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Edward K. Hitchcock family correspondence, 1837-1880 (majority within 1837-1853)

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Summary

Creator:
Hitchcock, Edward K., 1817-1909
Abstract:
This collection contains 63 letters written and received by members of the Hitchcock family of Strong, Maine, in the early 19th century. Edward K. Hitchcock received 40 letters from his parents and siblings, as well as 4 letters from cousins and other relatives, 12 from acquaintances, and 1 from the Maine Secretary of State. The collection also has 1 letter Edward wrote to his parents and 5 letters addressed to other members of the extended family. Edward's siblings and parents primarily provided news from Strong, Maine, in the 1830s and 1840s, and his other correspondents reported on financial matters.
Extent:
0.25 linear feet
Language:
English
Authors:
Collection processed and finding aid created by Bethany Anderson, 2008, and Meg Hixon, May 2012

Background

Scope and Content:

This collection is comprised of 63 letters written and received by members of the Hitchcock family of Strong, Maine, in the early 19th century. Edward K. Hitchcock received 40 letters from his parents and siblings, as well as 4 letters from cousins and other relatives, 12 from acquaintances, and 1 from the Maine Secretary of State. The collection also has 1 letter Edward wrote to his parents and 5 letters addressed to other members of the extended family. Edward's siblings and parents primarily provided news from Strong, Maine, in the 1830s and 1840s, and his other correspondents occasionally reported on financial matters.

Edward K. Hitchcock most frequently received letters from his parents, Benjamin and Vaeilette Hitchcock, and from his siblings, including Alfred, Eunice, Vaeilette, and Mary Hitchcock. They wrote to Edward at Kent's Hill, Maine, in 1837 and 1838; at Houlton, Maine, from 1840 to 1843; at Rouses Point, New York, between 1845 and 1847; and at Strong, Maine, after 1847. Most letters contain family and local news from Strong, such as reports of marriages or deaths, as well as updates on the family farm and on a local mill. Several writers mentioned members of the Ellsworth and Stanwood families. Some family members, particularly women, discussed their education. Edward's mother and, less frequently, his siblings expressed concern about his health and commented negatively on the effects of their separation. Edward's sister Eunice reported on her life in Boston, Massachusetts, and his brother Alfred wrote of Boston's clothing industry and of his business affairs there. Alfred and others remarked about courtship and relationships between their acquaintances. Most of Edward's non-familial correspondents discussed financial matters.

In addition to Edward K. Hitchcock's incoming correspondence, the collection holds 1 letter he wrote to his parents, sharing news and offering to assist the family with their financial troubles (December 6, 1843). Other letters include 3 Marcia A. Stinson wrote to her "Aunt Delano" (1853-1854), and 1 letter addressed to George W. Ellsworth from Mary Jane Delano (February 19, 1843). Also of interest are a letter Edward's siblings wrote concerning a recent trip to Boston (June 23, 1844); Alfred Hitchock's thoughts on the election of Zachary Taylor (December 4, 1848); and two partially printed letters from P. C. Johnson, Secretary of State for Maine, appointing Ephraim K. Hiscock "justice of the peace and quorum" for Franklin County and appointing Edward K. Hiscock [Hitchcock] "justice of the peace and quorum" for Somerset County (both dated May 15, 1845).

Biographical / Historical:

Edward K. Hitchcock (also spelled "Hiscock" and "Hescock") was born in Nobleboro, Maine, on August 28, 1817, the son of Benjamin Hitchcock (1788-1865) and Vaeilette (or Violet) Eastman Hitchcock (1792-1881). He had six siblings: Eunice Ann (1815-1886), Alfred M. (1819-1889), Vaeilette (or Violet) E. (1821-1859), Jane Ann (1823-1886), Mary E. (1826-1897), and Nancy Anna (b. 1828). The family moved to Strong, Maine, in 1822. After attending the Farmington Academy and Kents Hill Seminary, Edward worked as a civil engineer near Houlton, Maine and in Rouses Point, New York, before returning to Strong sometime after 1847. Upon his return, he opened a general store, which he operated until 1861, when he became a farmer and real estate dealer. He also served as a justice of the peace for Somerset County, Maine, after 1854. Hitchcock married Clarinda M. Towle of Avon, Maine, on February 14, 1854, and they had one son, Alfred (b. 1859). Edward K. Hitchcock died on January 19, 1909.

Acquisition Information:
2002. M-4243.10 .
Processing information:

Cataloging funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC). This collection has been processed according to minimal processing procedures and may be revised, expanded, or updated in the future.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged chronologically, with undated items placed at the end.

Rules or Conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Contents

Using These Materials

Info for Visitors

How to Request

Ordering Reproductions

Download PDF Finding Aid
RESTRICTIONS:

The collection is open for research.

USE & PERMISSIONS:

Copyright status is unknown

PREFERRED CITATION:

Edward K. Hitchcock Family Correspondence, William L. Clements Library, The University of Michigan