LUCRETIA HOWE (POPE) UPHAM

1881 Diary of the Wealthy Wife of an Entrepreneur and Politician in Spencer, Massachusetts Who Wants for Nothing, Travels and Became Known As the “Oldest Person in Spencer”

Spencer, Massachusetts, New York City, New York, 1881. Softcover. On offer is a splendid 19th century diary, kept by a middle-aged woman born into the Massachusetts Pope family and married to a successful wool manufacturer and member of the Spencer, MA town council. Our author is Lucretia Howe Upham (nee Pope) (1824-1916). She was born to parents William and Eliza (Prince) Pope. In 1853, Lucretia married William Upham (1825-1882) and they resided in the Pope family mansion in Spencer. William was a highly successful wool manufacturer. He was a self-made businessman, finding success after being taken into the care of a family friend following his father’s death at age two. William Upham was a member of the Spencer town council for 24 years, until his unexpected death while on an excursion in California at age 57. He was also a respected philanthropist. Lucretia and William had no children but helped care for their nieces and nephews. Sadly, William would die only a few months after Lucretia concluded this diary, in June of 1882 of apoplexy. When Lucretia died in 1916 at the age of 92, the Boston Globe named her the “Oldest Person in Spencer”. While Lucretia lives in Spencer, she is often taking trips to New York City where she attends the theatre, shops and visits friends. She also takes day trips to Boston, Massasoit, Andover and Springfield. She spends a lot of her time attending and supporting her church. She is also a very involved aunt, often writing about her nieces and nephews, caring for their children, and caring for other members of her family and community. The diary entries are sometimes brief, sometimes in depth, but always newsy with reference mostly to Lucretia and William’s daily lives. It includes a lot of name-dropping of friends, family and associates in Massachusetts and New York. Obviously educated, Lucretia also comments on other events, including the attempted assassination of President James A. Garfield. In the memoranda section she has kept good notes on her expenses most months. Some excerpts give the flavour of the diary: “Word came J. W. J. Sick. Company postponed. Jenny sick all day. Give sulphur for cough. Great snow storm. Mr Upham goes to Boston. Jennie coming down with measles. Sleep on sofa” [Jan 21]. “Went to Worcester to buy a dress. So cold. Went only w Mrs. Tanis. Mr. Cruickshank’s lecture on Egypt and pyramids. Dr. Pennington married to Ms. Field” [Feb 2]. “Little Anna [Pope] spent the day. Pretty sick child. Held her most of the time. Took supper at Massasoit. Twenty six couples. Nice time. Postal from E. P. P. Mr. U brought me pin from New York” [Feb 11]. “Bought gloves and handkerchiefs and went after lunch to Newark. Took carriage. Called on the bride. Found her splendid. Called at Mr. Jones. Back to N York at six. Went to Madison Square Theatre in evening. “Hazel Kirke” Georgia Cayvan” [Feb 25, while on a trip to NYC]. “Left at half past nine for N York, saw much of the smash up near Baltimore. Train late. Mr Upham met me at Jersey City. Laurie Dennis called in the evening. Mr and Mrs Baldein called…” [March 10]. “President assassinated” [July 2]. “Gloomy day on account of anxiety for President” [July 3]. “Left for home on 11 o’clock train. Mrs. Shackford with us. Bessie Bateman, Aunt Eustus and Everett met us at East Brookfield. Found house locked. Key at Joseph’s. Mary gone to Worcester. Jennie came at noon sick with a cold. Made a fire in the damp house as soon as I could and Nellie gave bread” [Nov 9]. “Staid at home and cooked Christmas dinner. Joseph’s family here. Mary gone all day and night. Christmas cards…Fred and Cheryl, Mrs. Holder, Mrs. Champan, Mrs. Temple, Carrie Westin, Susan Brown, Mr. Hayes” [Dec 25]. This diary provides a terrific peek behind-the-curtain of upper class America in the late 19th century. It also gives excellent insight into the woman’s work completed by a wealthy childless woman who had the resources to delegate all tasks. As our diarist enjoys naming her friends and acquaintances, there is a lot of content in here for researchers of both Massachusetts and New York. A delightful diary. The diary measures approx 6x3 inches. It contains 183 pages plus memoranda. It is about 80% complete. The soft leather cover is in good condition as is the spine and all pages. The writing is legible. Overall VG. ; Manuscripts; 16mo 6" - 7" tall; 183 pages; Signed by Author. Very Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012261

Catalogue: 19th Century Diary

Keywords: Wealth Husband 19th Prominent

NEWELL MOULTON VARNEY

1885 Diary of a Maine Farmer, Ferrier and Carpenter Sick with a Respiratory Illness, Working Through the Pain, and Travelling West for Relief That Would Not Come

Maine, New England, Usa, Florida, 1885. Softcover. On offer is an outstanding chronicle of a year in the difficult life of a hardworking husband and father, coping with a debilitating lung illness while trying to keep things going for his family. The author of the diary is Newell Moulton Varney (1831-1888). Varney was born in Tamworth, New Hampshire and later moved to Sumner, Maine. He was the son of Rueben H. Varney and Sophia F (Moulton) Varney In 1856, he was married to Lydia Cushman Bonney (1831-1922) and they raised a family of nine children, though only eight survived infancy. Varney was a farmer, a farrier and a carpenter. He worked his farm, shod many many oxen and worked at constructing buildings and repairing equipment. Through it all, his health was failing. He suffered from lung disease terribly and that is likely what caused his early demise in 1888. Varney was active in his community and often attended town meetings and was a member of the Grange – a national farmers organization and secret society structured along the lines of the Masonic Order. Varney kept his diary every day from February 6, 1885 to December 31, 1885. Tipped into the diary is a letter dated May 1883 and some newspaper cut outs. Varney has noted his financial transactions from Feb to Dec of 1885 in detail at the back of the diary. There is also a funeral home receipt for one of Varney’s children, Lydia Jennie Heald, who died in 1965, indicating that this diary likely came from her estate. Varney’s diary depicts his lived experience in well-written detail: “Clarra Bonney died this morning. Lydia is over there staid all day the travelling is bad. I worked in the shop a little today” [Feb 12]. “I have felt nearly sick all day my lungs are feeling very bad hard work to breath the weather cleared off some time in the night and blew a gale froze up hard blew all day. I have tried to boil sap today but it is a slow job on account of the wind. I have got all of the sap into the pails tonight at ten o’clock. Cora and Jennie have been gone all day and have not got home yet the clock gone struck ten P. M. While I am writing W [ ] Robinson was here and took dinner today stoped two or three hours” [Apr 9]. “I sold my oxen today for one hundred and forty seven dollars to some men by the name of B{ ] went up to Bassetts and done 3/4 of a days work it is quite warm today two men [ ] here last night and their horse also the same men that bought the oxen I set one shoe on the oxen for them. I saw Asia Riokes up to Bassetts today” [Sept 4]. "Mat and wife were here today. I am nearly used up today. Been spitting blood all day. My lungs are very sore." [Nov 11]. “I carried the children to school and then went over to Ed Boukers and got 60 bricks that belonged to [ ] Ford built up the back of the sitting room chimney shod Charles Bonney’s horse and mended his wagon spring, Dr. Reid took dinner with us today” [Nov 25]. By December, his health had failed to the extent that he decided to travel south to see if the warmer climate would help him. His entries during the trip are detailed and paint a very vivid picture of his journey. He was not happy with what he found in the South. Some excerpts: “I am waiting for Mat to come and take me to the depot to take the 9 o'clock train to bear me away from home and friends and all that I hold dear on this earth, for the purpose of gaining my health in Florida, if it is God's will. My heart is sad & can't help the tears from streaming down my cheeks. Got started and got to Portland at eight. Went over to boat and got state room. Went to bed, but did not sleep. We started for Boston at night. Got soup and coffee and went up on Fulton St. And I was sick on the boat. Bisbee [who went with him] vomited some” [Dec 23]. “I am not well today. My lungs are feeling bad. Cough nearly as bad as when at home. My boarding place is a dirty place for a northern man. It will do for the southern element. The food is poor and half cooked at that. The tea and coffee muddy & the milk so thin that you could see through it is it was clean. I have travelled the city. Went all over to find a decent place within my means. Have found a room but have got to go out for my meals. I took my supper in a negro restaurant. It appears to be neat but the food is so different from home that it is hard work to eat it” [Dec 30]. He returned home. Three years later, Varney passed away of what was possibly tuberculosis. For a historian, especially one researching rural life in America in the late 19th century, this diary is an excellent window into that world. It is detailed and well-written. For a genealogist, it offers many references to local people in this small, closely-knit communityMeasuring 6x3.5 inches, this diary contains 365 pages. It is about 87% complete. The cover shows some wear but is in otherwise good condition as is the binding and spine. The pages are in good condition as well and the handwriting is quite legible. Overall G. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 365 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0011124

Catalogue: 19th Century Diary

Keywords: Fatherhood Farming

JOHN FRANKLIN WILD

1891 and 1897 Diaries of a Successful Indiana Entrepreneur, Banker, Husband and Father

Anderson, Indiana, Indianapolis. Softcover. On offer are two diaries of a successful American businessman written six years apart, in 1891 and 1897, following his life as an entrepreneur, husband and, eventually, father. What makes these diaries extra special are the newspaper articles and ephemera the author has included with some of his entries which relate and give context to the events about which he writes. The author of these diaries is John Franklin Wild (1861-1937) was an American entrepreneur and financier. He was born in Noblesville, Indiana, where he began his career partnering with his father, Leonard, and working at his dry goods store. John eventually opened his own dry goods store in Anderson, Indiana in 1884. In 1891, Wild became a banker in Anderson, creating a firm called Campbell, Wild & Co. In 1901, Wild moved to Indianapolis with the banking business and bought out Campbell’s interest. The bank became J. F. Wild & Co. The firm was prominent in the government and municipal bond trading markets. In 1891, Wild married Mary “Minnie” Hannah (1865-1947). Together, they had three children: John Jr, Frances and Forrey. At the end of their lives, John and Minnie moved to California to be near their daughter. The first 7 months of the 1891 diary deals with his work in his dry good business and the social events that occupy his life. “Arrived at store at 7: 35. Worked all day. Closed store at 6. Went to party at Music Hall took Mattie Chittenden Home and retire by 2: 30 AM…” [Jan 2, 1891] [NOTE: Attached to the entry is one of the many newspaper clippings he included in his diaries. This one details all of the guests at the party]. "Arrived at store at 6: 40. Worked all day store at 6. Back to store at 6: 45 and wrote until 8 then back home. Wrote letter to Minnie retired at 10: 00. Edd came at 10: 20 so I got up and chatted until 12 & then to bed . Weather cool" [Mar 6, 1891], [NOTE: Attached to this entry is a newspaper clipping entitled A BIG MERCANTILE DEAL – Mammoth Dry Goods Establishment of J. F. Wild Sold to Malott, Long & Co of Kokomo. This clipping describes the size and extent of his business and marks the change in business direction from dry goods merchant to bond trader / financier]. On Aug 3rd, he notes the sale of his stock: “Sold stock of my dry goods to Black & Thalman for $12,500…” [Aug 3, 1891]“In Chicago all day. At 8 P. M. Was married to Miss Minnie Hannah 89 Evergreen Ave. By Rev. Ziegler. Remained at Hannah’s all night. Retired at 1 A. M. ” [Sept 9, 1891]. The 1897 diary is equally packed with Wild’s notes about his daily life and accompanying ephemera. Some excerpts follow: “Anderson all day. Uptown all morning. Sold our house to Dr. Heath this morning. At home all afternoon. Took care of Frances while Minnie and John went to the “Sousa Band” concert. After supper went up to store. There until 11: 45 then home. Len and Lena at our house all night. Sleighing fine” [Jan 30, 1897]. “Up at 5: 50. Went to Anderson on 6: 35 A. M. Train. Went after horse and carriage. Drove back. Left Anderson 9: 15 A. M. Arrived Indianapolis 6 P. M. Stopped at Ingall’s 1 hour, fed. Lena and Mrs. Donner came down from Anderson today and are at our house. Lena, Mrs. Donner and Minnie went to theatre this evening to see Nat Goodwin in “An American Citizen. ” Home at 12. Retired at 12: 30” [Mar 17, 1897]. “Went to Lebanon on 7: 10 A. M. Train to examine W. Main St. Indianapolis before buying the bonds. At Lou’s for dinner. Home on 1: 49 P. M. Train. At office balance of morning. Minnie and I went to “Shrine” party at Scottish Rite Cathedral, 8: 30 to 11: 45 P. M. Then home” [May 7, 1897]. “Went to Tipton on 7 A. M. Train. Then Mr. Porter and I drove across to Windfall to examine property in regard to some street improvements. I went to Anderson on 3: 36 P. M. Train. At Anderson all evening until 9: 50 P. M. Train then home (collected some delinquent Anderson bonds). Lottie Wild came down from Noblesville this evening to see us in regard to working for us. Minnie employed her and she will come as soon as we return from Winona. We talked until train time. I went down to station with her and she went home on 12: 45 train. Then home and retired” [May 15, 1897]. “43 Woodruff Place Indianapolis Ind. Up at 7. Minnie’s “water broke” at 7: 30 A. M. I then telephone for Dr. Kimberlin who came right out. Made an examination and said Minnie would not be sick until afternoon or evening. Pains began to come regular at 2 P. M. At 3: 30 we telephoned Dr. And he came at once. A fine baby boy was born at 6: 58 P. M. Minnie got along very well. Rose Wisehan is nurse. Retired at 12: 30” [Sept 26, 1897]. As well as the multiple newspaper clippings that relate to his daily entries that Wild has included, other pieces of ephemera are ribbons from the Masonic Order (Scottish Rite) as well as a photocopy of a picture of Wild and an article detailing the sale of his bank building in 2008. For a historian, these two diaries paint a fine picture of the daily life of a quite successful businessman and financier. The newspaper clippings that are attached flesh out the social side of life in this mid-west state. For genealogists, the detailed lists of people who attended the various social events highlighted in the press provide and excellent source of information about people and relationships in that area a century ago. Both diaries have leather covers and measure 5.75x3.5 inches. They both have 365 pages and are both 100% complete. Overall G. ; Manuscripts; 24mo 5" - 6" tall. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012238

Catalogue: 19th Century Diary

ANNA L. WORTHINGTON

1882 European Travel Diary of an Upper Class Kentucky Woman Visiting England, France, Germany and Italy in the Lap of Luxury for Four Months

Europe, England, France, Germany, Italy, United States, 1882. Softcover. On offer is a fine private European travel journal kept by a rich young Kentucky woman who traveled extensively. The journal belonged to Anna L. Worthington. She was born in 1864 in Cincinnati, Ohio, and lived in Covington, Kentucky. Her father was Henry Worthington who was known as one of the foremost businessmen in Covington, amassing a large fortune in the tobacco industry. In 1886, Anna married in George Gatewood Hamilton (1861-1928) and had one daughter, Anna Roberta Hamilton (1888-1939). She passed away in 1895 at the young age of 30. George was also a successful businessman and land owner. He went on to remarry Allie Chilton after Anna’s death. The journal recounts a four-month trip she took throughout Europe when she was 18 years old. She travelled as part of a small group. The trip was extensive which reflected the very wealthy background she came from. Her travels included England, France, Germany and Italy and focused on historical locations and places known for their art and architecture. Her excerpts are long and newsy, written in a bouncy cursive hand. She kept her journal from May 1 through August 27, 1882. Some brief excerpts follow: “Went to Versailles with Madame, went on the Chemin de fer and came back on the tramway. We went immediately to the Castle de Versailles, which was built by Louis 14th for Mlle de la Valliere. He once heard her say to a courtier that the only one she loved was the King of the Sun…” [May 19]. “Left Pisa about 11: 40 for Rome. Very comfortable until we got to Chivioveccia [sic]. When we had to put up our windows because we were on the Campagna…” [June 6]. “Started for Frankfort at eleven, arrived at one. Went to see...the church where the emperors were crowned...Went to the Burying ground where Goethe’s mother is buried. Anna D, Will & I went to the stores…” [July 22]. “Went to the Crystal Palace, wanted to go to see Billy Taylor but we were “taken in’ & only saw a man cut a woman to pieces and a few other things equally ridiculous…” [August 4]. This diary provides terrific insight into the the state of both travel and major European cities in the late 19th century. For a social historian, this journal is a silent testament to the social structures in late 19th century America and how some women were able to enjoy a life experience much different than that experienced by the majority of women in the country. As such, it would also be a useful addition to any gender studies library. The journal is a soft-covered notebook containing 132 lined pages. The cover is leather and shows wear along the spine and on the corners. The pages are in good condition and the handwriting is quite legible. It is approximately 55% complete. Overall Good. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 132 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012259

Catalogue: 19th Century Diary

Keywords: Family Teenage Girls Teen Love