Clarence S. Gee collection on Richard Realf
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
- Gee, Clarence S. (Person)
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).
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.
Subject
- Realf, Richard, 1834-1878 (Person)
- Whapham, Sarah, 1841-1916 (Person)
- Whapham family. (Family)
Topical
- 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