Manuscript
Collections of the
Nantucket Historical Association Research Library
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MS1 -
Mitchell Family Papers, 1844- 1896
Collection Overview: Letters, inventories, receipts, investment
records, etc. relating primarily to Joseph Mitchell and other members
of his family, primarily Andrew C. Edward, Charles, Francis M., Matthew,
Richard H., Isaac and Dr. J. Sidney Mitchell. The letters contain some
family news and reports of events in the Second Congregational Society
(Unitarian Church). Of particular interest is the correspondence regarding
payment of insurance after the loss of the ship Edward Cary. Other ships
mentioned are the Florence, Smithfield, Rambler, Apphia Maria, and Christopher
Mitchell. There is a large group of receipted bills from Nantucket merchants
and professional men. A scrapbook includes information, with hand-drawn
maps, about the location of the land and houses of many early settlers
of Nantucket. A diary and letterbook of Peleg Mitchell discusses Friends
meetings and religious affairs on Nantucket. Also included in the collection
are reprints of articles and speeches on medicine by Dr. J. Sidney Mitchell.
FOLDER 1
Joseph Mitchell biographical information.
Joseph Mitchell (1809-1885), biographical information:
ALS, September, 27 1869 to Abby
FOLDER 2
Joseph Mitchell appointments and community concerns.
a) Minutes of meeting establishing a private school under the charge of
William H. Hewes, May 23, 1846. b) Power of Attorney for Benjamin F.
Riddell, 1853. c) Assignment, estate of Edward H. Swain, 1846 d)
Assignment, estate of William M. Russell, 1846 e) Note: Daniel Clark and
Eliza Rand, no date
FOLDER 3
Joseph Mitchell Second Congregational Society papers
a) 3 Letters in and out concerning Rev. J. K. Karcher b) ALS March 12,
1865 John Murray to Joseph Mitchell, payment for sermons. c) 4 Letters and
4 receipts giving contributions. d) Insurance receipt, Charlestown, MA
Oct. 2, 1865 e) Receipt for oiling clock. Nov. 20, 1865 f) 8 Receipts for
payments of pews. g) List of subscribers
FOLDER 4
Joseph Mitchell Commercial Insurance Company papers
a) 3 Shares issued to Edward Mitchell and Francis M. Mitchell b) Letters
in regarding insurance payment on ship Edward Cary owned by Charles G.
Coffin and Henry Coffin Henry A. Kelley, 1862 - 1867, George Marston,
1864 , Abraham R. Wing, September 18, 1871, Wing and Mitchell, 1860 -
1862. Also mentions the ship James Loper c) 2 Indentures for A.J. Morton.
March 19, 1855 & Jan. 18, 1857. d) Letters in regarding Barks Florence and
Smithfield and Rambler A. J. Morton, 1861 - 1867 e) Receipt to James
Codd. Nantucket June 22, 1864 f) Receipt to Abraham Wing & Francis M.
Mitchell. Nantucket, Oct. 13, 1858 g) Account book of Insurance Stock for
Abraham Wing and Francis M. Mitchell, 1854 h) ALS from Justin E.
Smith on estate on John Richards. Hallowell, May 12, 1863 i) ALS from
Adminstrators of Estate of William Mitchell. Boston, March 23, 1874
FOLDER 5
Joseph Mitchell incoming non-family correspondence
Joseph Mitchell (1809-1885) Letters In (non-family) including: a) Abner
Barker re: stocks & insolvency. Sept. 21, 1868 b) Cyrus Cunnif re:
delivery of goods. New York, Dec. 15, 1869 c) George G. Fish re: painting
portrait. New York Jan. 16, 1865 d) Phebe Fish re: the need for money.
Nantucket, Dec. 21, 1869 e) Edward Hopper re: thank you. Sept. 20, 1869
f) Charles Lowe re: character of Capt. [Lloyd] Bowers. Boston, MA
Oct. 8, 1869 g) H.W. Pickering, 3 letters re: stock in Boston and Albany
railroad. Boston, April 13, 16, 17, 1868 h) Samuel Rodman re: note due.
New Bedford, Sept. 22, 1866. i) John H. Rowland re: dividend. Norfork,
VA, Jan. 3, 1866 j) L. B. Schoale re: his rules? State House, Boston,
March 15, 1865 k) George Shivinct re: re: note. Boston, Feb. 1, 1870
l) G. & M. Starbuck & Co. ALS of instructions for ship Three Brothers to
whale in the North, taking Capt. [Charles E.] Cleveland if possible and
giving same advice for other ships. Nantucket, July 14, 1857. m) ALS
urging him to fit out Capt. [Valentine C.] Long for whaling in Arctic or
Okerle Sea and Capt. [Charles C.] Ray of the ship Norman too. Nantucket,
December 2, 1857. n) David Thain re: claim against Mr. West of Baltimore,
Mobile, Dec. 4, 1868 o) W.H. Waitt, March 15, 1867,Concerning the
legislature of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
FOLDER 5.50
Joseph Mitchell correspondence
Joseph Mitchell
ALS from Isaac Mitchell (1803-1879) re:paying debts of Richard Hosier and
family news. Flushing, Aug. 5, 1862
ALS from Richard H. Mitchell concerning settling of Uncle Edward's
estate. Hudson, NY Feb. 2, 1870
FOLDER 6
Joseph Mitchell receipts and bills
Joseph Mitchell (1809-1885) Receipts and bills primarily from Nantucket
merchants and professional men including the following:
A - D including a) F.E. Adams & Son b) James Austin c) Charles
Brown/Browne d) T.W. Calder e) Charles H. Chase f) Joseph M. Cleave g)
Charles H. Dunham
FOLDER 7
Joseph Mitchell receipts and bills
Joseph Mitchell (1809-1885) Receipts and bills primarily from Nantucket
merchants and professional men including the following:
E - I including a) Joseph M. Folger b) Reuben G. Folger c) Dr. A.
Franklin, dentist d) William C. Hurt
FOLDER 8
Joseph Mitchell receipts and bills
Joseph Mitchell(1809-1885) Receipts and bills primarily from Nantucket
merchants and professional men including the following:
J - N including a) Charles H. Jaggar b) Dr. J.B. King c) Dr. J. Livor d)
George W. Macy e) Nantucket Gas Light Company
FOLDER 9
Joseph Mitchell receipts and bills
Joseph Mitchell (1809-1885) Receipts and bills primarily from Nantucket
merchants and professional men including the following:
P - W including a) E.H. Parker b) E.W. Perry & Co. c) H.C. Pinkham d)
Francis B. Smith e) William O. Smith f) William Warren g) Lewis N. Wendel
h) William H. Weston i) At end of alphabet, state and federal tax
receipts, 1866 - 1874.
FOLDER 10
Joseph Mitchell business papers
Joseph Mitchell (1809-1885)
Estate of John W. Barrett, 1866 - 1871/ Joseph M. Bovey Affairs 1872 - 1873.
ALS June 17, 1867 from William R. Easton regarding promisory note.
FOLDER 11
Joseph Mitchell notebooks
Joseph Mitchell (1809-1885) Notebooks recording investments, expenses and
debts: a) 1856 b) 1862 - 1863, 1865: includes records of Unitarian affairs
c) 1863 - 1867(in book printed for 1864) d) 1864 e) 1869 - 1870: includes
records of Edward Mitchell estate. Note: also in this collection were
account books of the ships Christopher Mitchell, Spartan, Mary and
Lexington. f) 1871 - 1874
FOLDER 12
Andrew Mitchell personal papers
Andrew C. Mitchell (1814-1871), son of William and Lydia (Coleman) Papers,
1855 - 1856
Documents re: auction of estate
Willard B. Marden (son of William C. & Mary B. (Crosby) Lamb)
Marriage Certificate to Annie M. Greyer, 1893
Charles C. Crosby
FOLDER 13
C. A. Mitchell drawings
Humorous illustrations showing the "Miss Leeds' treatment", probably
alluding to being overfed by Helen Leeds, wife of Sidney Mitchell, son of
Joseph Mitchell.
FOLDER 14
Uncle Charles' correspondence
"Uncle Charles" 1863-1871
5 ALS to Joseph [Mitchell] re: settlement of estate, Boston, 1863
FOLDER 15
Edward Mitchell papers
Edward Mitchell (1795-1869), 1852-1870 brother of Joseph Mitchell
Deeds for sale and purchase of land including Nantucketers:
George C. Gardner, 1856; Isaac Austin, 1857,1860; Obed B. Swain, 1866;
Susan Mitchell, 1866 (Ray's Court);
Documents concerning settlement of estate, 1869-1870
Fire Insurance Policy, 1865
FOLDER 16
Francis M. Mitchell papers
Francis M. Mitchell ("Frank") (1823-1891), 1853-1891. ALS from F. & P.
Macy mentioning ships Rambler and Apphia Maria, April 15, 1862. Memorial
Book to Ellen Mitchell, died Dec. 16,1891 Two Notices for note payments,
1846, n.d.
Historical Note: Francis Mitchell was the son of William and Lydia
Coleman Mitchell, husband of Ellen Mitchell who was the daughter of
Joseph Mitchell.
FOLDER 17
Frederick F. Mitchell Civil War papers
Documents concerning his enlistment and service in the Civil War, 1860-
1866
Historical Note: Son of Joseph Mitchell
Folder 18
George F. Mitchell correspondence.
ALS regarding job of boring for water in San Francisco. Callao, July 27,
1870
Historical Note: Son of Joseph Mitchell
Folder 19
Joseph Sidney Mitchell (1866-1888
Dr. Joseph Sidney Mitchell (1866-1888) son of Joseph Mitchell ALS to
Joseph Mitchell mentioning Dr. F. Wallace Coffin of Nantucket and also the
presidential campaign of Gen. Grant, February 1, 1868 ALS from Joseph
Mitchell to Helen (Leeds) Mitchell, wife of Sidney Mitchell welcoming her
to the family. February 27,1867
FOLDER 20
Joseph Sidney Mitchell publications and speeches
Dr. J. Sidney Mitchell Publications and speeches involving medical topics,
1866-1896
FOLDER 21
Matthew Mitchell
Matthew Mitchell (1800-1888), brother of Joseph Mitchell 3 ALS to Joseph
Mitchell regarding the settlement of Edward Mitchell's estate. Feb. 15,
21, April 21, 1870. Receipt for payment of dividend, Morristown, NJ, April
6, 1870
Historical Note: Brother of Joseph Mitchell
FOLDER 22
Peleg Mitchell diary, letterbook, and deeds.
Diary and Letterbook reporting Friends' meetings and discussing religious
affairs on Nantucket, his health and some family events. 1844-1877
[Photocopy of diary in Blue File," Mitchell, Peleg"] Deed to Edward Meader
with Joseph Austin et al, 1857 Deed from Lurania Gardner on act of heirs
of Jonathan Burnell estate, June 4, n.y.
Historical Note: Son of Peleg & Lydia (Cartwright).
FOLDER 23
Richard H. Mitchell papers.
ALS to Joseph Mitchell describing Timothy Hussey and speaking of trouble
between George M. Mitchell (brother of Richard H. Mitchell) and his wife,
Lydia Gerald Mitchell. April 16, 1868 6 ALS between Joseph Mitchell and
Richard H. Mitchell concerning a promissory note involving Timothy Hussey
and Alfred Macy and speaking particularly of Richard's mother, Eliza
Hussey Mitchell, 1869-1870 ALS from Henshaw & Brother re: check. Boston,
March 16, 18[70] (1870). Protest of Andrew Morton against payment not
rendered. Nantucket, Oct. 16, 1848.
Historical Note: Nephew of Joseph Mitchell
FOLDER 24
Henry Mitchell papers
Letters Out: April 15, 1854, to Lizzie (not sister) from Washington, D.C.
concerning Miss Barney's death, women's rights and speaking
about President Pierce and Mr. Seward. April 7, 1897, to Miss M. E.
Starbuck sending copy of story. Coast and Geodetic Survey business:
Letters out 1884-1885 Letters in 1880-1886 Other documents, 1854, 1880-
1897
Historical Note: Son of William and Lydia Coleman Mitchell.
FOLDER 25
Aaron Mitchell papers
ALS from Thomas D. Elson concerning payments of claim, April 17, 1814.
Account with Riddell, 1821-1824, June 14, 1825. Writ confiscating goods
against Aaron Mitchell by Frederick Gardner, Jan. 31, 1852. ALS from James
H. Campbell to Samuel B. Tuck re survey of lands near Toledo, Ohio, April
4, 1856. ALS from Samuel B. Tuck re payment by George L. Marvin, May 8,
1856. ALS from Samuel B. Tuck, May 17, 1856. ALS from George L. Marvin,
May 30, 1856. ALS from LeGrand & Marvin, June 18, 1856. Deed, 1843. Small
letter book of correspondence about financial affairs and the sale of land
in Ottawa, Nantucket. 1855-1856 SEE END OF INVENTORY FOR SCRAPBOOK
Historical Note: Son of Jethro & Rachael
FOLDER 26
Peleg Mitchell deeds
List of land grants, Peleg Mitchell & Co. 1805. Deed, John Welsh and wife
to Peleg Mitchell, Feb. 21, 1798. Deed that is part of a series of land
transactions of 1500 acres in Kentucky, eventually bought by Peleg
Mitchell in 1798. This deed records the third time the land changed
owners. The succession of land transactions is recorded in the Registry
of Deeds, Town Building Nantucket, Book 16, pp. 29-33.
Historical Note: son of Richard & Mary (Starbuck)
FOLDER 27
Richard Mitchell land papers
ALS to Charles Grinnell concerning shipment of candles, April 20, 1813
Deed, Brant Point Meadows, Oct. 15, 1765. Deed, Sept. 10, 1810. Bond to
Solomon Coffin and Daniel Allen, with Obed Mitchell (1763-1821) and
Zacheus Hussey, Nov. 28, 1814. Papers concerning case involving Common
and Undivided Land, 1808- 1816
Historical Note: son of Richard & Mary (Starbuck)
FOLDER 28
Thomas T. Mitchell memorial notice.
Thomas T. Mitchell (1807-1876) Memorial notice to widow, April 4, 1877,
mentions Capt. Swain and
Ship Aurora.
FOLDER 29
Walter Mitchell poem
Poem, "Tacking Ship Off Shore"
Historical Note: son of John R. and Mary (Starbuck)
FOLDER 30
Mitchell family papers
Other Members of the Mitchell Family
JETHRO MITCHELL (1739-1817) ALS to Israel Turner urging completion of
ship. Nantucket, 12,23,1793
OBED MITCHELL (1763-1821) Sale of land inherited from Thomas Starbuck
(1708-1777) including
land where Samuel Crosby house stands) to Obed Mitchell. Deed signed by
Jethro Mitchell (1744-1814), Dec. 9,1796 Deed to Reuben Joy, March 3, 1821
Deeds for purchase of cow commons from Abigail Drew, 1813 and
John Weiderhold, 1813 Copy of ALS to Walter Folger, Jr. requesting
conversation.
Nantucket, May 3, 1819. Invitation, n.d.
MARY CALLENDER MITCHELL (1731-1810) Printed account of her life, 1812.
GEORGE MITCHELL (1783-1835) Name included as Jury at Supreme Court, 1828
CHARLES MITCHELL (1810-1852) Receipt for Second Congregational Society and
receipt for taxes, 1834
WILLIAM B. MITCHELL (1791-1869) ANS to John P. Barker regarding non-
payment of bill of exchange. Nantucket, May 13, 1846. ANS regarding
mispayment of dividends from Pacific Bank.
Nantucket, October 14, 1850. Receipt for $120.00. Nantucket, Feb.19, 1867
SETH MITCHELL (1783-1856) Bills from Elizabeth E. Bunker and Edward Gale,
1813, 1815 Printed extracts from Constitution and ByLaws of the New
England Protective Union. Nantucket, Dec. 8, 1855
JUDITH M. MITCHELL
Requests for Atheneum dues, 1885-1892 ANNIE M. MITCHELL U.S. order for
transportation, June 11, 1867, Nashville, TN to
Nantucket via Hyannis.
SAMUEL MITCHELL Bill from Dexter Dana for food and housewares, Boston,
April 2, 1814
JAMES MITCHELL (1798-1850) and OBED MITCHELL (1806-1872), sons of Obed
and Lydia (Gardner) Appointment of William C. Starbuck as attorney for
insurance policies on Ship "Obed Mitchell", Oct. 2, 1837.
BENJAMIN MITCHELL (1771-1833), son of Richard & Hepsibah (Barnard) Deed
for sale of land to Silvanus Macy and Obed Macy, Nantucket, Jan. 21, 1801
LUCRETIA (SPENCER) MITCHELL ( - ), daughter of Oliver and Judith; wife of
Benjamin Mitchell (1771-1833) Typed copy of letter to her son-in-law,
Benjamin Mitchell concerning a visit to Nantucket. Mentions many
Islanders. Union Vale, [NY], 1838. **NOTE: References to letter are
listed as (Benjamin Mitchell) Laban Mitchell (1770-1810), son of Richard
& Hepsibah (Barnard) Typed Testimony given by Mark Coffin, n.d.
CLIFFORD MITCHELL (1854- ), son of Franicis & Hepsibah (Barnard)
Protection document for traveling abroad, May 11,1874. Signed by Hamilton
Fish, Secretary of State. Printed review card of book Modern Urinology,
[1912] TLS from [Perry] of the United Services Travel Club inviting
Clifford to take a cruise. London, Aug. 7, 1912.
C.M. MITCHELL Play based on "Robin Hood", n.d.
MARY MITCHELL book plate Mary Mitchell Religious questions and answers,
Nantucket, May 24, 1797
MARY [L] MITCHELL (1812- ) ALS with New Year's greetings and advice. Jan.
10, 1893
WILLIAM MITCHELL Typed reminiscence by son of William Mitchell concerning
the story of William Mitchell as a young man. n.d.
MARGARETTA HINCHMAN, daughter of Lydia S. (Mitchell) Hinchman ALS from
"Cousin Marie" to Cousin Eleanor regarding the illustrations in Lydia S.
Hinchman's book "The Early Settlers of Nantucket." March 8, 1908
WILLIAM MITCHELL (1745- ) Photocopy of letter to uncle re: sending items
via Samuel Starbuck. Nantucket, Jan. 1776
DAVID MITCHELL Obituary. n.d.
LYDIA MITCHELL Calling card.
FOLDER 31
Mitchell family papers
Miscellaneous Mitchell family items: includes recipe for making gold
FOLDER 32
Newsclippings.
Newspaper clippings relating to a war memorial in Dedham,
Massachusetts, 1866 (no apparent Mitchell connection).
Map Room, Oversize MS Flat Files
Andrew Mitchell personal papers
Granting of patent for machine to Charles C. Crosby for punching nail
holes, developed with William C. Gardner, Oct. 9, 1860. OVERSIZE
Map Room, Oversize MS Flat Files
Mitchell family papers
RICHARD MITCHELL Appointment as Ensign, U.S. Navy, 1870
SCRAP BOOK
Henry Mitchell scrapbook, Box 4
Henry Mitchell (1830-1902) Contains among other items: Reel 105:176
Typewritten copies of land ownership records with hand-written notes and
additions and hand-drawn maps showing locations of houses 1673 1896.
Families represented include: Allen, Dow, Marshall, Worth, Barnard, Evans,
Myrick, Black, Folger Paddock, Brown/Browne, Gardner, Pease, Bunker,
Gayer, Pinkham, Burnell, Greenleaf, Riddell, Carr, Hinckley, Smith Chase,
Hussey, Starbuck, Clark, James, Swain, Coffin, Joy, Trott, Coleman, Macy,
West Places mentioned other than streets include: Holy-Rock, Gardner's
School, Micah's Pond, Clay Pits, Franklin School, Woman's School and Fish
Lots. Newsclippings include among others : Excerpts from Dr. Robbins'
diary Letter from G. Mitchell and Company to Capt. Charles A. Veeder,
April 1838 giving orders for the ship "Christopher Mitchell." Obed
Gardner's will, May 30, 1841 Excerpts from Memorandum Book of Nathanial
Coleman, 1772-1894. Handwritten copy of minutes of the annual meeting of
Friends of New England at which was proposed a yearly meeting for worship
and a monthly business meeting at Nantucket, 1708 (p. 39)