RG 069:052, Wadsworth Family Collection

Inventory

Finding aid prepared by Paul E. Baran.

Copyright © 2007 by the Connecticut State Library

Biographical Note

The papers pertain mostly to the Wadsworth family of Durham, Connecticut, a prominent family headed by Wedworth Wadsworth (1782-1860). Wedworth's grandfather John Noyes Wadsworth (1732-1786) was the brother of James Wadsworth (1730-1817) who became a Brigadier General in the American Revolution and later an anti-Federalist during Connecticut's ratification proceedings. Wedworth was also the first cousin of Civil War General James Samuel Wadsworth (1807-1864) of Geneseo, New York who died at the battle of the Wilderness. Other family members include Wedworth's sons, Wedworth Wadsworth, Jr. (1811-1876); William Wadsworth (circa 1817-1870), Town Clerk of Durham and Justice of the Peace; James Wadsworth (1819-1891), Mayor of Buffalo, New York (1851) and New York state senator (1856-1859); and Wedworth, James' son (1846-1926) who became a painter, art teacher, and writer.

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Scope and Contents

The papers include accounts, church papers, correspondence, court papers, deeds, estate papers, land papers, school society papers, tax lists, and turnpike papers. There are also writings, sketches and notes of Wedworth Wadsworth, the artist and writer. The correspondence is arranged alphabetically by recipient, with the bulk addressed to Wedworth Wadsworth and William Wadsworth from family members who emigrated out of state. The majority of the court papers come from William Wadsworth's work as Justice of the Peace. The school society papers come from Wedworth Wadsworth's service as a trustee. The school society oversaw the operation of the Center, South, West, South West, and Quarry school districts. The tax lists include individual returns of Durham residents and property holders for 1865-66 arranged alphabetically by name. There are also individual tax lists for Wedworth, James, and William Wadsworth. The turnpike papers relate to the Durham and East Guilford Turnpike, of which Wedworth Wadsworth was a director. The Durham and East Guilford Turnpike Company was chartered in 1811 and operated until 1845. Included are early subscriber lists, accounts, and toll receipts.

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Restrictions

Restrictions on Access

See the Rules and Procedures for Researchers Using Archival Records and Secured Collections policy.

Restrictions on Use

See the Reproduction and Publications of State Library Collections policy.

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Related Material

See RG 062, Records of the Towns and Boroughs, under "Durham".

See the Manuscript Collection (classified archival material), under "Wadsworth" and "Durham".

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Index Terms

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Container List