HOPE MILLER MATTHEWS
CAPTAIN JOHN M. LE CATO
LETTERS
INITIAL LETTERS
(reprinted in introduction)
letter from Matthews to Darby July 27 1981
reply from Le Cato
LETTERS REPRODUCED BELOW
letter from Matthews to Le Cato September 18, 1981
letter to Matthews October 20, 1981
letter to Le Cato December 30, 1981
letter to Matthews January 4, 1982
letter to Le Cato February 10, 1982
letter to Le Cato March 20, 1982
letter to Le Cato March 26, 1982
letter to Matthews April 14, 1982
letter to Le Cato April 17, 1982
letter to Le Cato August 27, 1982
letter to Le Cato September 15, 1982
letter to Le Cato December 6, 1982
letter to Le Cato January 24, 1983
letter to Le Cato February 13, 1983
letter to Le Cato March 7, 1983
letter to Le Cato April 19, 1983
letter to Le Cato May 21, 1983
letter to Le Cato September 20, 1983
letter to Le Cato October 3, 1983
letter to Le Cato October 7, 1983
letter to John White, National Museum of American History February 15, 1984
letter to Le Cato March 26, 1986
letter to Le Cato November 7, 1987
September 18, 1981
Mrs. W. Carey Matthews
703 Trinity Court
Evanston, Illinois 60201
Dear Mr. Le Cato,
Thank you for answering my letter regarding Ezra
Miller. Many never answer. I realize what research means
and the time it takes. At this moment I have 11 people seeking
help on various ancestors.
I am enclosing a few pages on Ezra which are now
part of our Miller-Alden-Clark-Cosbun genealogy. Many people have
helped and gone out of their way to secure information. One
example pertains to Ezra's only son, Philip (Charles Philip was his
full name). When I discovered that Ezra's grandson had gone to
Harvard, I wrote to the Archives at Harvard for all they had on Philip
Lee Miller but the Secretary added a note that Philips parents died the
same day. I then wrote to the library at New London, Conn since I
knew the wife of Charles Philip (Grace Rumrill) had relatives including
her brother, James, who had summer homes at New London. The
Librarian had no death records but she walked to the Historical Society
office and found a newspaper giving a long, "Obit" for Charles and
Grace Rumrill Miller. Will enclose a copy. James Rumrill's
wife was Anna Chapin, daughter of Chester W. Chapin, Pres. of the
Boston and Albany RR and James Rumrill was his son-in-law, became
VicePres. Chas/ Philip called his Summer Cottage (or rather a big
house). "Ironsides."
Some of the enclosed records will be retyped.
Please excuse errors and correct if you notice any. Do not return
unless corrected.
Two of Ezra's great grandsons, James Nathan Miller
and Charles Philip Miller are writers. I correspond with
Charles and he did not know he had Ezra for a great grandfather until I
gave him proof. He went to see his Aunt, Mary Brittan Miller
(granddaughter of Ezra) but she was failing mentally and could
not remember that Ezra was her grandfather. Ezra was at least 51
when he married and was dead long before his grandchildren were
born. However, the NY Times had a long "Obit" for Mary Brittan
Miller who became a writer when she was 60. I own 2 of her books
and they are extremely interesting. She wrote under the name of
Isabel Botton.
Evidently the creative talent in Ezra was passed on to descendants.
Mrs. Beulah Glover of Walterboro sent me xerox records from her
book showing Ezra and his activities before coming to Charleston.
Somewhere, there is a record of Ezra's death. The Cemetery in
Brooklyn has not answered but I'll keep trying. (answered 9-30-81)
I saw the "Charleston Mercury" from 1-1-47 thru 6-30-47 and hope to view the balance on microfilm soon.
Hope I have not bored you too much.
Sincerely,
Hope M. Matthews
P. S. Please send 4 references to Ezra in Samuel Derrick's "Centennial
etc." and description of the E. L. Miller. I'll mail a check.
Additions and Corrections to E. H. T. Miller's records (sent Sept. 1983 to Ann Potter by Charles Wesley Pflaum of Dale, NY).
Mary Brittan, wife of Ezra Miller, born Elizabeth, NJ 1810 (not
about 1804) died Jan 27, 1872 NYC. buried Jan 30, 1872, Hillside. NJ in
Evergreen Cem.
My family records say Ezra had 5 children (only 1 lived to maturity and left descendants) Charles Philip born 15 Nov, 1845
Charles and wife, Rebecca (Rumrill) dies same day, Aug. 19, 1887 per NY Times and New London Conn "Telegram"
Charles died A. M. and Grace at 2:30 P. M. Their sons: Charles
Philip and James Nathan, both writers, 1983 for various magazines
including Reader's Digest.
Records of E.H.T. Miller gives to Chas. W. Pflaum, Prof. at Uni of
Rochester, in 1962 to edit and publish and it has never been
done. A nephew of E. H. T. Miller (E.H.T. Carver of
Scottsville, NY owned them). Pflaum has promised to give the
records to the Univ. of Rochester which has fine facilities for
preserving M.S.S.
P.S. Have just read Douglas Waitley's new book "Age of the Mad Dragons"
giving a history of the steam locomotives. Ezra Miller or "The
Best Friend" are not mentioned and he claims the Tom Thumb which ran in
Sept. 18, 1830 on the B&O from Baltimore to Ellicott's Mills (13
miles) was the nation's first American made locomotive. If he is
right then the records I have collected are wrong. Hope you can
solve this.
H. M. Matthews
20 October, 1981
Dear Mrs. Matthews:
Between keeping up a personal life, doing research
for various people and dealing with railway historical affairs, I have
not been able to pursue the references to Mr. Miller as completely as I
would have wished. I am enclosing some excerpts from Professor
Derrick's book which I hope will be useful.
I received your letter and the various
enclosures. Mr. White of the Smithsonian is certainly one of the
most knowledgeable men in the field of railroad history and I am glad
to see that you have established a relationship with him.
Actually, you have contributed more to our museum
than we have been able to give you and I am setting up a file on Mr..
Miller which should benefit future researchers.
The first patent issued in the United States
numbered series was for a device to improve locomotive traction.
I presume that was the one you referred to.
The "Catalogue of the Centennial Exhibition of the
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad" (1927) lists, under Railroad Development
Pictures, 1831-1927 "105, E. L. Miller The second
locomotive built by M. W. Baldwin. Built for Charleston and
Hamburg Railroad. Six wheeled, single pair of drivers, swiveling
truck, horizontal boiler, haystack or Bury fire box. Shown on
fishbelly rails.
I attended this exhibition when I was a small boy,
which partially accounts for my long fascination with railroads.
I will continue my research here as time permits and
hope to hear that you efforts will be rewarded with a complete
biography of this notable man.
Yours as always.
John Le Cato
December 30, 1981
Dear Captain Jim,
I followed your suggestion and wrote top have an
inquiry regarding the place and death data of Ezra L (probably stands
for Lee) Miller in 1847 or possibly 1848, inserted in the
magazine, "Trains." I offered to pay in advance as soon as I knew
the amount to send. No answer and I wrote Nov 9th.
I, also, wrote to Mr. Al Langley N. Augusta, SC same
day and enclosed a stamped self-addressed envelope. No answer.
Had a wonderful letter from John H. White Jr.
answering my letter regarding a new book by Douglas Waitley who claims
the Tom Thumb was the 1st Steam Locomotive built in the US.
Enclosing his (Mr. White) reply and his article on "Pot Boilers."
I am stuck and do not know where to search for
Ezra's death. The Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY (covers 438A)
never will search its records unless you can give the date of death or
within 2 weeks of it, but this time the superintendent searched
all of their records and Ezra is not buried there. I hope to go
up to Newberry Lib. soon and if it has the NY Times for 1847 (after
Apr.) I'll search.
I love the picture you sent showing the "Best
Friend" taking the stockholders for a ride. Would it be possible
to secure a good copy of this picture? I would be happy to pay
you. I would love to frame it.
Thanks for all your interest. Happy New Year.
Sincerely,
Hope M. Matthews
January 4, 1982
Dear Mrs. Matthews:
Sorry to hear that your research into the exact time
and place of Mr. Miller's death is running into so many snags. I
am still trying to stir up something here, but most historians only
refer me to "The Centennial History" which I have already
covered. Well, I will keep trying.
You mentioned wanting a large copy of the picture of
the "Best Friend" with the stockholders. I am not quite sure just
what I sent, was it the black and white photo reproduction from
"Centennial History" or something else? In any case, let me know
for sure and also what size you want. Of course, the price
increases rapidly for larger prints, so it might be well to check with
a local shop to get a general idea what a print of the size you want
would cost.
I don't believe I ever sent you a print of the
painting I made for a Charleston restaurant. If not, please keep
it with my compliments. The restaurant caters to families with
children and I tried to show some of the native birds and beasts that
the train would have stirred up here in the Low Country. That too
could be copies in a larger size if you wish.
All best wishes for the New Year and I hope that it will bring a successful end to your long search.
Very sincerely yours.
John Le Cato
February 10, 1982
Dear Captain,
Guess I never thanked you for your painting of "The
Best Friend." I have been swamped with inquiries about many of my
ancestors and I cannot turn them down.
Please send me a larger size of your painting and
I'll mail a check. I;ll leave it to you but possibly one about 6
1/2 X 8" would show your train better. The shop here which does
fine work is miles away and with our present weather I am still staying
home.
The other picture of Bets Friend was from Wm H.
Brown's First Locomotives in America, pub. 1871, showing the
Stockholder's Excursion Jan. 15, 1831 but the picture was in the
"Centennial History of SC Railroad" by S. M. Derrick, pub. 1930
Columbia, SC. The State Co. It measures about 7X2 inches. A
little larger would be better. No hurry but would like to frame
it and your painting along with 2 which I received this week from John
H. White, Jr. with his "compliments." He sent photo's of the
original drawing and the reproduction made by the Smithsonian.
Thank you for all your interest. I have sent
for the list of all newspapers being published in 1846 to 1848 in the
New England and mid-West States. Then I will search for an
obituary for Ezra L. (Lee?) Miller. I think he met with sudden
death (accident or illness) while away from his Brooklyn Home.
I'm a stubborn person and hate to give up.
Sincerely,
Hope Miller Matthews
P. S. The first article in Reader's Digest for January 1982 is by James
Nathan Miller, great grandson of Ezra. Charles R. Miller brother
of James also writes for the Digest, and Ezra's great granddaughter,
Mary Brittan Miller became a novelist at age 63. NY Times had a long
"Obit" for her on Apr. 4, 1975. I own 2 of her novels and they
are fascinating. She also wrote poetry under a nom de plume,
Isabel Botton.
March 20, 1982
Dear Mr. Le Cato-
The lovely picture you painted of The Best Friend
came today and very soon it will be framed. Also the interesting
pictures from The Southern's Picture Album. These will help to
overcome the disappointment I received last week when I received a copy
of "Transportation and the Early Nation" containing the papers
presented at an Indiana American Revolution Bicentennial Symposium held
Apr. 24-26, 1981 at the Allen Co.-Ft. Wayne Historical Society Museum
at Ft. Wayne. If you have it then on pp. 135-156 John F. Stover,
Emeritus History Professor at Purdue Uni gave a talk on Iron Roads in
the Old NW:The Railroads and the Growing Nation. When he said the
regular rail service was introduced by the B&O and started on July
4, 1828 and thus predated by 6 mo the first service of the Best Friend
of Charleston on Christmas Day, 1830 and by more than a year the first
steam train in NY State, pulled by the DeWitt Clinton, I was
disappointed to say the least. I had received a letter from Dr.
Stover regarding the first railroad in Ind sometimes ago and had told
him that "The Best Friend" was the first Steam Locomotive built in the
US to carry US Mail and passengers, as John H. White, Jr. had told this
to me. Poor old "Best Friend." Is she to be relegated to
2nd or 3rd place?
I'm enclosing a check for $5.00 which may not be
enough to cover postage and cost of picture. Please let me know
and I will send the additional.
Thank you so much,
Sincerely
Hope Miller Matthews
P.S. The new FTC head is James Miller III and I feel sure he is a great
grandson of Ezra Miller. If you ever hear the name of his wife
then I'll know for sure. She would be Anne Tudor Gilbert.
He and Ann had a son, James III who graduated 1962 from Harvard
Graduate School of Business and a Dr's Degree from MIT in 1965 or
66. Its been interesting to follow Ezra's descendants as many
have shown creative abilities. A granddaughter, Mary Brittan or
Britton Miller, a poet became a novelist when age 60 and her "Obit" in
NY Times, Apr. 4, 1975 (91 yrs old) was a long one. 2 great
grandsons, Charles Phillip and James Nathan often have articles in
various magazines, including Reader's Digest. Historians used to
laugh at Genealogists but no more as Genealogy is a History of people
and Historians, Sociologists, etc. learn a lot-why people moved, their
occupations, religions, etc. etc. Guess you are dizzy by now.
March 26, 1982
Dear Captain-
Our letters crossed and I see I owe you $1.00 for
postage on your "Best Friend" painting. Enclosed is $1.00 and
thank you.
Long ago I asked Congress to send a xerox of "BF"
shown in Brown's "History of the First Locomotive" opposite p 146 as
what you sent was not a good xerox. Yesterday an answer
came. The book is in the Rare Book Collection and the picture is
oversize (whatever that means) a photo copy has to be made thru their
Duplication Service. An estimate was enclosed which seems awfully
high; 24.00 for an 8x10 inch or $14.50 for large photo direct
print. Both included postage.
When you have a free minute let me know if your copy
of BF in Brown's book is clear enough to have a copy made and what the
charge would be . I cannot afford the charges of Congress and if
your place charges about the same I'll have to forget it.
Our Newberry Library opens in May and I hope to
spend a day there to look at Brooklyn Newspapers 1846-48, hoping an
"Obit" is given for Ezra Miller.
Even if he died elsewhere his wife lived there or
NYC until she died Jan 27, 1872 so I would assume Ezra's death would
have been mentioned in those papers.
Sincerely,
Hope Miller Matthews
P.S. David P. Morgan, Editor of "Trains" wrote in January that he was
placing a small excerpt from my letter (re Ezra Miller) to be placed in
"Railroad Post Office" letters column and pass on to me any information
elicited. Evidently nothing was received. If the
Newspapers give nothing, I'm thru hunting for Ezra's death.
James Miller III, now Chairman Federal Trade
Commission, I am sure is a great grandson of Ezra. Ezra had 1 son,
Charles Philip, who had 2 sons, Philip Lee and James Rumrill Miller b.
13 Mar.1880 NYC;m. 9 Oct.1907 Springfield, Mass. Marjorie Helen Coats
& their only child, James Rumrill Miller b. 10 Apr. 1909, Princeton
Graduate 1959 and Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration
1962, Doctor's Degree Mass. I.T. 1965, probably married Ann Tudor
Gilbert as their engagement was announced 22 Jan. 1965. If you
ever see the name of James III's wife as "Ann" we'll be sure James
Miller III is Ezra's great grandson. Ezra's IQ was passed on
evidently as 2 great grandsons today are writers and a great
granddaughter, Mary Britton Miller, a poet and novelist, died in NYC in
1978.
24 Gadsden Street
Charleston, SC 29401
14 April 1982
Dear Mrs. Miller:
I have just about decided that a good reproduction of the picture of the Best Friend
and the stockholders requires much more elaborate equipment than I
possess. Unfortunately, I am starting with a not too clear
reproduction of the picture that originally appeared in the Brown
book. I have only seen one copy of the Brown book for sale and
that one had the picture missing. The dealer was asking
seventy-five dollars until I pointed out to him that the book was not
complete. Anyway, here is my best effort, so far, along with a 35
mm. slide which you may have someone in Evanston reproduce for you.
It is too
bad that our correspondence has been so unrewarding for you, as I have
learned a great deal from it. I am still working on a project for
Mr. White of the Smithsonian and you may be sure that anything of
interest to you will be carefully noted and passed along. I wrote
a greatly condensed account of Ezra Miller's work for our local
railroad club publication which is, incidentally called, "The Best
Friend." I am enclosing a copy. Our little paper goes to
railroad historians all over the country, so we may yet turn up
something.
I received the
extra payment for postage, for which I thank you. Please let me
know if your research bears further fruit.
Sincerely,
John M. Le Cato
April 17, 1982
Dear Mr. Le Cato,
Thank you for the news on Ezra but in your
article you are wrong about Ezra's death in 1845. If I ever gave
you that date I was asleep. The Brooklyn NY Directories give the
following:
1840 - 1 Ezra l. Miller, Willow St. near Orange.
1841 - 2 Ezra L. Miller, 91 Clark St.
1842 - 7 Ezra Miller, 89 Clark St.
1847 - 8 Ezra L. Miller, 89 Clark St.
1847 - 8 Ezra Miller was alive as the
Directories were distributed in June and probably printed in April
or May and the information secured before then. The last
letter I have from Ezra to my great grandfather, Horace Allen Miller is
dated Brooklyn Sept. 29, 1844. He was in Brooklyn July 7, 1846
when his Patent for Warming Bldgs. with Steam was issued (Vol. 2, No. 2
Scientific America, Oct. 3, 1846).
The 1850 Census for Brooklyn shows Mary B.
(Brittan or Britton) Miller, age 40, head of her household, b. NJ with
Mary 11, and Charles, 5 (both children b. NY). Mary, widow of
Ezra d. Jan 27, 1872 buried Jan. 30, 1872 near Elisabeth, NJ inn
Hillside Cem. with her parents and many of her relatives but Ezra is
not there. Ezra and Mary's only son, Charles Phillip b. 15
Nov. 1845; at Brooklyn per his Civil War Records in Nat'l Archives; a
lawyer, graduate of Columbia Uni. Law School, married 19 Sept. 1874
Springfield, Mass. Grace Rumrill, whose brother, James A. Rumrill
married Anna Chapin, daughter of Chester Chapin, Pres. of the Boston
and Albany RR. James became Vice-President of the Road, no doubt after
he married Anna Chapin in 1861, the year James Augustus Chapin
graduated from Howard Law School. It's interesting how
Ezra's son. Phillip, became related to the railroad Chapin.
Phillip named his summer cottage at New London. Conn., "Ironsides."
I am sending to NY for a Court Search to see
if Ezra left a Will or died Interstate. It will cost $15.00 but
worth it if it ends my search for Ezra's death. Possibly early
Brooklyn Newspapers (Brooklyn Intelligenser) for 1847 and 1848 might
give Ezra's "Obit". He is not buried in the Green-wood Cem
(438 Acres) as the Superintendent searched for me. I think he
died away from home possibly in a railroad accident.
If you ever find when and where RR accidents
occurred ca 1847-48 let me know and I'll give you any new information I
find.
Sincerely,
Hope Miller Matthews (I'm not Mrs. Miller but Matthews)
P.S. Is the picture in Brown's book in color or black and white? I assume it is black and white.
April 27, 1982
Dear Mr. Le Cato
Have had much to do regarding my husband's
estate that there has been no time for hunting Ezra L. Miller's death
date and place. The article you had published is wrong regarding
his death as being 1845. His last invention was patent dated July
7, 1846 and our family records give 1847 for death.
I only noticed yesterday your note on the
reverse side that I could get a copy of the Langley's book for $1.00
plus postage. I'd love to own a copy so please send and I'll mail
you a check as I have no idea what the postage will come to.
My last attempt to find Ezra's place and date
of death will be to locate newspapers published 1847 - 48 in Brooklyn,
NY hoping there is an obituary for Ezra. I wrote to library of
Congress Aug. 24th and hope the newspapers for 1847 - 48 are there and
someone for a fee will look. One of their staff looked thru all
the issues for 1847 for Scientific America where Ezra's Inventions were
published, but found no "obit". Of course, he could have missed
it but by 1847 (17 years after the "Best Friend" ran) probably Ezra was
forgotten. I do know that he dies poor but in 1838 had sold a
piece of property for $60,000 which he hoped would lessen his
obligations.
Thank you so much for all your help and interest.
Sincerely,
Hope Miller Matthews
P.S. Enclosing check for $2.00. If not enough, let me know. Would you like copies of some of Ezra's papers?
Sept 15, 1982
Dear Mr. Le Cato -
If you'll call me Hope. I'll call you
John. It would be so much simpler. Sorry you searched for
Ezra's death in Scientific American as the Lib of Congress said it had
checked and also at Uni. of Chicago Law Library. A cousin of mine
checked from Jan 1, 1847 thru Sept. (next Vol. was missing) but did not
find an "Obit" for Ezra. Of course it could easily have been
missed.
My last attempt to find where, when and how he
died, is to locate the 2 Brooklyn NY newspapers: Christian Intelligense
1830 -1870 and New York Evening Post, 1801 - 1887, both of which gave
vital records. I have a pamphlet giving all US Newspapers and
where they are now. The above 2 are in the NY Historical
Society Library but I am not a member (I belong to 5 others) and it
does not help nonmembers. Many newspapers have been microfilmed
and the Xerox Corp. at Ann Arbor, Mich. will loan to Corporations for a
fee. I've written to see if these 2 newspapers are in their
collection.
If you have access or know someone in NY City
who would go to the NY Hist. Lib. and check the 1847 (include Jan. 1848
and eliminate Jan. 1847) I will be happy to pay if I know the fees and
can afford them. If you are a member, so much the better as the
NY H Soc. would lean over backwards to help you.
I enjoyed the Langley's book but could have
told more which they probably did not know, that Ezra was elected a
Director of the SC Canal and RR Co; that Ezra and Horatio Allen 1828
went to Eng. (Ezra was there at the opening of the Manchester RR) that
Ezra engaged Detmold yo design his steam locomotive, etc. I could
go on and on. No book ever includes everything.
Thanks again for all your interest and help.
Sincerely,
Hope Miller Matthews
The Charleston Courier May 13 - 14, 1828 "One
Director, E> L. Miller, visited England. The Scientific
American, Apr 10, 1852 has an article on "The Best Friend" saying it
was built by E L Miller of Walterboro. Wonder if the Langley's
have it or know of Beulah Glover's books.
I will xerox one of Ezra's letters dated
Brooklyn NY 28 May 1838 showing Ezra was still employed by Baldwin to
inspect other RR ( and probably sell Steam Locomotives).
All for now,
HMM
Wonder if John White Jr. has access to NY Hist Soc newspapers for 1847. Will you ask him?
May order another Langley pamphlet to include
among my Xmas gifts to a Calif. daughter. Will let you know.
Dec. 6, 1982
Dear Mr. Le Cato,
I am still trying to find Ezra L. Miller's
place and date of death and if you can tell me the address of any
Methodist Church which existed on Charleston as early as 1828 - 30, I
will write and see if Ezra was a member. Since he studies in his
youth to become a minister, I'm sure he was always a member of a
Christian Church. His parents and brothers and at least one
sister became Methodist (probably ca 1795 - 1803) in Stockbridge,
Mass. I have a researcher now hunting Methodist Church records in
Stockbridge but I am not optimistic as two many early ministers took
their records when they left a church.
If I find Ezra's church membership in
Charleston (no record in the Presbyterian Ch. for Ezra) than a searcher
in Brooklyn can search the Church there. It's slow work but I am
determined to end my records for Ezra with his death date.
We had hoped that a Brooklyn newspaper (1846 -
48) might carry an obituary for Ezra. A paper called the
"Christian Intelligencer" has been searched (1845 thru 1848) but
nothing on Ezra. Last summer I spent a week looking at an early
Rockford, Ill. paper, called the "Forum". In the Mar. 21, 1849
issue the paper quoted from a Brooklyn paper that a fire destroyed the
home of Mrs. Miller (no initials) killing him, his wife, son and two
daughters. I was excited as I thought often articles are copied
wrong so I secured an exact copy saying the same thing so I knew it was
not Ezra as his wife lived until 1872 and his only son died in
1887, but it's odd that the Rockford paper would copy it unless one of
the many Millers in Rockford was related to the Brooklyn Miller
family.
Expect many of my family to arrive December
23rd so I've called a halt to genealogy until mid-January unless I
receive a Church address from you soon. Maybe you would be
willing to phone the Methodist Church which was near Ezra's home at 265
King St. (1820 per Historical Society) and ask if they had the old
membership records (before 1836). If they are lost then no need
for me to write. Thank you for your past interest.
Sincerely,
Hope Miller Matthews
January 24, 1983
Dear John -
Hope you do not object. All my pen friends call me Hope and I trust you'll do the same.
Let me first thank you for helping to locate Ezra L. Miller's last days and place.
John H. White Jr. is borrowing from the
Library of Congress "Journal pf Commerce" in which Ezra wrote that
several of his Articles on the "Manufacturing of Beet Sugar" appeared
would have been before 18 when he said
that in a letter to Horace, his brother.
Then my cousin, Rev. Stanford Strosahl,
Executive Director of the Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation gave me
the places where the Church Archives are kept for Southern New
England (NY in it) and Northern New England. I have written to
both and hope they will answer soon.
Also have a professional researcher in NYC who
should make a report soon. Asked her to hunt for records of
Methodist and Presbyterian Churches which existed 1834 to 1848, hoping
Ezra's death is there.
I frankly think he died in a railroad accident
while away from home but even then, being a very religious man,
certainly his home Church would record it.
Will let you know when I receive any
information. I will drop notes to the 2 Methodist Churches you
mentioned and hope it helps. Between all of us, we ought to
succeed.
When Ezra in the fall of 1838 visited
Horace and his family in New Milford, Ill. he and his wife took his
niece, Nancy Elizabeth Miller (dau. of Horace) back to Brooklyn where
she stayed until spring. She left a fine Diary which I have a few
pages (copied) but she only says that Ezra died in 1847.
Too bad she did not make a complete record.
I had a wonderful visit from my family (8 of
them) and they all pitched in and help[ed or never could have
stood it. Had to have help to lift the 22 lb. turkey out of the
oven. One grandson (he teaches at Uni. of Ga.) found one of my
floor lamps had a frayed cord so he bought a cord and rewired it in a
few minutes. He must inherit his ability to fix things from his
Dad who was an Engineering Officer in 2nd World War and taught
Engineering at Uni. of Wis., then at Leland Stanford and San Jose
University.
If you think your museum would ever find use
for Ezra's letters let me know and I'll xerox them when weather is
better and send them to you.
Besides the Methodist Churches did the
Congregational Church exist before 1835 in Charleston? While
Ezra's wife was raised a Presbyterian (her family was buried in the
Churchyard of the Presby. Church at Elizabeth, NJ but moved to one at
Hillside, NJ in 1853), I feel she must have joined Ezra's church in
Brooklyn (no proof).
Enough for this time. And thanks a lot for your interest.
Sincerely
Hope
P.S. We had an interesting program at our Retirement Home
(Presbyterian but open to all Christians) last Nov. The Director
of the Geo. Pullman Museum showed slides of the Anniversary train ride
in Europe, celebrating the Pullman's 100th (?) Anniversary. The
cars were gorgeous and as I watched I kept thinking "Ezra started all
of this - putting "America on Wheels."
February 13, 1983
Dear John -
Thank you again for all your work. Have
had no word from my searcher in Brooklyn nor from John H. White Jr
regarding Ezra's articles in the Journal of Commerce.
Long ago, 1975 I had a nice letter from the
Secretary of the Church (First Presby. Scott's) and will enclose
it. Never heard any more so nothing was found there regarding
Ezra but I'm sorry I did not secure the baptisms of some of the Miller
children 1815 - 1834. Might be children of a relative of
Ezra's. No need to return the letter.
Will enclose copies of my records used in our
Miller-Clark-Alden-Coshun Genealogy pertaining to Ezra (his parents,
wife, children, grandchildren, grgrandchildren) also articles about his
niece who spent several months in his home in Brooklyn. He
evidently became a well-to-do man but speculated in Brooklyn real
estate and left nothing to Mary, his widow, who had small
Boarding School until her doctor had her stop. I have wondered if
where their son, Charles Philip Miller, met his wife, Grace Rumrill of
Springfield, Mass. (They were married in the Springfield Church of Unity
(Unitarian) and Grace's brother James Rumrill married Anna Chapin whose
father, Chester, was Pres. of the Boston and Albany RR. James
named his summer cottage at New London, Conn, "Ironsides".
I doubt if Miss
Beulah Glover of Walterboro is still living. Wish I had bought
several of her books, but she xeroxed her pages on Ezra Miller.
Did you ever meet her? One of her books is on the Methodist
Church of Colleton County. Wonder if Ezra when his parents took
him to Stockbridge, Mass, (1793 - 4) became a Unitarian and not a
Methodist like his parents and most of his sisters and brothers.
I thought I sent
you the page of Ezra's birth, baptism, marriage, etc. but will enclose
another in case I did not send. I am not sending the pictures and
descriptions of Patents for Seed or Corn Planter; No. 2047; Steam
Heater, No. 4625, or Patent issued June 19, 1834 to Ezra showing a
drawing of the "Best Friend". When I secured the last from the
patent office, no specifications were available but in 1975 they
were. If you do not have these let me know.
If you do not have the article
from Scientific American for oct.3, 1846 giving Ezra's Patent for
Heating buildings, with a Hot Water apparatus, dated 7 Jule, 1846 let
me know if you want it.
I have pages 15, 16, 21 from History of the
Baldwin Locomotive Works. (I'm sure you have these but will
enclose notes left by my Uncle Grant Clark Miller, adding his own
information to "Hist. of Baldwin Locomotive Works".
We now know that
in Stockbridge, Mass. in 1800, Ezra, age 16, signed as a wit to a Deed
which his father, Jonathan Allen Miller, signed when he sold some
property. By 1804 Jonathan and all of his children except
Clarissa, his 1st child and Ezra, his 2nd, had left Mass. and were
living in Galway, NY. It is evident that Ezra either stayed on in
Stockbridge to continue his study for the Ministry or left for the
South due to failing eyesight and poor health. Beulah Glover says
he was in Walterboro before 1822. The Stockbridge Library wrote
that the Congregational Minister, Rev. Stephen West, 1735-1811,
had many young men studying under him but no name given.
The only
references I have to Baldwin are from what my Uncle Grant said "Mr.
Baldwin paid Ezra a royalty of $199 a mo. (but Ezra's letter (No
3 enclosed) dated 28 May, 1838 gives $2000 a year salary and
expenses. I accept Ezra's letter.
In Eliza
Miller's diary (enclosed) she only says "the Patent sold to Baldwin".
Letter No. 3
shows that Ezra went to the states as far So. as NC; the Eastern
States and the Great West (Ohio, Michigan, Ill). No doubt, he
went to investigate what the Railroads were doing but also to
sell Baldwin's Steam Locomotive s.
Genealogy has
become a very expensive and exhausting hobby. I think this will
have to be my last year as I get tired too easily. it would be
thrilling to find how, when and where Ezra died. The finest
genealogists for NY (Brooklyn) and NJ are Mr. and Mrs. Ken
Stryker-Rodda but Ken has had two heart attacks and no longer leaves
home. His wife is booked for years ahead and I'd hesitate to
engage her ($15 per hour).
If you have any
suggestions, people or churches to write to, let me know. i think
it's very discourteous for anyone to not answer when a Stamped Self
Addressed Envelope is enclosed. At least one should answer if
only to say, "I know nothing." I have signed the Genealogists
Code of Ethics "promising to answer inquiries if a SASE is sent."
All for now.
Sincerely,
Hope Miller Matthews
P. S. Trains Magazine ran an inquiry "Where, When and How," per the editor. No results.
March 7, 1983
Dear John-
I cannot tell
you how much I appreciate the interest and time you've taken in hunting
our elusive Ezra. It's negative research but sometimes it helps.
I have written a
letter to Miss Glover but since I feel that she is no longer living I
enclosed it in a letter to the Walterboro Library asking to have it
forwarded if she is living. Also, asked if copies of her books
are in their library, especially the one on the Churches. Offered
to pay someone to check for Ezra's connection with the Methodist Church
os any other (now the Catholic).
Forgot to write
down if I told you that in Brooklyn, NY in 1848, Mary Miller, widow (no
doubt Ezra's) contributed $1.00 to a fund to rebuild the Sands St.
Methodist Church which had burned down (think in 1844). Also,
Charles Miller in 1872 joined the Sands St. Church. Certainly he
would be Ezra and Mary's only son, born 15 Nov. 1845 Brooklyn per 1850
census. A fine researcher, Mrs. Helen Kromer and her husband
found this and there are records in then basement of one of the
Methodist Churches which could be searched ($10 per hour and might take
days with no positive results). I'm thinking about it but think
the Brooklyn Eagle for 1846 - 7 should be secured first to see if an
"Obit" for Ezra is in it.
Since Miss
Glover sent me Xerox copies of one of her books showing it was publ. by
the Glover Printing Co. of Brunswick, GA I wrote and had an amazing
answer from the head who said he is Chairman of his County's
Celebration for Ga's 250th birthday this coming Aug. and a replica of
the Best Friend will come to Brunswick on Aug. 5th. He (Mr. Curt
Nellop or Nellof) and his wife invited me to be their guests for the
Celebration but it's out of the question. He said the replica is
owned by the Norfolk Southern Railway. Said his Co-Chairman, Sam
Flint, is steeped in Railroad tradition and his father for 39 yrs. was
employed by the Southern and Sam serves now on the Conrail Board.
Since I cannot decipher the spelling of Curt's last name I don't know
how to address him.
The Commission
on Archives of the United Methodist Church, Rye, NY said to write to
the Long Is. Hist. Soc. 128 Pierrepont St Brooklyn NY which no doubt
has the Brooklyn Eagle. I wrote enclosing a SASE and offered to
pay for someone to search - no answer. I think it is rude not to
answer. If you ever have a free minute make a note on your
Official Museum Stationary would bring an answer. I will reimburse
you for their charges to search 1846 - 1847.
Have 9 other
letters to answer (none on my Millers but on my husband's Matthews and
my mother's Carpenters. Evidently John H. White never found
Ezra's articles in the Journal and Commerce or he would have sent them
as he promised.
All for now.
Sincerely
Hope
Apr. 19, 1983
Dear John,
I wrote to the
SC Hist. Society for 2 things and by paying $12.00 it will try to find
them but I cannot spend money like that when its needed
elsewhere. I support a sick daughter and help a grandson who
served in Viet Nam and returned a shock casualty (the gov't only gives
$168 a month for his support).
I asked for a
search of Ezra L. Miller in the Charleston City Directories for years
1825 thru 1835 which should give his address. Sometime when you
are at the Hist Soc. please check.
I, also, found
a note that Mathias Baldwin taught a Sunday School class for 35 years
(Church not given), but wonder if the Church was one Ezra attended.
I'm waiting, hopefully, for an
answer to my letter to the Sands St. Methodist Church in Brooklyn, NY
which has its records for memberships, baptisms and marriages (not
deaths) but maybe we'll find a clue to Ezra's death. I hope the
baptisms of his 5 children (1837 thru 1845) will show and his
marriage date and when he joined the Church.
Someday when our Search is ended I'll send you the complete record for
Ezra (his life). You have most of it.
I leave
May 5th to visit a daughter in Calif., returning May 20th. If you
secured exciting news too late to reach me at home, mail it to me c/o
Mrs. Duncan E. Williams
650 La Mesa Drive
Portola Valley, Calif 94025
I
found out that Journal of Commerce for years 1837 + on is at the Lib.
of Congress but of course, they will not search 1838 or 9 for Ezra's
articles on "Beet Sugar" and evidently John H. White Jr. who said he'd
get the magazine from the lib. did not find the right issues or I'd
received copies.
Thanks for all your interest and help.
Sincerely
Hope M. Matthews
May 21, 1983
Dear John -
Reached home at
midnight last night from a 15 day visit to my daughter-in-law and 3 of
their sons. Everyday was filled and I loved it but now I
am tired so will not finish this tonight. I stayed up last night
to read the very interesting life of Horatio Allen with references to
Ezra L. Miller.1
I had hoped my
cousin,Rev. Stanford Strosahl of Prairie View Wisc.. who helped compile
our Miller-Alden-Clarke-Cosbun family records had answered my
letter. I asked him to write the Sands St (also called First )
Methodist Church, located at Sands near Fulton, Brooklyn, to check
their membership, marriage and baptism records for Ezra; wife, Mary,
Britton or Brittan; and baptism of their 5 children. The
commission on Archives and History of the NY Conference of the United
Methodist Church, 210 Boston Post Rd. Rye, NY wrote that Sands Ch. has
9 Vol.. of records including the years I'm searching. Ezra's dau.
Mary was b. 1839 per 1850 Census Brooklyn and their son, Chas. Philip
was born 15 Nov. 1845 per death record. In between Ezra and
Mary must have had 1 or 2 who died very young and maybe one born before
1838. Our family records say 5 children and only Charles lived to
leave descendants. I am sure James Miller III, now head to F.T.C.
is a great grandson of Ezra and a grandson of Chas Philip whose son
James had a son James, now head to F.T.C. The Readers
Digest for May has an article by Jas. Nathan Miller, son of Charles,
grandson of Charles Philip and great grandson of Ezra. I
had written Mar. 15th to Sands Ch but no answer. even tho I offered to
pay for the search. Maybe they will answer a letter from the
Methodist Minister. If not I'll pay a Professional Searcher to go
to the Church and hope the Church will allow a search.
I have only one
other idea regarding Ezra's death date. There was an accident on
the Norwich and Albany RR (think it was July 22, 1847) and if any
organization has kept records of RR accidents. Maybe Ezra was in
this one or another and died then. I read recently that records of
Ship's accidents have been preserved (do not have the article
handy). If you know if railroad accidents have been kept
let me know. I am ready to give up if Sands St. Church will not
cooperate. Over the years have found most Libraries,
Historical Soc., Courthouses, most helpful. It has been Churches
which have not answered letters or helped. Of course I always
enclose a SASE and offer to pay.
The Lib. of
Cong. does have Journal of Commerce and John H White Jr said he would
borrow 1839 1n3 40 (Should have also said 1838) issues to find Ezra's
article on the "manufacturing of Beet Sugar" and let me know if he
found anything. Evidently the articles were not in the 1839 or
1840 issues. The Ill. Historical Commission, Dr. Robt. Sutton, Chairman
would also like Ezra's death and place of death.
If my records
are right the 1820 City Directory of Charleston shows Ezra L. Miller at
265 King St. corner of Wentworth and the Federal Census for 1820
Colleton Co. shows Ezra L. Miller, head of household age 26 - 45, 1 M
(16 - 18), 1 M (16 and under 26), 1 M Slave (14 and under 26), 1 F
Slave 45 and upwards 1 Free colored M (26 and under 45). Looks
like Ezra could have conducted a small school with 2 students as
boarders and 3 servants. Oh, I forgot Ezra was engaged in
commerce. What other town could he have lived in besides
Colleton's Walterboro and yet Miss Beulah Glover of Walterboro has
found no record that Ezra taught school there? If you are near
the Historical Soc. check the 1820 Census to see if any location is
given besides County. If they have the 1830 Census please check
Charleston for Ezra. he was there then.
Thanks so much
for your interest and help. I'll let you know of any new
information.
Sincerely
Hope Miller Matthews
P. S. I have the Civil War Records from the Nat'l Archives for Ezra's
son, Charles Philip. Will have typed and send you a page. Since
Charles and wife, Grace Rumrill named their first child, "Philip Lee
Miller," I feel sure that Ezra's middle name was Lee. I must take
time to find a Lee Genealogy as early settlers of Simsburg or Hartford
Conn. were Lees. Guess you have heard enough for this time.
Sept. 20, 1983
Dear John -
Only a line,
found Ezra L. Miller dies Mar. 6, 1847 in Newark, NJ place of burial
not given but I'll write to the Lib. and City Hall. Will have the
letter copied which came today from Prof. Chas. A. Pflaum of Dale NY
former Math. Teacher at Univ. of Rochester was given over 1000 pages of
Miller Genealogy before 1966, to edit and publish but E. H. T. Carver
who owns the records of his Uncle E. H. T. Miller and has given them to
Pflaum, had a stroke and the records were never published. My
letters (1969 and later) were never answered.
This summer I wrote to the Scottsville MY
Lib. and the head of the Cox Room (Hist. and Genealogy) Alene Potter,
had been wonderful. She visited Mr. Pflaum in Dale, NY who still
has the records and promised to give them to the Rochester Library but
he told Miss Potter he would check the records and write to her
and answer her 3 questions: 1) When did Ezra die?; 2) Where? Where is
he buried? The 1st two are above. The 3rd is unknown.
He quoted a lot and you'll get a
copy when I can get someone to type it. There are only 1 or 2
differences from my records (dates - could be typing errors).
In the Hist. of
Cohoes, NY by A M Masten 1877 p 59 there is an article on Ezra of
Charleston, SC who came there in 1832, built a mill for cotton
Manufacture and a large residence but he fell ill and removed to NY
selling the property. The residence is now the "City Hotel"
(1877).
I was so stunned
when I received the news that I could not believe it and re-read it
over and over.
Our search is
ended just in time as my eyesight is failing and I'll have to give up
genealogy.
Sincerely
Hope Miller Matthews
P. S. I've told John H. White Jr.
Oct. 3, 1983
Dear John -
Since I now have
no one to type for me I'll send an exact copy of E. H. T. Miller's
records on Ezra L. Miller. Almost every dates agrees with mine
but I'm enclosing a list of our disagreements. It's so easy to
copy incorrectly or maybe E. H. T. Miller was given the wrong
dates.
If you type and decide to type the 2 pages please send me a copy.
My Calif.
daughter is visiting me and helping me with many records on several
lines including the Millers but she leaves Wed. and I could use her for
a month.
Will
write to Miss Beulah Glover in Walterboro who has helped in giving me
Ezra's years in her town.
Sincerely
Hope Miller Matthews
Oct. 7, 1983
Dear John
When I received the
enclosed letter (xerox) from the Newark Library I was stunned and
cried. Poor man and he had lost so much (property in Brooklyn)
that he no longer could take it even tho he was a very religious
man. Guess we do not know what we would do under the
pressure. The same happened to his sister, Clarissa Miller
Whiting and his mother, Hannah Case Miller. Hannah wore herself
out when a son, Orrin had typhoid fever and almost died she took care
of him day and night.
I can see why
Ezra's favorite niece (Nancy Eliz. Niller Marsh) in her Diary preferred
to only give 1847 as Ezra's death date and no more information.
She spent the winter of 1839 - 1840 in Ezra's Brooklyn Heights home.
I have had no
time to have the 2 pages on Ezra (sent by Chas. W. Pflaum) typed and
probably it's better for you to have an exact copy. E. H. T.
Miller's records in Pflaum possession will be given to the Rochester,
NY Lib. Hope he keeps his promise. I've found only 2 or 3
minor errors. Charles Philip Miller (Ezra's only son) and wife,
Grace Rumrill died 1887 (not 1886). Two papers "NY Times" and
"Nes London Telegram" give their "Obits" - Grace died 2:30 P.M. and
Charles, A M. on Sept. 6, 1887.
Also, Ezra's
wife, Mary Britton Miller was born NYC Jan. 10. 1872 (not ca 1804) and
died NYC Jan. 27, 1872, buried 30 Jan 1872, Hillside, NJ
Evergreen Cem. it would finish Ezra's life if we knew his burial
place but I have too much to do on my husband's lives (Elletts or
Elliotts, and the Matthews).
Sorry we could
not find Church records for Ezra in Charleston. You tried, I
know. I'll write to Beulah Glover in Walterboro and give her the
"news". (John H. White Jr. wrote this week "Hallelujah! After all
these years you have tracked down our elusive Ezra M.
Congratulations to you and that wonderful Librarian, Ann Pottes."
I'll write to Ann, also.
Did you receive
any notice in Aug. about the New Brunswick, GA Celebration and any
thing about the Best Friend and Ezra? If so, may I have a copy?
Sincerely
Hope Miller Matthews
Capt John M. Le Cato
24 Gadsden Street
Charleston, SC 29401
15 February 1984
Mr. John H. White, Jr.
National Museum of American History
Dear Mr. White:
I want to thank
you for your kindness in so carefully reviewing and correcting my paper
on Ezra Miller. I am correcting and revising the copies I have
given out locally. I may well have been carried away by some of
Hope Matthews enthusiasm, but some of the old accounts leave a lot of
room for conclusion as to just what Miller and others actually
did. In any case, I should have drawn more on my years of writing
government reports which I always sprinkled liberally with possibly,
probably and one may assume.
As for the Tom Thumb
vs. horse story, I grew up near the B&O and heard numerous versions
of the story as a small boy. More serious documentation may be
found in Botkin's "A Treasury of Railroad Folklore" which attributes
the story to H. B. Latrobe who was on the train.
The relative
roles of Miller and Detmold in designing the horse car, the steam model
and even the Best Friend are hard to judge.
Certainly Detmold was more than a mechanic as he was employed by the
railroad as a civil engineer and surveyer and seems to have been a
partner with Eason for a time. My substitution of the name
William represents an inexcusably sloppy piece of work.
My account of
Miller's relationship with Baldwin certainly deserves possibly or
two. It would be interesting to know who proposed the name E. L. Miller
for the locomotive. E. H. T. Miller's notes mention a
locomotive built at Patterson that ran from New York to
Philadelphia. I can find no mention elsewhere of Ezra's
involvement in that area. I feel that Miller's steam
sawmill and other enterprises in Walterboro would have given him at
least general background on boilers and reciprocating engines.
Do you have a
copy of "Man on an Iron Road", Southerns biography of Horatio
Allen? If not, I will send one.
Thanks once more for the advise.
Sincerely yours,
John Le Cato
Mar. 26, 1986
Dear John -
So glad you met
my daughter and husband. They will come to visit me sometime in
late Spring or early Summer. She has been a big help in typing
many of our family records, since I foolishly never learned to type.
I'm wondering
what records I have on Ezra L. (Lee, no doubt) Miller and his family
that you would like. It's very interesting to me to see how the
creative ability of Ezra has been inherited by his
descendants. His granddaughter, Mary Britton Miller became
a poet and a novelist when she was 60 years old. I have her
"Obit" from the NY Times. She was a twin daughter of Ezra's
only son, Charles Philip Miller and Grace Rumrill. Her twin was
drowned the summer after their parents died (on the same day) t their
summer cottage at New London, Conn. When Charles Philip died the
NY Bar Association had a Memorial Service extolling Charles' fine
work and his character. he graduated from Harvard and Columbia
Uni. Law School, 1871 was commissioned by Pres Lincoln as a Lt. in the
Civil War, marries Grace Rumrill whose brother James Augusta Rumrill
was Vice Pres. of the Boston and Albany RR and James'
father-in-law Chester Chapin was President. Chas Philip named his
summer cottage "Old Ironsides." His 2 sons: James Rumrill
born 1880 NY City, grad Harvard Cum Laude, 1901 had a son Jas. Rumrill
Miller Jr b. 10 April 1909 has a son Jas. R. III was head of Fed Trade
Com, now head of Budget Com.(?) AB. 1959 Princeton, Doctorate M.I.T.
1965.
I write 2 great
grandsons of Ezra (grandsons of Charles Philip) who are both writers -
Charles Philip and Jas. Nathan - both Harvard Graduates. The son
of Chas. Philip and Grace Rumrill: Jas. Nathan m 1943, June 18,
Nancy Cheney and they live at Croton on the Hudson. Have a
son who is a musician recently moved to Rochester, NY but has been with
several Bands in Europe. See what I mean when the Creative
ability of Ezra has been passed on to his great grandchildren, Philip
Lee b. 22 Sept. 1946.
I can
easily Xerox 4 or 5 pages on Ezra and his descendants but I doubt
if anyone coming to your Museum would be interested.
Wish courses in Genetics had
been offered when I was in College. Ezra's brother, Horace Allen
Miller (my great grandfather) had a grandson Horace Alden Miller, a
musician, Head of Music at Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, VA for 33 years
(organist and composer) and a grandson, Grant Clark Miller, an artist,
became an Architect and head of his firm in Chicago until he retired in
1917.
Guess you're bored enough. Spring weather became today and I can
hardly wait until Sat. when a grandson (son of my older dau., Gloria)
will come to help me clean up my small patio garden, put redwood stain
on our picnic table and benches and do errands. This old lady
gets tired very quickly and I hate to admit that its due to my age (90).
Thank you for being so nice to Mer. and Buff. In Calif. he is
called Dunc but here he's always been called Buff. His mother and
I have dinner together almost every Sunday.
Sincerely
Hope
Dear John,
Just received an
answer to my letter to St. Phillip's Church in Charleston that they are
too busy to search for a birth of Hannah Badger born Charleston Jan 18,
1764 (date could be wrong but left by my Uncle Grant Clark Miller who
knew Hannah and Gardner Clark's dau. Hannah Badger Clarke who married
Horace Allen Miller, 1817 in Amsterdam , NY. My Clarke line
has been proved and Connee Parks of the Charleston Hist. Society is
helping. We know from 7 Deeds that Hannah's parents were Jonathan and
Mary Badger but need Mary's maiden name and date and place of her
marriage to Jonathan Badger who ca 1746 built a 3 - story brick
tenement at 41 - 43 Tradd St. He made his will June 24,
1769 but the SC Archives at Columbia have no record of it. By Mar
1770 he and daughters Hannah and Sarah and son William were in
Providence. His son, William died in Charleston 6 Aug. 1779 but
his residence was in Providence.
I also wrote 2
weeks ago to St. Michaels as it being the oldest Church in Charleston,
might have the marriage of Mary to Jonathan. No answer yet.
If you know of
anyone who would check St. Philips' records for Hannah's baptism and
marriage of her parents, the Church is very willing to let me or
someone for me. search their records. The marriage record is more
important to me than Hannah's birth date. I will mail a check to
you to pay someone (possible a member of the Church would like to earn
a bit).
You did some Clark
hunting and I am to blame that you wasted your time because my line of
Clarke's did not go to SC. Both Capt. John Clarke and son Gardner
were born in Richmond, RI and served in Rev. War in RI. John
moved to NY State soon after May 1783 and Gardner after 4-12-1790.
Expect to spend
Dec. 23 to Jan. 2nd in Calif with Mer. and Buff and 3 of their
sons. Probably my last trip. I love it when I get there but
not getting to and from the Airport. However, this time my older
daughter's former husband and wife will take me and pick me up.
Hope you and
your wife are with friends or relatives for Thanksgiving. My
daughter Gloria, her son and wife will join me at the Roger Williams
Family get-to-gather - about 20 of us. Rog is Buff's brother.
Sincerely
Hope Miller Matthews
P. S. Is is possible that Mary (wife of Jonathan Badger)'s maiden name
was Pearce, so notice any Pearce or Pierce marriages. When
Jonathan died 1774, Mary, widow and Benoni's Pearce were the Executors
of his estate. I have all of Benoni's children, wife was
Mehitable Walker. They married in Coventry Conn. but their 9
children except Sarah (1st one) were born in Providence, RI. We
have not figured out the connection but Benoni Pearce witnessed many
Deeds when Mary and her daughters, Hannah Badger and Sarah Snow sold.
Enclosing one of
the Records on Jonathan Badger in the State Archives at Columbus,
SC. A fine researcher in Columbia, Mr. Tony Draine sent it
to me. So we have 41-43 Tradd St., a Tenement Brick bldg. built
by Jonathan ca 1746 and owning a Brickhouse on W. Side of King St. in
Charleston when he died and Mary, his widow sold it to Tobias Cambridge
Nov. 8, 1783. I'd love an early map showing these Charlestown
Streets. Will pay you if you find one.