Brewster family papers

Collection

Identifier: MS B75

Staff Only

Scope and Content

The Brewster family papers are 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.

Dates

Creation: 1796-1960
Creation: Majority of material found within 1796-1858

Restrictions on Access

The collection is open for research use.

Restrictions on Use

The collection is open for research use.

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 instrumental in building Christ Church. Before the church was built, services were held in the Brewster store.

Extent

0.4 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

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.

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