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Clarence S. Gee collection on Richard Realf

 Collection
Identifier: MS R221

Scope and Content

The collection consists of Clarence Gee's collected research (including correspondence, writings, and photographs) on Richard Realf. Some original material relating to Realf is part of the collection including seven letters Realf wrote to his sister Sallie (Sarah) Realf (1841-1916). The other part of the collection consists mainly of Gee's correspondence with other researchers and family members of Realf.

Dates

  • Creation: 1852-1966

Creator

Restrictions on Access

The collection is open for research use.

Restrictions on Use

The collection is open for research use.

Biographical / Historical

Richard Realf (1834-1878) was a poet, abolitionist, and acquaintance of John Brown (1800-1859). He was born in England where he established himself as a poet and gained popularity and esteem among the literary crowd, including Lady Byron (1792-1860). Realf states that he left for America due to a disagreement with Lady Byron over "private matters." He arrived in New York in 1854 and conducted missionary work on behalf of the Five Points House of Industry for several years. He later settled in Lawrence, Kansas, joining the anti-slavery movement and making the acquaintance of John Brown. Realf was to become the secretary of state in John Brown's provisional government. Realf was in Texas after the Raid on Harper's Ferry and was arrested to testify to the Senate Committee and narrowly avoided being lynched. Realf enlisted in the 88th Illinois Infantry Regiment during the Civil War and received honorable mention for gallantry at the battles of Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge. He was transferred to the 15th Colored Infantry and was mustered out with the rank of captain and brevet lieutenant colonel in 1866. In 1865, Realf married Sophia Emery Graves (1829-1882). After the war, she moved North and he never followed her, going instead to Washington, D.C. In 1867 he married Catherine Cassidy without getting divorced from Graves. He was arrested on charge of desertion and was ordered to pay alimony. He later applied for a divorce, which was granted. After divorcing Cassidy, he married a third time to Eliza Whapham* (1846-1926). Eliza and Richard had triplets. Throughout his life, Realf continued to write poetry and give speeches. A November 6, 1878 article in The Summit County Beacon recounted that his "rare poetic talents were also frequently called into requisition on special occasions." He devoted the later years of his life to the Temperance movement. Realf was plagued by financial issues and in 1878 left for California to seek employment. Realf died by suicide in 1878.

*Realf's younger sister Sarah Realf married John Whapham (1839-1924) of Hudson, Ohio.

Extent

0.4 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Collection on Richard Realf, a poet, abolitionist and acquaintance of John Brown. The collection was assembled by John Brown researcher Clarence Gee.

Statement of Arrangement

The collection is arranged into 5 series: 1) Biographical 2) Correspondence 3) Clippings and Biographies 4) Legal 5) Photographs

Physical Location

vault

Acquisition Information

The collection was donated by Clarence S. Gee in 1977 (accession no. 77-1303).

Related Material

See also the Clarence S. Gee collection on John Brown at the Hudson Library & Historical Society

Processing Information

Legacy finding aid. The original order was maintained, but the intellectual order of the finding aid has been rearranged for ease of use.

Title
Finding aid for the Clarence S. Gee collection on Richard Realf
Status
Edited Full Draft
Author
Finding aid prepared by legacy finding aid
Date
2024
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English, Latin script

Repository Details

Part of the Hudson Library & Historical Society Repository

Contact:
96 Library Street
Hudson OH 44236