs., June 17, 1832, June 24, 1832
Box 1 / Folder 6 / Piece 22
To: Brewster Coleman, Ft. Ann, N.Y. From: Dr. Israel Town, Hudson, O. Oct. 5, 1832. (addressed, Mother, Sister & Brother.)
Announcement of Sally's marriage to Anson A. Brewster. Description of wedding reception, assessment & description of Brewster,
(excellent). Would like Sally's household goods. Coleman's should move to Ohio., October 5, 1832
Box 1 / Folder 6 / Piece 23
To: Mrs. Brewster Coleman, Ft. Ann, N.Y. From: Lucy Town, Hudson, O. Jan. 31, 1833. Her health is poor, son Edward died.
Sally is happy. Note from Mary Town to her cousin, Lucy Coleman., January 31, 1833
Box 1 / Folder 6 / Piece 24
To: Mrs. Brewster Coleman, Ft. Ann, N.Y. From: Dr. Israel Town, Hudson, O. May 20, 1833. Letter of sympathy on B.'s husband's
death. Mother Town arrived., May 20, 1833
Box 1 / Folder 6 / Piece 25
To: Mary (Town) Murray, Cedar Rapids, Ia. From: Dr. & Mrs. Israel Town, May 12, 15, 1858. A.A. Brewster's son died. They
are living with the Murrays in Hudson. (Israel's writing very cramped, died in 1859). (Mary was their daughter), May 12-15, 1858