Kimball Bragdon Collection, 1764-1946 – MS123
Provenance: The Kimball-Bragdon Family Collection was purchased by the Athenaeum from a dealer in 2016. The collection descended in the Kimball family through Israel and Clara Kimball’s daughter Helen Knight Kimball Wishart to her daughter Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler, who died in 1981. The estate of Clara Hoeveler then sold the collection to a dealer who sold it again, finally being acquired in 2016 by the Athenaeum from the second dealer. Subsequently additional letters were found by the family, who brought them to the original dealer, who then sold an additional 46 letters to the Athenaeum in 2018. These 2018 additions are identified in the folder list by: (2018 addition).
Citation: Kimball-Bragdon Collection (MS123), Manuscript Collections, Portsmouth Athenaeum
Size: 9 Hollinger Boxes, 1 Oversized Box (5 linear ft)
Access: No restrictions
Processed by: Susan Stowe Kindstedt, 2018
Scope and Content
The Kimball Family Collection is primarily a record of the life of Israel Kimball (1812-1890) and his wife Clara Parsons Bragdon (1817-1893). The bulk of the collection is correspondence but also includes account books, broadsides, poetry and photographs. There are also items related to Clara’s family, including her father, Joshua Bragdon (1767-1847), a shipbuilder from Wells, Maine and her brothers. Key subjects represented in the collection include: politics, religion (Christianity), abolitionist/anti-slavery and temperance movements, general family and daily life including: childbirth, child rearing, chronic health conditions, medicine, financial matters and death as well as schools, education, ship building and farming.
Correspondence tells the story of a close knit family with deep religious devotion. Israel Kimball was one of ten brothers, many of whom were active in nineteenth century social reform movements, namely abolition and temperance. Many of the Kimball brothers were accomplished and highly sought after vocal musicians. The collection includes broadsides advertising their performances as the “Kimball Brother Quartet,” as well as handwritten poetry and songs, both of which reflect musical talent and strong religious faith.
Letters reflect the family’s support for one another in spite of the miles that often separated them. Although the family originated in Wells, Maine and Israel later settled his family in Portsmouth, family members lived as far north as upstate Maine, south to Boston and later west in Indiana and Ohio. They frequently talked of visits with one another and express genuine concern about the health and financial well being of each another. They often discuss sending money to those who are experiencing financial difficulty. While some letters provide political opinion, religious sentiments and intimate details of daily and family, others are rather mundane, consisting of general greetings and inquiries as to why letters have not been more frequent.
An account book of Israel’s father Wilbraham provides details of his work as a ship carpenter during the latter part of the eighteenth century as well as an entry for November 27, 1824 when he worked on the construction of a home and framing a barn for Japhet Stewart. Included in the entry was not only three days of his time but also 25 days of “boys and oxen.” It appears that Wilbraham Kimball hired out his young sons as well as himself.
Twentieth century correspondence is primarily between the family of Israel and Clara’s daughter Helen Knight Kimball who married William Wishart and their daughter Clara Bragdon Wishart who married James Hoeveler. These family members split their time between Portsmouth and the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. Correspondence during this time period revolves primarily around travel, living arrangements and general family news.
Biographical Notes
Israel Kimball (1812-1890)
Born January 26, 1812 in Wells, Maine to Wilbraham and Debourah Bourne Kimball, Israel is the subject of the majority of the correspondence in this collection. Israel graduated from Bowdoin College in 1839 and married Clara Parsons Bragdon in 1840. The couple had six children: Sarah D. (1841-1918), George Gustavus (1843-1923), Clara Elizabeth (1846-1931), Mary Louisa (1848-1929), Israel Jr. (1855-1886) and Helen Knight (1860-1909). Israel and Clara had a deep Christian faith and love of music. Israel is remembered in family history for his “fine baritone voice.” Like some of his brother’s Israel suffered from asthma and was often debilitated by his illness. Active in the Anti-Slavery and Temperance movements, Israel was often sought after to sing at events for both causes. In 1840 Israel took a position at the newly formed Eliot Academy. While at Eliot, Israel also taught his own private singing schools in Portsmouth, Somersworth and Dover from 1841 to 1843. In 1843 Israel came to Portsmouth’s Boys High School where he served as Principal. In 1853 he left his position amidst controversy over his taking time off at the start of the school year without the permission of the High School Committee. Israel remained in Portsmouth teaching privately at the Temple and Portsmouth Academy. While in Portsmouth, the Kimball family first lived at 19 South Street (now 161 South Street), but later moved to a large home at 111 Islington Street. In 1862 Israel accepted an appointment from President Lincoln to the Internal Revenue Service. Although Israel relocated to Washington, DC, Clara and the children remained in Portsmouth, splitting the family between the two locations for almost twenty years. Israel died December 10, 1890 in Washington, DC.
Clara Parsons Bragdon (1817-1893)
Born May 17, 1817 in Wells, Maine to Joshua and Sarah Frost Leighton Bragdon, Clara grew up in Wells and attended the South Berwick Female Seminary. On March 28, 1840 she and Israel Kimball were married in Wells, Maine. As reflected in correspondence, for the early years of her marriage, through the birth of her first two children, Clara often lived with her family in Wells, while Israel sought to establish his career as a teacher. In all the couple had six children: Sarah D. (1841-1918), George Gustavus (1843-1923), Clara Elizabeth (1846-1931), Mary Louisa (1848-1929), Israel Jr. (1855-1886) and Helen Knight (1860-1909). Again in the latter years of her life, also reflected in correspondence, Clara lived apart from her husband when Israel accepted a position in Washington, DC and she remained primarily in Portsmouth, with some travel by both husband and wife between the two cities. Clara had been living with Israel in Washington, DC at the time of his death in 1890 and was there when she died, November 27, 1893.
Wilbraham Kimball (Sr.) (1778-1852)
Born September 18, 1778 in Wells, Maine, Wilbraham Kimball Sr. was the son of Israel and Eleanor Dennett Kimball. In 1804 Wilbraham married Debourah Bourne in Wells and the two had ten sons: Ivory E. (1805-1853), Stephen (1807-1888), Isaac B. (1809-1890), Israel (1812-1890), Wilbraham (1814-1870), William (1816-1904), Benjamin (1818-1904), John Patten (1821-1878), Samuel W. (1823-1888) and George Washington (1826-1892). Wilbraham was a carpenter and worked as a ship builder. According to a family genealogy, between 1817 and 1830 he built thirteen vessels, including the Sloop Packet (1817), Brig Salat (1821), Schooner New Packet (1822), Slooper Carrier (1823), Schooner Sally (1824), Schooner William (1825), Schooner Josephine (1827), Brig Attention (1828) and Schooner Ploughboy (1830). Wilbraham was a Major in the State Militia. Later in life, Wilbraham went to live with his sons who had settled in Wuborn, Massachusetts. He died there October 28, 1852.
Ivory E. Kimball (1805-1853)
Born September 25, 1805 in Wells, Maine, Ivory was the firstborn of Wilbraham and Debourah Bourne Kimball. Ivory is a frequent correspondent in this collection, especially regarding his health and faith. In 1834 Ivory married Sarah “Sally” Poor in Bangor, Maine. He attended Bowdoin College and was a graduate of Bangor Theological Seminary. After graduating from Bangor, he worked as a minister in Limington, Maine from 1834 to 1840. From 1840 to 1843 he was a minister in Elliot, Maine until relocating to Lyndeborough, New Hampshire, working as a minister at the United Church. According to his obituary he preached at Portsmouth’s North Church several times when the church was without a pastor in 1842. He suffered from illness for several years while in Lyndeborough and was finally forced to give up his position and return to Maine, where he died on July 24, 1853. He was well loved in the communities where he served and known for his “faith and prayer to God.” Ivory and Sarah Kimball did not have any children.
Stephen Kimball (1807-1888)
Born June 24, 1807 in Wells, Maine, to Wilbraham and Debourah Bourne Kimball, Stephen lived on the Kimball farm in Wells. Stephen’s first wife was Caroline Cole and the two had a daughter, Elizabeth Kimball. Caroline died in 1864 and Stephen married Sarah M. Strout in 1866 with whom he had another daughter, Sarah “Sadie” Kimball born in 1871. Similar to his brothers, Stephen was known for his “deep religious faith” and served as a deacon at the Wells Congregational Church. According to a family recollection he lived a “simple and uneventful life, rarely going away from home.” Stephen died July 14, 1888 in Wells, Maine.
Isaac B. Kimball (1809-1890)
Born June 17, 1809 to Wilbraham and Debourah Bourne Kimball, Isaac’s name appears infrequently in the collection. According to family recollection, Isaac was “a large, stout man with one of the pleasantest smiling faces I ever saw.” The same recollection recalls that “unlike the other brothers, [Isaac] was not affiliated with any church.” Isaac lived in South Boston and worked as a police officer. He married Catherine Sarrows and had three children: Meda, Mary and George. Isaac died December 10, 1890.
Wilbraham Kimball Jr. (1814-1870)
Born March 24, 1814 in Jay, Maine to Wilbraham and Debourah Bourne Kimball, Wilbraham was the fifth of the Kimball brothers and frequent correspondent in this collection. In 1842 he married Ann Hatch. Like some of his brothers, he suffered greatly from poor health caused by asthma. He became so ill that he made a drastic move for his health, seeking refuge out west, settling in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He married Anna Littlefield Hatch and had three children, one of which died in infancy. The surviving children were: Ivory G. (1843-1916) and Jennie O (1854-1945). Wilbraham was a farmer but his poor health forced him to seek other employment which he found as a tollgate operator in Fort Wayne. He died June 3, 1870 in Fort Wayne.
William Kimball (1816-1904)
Born August 4, 1816 likely in Wells, Maine, to Wilbraham and Debourah Bourne Kimball, William was a tinsmith. After a short time in South Boston, William moved to Woburn, Massachusetts with some of his brothers where he worked as a stove and tinware dealer. Active in the Congregational Church in Woburn, William was also one of the Kimball brothers known for his singing. William married Mary Huse in 1848 and had two children: Annie (1862-1863) and Mary H. (1863-1923). Later in his life William moved to Wilton, NH and died there May 20, 1904.
Benjamin H. Kimball (1818-1904)
Born May 26, 1818 in Wells, Maine to Wilbraham and Debourah Bourne Kimball, Benjamin was one of the brothers who settled first in Woburn, Massachusetts before going west to Fort Wayne, Indiana. As a young man, Benjamin worked alongside the other younger Kimball brothers of Woburn, Samuel and George, as a carpenter. Like many of the Kimball brothers, Benjamin was known for his strong religious sentiment and singing talent. After the Civil War, Benjamin settled alongside his brother Wilbraham and later his brother, Samuel, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. While in Fort Wayne, Benjamin was active in Fort Wayne’s Presbyterian Church. Benjamin married Sarah Rust Folsom and the two had four children: Laura (b. 1844), Abby or Addie (b. 1846), Mary (b. 1850) and William. Benjamin died May 20, 1904 in Fort Wayne.
John Patten Kimball (1821-1878)
Born March 21, 1821, likely in Wells, Maine to Wilbraham and Debourah Bourne Kimball, John Patten was one of the Kimball brothers who settled in Woburn, Massachusetts. Like his brothers, Benjamin, Samuel and George, he worked as a carpenter. According to family history, John, who often was referred to as “Patten” in correspondence, was “a very religious man and loved to sing sacred songs.” He was a member of the Congregational Church in Woburn. In 1868 he married Emily Shelton. He had no children of his own, but according to family recollection he was highly regarded and loved by the children of his brothers. John Patten died in Woburn July 20, 1878.
Samuel W. Kimball (1823-1888)
Born November 26, 1823, likely in Wells, Maine to Wilbraham and Debourah Bourne Kimball, Samuel was another of the Kimball brothers who worked as carpenter in Woburn, Massachusetts (after living for a short time in Bedford, Massachusetts). Later he followed his brother Wilbraham to Fort Wayne, Indiana. Like his brother Israel, he taught singing schools. According to family history, he “led the choir of the Presbyterian Church in Fort Wayne” and was a member of the Kimball Brothers Quartette before the Civil War, singing at various events in Massachusetts and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Samuel married Eliza Drew and the two had four children: Anette, Helen, Frederick and Hattie. Samuel died December 16, 1888 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
George Washington Kimball (1826-1892)
Born October 4, 1826 in Wells, Maine to Wilbraham and Debourah Bourne Kimball, George was the youngest of the ten Kimball brothers. He spent his childhood in Wells and Jay, Maine. As a young man he lived in Bedford, Massachusetts for a short time before settling with other Kimball brothers in Woburn, Massachusetts, working as a carpenter. In 1849 George married Maria Melvin and the two had four children, one of whom, Annie died in infancy in 1854. The three surviving children were: Clara Maria, George Edward and James Melvin. Like many of his brothers, George was involved in the Anti-Slavery and Temperance causes and according to family history, was one of the members of the Kimball Brother Quartet having a “fine tenor voice.” George was the only one of the Kimball brothers who served in the Civil War, servings as a member of the 5th Massachusetts Regiments Company G. George was an active member of the Congregational Church in Woburn and very religious. George died in Woburn, September 13, 1892.
Joshua Bragdon [Sr.] (1743-1792)
Born in York, Maine in 1743, Joshua Bragdon Sr. was the son of Thomas and Mary Came Bragdon and was the grandfather of Clara Parsons Bragdon Kimball. He married Mehitable Littlefield in 1764 and the two had seven children: Thomas (1765-1854), Joshua (1767-1847), Mary (b. 1769), Mehetabel (b. 1771), Hepzibah (b. 1773), Martha (b. 1775) and Daniel (1781-1821). Joshua and Mehitable settled in Wells and at the outbreak of the Revolutionary War he enlisted in Col. James Scammon’s Regiment. By trade, Joshua was a shipbuilder. He represented the town of Wells in the General Court and served as a Selectman. According to a history of the town of Wells, Joshua “was an efficient laborer in all war measures, was a man of courage and resolution” and “a solid temperate man.” Joshua died in Wells in 1792.
Joshua Bragdon [Jr.] (1767-1847)
Born July 23, 1767 in Wells, Maine, Joshua Bragdon Jr. was the son of Joshua Sr. and Mehitable Littlefield Bragdon and the father of Clara Parsons Bragdon Kimball. On February 1, 1795 he married Sarah Frost Leighton (1774-1869). The two had eight children: Elizabeth P. Bragdon (1796-1861), George Bragdon (1798-1823), Samuel Leighton Bragdon (1800-1887), Oliver Bragdon (1802-1820), Joshua Bragdon (1806-1875), Joseph Bragdon (1808-1831), Mary Jane Bragdon (1812-1838) who married James Winn (1808-1848) and Clara Parsons Bragdon (1817-1893) who married Israel Kimball (1812-1890). Like his father, Joshua worked as a ship builder and captain. Joshua died in Wells on May 19, 1847.
Joshua Bragdon [III] (1806-1875)
Born June 6, 1806 in Wells, Maine Joshua Bragdon [III] was the brother of Clara Parsons Bragdon Kimball. He was the fifth of seven children born to Joshua and Sarah Frost Leighton Bragdon. In 1849 he married Mary L. Fitch. According to his obituary in the New Albany Daily Ledger Standard: “In early life [Joshua] followed the occupation of a sailor, and finally settled in Mobile, Alabama, where he took service of the steamers plying between Mobile and Montgomery, as mate, and on the organization of the Alabama River Navigation Company, was chosen the General Superintendent.” Later he settled in New Albany, Indiana and operated boats shipping freight on the Ohio River between Indiana and Alabama. His letters therefore frequently reference his trips north to south. He died January 17, 1875 in New Albany, Indiana.
Biographical references:
Brighton, Ray, “Old Portsmouth Principal Called Father of IRS,” Portsmouth Herald, September 16, 1990.
Hatch, Louis, History of Bowdoin College, Portland: Loring, Short & Harmon, 1927.
Kimball, James Melvin, 1934 unpublished family history. http://www.coltechpub.com/hartgen/resources/kimball-0.htm
Timeline of Israel and Clara Bragdon Kimball
1812 Israel born in Wells, Maine
1817 Clara born in Wells, Maine
1836-1839 Israel at Bowdoin College
1839-1843 Israel principal and teacher at Eliot Academy, with some interruption and teaching elsewhere
1840 Israel and Clara are married in Wells, Maine
1841 Summer Israel teaching singing school in Dover and Somerwsorth
1841 Birth of daughter Sarah Deborah Kimball
1842 Mar Israel teaching singing school in Kennebunk
1842 Oct Israel teaching singing school in Dover and Somersworth
1842 Dec Israel accepts job as principal in Bath, Maine, job offer is rescinded
1843 Feb Birth of son George Gustavus Kimball
1843 Apr Israel teaching singing school in Dover and Somersworth
1844-1853 Israel principal and teacher at Portsmouth’s High School for Boys
1844 Apr Israel accepts position at Portsmouth’s High School for Boys, family moves to Portsmouth
1848 Birth of daughter Mary Louisa Kimball
1853 Sept Israel leaves Portsmouth High School under controversy for taking unauthorized time off
1853-1862 Israel teaches privately at Portsmouth Academy and his own classes held at the Temple
1855 Birth of son Israel Kimball Jr.
1855 ca. Family moves from South Street to Islington Street
1860 Birth of daughter Helen Knight Kimball
1862-1890 Israel working at the Internal Revenue Service in Washington, DC
1890 Dec Israel dies in Washington, DC
1893 Nov Clara died in Washington, DC
Processing Notes
The collection came Athenaeum sorted roughly by type of correspondence: business/school related or personal, sometimes separated and in groupings by person. Because these categories were a bit arbitrary with overlap in letter content, the decision was made to reorganize the correspondence into chronological order. In addition to correspondence, the collection contained various receipts, log and account books, ephemera, pamphlets, broadsides and handwritten poetry. During processing these items were sorted by family, Kimball or Bragdon and then, when possible, further categorized by individual, forming the subseries of individuals in each family namely Wilbraham and Israel for the Kimball Family and Joshua Jr., Joshua Sr. and Clara for the Bragdon Family. Individual items connected to a specific family member that appear only once or twice, as well as items of uncertain origin can be found in a General category for each family, Kimball and Bragdon. In addition, items that include several individuals in the same family were also put in the General category. Photographs from the collection have been cataloged in the Athenaeum’s photograph collection.
Related materials at the Athenaeum:
MS022 Portsmouth Historical Society Collection
Box 06 F02 Israel Kimball Diaries, 1855-1856
Box 06 F03 Israel Kimball Diaries, 1857-1858
Box 06 F04 Israel Kimball Diaries, 1859-1860
Box 06 F05 Israel Kimball Papers, 1853-1859
MS124 Eliot Academy Collection
MS036 North Church Collection
Related materials at other institutions:
Israel Kimball Papers, 1837-1839, American Antiquarian Society, Catalog Record 271736 – Collection is related to Israel’s Kimballs position as secretary of Bowdoin College’s social/debating society, the Athenaean. It includes a key document related to racial bias at the University of Vermont against its first black student. Copies of AAS’s documents can be found in Box 9.
Series Listing:
I. Kimball Family
A. Wilbraham Kimball (1778-1852)
B. Israel Kimball (1812-1890)
C. General Kimball Family
a. Legal Documents
b. Printed Materials: Ephemera, broadsides and pamphlets
c. Miscellaneous
II. Bragdon Family
A. Joshua Bragdon Sr. (1743-1792)
B. Joshua Bragdon Jr. (1767-1847)
C. Clara Parsons Bragdon Kimball (1817-1893)
D. General Bragdon Family
III. Correspondence – Kimball and Bragdon
Folder Listing:
I. Kimball Family
A. Wilbraham Kimball (1778-1852)
Box 1
Folder 1 Wilbraham Kimball Legal Documents, 1789-1806 [5 items]
1789 Oct 10 Document regarding the death of James Furbush of Wells, mentions Joshua Furbush.
Item kept with other deeds connected to Wilbraham Kimball’s land in Wells.
1805 Mar 1 Deed for land in Wells from Lemuel Hatch to Wilbraham Kimball
1806 Aug 22 Deed for land in Wells from Benaiah Clark, representing minor children George Wheelwright, Sarah Wheelwright and Susanna Wheelwright, to Wilbraham Kimball.
1806 ca. Document related to the above transfer of land from Benaiah Clark to Wilbraham Kimball.
1806 Oct 20 Guardianship appointment for the children of the late James Treadwell: Benjamin Treadwell (later husband of Eleanor Kimball), Mary Treadwell, Alpheus Treadwell and Elizabeth Treadwell.
Folder 2 Wilbraham Kimball Legal Documents, 1815-1823 [6 items]
1815 Sept 9 Benjamin Treadwell (1787-1815) Will including provisions made for his wife, Eleanor Kimball Treadwell, his sister, Elizabeth Treadwell and his brother, Alpheus Treadwell.
1816 Feb 20 Benjamin Treadwell Estate Inventory (2 copies)
1816 Dec 25 Deed for land in Wells from Samuel Curtis to Wilbraham Kimball
1820 Eleanor (Kimball) Treadwell (1780-1820) Will including provisions made for her siblings, including Wilbraham Kimball.
1820 May 26 “Received of Wilbraham Kimball all the articles which Eleanor Treadwell Late of Wells deceased will’d to Israel Kimball, Isreal Kimball Jr., Eleanor Kimball, Polly Kimball, Sally Emery, Betsy Merrill, Olive Kimball, Maryann Kimball, Benjamin T. Emery, Eleanor Emery, Almira Kimball.” Signed Israel Kimball Jr. (1750-1823)
1823 July 15 Deed for land in Wells from Joshua Hubbard to Wilbraham Kimball
Folder 3
1812-1814 Wilbraham Kimball account with William Taylor including entries for rum, flour, teac, coffee, corn, women’s shoes, bricks, hats, etc. [1 item]
Folder 4
1816-1838 Wilbraham Kimball account with Joseph Gilman (physician in Wells, Maine), entries for medicine and attendance (appears to have been caring for Wilbraham’s wife Deborah Bourne Kimball for the birth of their child John Patten Kimball in 1821). Includes payments made in cash as well as credits for wood and corn. [1 item]
Folder 5
1822-1840 ca. Wilbraham Kimball Account Book, while in Wells, Maine, references timber, gundalow, wharf, day labor, boards, sugar, brandy, fish, iron, rum, corn, molasses, tobacco, mackerel, butter and yarn. Ship names include: Manning Sloop and Schooner Mary. Names include: Samuel Curtis, Abraham Littlefield, Nahum Morrill, Daniel Stewart, Ebenezer Wheelwright, Timothy Wheelwright, Stephen Stevens, Jophet Stewart, William H. Spear, Mary Goodale, William Bartlett and Gibeon Wakefield.
Folder 6
1826-1829 Includes: Receipt for Wilbraham’s “book account” with George Littlefield; Elijah Curtis account for boards and supplies; John D. Long, money owed by Abram Littlefield.
Folder 7
1833 Wilbraham Kimball case regarding debt owed by Jophet Stewart, who is in prison in Alfred, Maine because of the debt.
Folder 8
1834 May-Aug Includes: Capt Jonathan Bourn, William Currier and Elisha Briggs all of Newburyport, Massachusetts for board; Jeremiah Day of Newbury, Massachusetts for labor working on a ship; Nathan Follansbee of Newburyport for flour and corn; William Hanscomb, Elias Davis, Samuel Butland, Mr. Norton, Thomas Merrill Jr, Oliver Crediford, Jeremiah Day all for labor.
Folder 9
1834 Sept-Dec Includes: William Merrill Jr., Benjamin Dutton, Samuel Goodwin, Thomas Merrill Jr., Elisha Briggs and John Parks for board; Joseph Coffin for planking ship; John Smith for squaring the ship; Robert Stickney for labor working on “Coffin Ship;” Samuel Butland and Moses Wells for money owed.
Folder 10
1834 ca. Misc. Account Notes
Folder 11
Undated Letter from Joshua Furbish regarding a debt owned by Nathaniel Goodale and notice regarding Jophet Stewart being in Goal (jail) apparently for debt owed.
Oversized Box
Folder 1 Certificates [2 items]
1819 Aug 5 Appointment of Wilbraham Kimball Major in the Fourth Regiment of Massachusetts Infantry
1822 Jan 29 Resignation of Wilbraham Kimball in the Fourth Regiment of Massachusetts Infantry
B. Israel Kimball (1812-1890)
Folder 12
1778-1882 ca. Family History Notebook by Israel Kimball recording births, deaths and marriages in the Kimball family. There are also other notes including a description of a carriage accident the family was in on September 11, 1844; a description of the deaths of Mary Jane Bragdon Winn (Clara’s sister) in 1846, Clara’s mother Sarah Frost Bragdon in 1869, Clara’s father Joshua Bragdon in 1847, Israel’s father Wilbraham Kimball in 1852; a note in 1853 describing at time Israel spent with his brother, Ivory Kimball, just before Ivory’s death, followed by reflection on his death and description of the funeral; there is a brief note mentioning the death of Daniel Webster in 1852, amongst deaths of family members.
Folder 13
1835 ca. Israel Kimball Sketch [2 items] Pencil drawing portrait presumed to be Israel Kimball by Clara Bragdon Kimball with note on rear by Clara and accompanying note by Israel Kimball.
Folder 14
1840 ca. Introduction to Singing School by Israel Kimball [1 item] Handwritten introductory statement by Israel Kimball to students in his singing school, including objectives and expectations of the class.
Folder 15
1833-1834 Teaching Certificates [2 items]
1833 Nov 16 Certificate stating Israel Kimball is qualified to teach in the State of Maine. Signed by John O. Adams, William Hammond and William Randall, members of the School Committee of the Town of Eliot.
1834 Oct 18 Certificate stating Israel Kimball is qualified to teach in the State of Maine. Signed by Christopher Littlefield of Wells.
Folder 16 Israel Kimball Bowdoin College Materials [7 items]
1836 Aug 1 Promotion from Freshman to Sophomore class, following examination
1838 Apr 22 Loan agreement for payments due to Bowdoin College for tuition
1838 Aug 29 Promotion from Junior to Senior class, following examination
1838 Dec 21 Financial statement for tuition, room, board, etc. Note at the bottom states that Israel is not permitted to return to until his two previous bills and this one are paid.
1842 Feb 29 Letter of recommendation from Bowdoin College
1842 June 6 Printed letter with instructions for requesting a diploma from Bowdoin College for the next commencement
1852 Sept 30 Printed letter requesting biographical information for the next publication of the Athenaean Society (a Bowdoin College Fraternal Organization)
Folder 17 Israel Kimball Almanacs and Account Books, 1841-1842 [3 items]
1841-42 Names of students enrolled and tuition paid at Eliot Academy
1842 ca. “Names of the Scholars at tending the Great Falls Singing School” and in second half “Names of Scholars at tending the Dover Singing School,” includes list of students and amount paid.
1842 “Brown’s Almanac Pocket Memorandum and Account Book” Israel Kimball has included brief statements for part of the year regarding activities, travel to see family and records of his singing school including lodging expenses incurred traveling to Great Falls (Somersworth) to teach.
Folder 18 Israel Kimball Almanacs and Account Books, 1843 [2 items]
1843 “Brown’s Almanac Pocket Memorandum and Account Book” Israel Kimball has included brief statements for part of the year regarding activities, travel to see family, singing engagements at the Dover Congregational Society, records of his singing school including lodging expenses incurred traveling to Great Falls (Somersworth) to teach and brief notes related to his teaching in Dover.
1843 Israel Kimball’s personal accounts for food items (meat), hired carriage and sleigh rides, clothing, etc. as well as some professional entries such as text books and occasional tuition payments.
Folder 19 Israel Kimball Almanacs and Account Books, 1844 [3 items]
1844 “Brown’s Almanac Pocket Memorandum and Account Book” Israel Kimball has included brief statements for part of the year regarding activities, family travel and a note in April of 1844 that he “commenced teaching at the High School, Portsmouth, NH.”
1844 Israel Kimball’s accounts with Samuel Rowe, includes food items such as coffee, tea, sugar, cheese, spices, flour, etc.
1844 Israel Kimball Account with H. A. Bigelow, includes sewing items, fabric, buttons, thread, etc.
Folder 20 Israel Kimball Almanacs and Account Books, 1845 [2 items]
1845 Israel Kimball Account with H. A. Bigelow, includes sewing items as well as accessories such as a parasol.
1845 “Brown’s Almanac Pocket Memorandum and Account Book” Israel Kimball has included brief statements for part of the year regarding activities, travel to see family, money leant to family and singing engagements at North Church.
Folder 21 Israel Kimball Almanacs and Account Books, 1847-1858 [5 items]
1847 “Israel Kimball in account with William Jones & Son,” includes sewing items such as fabric, lace, and thread.
1849 Israel Kimball Statement of Account with H. A. Bigelow (two sheets of paper), includes sewing items, fabric, etc.
1850 “Israel Kimball in account with William Jones & Son,” includes sewing items such as fabric, lace, and thread.
1856-58 “Portsmouth Academy Class Book,” includes list of names (often only last name) and amount paid.
Folder 22 Israel Kimball Legal Documents
1845 Aug 28 Deed for transfer of land in Portsmouth between Hosea Crane and Gideon Walker
1845 Nov 7 Deed for transfer of land in Portsmouth on Islington Street between Gideon Walker and Hosea Crane
1846 June 9 Deed for transfer of land in Portsmouth on Islington Street between George W. Haven and Gideon Walker
1847 Apr 25 Deed for transfer of land in Portsmouth on Islington Street between Gideon Walker and Andrew Lowd
1847 Apr 26 Mortgage documents for Gideon Walker referencing George W. Haven and Hosea Crane
1849 Oct 6 Lease agreement between Gideon Walker and George W. Haven for land on Islington Street
1850 Oct 5 Loan agreement between Gideon Walker and William Laighton
1850 Oct 5 Deed for transfer of land in Portsmouth on Islington Street between William Laighton and Gideon Walker
1852 Oct 5 Deed for transfer of land in Portsmouth on Islington Street between Rufus W. Oxford and Gideon Walker
1857 Apr 4 Loan agreement between Israel Kimball and Rufus W. Oxford [2 documents]
1859 Jan 26 Deed for transfer of land in Portsmouth on Islington Street between Israel Kimball and Ellen P. Fernald
Folder 23
1840-1870 ca. Israel Kimball Manuscript Poetry (Folder 1) Complete poems and some fragments, handwritten, some in Israel’s writing and possibly some belonging to others.
Folder 24
1840-1870 ca. Israel Kimball Manuscript Poetry (Folder 2) Complete poems and some fragments, handwritten, some in Israel’s writing and possibly some belonging to others.
Folder 25
1840-1870 ca. Israel Kimball newspaper clippings of poetry.
Folder 26 Israel Kimball Calling Cards [5 items]
Printed Calling Card for Israel Kimball’s Singing School
Printed Calling Card for Israel Kimball (badly damaged)
Printed Calling Card for Miss Harriet N. Jenks
Printed Calling Card for Miss Harriet N. Kirk
Printed Calling Card for Helen Kimball
C. General Kimball Family
a. Legal Documents
Folder 27 Kimball Family Legal Documents 1826-1841
1826 Feb 20 Guardianship giving custody of the children of John Kimball, Christopher Kimball, Horace Kimball, Susanna Kimball and Harriet Kimball to Wilbraham Kimball
1834 May 7 Receipt from William Morrill to Israel Kimball
1837 Jan 12 Deed for transfer of land in Wells between James Wheelwright and William Kimball
1838 Apr 26 Deed for land from Robert Jones in Carthage, Maine to Wilbraham Kimball
1840 Aug 22 Deed for land in Jay, Maine from Newton Linscott to Wilbraham Kimball Jr. and William Kimball
1840 Deed for land owned by Wilbraham Kimball in Jay, Maine
1841 Mar 16 Deed for land in Jay, Maine from Wilbraham Kimball Sr., Wilbraham Kimball Jr. and William Kimball to John H. Spear.
Undated Deed for transfer of land in Kennebunk between Wilbraham Kimball and Ivory Kimball [damaged and difficult to decipher]
b. Printed Materials: Ephemera, broadsides and pamphlets
Folder 28 Kimball Family Ephemera and Broadsides, 1834-1844 [6 items]
1834 “Order of Exercises for Exhibition. Berwick Academy. August 29, 1834” I. Kimball of Wells and I. Goodwin of South Berwick.
1840 Apr 7 Printed certificate, Militia of Maine enrollment of Israel Kimball, at Eliot
1840 June 10 Printed notice for Israel Kimball of Capt Tucker’s Company to report to the office of Hayes & Cogswell
1840 June 10 Printed notice for Israel Kimball regarding an issue with his appointment in Capt Tucker’s D Company of Infantry
1840 ca. “Reasons for Total Abstinence from Ardent Spirits,” Published by the Amgooerican Tract Society
1844 May 1 Dover Cold Water Army Certificate for Sarah D. Kimball
Folder 29 Kimball Family Ephemera and Broadsides, 1846-1854 [5 items]
1846 Apr 2 Vocal Concert at the Cameneum given by the Portsmouth Social Choir (singing)
1851 July 12 Invitation to a “Social Picnic at the Town Hall” in Dover.
1853 Apr 14 Printed Report of Boston Stock Exchange Sales
1853 May 2 Program for a drawing school or “School of Design” run by Carl Meinerth in Portsmouth, includes a description of the school including what pupils will be learning, methods of teaching and school hours and frequency.
1854 Dec 13 Printed Advertisement for “Old Folks’ Concert at Portsmouth,” issued by Frank W. Miller for an event to be held at the Temple where John Christie will be performing “old fogue music – probably mostly from the collection, ‘Ancient Harmony Revival,'” with the singing participation of the audience.
Folder 30 Kimball Family Ephemera and Broadsides, 1855-1872 [10 items]
1855 Nov 9 Printed Pew Deed for Israel Kimball’s pew in the North Church.
1855 Printed advertisement from Phillips, Sampson & Co. sent as a solicitation to Israel Kimball regarding text books.
1855 Printed advertisement from Hickling, Swan & Brown sent as a solicitation to Israel Kimball regarding a French Reading Books for Schools
1859 Printed note card, “A Happy New Year” Poem. Inscription to Mary Kimball from the superintendant of the Sunday School, Portsmouth, NH 1859.
1859 ca. Printed note card, “The Pet Goat” Poem. Inscription Mary Kimball.
1867 ca. Library register for the North Church Sunday School Library recording books checked out by Helen Kimball.
1870 Printed program, “Second Piano Recital.”
1871 Printed receipt for W. H. Whintesey for $1000.
1871 Printed program, “Ten Times One Club,” (at the house of the Hon. Leroy Tuttle)
1872 Printed program, “Catalogue of Works of Art & Literature on Exhibition at the Artists’ Studio, Portsmouth.”
Folder 31 Kimball Family Ephemera and Broadsides, 1876-1897
1876 Printed report card, “English and French School” for Helen Kimball.
1877 Printed program card for a production at Franklin Hall, Portsmouth, “The Goodnatured Man.” Includes handwritten notes and inscription to Helen Kimball.
1877 Printed program for a production at Franklin Hall, Portsmouth, “Private Theatricals, in aid of a Home Institution. Oliver Goldsmith’s celebrated Comedy The Goodnatured Man.” Inscribed Miss H. Kimball.
1879 Printed program for Commencement of Park Seminary in Washington, DC held at Calvary Baptist Church.
1890 Printed invitation, 50th Wedding Anniversary of Israel and Clara Kimball, party given at their home in Washington, DC
1896 Printed card, Isles of Shoals Steamship Company, Time Table
1897 Printed program, “Commemoration of the Massacre of Major Charles Frost, 1697” at the Eliot Historical Society
Folder 32 Kimball Family Ephemera and Broadsides, undated
Undated Printed card, Little Harbor Chapel, announcement of services, with image of church
Undated Printed booklet, Appledore Isles of Shoals, promotional flyer.
Undated Business card for Nathaniel L. Folsom, MD, “Surgeon, Physician, and Accoucheur [Obstetrician]” of Portsmouth.
Undated Business card for Hair Dressing Rooms including perfumery, hair dyes, hair oils and cosmetics kept by David Rodrick and Walter Hoyt of Portsmouth.
Undated Printed pamphlet, Price List of Foreign Postage Stamps.
Undated Greeting card, printed poem with illustration, in envelope addressed to Miss Sarah D. Kimball, Portsmouth, NH
Oversized Box
Folder 2 Kimball Family Broadsides (Oversized)
1833 or (1839?) Singing concert given by Mr. Kimball at Academy Hall accompanied by “several musical gentleman from abroad” with music of a “perfectly pure nature, and unexceptional to the most chaste ear.”
1834[?] July 7 Singing concert to be given by Mons. and Madame Canderbeck on the harp and violin at Franklin Hall in Portsmouth.
1837 Oct “David: An Orotorio,” performed by the Portland Sacred Music Society, at the Rev. Dr. Nichol’s Church.
1846 “Order of Exercises for the Forty-Fourth Anniversary Celebration of the Mechanics Association, North Church, Oct. 1, 1846”
1865 May 31 Singing concert to be given by Master Richard Coker at the Temple in Portsmouth. Includes a list of songs to be performed and by whom, including, Mons. H. B. Lasserve, George S. Weeks, Richard Coker, George Ellard and Bessie Coker. Tickets were available for purchase at Shores’ and Head’s Bookstore and Thacher’s Drug Store.
Undated “Concert. The Kimball Brothers respectfully announce to the Citizens of __[blank]__ that they will give a vocal entertainment at the __[blank]__.” Includes a list of chorus and songs to be performed, including some designated as “comic” (singing).
Folder 33 Kimball Family Pamphlets [10 items]
1839 “Catalogue of the Officers and Students of Bradford Academy,” Bradford, Massachusetts. Kimballs listed in student names and teacher names.
1840 “The Singer: Devoted to the General Cultivation of Music, and Adapted to the Use of Schools and Private Instruction,” Boston (periodical)
1849 ca. Small bound volume of short stories: “Grandfather Daniel and His Bible,” “Harry Hardheart and his Dog Driver,” “The Lighthouse-Keeper’s Daughter,” and “Willie Wilson, The Newsboy.” Inscription in front: Merry Christmas for Nellie Lucas. From her friend Helen Kimball Dec 25, 1849.
1850 “The Youth’s Dayspring,” Boston: American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions (3 periodicals)
1853 Printed Pamphlet “Thoughts on Heaven Rev. Mr. Balkam’s Sermon on the Death of Rev. Ivory Kimball,” Sermon by U. Balkam, Boston: George E. Newman, 1853.
1854 Printed fragment “Stories and Hymns for Children,” Concord, NH: Merriam & Merrill
1854 ca. Printed Pamphlet “My Flower Pot,” Concord, NH: Rufus Merrill.
1854 ca. Printed Pamphlet “The Selfish Girl, A Tale of Truth,” New York: Kiggins & Kellogg.
1870 ca. Printed Pamphlet “Our Little Sister. Illustrated with Plates from Designs by Mrs. Lees: The Poetry by Her Sister,”
1850-1870 ca. Misc. short tracts, fragments and loose printed illustrations.
Box 2
c. Miscellaneous
Folder 1 1860 ca. Mary L. Kimball notebook with pressed flowers, identified and occasional poetry
Folder 2 1861 April 14 Sarah Kimball Personal Reflection, memories of Childhood, religious reflections written on her twentieth birthday
Folder 3 1873-1874 Tuition receipt billed to Mrs. Kimball (for Helen Knight Kimball) by M. J. Pillow, Portsmouth.
Folder 4 1879 ca. Helen Knight Kimball Essays, loose materials removed from above bound Composition Book
Folder 5 1879 ca. Helen Knight Kimball Composition Book (bound), contains essays and school work as well as pasted in ephemera and pamphlets in rear, while at Park Seminary in Washington, DC. Helen graduated in 1879, salutatorian.
Folder 6 Garden plan with sketch and trees numbers, trees to be grafted are identified as well as a “great elm.” [2 items]
Folder 7 Book fragment inscribed on rear: Robert Fernald His Book 1774, “Letters to a Friend” regarding religion.
II. Bragdon Family
A. Joshua Bragdon Sr. (1743-1792)
Folder 8 Joshua Bragdon Sr. Receipts [17 items]
1764 Feb 24 Receipt Joshua Bragdon to Abigail Storer, signed Benjamin Bourn, Wells
1765 Apr 22 Agreement Benjamin Stevens to work for Joshua Bragdon, signed by Samuel Cusens
1765 May 10 Receipt for payment made by Joshua Bragdon to Nathaniel Webber, signed by Joseph Gatchell
1767 Apr 16 Receipt Joseph Hibbs, signed John Cusens
1767 Oct 2 Receipt Thomas Bragdon via Joshua Bragdon of Wells, for molasses, signed Joseph Kingsbury [fragments]
1767 Dec 28 Order for Samuel Stevens to appear in the York County Court of Common Pleas because of a debt he owed to Joshua Bragdon.
1772 Nov 5 Receipt Samuel Brown to Joshua Bragdon, signed John Butland, Wells
1774 Mar 28 Receipt Simeon Coffin to Moses Petty, signed Joshua Bragdon, Wells
1775 May 22 Receipt Joshua Bragdon to Jeremiah Storer, signed Abraham Barron, Wells
1776 Apr 15 Receipt Joshua Bragdon via Joshua Hatch, signed Jotham Moulton reference to Schooner Joanna
1780 ca. Receipt for Joshua Bragdon with list including boards, no date
1782 Dec 30 Receipt for money paid on debt by the estate of Ebenezer Sayer to Joshua Bragdon, signed by Joshua Bragdon
1785 Nov 3 Receipt Joshua Bragdon, signed John Gates, Wells
1786 Feb 1 Receipt Joshua Bragdon paid to and signed Jotham Littlefield, Wells
1788 Jul 11 Legal notice against Nicholas West of Wells regarding money owed to Joshua Bragdon
1789 Mar 6 Legal notice addressing John Harmond and Joshua Bragdon of Wells to appear before Jeremiah Hill, Justice of the Peace, regarding issue with Martha Lee of Marblehead and Nathaniel — of Newburyport, Massachusetts.
1791 Oct 1 Legal notice against Noah Moulton Littlefield of Wells regarding money owed to Joshua Bragdon
Folder 9 Joshua Bragdon Sr. Receipts, fragments
B. Joshua Bragdon Jr. (1767-1847)
Folder 10 Joshua Bragdon Jr. Wallet
1794 Nov 21 James Odiorne (onboard the Cutter Seammel, Kittery) to Joshua Bragdon (Wells), Bragdon’s pocket book and papers at the “high water mark” on Friers Island. Instructs Bragdon to contact Capt. Benjamin Gunnison in Kittery.
1794 ca. Leather wallet owned by Joshua Bragdon, referenced in above letter.
Folder 11 Joshua Bragdon Jr. Receipts
1793 July Receipt for payment to Amos Eldredge, signed by Joshua Bragdon
1795 Jan 22 Receipt for payment received from Benjamin Hill
1795 Mar 23 Legal notice against Joshua Bragdon regarding a debt owed to Nicholas West Jr. of Wells to appear before Nathaniel Wells.
1795 ca. Receipt with list of items (molasses, coffee, powder, rum, white oak staves) from William Bennett to Joshua Bragdon
1809 Oct 26 Legal notice against Joshua Bragdon regarding a case with Daniel Wheelwright of Wells to appear before John Storer
1815 May 31 Receipt for money paid on debt by Joshua Bragdon, signed Charles Gates
Folder 12 Joshua Bragdon Jr. Hair
1847 ca. Lock of hair belonging to Joshua Bragdon with a note in the hand of Clara P. Bragdon Kimball “Taken from the head of my dear father after his death. At the age of 80 years.”
C. Clara Parsons Bragdon Kimball (1817-1893)
Folder 13 Hair art, ca. 1835
Packets of hair, some formed into flowers, some from friends of Clara, at the South Berwick Female Bible Society including friends named Sarah, Elizabeth and Helen as well as Helen E. March, Eliza Bradbury of Hollis, Maine, , Elizabeth Morrison of Portsmouth, some from later in Clara’s life including Helen Knight Kimball and Israel Kimball. Folder also contains an autograph with pressed flower from Martha Haynes.
Folder 14 Clara Bragdon Receipts [5 items]
1835 July 11 Receipt for 11 weeks board for Clara Bragdon in South Berwick with Maria S. Decatur
1836 Sept Receipt for 9 weeks board for Clara Bragdon in South Berwick with Maria S. Decatur
1836 Nov 28 Receipt for 5 weeks board for Clara Bragdon with Miss E. G. Webster (signed J. G. Webster)
1836 ca. Receipt for 11 weeks board for Clara Bragdon with Maria S. Decatur
1839-1840 Receipt for board for Clara P. Bragdon with Matthew Lindsay
Folder 15 South Berwick Female Seminary Bible Society [?] or Female Bible Society [2 items]
1835 Report of activities by Clara Bragdon including a lecture by Rev S. Kessler and general discussion about the organization of the group as well as religion (Christianity).
1836 Report of activities by Clara Bragdon including a lecture by Rev Joseph Ballard and general discussion about the organization of the group as well as religion (Christianity).
Folder 16 North Church Ladies Education Society
Undated “Constitution of the Portsmouth North Church Education Society” including statement of purpose: “Its object shall be to aid indigent pious young men whose intention it is to obtain a thorough education for the Evangelical ministry.” Also includes a list of members.
1846 Report discusses activities of the society, including a description of meetings.
1846/7 Jan Report discusses activities of the society, fewer specifics projects mentions than in subsequent reports.
1848 Jan Report by Clara B. Kimball, Secretary, describes the activities of the group, including preparing a box of clothing for the students of Western Reserve College in Ohio. There is a description of why the students were in need of and worthy of assistance.
1849 Jan Report by Clara B. Kimball, Secretary, discusses the urgent need for educated ministers due to the western growth of the country, mentions need in New Mexico, Oregon, California and Wisconsin. Report also discusses international events, stating, “The recent revolutions in the old world are opening the way for the rapid spread and progress of the gospel…”
Folder 17 North Church Maternal Association [1 item]
1848-1849 Report by Clara B. Kimball, Theological discussion including a note to mothers on the death of children.
Folder 18 Clara Bragdon, Miscellaneous
1835 ca. Three essays on a single sheet of paper, the first is a religious statement, perhaps transcribed from another source, the second is titled “History of Wells,” and a third titled “The Value of a Brother.”
1837 Aug 24 Brief note thanking for books
1837 ca. Clara P. Bragdon copy book and essay about love
Undated Pledge taken by members of the South Berwick Female Seminary, with list of members, Mary A. Osgood, Adeline H. Osgood, Mary Bragdon, Clara Bragdon, Lucinda Pope, Hanna Pope, Louisa Gubtill, Marianna Mackern, Serena Mackern, Susan Scholley, Susan Stephens and Martha A. Garland.
Undated Brief note to Clara from Mary —
Undated Brief note to from Miss E. A. Weld arranging a visit
Undated Handwritten poetry
D. Bragdon Family General
Folder 19
1831 Samuel Leighton Bragdon (1800-1887) [identity not confirmed?] Ship Log [unidentified vessel], includes voyages from New Castle, England to Boston, Boston to New Orleans, New Orleans to Boston/New York, New York to New Orleans and New Orleans to Liverpool, England. Includes notes regarding sailing/weather conditions, location, etc.
Folder 20
1829 Mary Jane Bragdon (1812-1846), Alfred Academy, Autograph Book in addition to a poem for “Sister Mary” by Clara Bragdon, the volume includes verses written by Betsy M. Cushman, Mehetable G. Hill, Charlotte Ann Brocks, — Smith, Olive Winn, Clara, W. C. Larrabee (first preceptor of Alfred Academy, founded in 1828), Mary Anna Hall, Ann E. Bradbury, Mary Ann Griffin, Lucinda Pope, L. M. Holmes, Caroline Chadborne, Samuel Curtis Jr., Almira Melcher, Hannah F. Sayward, A. B. Leighton, Mary Abbey, Mary Ann Littlefield, Sarah Piper (Epping, NH), Maria Chase and S. Decatur.
Oversize Box
Folder 3 Bragdon Family Genealogy Notes
Handwritten narrative with details about the births, deaths and marriages of members of the Bragdon Family. Including:
Joshua Bragdon, Sarah F. Leighton, Elizabeth P. Bragdon, George Bragdon, Samuel H. Bragdon, Oliver Bragdon, Joshua Bragdon, Joseph Bragdon, Mary Jane Bragdon, Clara P. Bragdon and Mary Jane Bragdon
Samuel L. Bragdon and children: George L. Bragdon, Samuel W. C. Bragdon, Joseph Bragdon, Joseph O. Bragdon and John L. Bragdon.
Mary Jane Bragdon, husband James Winn and child James Franklin Winn (also notes deaths of two other children)
Clara P. Bragdon, husband Israel Kimball and children.
Joshua Bragdon (brother of Clara), wife Mary L. Fitch and children: Mason Fitch Bragdon, Clara Bragdon, Anna M. Bragdon, Mary L. Bragdon and Marshall Leighton Bragdon.
Joshua Bragdon (father of Clara) and wife Sarah F. Leighton
Samuel Wallace C. Bragdon (son of Samuel L. Bragdon)
Mason F. Bragdon (son of Joshua Bragdon)
Three pages of notes concerning family members from the 17th and 18th centuries, in very poor condition.
XI. Correspondence
Box 3
Folder 1 1823 [1 item]
1823 Mar 20 Joshua Bragdon Jr. (Charleston, South Carolina) to Joseph Bragdon Sr., discusses his travel to South Carolina and spring weather in the south and winter in the north, mentions the Wackamaw River and Conwayborough.
Folder 2 1832 [1 item]
1832 Dec 9 Israel Kimball (Roxbury, Massachusetts) to Wilbraham Kimball (Wells), writing to his parents reporting on his life in Roxbury, missing home in Wells and his family, encourages his father to come find work ship building in Boston.
Folder 3 1833 [2 items]
1833 Jan 13 Israel Kimball (Boston) to Wilbraham Kimball (Wells), general greetings, news of work and hopes to return to his studies.
1833 June 15 Ivory Kimball (Bangor, Maine) to Elizabeth P. Bragdon (Wells), general greetings, religion (Christianity), reflections on the death of a friend, S. H. Curtis.
Folder 4 1835 [2 items]
1835 June 19 Israel Kimball (South Berwick, Maine) to “Brother,” Israel give details of daily life, family matters and discusses his desire to visit Wells, but finances prevent him from making the trip.
1835 July 24 Joshua Bragdon Jr. (Mobile, Alabama) to Clara Bradgon and Joseph Bragdon Sr. (Wells), general news, enquires about family, mentions his impression of the city of Mobile and location of his boat.
Folder 5 1836 [2 items]
1836 July 9 Israel Kimball (Bowdoin College) to Wilbraham Kimball (Wells), greetings from college, thanking his father profusely for the money he sent, asks about farming and the success of the corn, potato and wheat crop, mentions concern about William’s plan to buy a farm.
1836 Nov 1 Joshua Bragdon Jr. (Mobile, Alabama) to Clara Bragdon (South Berwick), Joshua is onboard the S. B. Caroline, and sends general greetings with some details about daily life.
Folder 6 1837 [3 items]
1837 June 19 Mary Jane Bragdon (Wells) to Israel Kimball (Brunswick), general greetings, mention of social calls, daily life, religion (Christianity and Unitarianism) and family matters.
1837? June 18 Elizabeth P. Bragdon to Israel Kimball (Brunswick), general family matters and religion (Christianity).
1837 Aug 10 ca. Israel Kimball (Bowdoin College) to Wilbraham Kimball (Wells), discusses financial matters and his desperate need for money.
Folder 7 1838 Jan-June [4 items]
1838 Apr 12 Mary Jane Bragdon (Wells) to Elizabeth P. Bragdon (York), general family matters, living arrangements and religion (Christianity).
1838 May 11 Sarah to Clara Bragdon (Wells), general greetings
1838 May 26 Clara Bragdon Kimball (Wells) to Wilbraham Kimball and William Kimball, describes the “old farm up in the woods” where the Kimball brothers grew up, extensive discussion about the Bible and religion (Christianity).
1838 June 3 Stephen L. Kimball (South Reading) to Wilbraham Kimball (East Dixfield, Maine), letter discusses farming and crops, potential marriage and general family matters.
Folder 8 1838 July-Dec [4 items]
1838 July 16 Israel Kimball (Bowdoin College) to Deborah Kimball (East Dixfield, Maine), discusses general family matters as well as his desire to visit but his not being able to leave school, mentions Ivory is unwell but preaching as well as farming and crops.
1838 Oct 3 Israel Kimball (Bowdoin College) to Wilbraham Kimball (East Dixfield, Maine), discusses general family matters as well as his commitment to school but lack of money, also farming and crops. He closes with a political comment, “It is too bad father that John Fairfield should be governor. But I suppose we can’t help it. I did everything I could in Wells to prevent his coming in. But I mean to do more towards getting him out. Tell every good Whig father to do the same. We must effect a change in our government or our country will be ruined.”
1838 Nov 6 Ann B. Leighton (Alfred, Maine) to Mary Jane Bragdon (Wells), mentions attending commencement at Harvard, a visit to Boston and Andover, general family news.
1838 Nov 30 Israel Kimball (Wells) to Wilbraham and Deborah Kimball (East Dixfield, Maine), discusses his health, recent move from Brunswick to Wells, teaching singing schools (in Wells and Kennebunk) but not “day school,” details of Thanksgiving celebrations, and other family members including Israel’s brother Stephen Kimball, his wife Caroline and daughter, Sarah as well as Israel’s future wife, Clara.
Folder 9 1839 Jan-June [4 items]
1839 Jan Clara Bragdon Kimball (Wells) to Wilbraham Kimball and Deborah Kimball (East Dixfield, Maine), general greetings, family matters and updates on extended family, Clara reports that she is teaching.
1839 Feb 28 Clara Bragdon Kimball (Wells) to Deborah Kimball (East Dixfield, Maine), discusses her love for her future mother-in-law opening the letter, “[I] take my pen for the purpose of convincing you that I do love you…”, the success of Israel’s singing schools, his upcoming graduation, the suicide of a local man, Mark Hill and in depth discussion of religion (Christianity).
1839 Apr 22 Israel Kimball (Bowdoin College) to Wilbraham Kimball (East Dixfield, Maine), general greetings and family matters, hoping to find a way to visit perhaps borrowing a horse, recent trip to Wells where Clara is sick with Scarlett Fever and description of a renovation to the church in Wells.
1839 June 18 Israel Kimball (Bowdoin College) to William Kimball (East Dixfield, Maine), Israel is inviting his brothers (William Kimball, Patten Kimball and Samuel Kimball) to visit him at Bowdoin and attend the State Conference, perhaps with a singing engagement as well.
Folder 10 1839 July-Dec, Undated [7 items]
1839 July 9 Israel Kimball (Wells) to Wilbraham Kimball (East Dixfield, Maine), Israel reports that he is sick and has left Bowdoin to stay at the Bragdon’s house in Wells. Long discussion of the illness, which appears to be asthma related.
1839 July 30 Clara Bragdon Kimball (Wells) to Wilbraham Kimball (Jay, Maine), Clara is telling Israel’s parents about his recent illness and absence from school, she reflects on his struggle to pay for college as beneficial to his character. Clara is pleased with the fullness of her school, she describes renovation made to the meeting house funded entirely by women, also mentions illness.
1839 Aug 1 Israel Kimball (Bowdoin College) to Wilbraham Kimball (East Dixfield, Maine), regarding planning a visit to see his parents after a period of poor health and sickness.
1839 Sept 16 Israel Kimball (Wells) to Wilbraham Kimball (East Dixfield, Maine), mentions possibly going to Boston for the winter as well as general family matters. (2018 addition)
1839 Oct 30 J. C. Levitt (Andover) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), general greetings, discusses lodging situation, Bowdoin College and Andover Academy.
1839 Nov 2 Israel Kimball (Eliot) to Wilbraham Kimball (East Dixfield, Maine), describes his new teaching situation at Eliot Academy, sorry that he did not see his brothers while in Wells recently but he did see his brothers who live in the Boston area. He tells of Wilbraham’s likely engagement to a woman named Chase of Newton. Also describes farming a crops, wheat, potatoes.
1839 ca. Clara Kimball and Israel Kimball (Eliot) to Wilbraham Kimball and Deborah Kimball (Jay, Maine), Clara reports on Israel’s school teaching and his singing schools, general greetings and family matters.
Folder 11 1840 April-May [3 items]
1840 April 28 Ivory Kimball to Israel Kimball (Wells), discusses a recent accident when their parents and brother were thrown from a wagon and sustained injuries, Ivory is a minister and discusses travel around Maine and New England (Portland, Limington, Wells, South Berwick, Boston), and Israel’s recent wedding.
1840 April 30 unknown (Kennebunk) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), general greetings and family matters.
1840 May 4 Israel Kimball and Clara Bragdon Kimball (Eliot) to Wilbraham and Deborah Kimball (East Dixsfield, Maine) [2 letters], regarding the recent accident that his parents were involved in and injured by, also mentions an accident that Clara was involved in when she was thrown from a carriage, mentions his brother Ivory, a minister, being “adrift,” he wishes that Ivory would come to Eliot where the people are “destitute” for a pastor, and general discussion of religion (Christianity).
Folder 12 1840 June [4 items]
1840 June 9 Martha M. (Wells) to Wilbraham Kimball (East Dixfield, Maine), extensive discussion of religion (Christianity) and family members and updates about their situations, Martha is seeking a new teaching position but states she would also consider factory or housework for employment.
1840 June 13 E. E. Bourne (Kennebunk) to Israel Kimball (Wells), discussing a lawsuit that was being brought against Israel, offering suggestions.
1840 June 23 S. H. L—-[?] (Kennebunk) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), references Mr. Bourne and the lawsuit Israel is involved in, provides instructions regarding witnesses and the trial.
1840 June 23 E. G. Moore (Wells) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), references a legal case Israel is involved in, provides testimony about Israel’s medical condition and asthma. (2018 addition)
Folder 13 1840 July [2 items]
1840 July 6 Ivory Kimball and Israel Kimball [2 letters] (Eliot) to Wilbraham Kimball (East Dixfield, Maine), mentions politics, Israel and Clara going to a Whig Celebration in Kennebunk of 6000 to 10000 people, while “…the Tories had a celebration in Portsmouth” which resulted in a great deal of injuries to those who attended including, “…one women had the end of her parasol driven into the roof of her mouth others had their teeth knocked out their hips cut bloody noses…”, updates on farming – hay and corn crops, discussion of religion (Christianity), and general family matters.
1840 July 21 unknown (Andover) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), discusses illness and family matters.
Folder 14 1840 Oct-Nov [3 items]
1840 Oct 19 I Goodwin (Flushing, NY) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), regarding new residence and current plan of study, general greetings.
1840 Nov 3 Wilbraham Kimball to Israel Kimball (Eliot), Wilbraham’s health is poor and he is considering moving “to the far west.”
1840 Nov 27 E. C. Crane and David Kimball (Portsmouth) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), regarding membership in the Portsmouth Sacred Music Society
Folder 15 Dec, undated [3 items]
1840 Dec 12 [Brother] Kimball (Farmington) to Israel Kimball (Wells), financial matters.
1840 Dec 31 William Fogg (Eliot) to Israel Kimball (Wells), offering to continue his position at Eliot Academy, recognizing the limited resources of the board (professional).
1840 ca. Elizabeth P. Bragdon to Joshua Bragdon (Wells), mentions health and illness, specifically references James Franklin Winn, child of her sister, Mary Jane Bragdon, of which she states, “he looks as though we should not have him long poor little thing…”
Folder 16 1841 Jan [2 items]
1841 Jan 18 Goodwin (Flushing) to Israel Kimball (Kennebunk), general greetings and inquiring about Israel’s work.
1841 Jan 30 Notice from Eliot Academy regarding Israel’s salary, the committee will cover his salary should not enough students enroll (professional).
Folder 17 1841 March [8 items]
1841 Mar 2 Horton & Walker (Portsmouth) to Israel Kimball (Kennebunk), request for Israel to attend a celebration and payment for his expenses.
1841 March 11 Charles E. Norton (South Berwick) to Clara Kimball (Wells), writing on behalf of their friend Martha who is looking for a teaching position (professional).
1841 March 15 E. E. Bourne (Kennebunk) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), references a temperance meeting.
1841 March 18 E. E. Bourne (Kennebunk) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), further discussion of temperance meeting.
1841 March 19 G. B. Hayes (Saco) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), invitation to their “favorite singer” to perform in Saco and join the Glee Club.
1841 March 20 A. C. Curtis (Pittsfield) to Israel Kimball (Wells), seeking to settle debt owed toward Clara’s educational costs at the South Berwick Female Seminary from 1837, receipt enclosed. (2018 addition)
1841 March 28 Mary Ann Carter (Eliot) to Clara Kimball (Wells), general greetings and religion (Christianity).
1841 March 29 Ivory Kimball [?] to Israel Kimball (Eliot), general greetings and family matters including the difficulty of having Israel living separate from his wife and family.
Folder 18 1841 April [3 items]
1841 April 5 Clara Kimball to Israel Kimball (Eliot), excitement about the success of Israel’s school with now 41 scholars, general greetings and family matters.
1841 April 6 Jno. C. Davis (Kittery) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), appears to be instruction from a parent of a pupil regarding instruction to focus on at school (professional).
1841 April 15 S. L. Bragdon (Wells) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), childbirth and medicine (giving details about the birth of the Kimball’s first child, Sarah D. Kimball).
Folder 19 1841 May [6 items]
1841 May Jos C. Smith (Kennebunk) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), family matters, general greetings and news about others in town.
1841 May 3 Clara Kimball to Israel Kimball (Eliot), medicine, infant care, breastfeeding, describes having a debilitating case of mastitis (breast infection), using a breast pump and having medical attention, details about their infant daughter, Sarah D. Kimball.
1841 May 12 Elizabeth P. Bragdon to Israel Kimball (Dover, NH), Clara’s sister Elizabeth is taking care of Sarah D. Kimball, describes daily activities, childcare, medicine, illness, including using honey for a cold, food and plants.
1841 May 20/1 S. L. Gordon (Portsmouth) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), news of a singing concert.
1841 May 21 Clara Kimball to Israel Kimball (Eliot), infant care, breastfeeding, continued recovery from mastitis and childbirth, general family matters, eating for breastfeeding and diet and trying to get meat to eat.
1841 May 24 S. L. Gorston [?] to Israel Kimball (Eliot), will postpone singing concert but extends an invitation for Kimball to sing (professional)
Folder 20 1841 June [3 items]
1841 June 14 Jno. C. Davis (Kittery) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), request for recommendation and statement on state of health of John (professional).
1841 June 21 Austin Willey (Hallowell) to Israel Kimball (Wells), invitation to the state convention (professional).
1841 June 29 George W. Hardy (Kennebunk) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), Hardy is attempting to start a newspaper in Kittery (professional).
Folder 21 1841 Aug-Sept [3 items]
1841 Aug 2 Jos C. Smith (Andover) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), general greetings, family matters and depression.
1841 Sept 18 William Clark (Woodstock, VT) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), financial matters, Israel owes Clark money which Clark is looking to collect.
1841 Sept 25 Israel Kimball, Ivory Kimball, Clara Kimball ad Sarah Kimball (Eliot) to Wilbraham Kimball and William Kimball (East Dixfield, Maine), primarily discusses financial matters, debt and difficult financial situation that Israel is attempting to help his father and brother with.
Folder 22 1841 Oct [5 items]
1841 Oct 6 John C. Bartlett (Wells) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), financial matters, checking that Israel has received money sent to him by his wife’s parents.
1841 Oct 11 John G. Thompson (South Berwick) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), regarding a delivery of text books (professional).
1841 Oct 15 Jos. C. Smith (Kennebunk) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), general greetings and plans to travel.
1841 Oct 26 William Lord (Kennebunk) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), looking to send his son Robert Lord to Eliot Academy. (2018 addition)
1841 Oct 27 Levi P. Hillan (Kennebunk) to Israel Kimball (South Eliot), mentions the “old Anti-Slavery society” meeting to be held at Lebanon and extensive opinion on Abolitionism.
Folder 23 1841 Nov [5 items]
1841 Nov 3 Benjamin H. Kimball and Sarah Rust Kimball (South Boston) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), brother and sister-in-law of Israel send general greetings and discuss financial matters.
1841 Nov 3 William Lord (Kennebunk) to Israel Kimball, arranging for his son, Robert Lord, to attend Eliot Academy and board with Kimball. Lord describes his son as being “rather slow in his movements” (professional).
1841 Nov 13 Wilbraham Kimball to Israel Kimball (Eliot), Israel brothers reports on their parents, financial matters and mentions a Mr. Hammond who had a difficult journey in a snowstorm.
1841 Nov 20 Joshua Bragdon (Mobile, Alabama) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), asks how Israel is doing with his study of law and encourages him to come out west, mentions his shipping business and his wheat farm. (2018 addition)
1841 Nov 28 Jos. C. Smith (Andover) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), general greetings, education, school work and writing sermons.
Folder 24 1841 Dec [3 items]
1841 Dec 9 Wilbram Clark [?] (Rochester, NH) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), arrangements for Israel to see the Congregational Minister.
1841 Dec 13 John P. W—-[?] (Wells) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), singers searching for temperance hymnals
1841 Dec 24 Jos. C. Smith (Andover) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), general greetings and education.
Box 4
Folder 1 1842 Jan [5 items]
1842 Jan 11 William Clark (Kittery Point) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), appears to reference some type of disagreement (professional).
1842 Jan 17 A. C. Curtis [Anne C. Curtis] (Pittsfield) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), regarding money received for payment to debt but amount still owed to minister, letter is from his wife. (2018 addition)
1842 Jan 21 Jos. C. Smith (Andover) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), discusses education as well as a disagreement he is having at the seminary he is attending seminary and his possible expulsion due to differing opinions.
1842 Jan 23 Jno. B. Soule (Hampton) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), letter of reference for Alfred W. Pike, a penmanship instructor (professional).
1842 Jan 24 Martha M. (Gilmanton) to Clara P. Kimball (Wells), family matters and financial matters, Martha is in a great deal of debt due to illness and family illness.
Folder 2 1842 Feb [6 items]
1842 Feb 12 William Fogg (Eliot) to Israel Kimball (Wells), details teaching opportunity and change in Eliot due to enrollment numbers. (2018 addition)
1842 Feb 17 Clara Kimball and Israel Kimball (Wells) to Wilbraham Kimball (East Dixfield, Maine), Clara and Israel report leaving Eliot in January of 1842, discusses an “awakening” of religion (Christianity) in Eliot, family matters, illness, infant and child care (Sarah D. Kimball) and Israel tells of keeping singing school in Kennebunk.
1842 Feb 16 Daniel Appleton (Buxton) to Israel Kimball (Wells), regarding an Anti-Slavery/Abolitionist meeting (professional).
1842 Feb 18 Israel Kimball (Great Falls) to Wilbraham Kimball (East Dixfield, Maine), continued discussion of financial matters and hardship, Israel provides advice about what to say to creditor and the possibility of losing the farm.
1842 Feb 22 William Fogg (Eliot) to Israel Kimball (Wells), hoping to renegotiate Israel’s decision to decline taking a teaching position in Eliot.
1842 Feb 23 Andrew Webster (South Berwick) to Israel Kimball (Wells), invitation to come to South Berwick.
Folder 3 1842 March [10 items]
1842 Mar 1 William Fogg (Eliot) to Israel Kimball (Wells), acknowledgement of Israel’s decision to teach in Eliot. (2018 addition)
1842 Mar 2 — Goodwin to Israel Kimball (Wells), [could not decipher handwriting] (professional)
1842 Mar 9 Ivory Kimball (Eliot) to Israel Kimball (Wells), Israel asked Ivory (brother) to help him looking for a house in Eliot and Ivory reports that he may be leaving soon and perhaps Israel can take over his location in the parsonage.
1842 Mar 17 Israel Kimball (Eliot) to Clara Kimball (Wells), Israel has found housing in Eliot, renting from Mr. Fogg.
1842 Mar 18 I. B. L. Soule (Hampton) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), expresses his being uncomfortable with his current situation and thinking of leaving New England.
1842 Mar 18 Israel Kimball (Eliot) to I. B. L. Soule (Hampton), response on rear of letter above on the rear of the previous letter.
1842 Mar 18 Wilbraham Kimball to Israel Kimball (Eliot), [faded and difficult to decipher]
1842 Mar 24 A. P. Spinney (Pottsville, Pennsylvania) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), requesting a spot at Kimball’s school for a student (professional).
1842 Mar 29 Levi P. Hilton (Kennebunk) to Israel Kimball (Principal Eliot Academy), reports success with attendance of Dr. Willey’s [Austin Willey] lectures however overall poor reception for the ideas of abolish which was “only creating disturbance and … destroying domestic peace.”
1842 Mar ca. Sarah Kimball to Clara Bragdon Kimball (Wells), Sarah is the wife of Ivory Kimball, letter is general with religious (Christianity) references. (2018 addition)
Folder 4 1842 April [3 items]
1842 Apr 2 R. K. (Kittery Point, Maine) to Israel Kimball (Eliot, Maine), request that Israel Kimball and his brother Patten Kimball assist with singing at an upcoming singing concert.
1842 Apr 24 Wilbraham Kimball (Jay, Maine) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), details farming, crops, financial hardship, also mentions traveling to the state convention, presumably Temperance. (2018 addition)
1842 Apr 28 Joseph Frost (Eliot) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), planning a visit to the rum sellers of Eliot, presumably Temperance motivated, notes regarding religion on back.
Folder 5 1842 May [5 items]
1842 May 3 Samuel Leighton Bragdon (Wells) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), requests Israel’s presences at a meeting regarding an apparent controversy where a local church under the leadership of Mr. Borrows, wanting to turn away all of its black membership. Bragdon appears to be sympathizing with the African American population. Refers to a black man named J. L. Cole. (2018 addition)
1842 May 15 Wilbraham Kimball [brother of Israel] to Israel Kimball (Eliot), financial matters (asking for money) and farming.
1842 May 25 George P. Hayes (Saco) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), request that Israel come to Saco to assist singing at a concert.
1842 May 17 Thomas Hills [?] (Wells [?]) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), disappointment that Israel Kimball did not address a recent Anti-Slavery Meeting, mentions religion and the Freewill Baptist Church.
1842 May 20 Israel Kimball (Eliot) to Wilbraham Kimball (East Dixfield, Maine), writing to his brother Israel discusses financial matters and his inability once again to send money, also a planned visit to Boston and his daughter, Sarah’s recent illness.
Folder 6 1842 June [6 items]
1842 June Mary (Pittsfield, NH) to Clara Kimball (Eliot), former school friend of Clara remembering fondly time in South Berwick [Berwick Academy?] where they studied science and nature, and went to church together, expresses her great happiness that Clara is “fulfilling the duties of wife and mother.”
1842 June 6 G. F. H. Isley (Saco) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), requesting Israel perform singing at a musical concert in Saco. (2018 addition)
1842 June 12 Thomas Jewett (South Berwick) to Israel Kimball (Eliot Academy), explanation that his children were leaving Kimball’s school but they were very thankful for his teaching in the past (professional).
1842 June 17 George W. Shannon and G. F. H. Isley (Saco, Maine) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), request that Israel assist singing at a concert of secular music for a July 4th celebration.
1842 June 22 Anne C. Curtis (Pittsfield) to Clara Kimball, general greetings and financial matters (includes receipt for money paid).
1842 June 27 Levi P. Hillard (Kennebunk) to Israel Kimball (Elliot), apparent reference to Temperance movement and desire to de-politicize the movement in Maine so that individuals of all political parties feel comfortable being involved, mentions the Liberty Party. (2018 addition)
Folder 7 1842 July [2 items]
1842 July 4 Wilbraham Kimball (East Dixfield) to Deborah Kimball care of Benjamin H. Kimball (South Boston), mentions a Total Abstinence Celebration in Farmington (temperance), farming, discusses illness and requests that Deborah return home via boat from Hallowell rather than through Wells.
1842 July 13 Edward A. Dana (Nashua) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), heard that Israel is looking for a new place to teach, suggests Nashua Academy.
Folder 8 1842 August [2items]
1842 Aug 1 Joseph Smith (Kennebunk) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), discussion of traveling around New England preaching in towns such as Hingham, Massachusetts and Frankfort, Maine and mentions the sudden death of Mrs. Ivory Lord.
1842 Aug 26 Charles M. Weeks (Eliot Academy), letter of recommendation for Israel Kimball (professional).
Folder 9 1842 September [6 items]
1842 Sept 7 Catherine Sparrow to Israel Kimball (Wells), seeking a teaching position and asking Israel for a recommendation (professional).
[1842?] Sept 12 John Patten Kimball to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth, NH), general greetings from Israel’s brother and family matters.
1842 Sept 13 Joseph C. Smith (Frankfurt) to Israel Kimball (Wells), discussion of traveling around New England preaching and general discussion of religion (Christianity).
1842 Sept 20 Ivory Kimball (Eliot) to Israel Kimball (Wells), appears that Israel is in Wells because Sarah is sick, his brother Ivory hopes Israel will return to Eliot soon, Israel’s horse [?] in Eliot is very ill, Ivory is preparing to go to Limington.
1842 Sept 20 William Fogg (Eliot) to Israel Kimball (Wells), mentions Sarah Bragdon’s illness, Israel’s plan to go to Brunswick and the death of Nathanial Hammond in a wagon accident. (2018 addition)
1842 Sept 26 Oliver Libby (Dover) to Israel Kimball (Wells), Israel appears to be thinking of setting up a school in Dover, Libby suggests there may not be high demand (professional).
Folder 10 1842 October [3 items]
1842 Oct William Gooch to Israel Kimball, requesting payment of money owed.
1842 Oct 5 Charles H. Elliott (Great Falls/Somersworth) to Israel Kimball (Wells), prospects good for Israel to open in a school in his area (professional).
1842 Oct 8 Clara Kimball (Wells) to Wilbraham Kimball [? letter is a fragment], discussion of Sarah Kimball’s illness (typhoid fever ) and near death, religion (Christianity), Israel is teaching two singing schools in Dover for both the Unitarian and the Orthodox societies and one in Great Falls (Somersworth), hopeful that Israel will get a job at a day school, there is a prospect at the Dover Academy.
Folder 11 1842 November [7 items]
1842 Nov 3 George F. Magonn (Bath) to Israel Kimball (Wells), principal position job offer with details about salary and the school’s present dissatisfaction with its current principal (professional).
1842 Nov 4 Jasper Goss (Alfred, Maine) to Israel Kimball (Wells, Maine), offer of a job teaching at a singing lessons at a Sacred Music School.
1842 Nov 10 Israel Kimball (Dover) to George F. Magonn (Bath), Israel explains that he is not able to take the position offered until he completes his current obligations, including vocal lessons in Dover and Great Falls/Somersworth (professional).
1842 Nov 14 George F. Magonn (Bath) to Israel Kimball (Wells), Israel is considering the principal position offered in previous letter (professional).
1842 Nov 19 Wilbraham Kimball (Boston) to Israel Kimball (Wells), Israel’s brother Wilbraham is in struggling with a serious illness and cannot afford the medicine and care from a doctor, asking Israel for money, financial matters.
1842 Nov 22 George F. Magonn (Bath) to Israel Kimball (Wells), the school committee is continue to review the offer made to Israel and reduces the salary and asks if Israel’s wife is a teacher (professional).
1842 Nov 28 Charles E. Norton (South Berwick) to Israel Kimball (Great Falls or Somersworth), confirming that Israel will deliver a Temperance Lecture at the South Berwick Congregational Church.
Folder 12 1842 December [10 items]
1842 Dec 1 Ivory Kimball (, NH) to Israel Kimball (Wells), Ivory has accepted an appointment at Lyndeborough, NH.
1842 Dec 5 H. Tallman, J. Ellsworth (School Committee)(Bath) to George F. Magonn (Bath), instructing George to “procure” Israel Kimball for the school (professional).
1842 Dec 6 Benjamin Merian [?sp] (Roxbury) to Israel Kimball (Wells), Benjamin states regarding Israel’s poor health, “I suspect that the confinement which you are subjected to in keeping school does not agree with you, you need some more stirring and action occupation; I think that you would enjoy yourself better to become a farmer.” He speaks extensively about the life of a farmer and how farming is a beneficial occupation to ones health, although not a lot of money.
1842 Dec 7 Nathaniel Groton (Bath) to Israel Kimball (Wells), informs Israel that they will make other arrangements for the principal position, on account of Israel’s current teaching obligations and because his wife will not be joining him (professional).
1842 Dec 12 Joseph C. Smith (Frankfort) to Israel Kimball (Wells), general greetings, personal matters and religion.
1842 Dec 13 Israel Kimball (Wells) to William Kimball (Wells), Israel abruptly closes his singing schools after receiving a letter from Bath.
1842 Dec 13 Israel Kimball (Wells) to Nathaniel Groton, Henry Tallman and Jeremiah Elsworth (Bath), Israel is very upset that the offer of the principal position had been rescinded. He details the arrangements and great lengths he had taken in preparation for starting the position (professional).
1842 Dec 14 George F. Magonn (Bath) to Israel Kimball (Wells), provides details of why the offer of the principal position in Bath was rescinded. After legal action the present principal was able to keep the position despite controversy (professional).
1842 Dec 16 Israel Kimball (Wells) to George F. Magonn (Bath), Israel is very upset for his loss of the position in Bath (professional).
1842 Dec 16 Russell Hodgdon (Dover) to Israel Kimball (Wells), invitation for Israel to return to teaching in Dover after the loss of his opportunity in Bath. (2018 addition)
Folder 13 1842 ca, undated [7 items]
1842 ca. Charles H. Elliott (Great Falls, NH) to Israel Kimball (Wells), invitation for Israel to participate singing at a meeting, perhaps related to the Washingtonians Society.
1842 ca. Israel Kimball (Eliot) to the President of Bowdoin College, letter of recommendation for John Fogg, outlining his academic achievements and areas of study (professional).
1842 ca. Israel Kimball to Clara Kimball, mentions employment and structure of classes he is teaching and that he is grateful to be employed, also mentions an upcoming concert that he will be singing at.
1842 ca. Hannah Kimball to Clara Kimball (Eliot), general greetings and family matters
1842 ca. S. Ann P. Waldren to Israel Kimball, request from a student to continue as Israel’s student, expresses appreciation and admiration for Israel.
1842 ca. Samuel Eliot Coues to [?Israel Kimball], regarding a question about calculating the earth’s rotation and velocity.
1842 ca. Elizabeth P. Bragdon (sister of Clara Kimball) to Israel Kimball and Clara Kimball (Eliot), greetings to Sarah Kimball and request for a visit.
Folder 14 1843 January [7 items]
1843 Jan 7 Austin Willey (Hallowell, Maine) to Israel Kimball (Wells), request that Israel travel to Portland, Maine to for the purpose of singing Patriotic songs at an upcoming event.
1843 Jan 8 William Kimball (Farmington) to Israel Kimball (Wells), discusses weather, cold and lots of snow.
1843? Jan 12 unknown (Great Falls) to Israel Kimball (Dover), encouraging Israel to open a school, details a large number of people who have already committed to sending their children should Israel open a school. (2018 addition)
1843 Jan 16 Ivory Kimball and Sarah Kimball (Lyndeborough, NH) to Israel Kimball (Wells), discusses Isreal’s search for employment and encourages him to continue searching.
1843 Jan 26 Wilbraham Kimball to Israel Kimball (Wells), discusses illness and family matters. Wilbraham states, “I think the want of money is the greatest disease that prays upon me.” Wilbraham tells of financial trouble and having to mortgage his farm.
1843 Jan 28 George T. Magonn (Bath) to Israel Kimball (Wells), further discussion of the rescinded offer to Israel Kimball (professional).
1843 Jan 30 Israel Kimball (Wells) to Wilbraham Kimball (East Dixfield), discusses Wilbraham’s mortgaging his farm and financial troubles. Israel is cautious to give the money to his brother but appears to offer to purchase the farm back from his brother’s debtor.
Folder 15 1843 February [3 items]
1843 Feb 5 Wilbraham Kimball Jr. and Wilbraham Kimball Sr. (Jay) to Israel Kimball (Wells), Israel’s brother continues to discuss his financial trouble. Israel’s father asks for assistance on behalf of his brother.
1843 Feb 23 Joshua Bragdon Jr. (Mobile, Alabama) to Joshua Bragdon (Wells), general greetings and financial matters.
1843 Feb 25 Wilbraham Kimball (Jay) to Israel Kimball (Wells), continued discussion of financial trouble and need.
Folder 16 1843 March [3 items]
1843 March 20 Amos Sargent (Dover) to Israel Kimball (Wells), offering a position to teach in Dover with good prospects of students.
1843 March 24 James K. Remick (Kennebunk) to Israel Kimball (Wells), financial summary of Academy expenses (professional).
1843 March 29 William Kimball (Jay) to Israel Kimball (Wells), congratulations on the birth of a son to Israel, decision to sell the farm due to financial hardship.
Folder 17 1843 April [9 items]
1843 April 9 Israel Kimball (Dover) to Clara Kimball (Wells), Israel is teaching in Dover and living away from his family, who remain in Wells. He speaks of his loneliness and family matters.
1843 April 13 Clara Kimball (Wells) to Israel Kimball (Dover), discusses weather (ground is still snow covered), Sarah misses her father (Israel), recovery from childbirth (the Kimballs’ second child, George Kimball was born February 28, 1843), childrearing, Sarah’s possible illness and discussion with the doctor, Clara discusses a letter from Israel’s brothers, William and Wilbraham, in which they discuss selling their farm and purchasing a new one. At the end of the letter she addresses “Mary,” asking her to purchase her a whalebone busk (corset) in Dover.
1843 Apr 10 William Clark (Fryeburg) to Israel Kimball (Bath, changed to Dover), general greetings and inquiry into money owed by Israel (professional).
1843 April 13 W. H. Bidwell (New York) to Israel Kimball (Dover), regarding the merger of newspapers The Cincinnati Journal and the Evangelist, and Mr. Bragdon’s subscription.
1843 Apr 15 Israel Kimball (Dover) to Clara Kimball (Wells), discussion of his current teaching position, “I do not think that boys in the village like Dover care much about learning as boys in the country. They are more full of roquery & mischief & it requires a great deal more patience to get along with them.” (professional)
1843 Apr 21 Ivory Kimball and Sarah Kimball (Lyndeborough, NH) to Israel Kimball (Dover), mentions that he has not heard from their brother Patten and does not know where he is, extensive discussion about their parents’ financial hardship and need for assistance from the children, also family matters and Israel Kimball’s children. (2018 addition)
1843 April 26 Israel Kimball (Dover) to William Kimball (East Dixfield, Maine), continued discussion of difficult financial situation and the possibility of selling the farm.
1843 April 28 Joseph C. Smith (Groton) to Israel Kimball (Dover), death of a friend who was a minister resulting in the author of the letter relocating to Groton to take over the position.
1843 April 30 Israel Kimball (Dover) to Clara Kimball (Wells), Israel reports that he now has thirty students, he is hopeful that Clara will be able to join him soon and that they may be able to establish a home of their own in order to be together, possible teaching job in Brunswick, Maine, where Israel hears they are working to establish a high school.
Folder 18 1843 May [3 items]
1843[?] May 12 Elizabeth P. Bragdon to Israel Kimball and Clara Kimball (Dover), sister of Clara, Elizabeth, reports on health of “little Sarah” (perhaps the daughter of Israel and Clara was staying with her aunt) after recent illness.
1843 May 15 Ivory Kimball (Lyndeborough, NH) to Israel Kimball (Dover), warns Israel about taking on too much and “endangering” his health, discusses religion (Christianity), religious revivals.
1843 May 30 George F. Magonn (Bath) to Israel Kimball (Dover), apologizing again for the rescinding of the position of principal in Bath (professional).
Folder 19 1843 June [5 items]
1843 June 2 Joshua Bragdon Jr. (Mobile, Alabama) to Clara P. Bragdon and Israel Kimball (Dover), will be starting for Louisville soon.
1843 June 3 Israel Kimball (Dover) to Clara Kimball (Wells), discusses missing his family, serious illness and possible death of baby George, business (money) matters with Israel’s brother William, searching for a “tenement” in Dover where he and Clara can begin housekeeping, a possible location on Pine Street in Dover. He describes the house he hopes to secure in detail, including the floor plan and amenities, such as closets, a nice cellar and water supplied by the aqueduct.
1843 June 6 Joe (Kennebunk) to Israel Kimball (Dover), planning a visit to Dover.
1843 June 7 William Clark (Saco) to Israel Kimball (Dover), discusses financial matters, arranging for Israel to make payments on money owed.
1843 June 19 Ivory Kimball (Lyndeborough, NH) to Israel Kimball (Wells), discusses financial matters, arranging payment on money owed by William.
Folder 20 1843 July [3 items]
1843 July 19 Benjamin — (Roxbury) to Israel Kimball (Dover), mentions a celebration in Boston (presumed to be July 4th) with a military display and crowd gathered at Bunker Hill.
1843 July 25 Wilbraham Kimball (Jay, Maine) to Israel Kimball (Dover), request for money due to difficult financial situation.
1843 July 29 Martha (Canterbury, NH) to Clara Bragdon Kimball (Dover), Martha and Clara had been “schoolmates and teachers together.” Martha has recently endured some hardship but also has recently married Howard Moody, a minister in Canterbury, NH. (2018 addition)
Folder 21 1843 August [4 items]
1843 Aug 10 John S. H. Fogg (Eliot) to Israel Kimball (Dover), news of the death of Ann and invitation to the funeral.
1843 Aug [?] Hannah M. Pope to Israel Kimball (Dover), author has broken a machine borrowed from Mrs. T. Furbish and is asking for Israel’s assistance in repairing it.
1843 Aug 22 Israel Kimball (Dover) to Wilbraham Kimball (East Dixfield, Maine), continued discussion of financial matters and the potential of having the farm foreclosed on.
1843 Aug 25 Wilbraham Kimball (Jay) to Israel Kimball (Dover), discusses good year of farm crops, construction of stone walls, financial matters, being sued for outstanding note owed on the farm.
Folder 22 1843 September [4 items]
1843 Sept 4 Ivory Kimball (Lyndeborough, NH) to Israel Kimball (Dover), financial matters, the lawsuit bring brought against their father, Wilbraham Kimball.
1843 Sept 9 Clara Kimball (Wells) to Israel Kimball (Dover), news that their child, Sarah Kimball is very ill and she wants Israel to return to Wells immediately.
1843 Sept 11 Joseph C. Smith (Groton) to Israel Kimball (Dover), inquiring about a teaching position for Israel, but unfortunately the position had been filled.
1843 Sept 26 Joshua Bragdon (Louisville, Kentucky) to Clara Bragdon Kimball (Dover), mentions an upcoming trip down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans and hearing a lecture given by a missionary to Palestine (2018 addition)
Folder 23 1843 October [3 items]
1843 Oct 8 Wilbraham Kimball (Jay) to Israel Kimball (Dover), discusses financial matters and debt.
1843 Oct 9 Samuel Leighton Bragdon (Wells) to Israel Kimball and Clara Bragdon Kimball (Dover), Clara’s sister Mary Jane Winn is very ill and the doctor thinks she will die soon due to bleeding (perhaps childbirth related). (She recovers and dies three years later in 1846.) (2018 addition)
1843 Oct 29 Sarah J. Nowell (Portsmouth) to Israel Kimball (Dover), invitation on behalf of the Martha Washington Society of Portsmouth to the Portsmouth Ladies Temperance Levee at Jefferson Hall. She references seeing Israel sing temperance songs previously in Portsmouth.
Folder 24 1843 December [8 items]
1843 Dec 6 Unknown (Eliot) to Israel Kimball (Dover), tax assessment from Eliot.
1843 Dec 7 Stephen Kimball to Israel Kimball, discusses business matters and requests that Israel pays the money owed to Charles Littlefield.
1843 Dec 9 Wilbraham Kimball (Jay) to Israel Kimball (Dover), planning a visit to Israel in Dover as soon as the snow is good for sleighing, will be “selling it all.”
1843 Dec 12 Clara Kimball (Wells) to Israel Kimball (Dover), discusses their children along with a third who is living with them, Clara states, “Our own two children make noise enough, but take three together it is almost enough to produce insanity” and she tells of having a 303 pound pig butchered.
1843 Dec 13 Israel Kimball (Dover) to Clara Kimball (Wells), mentions going to the Lyceum, daily activities and food and the death of a friend in Portsmouth.
1843 Dec 20 A. A. Tufts (Dover) to Editor of the Liberty Standard, subscription for Israel Kimball.
1843 Dec 21 Israel Kimball (Wells) to Wilbraham Kimball (East Dixfield, Maine), general greetings, visiting plans and health of family.
1843 Dec ca. Joshua Bragdon (Mobile, Alabama) to Israel Kimball (Dover), sending money to Israel and his parents, via Israel. (2018 addition)
Folder 25 1843 ca., undated [3 items]
1843 ca. Israel Kimball to Wilbraham Kimball, describes Sarah Kimball’s personality as being “like a young lawyer,” plans to be in Dover for some time, financial matters.
1843 ca. Mary Jane to Israel Kimball, letter of encouragement and offer of help.
1843 ca. Israel Kimball to Rev. William Clark, apologizing for his not being able to pay money owed with some details of his difficult financial situation (professional).
Box 5
Folder 1 1844 January [4 items]
1844 Jan Hannah Cutts (Eliot) to Clara Kimball (Dover), general greetings and religion (Christianity).
1844 Jan 1 Austin Willey (Hallowell, Maine) to Israel Kimball (Dover), requesting Israel sing at an Anti-Slavery convention, suggests several abolitionist songs. (2018 addition)
1844 Jan 2 George W. Hardy (Kennebunk) to Israel Kimball (Dover), urgent invitation for Israel to attend a Washington Temperance Society meeting as speaker.
1844 Jan 7 Wilbraham Kimball, Clara Kimball and Israel Kimball (Dover) to Deborah Kimball (East Dixfield, Maine), Wilbraham is visiting Israel and family in Dover and tells of his attempt to make money selling seed. Clara reports on the health of the family and Israel provides his mother with some practical advice for while her husband is away, such as taking good care of the hogs making sure that his youngest brother George washes his hands and goes to school every day.
1844 Jan 15 Ivory Kimball (Lyndeborough, NH) to Israel Kimball (Dover), financial matters urging Israel to go to Kennebunk to collect on a large debt.
Folder 2 1844 February-March
1844 Feb 1 Wilbraham Kimball (Jay) to Israel Kimball (Dover), discusses financial issues and the specifics of the sale of Wilbraham’s farm in Jay, Maine to Jonathan Hanscom.
1844 Feb 15 Wilbraham Kimball (Jay) to Israel Kimball (Dover), discusses health of Wilbraham and Debourah, Israel’s parents, looking for financial advice, Wilbraham has sold the farm to Jonathan Hanscom of Eliot.
1844 Feb 19 Israel Kimball (Dover) to Wilbraham Kimball (East Dixfield, Maine), general greetings, surprise about the sale of the farm but agrees that it was for the best.
1844 Feb 24 Ivory Kimball and Sarah Kimball (Lyndeborough, NH) to Israel Kimball (Dover), discusses illness and death in town, several funerals, trying to make arrangements to visit their parents in Jay, Maine to help them with their difficult financial situation and selling the farm, Sarah describes a donation visit when she receives a pair of new shoes and factory cloth. (2018 addition)
1844 Feb 27 William Fogg (Eliot) to Israel Kimball (Dover), returning a bill that Israel had given him because it is counterfeit.
1844 Feb 28 Joshua Bragdon (Mobile, Alabama) to Israel Kimball (Dover), general greetings.
1844 March Joshua Bragdon (Montgomery, Alabama) to Israel Kimball (Dover), general greetings will be starting for New Albany.
1844 March 5 G. F. B. Leighton (Alfred) to Israel Kimball (Dover), cousin of Israel with regrets that he could not accept invitation and general family news (professional).
1844 Mar 30 Samuel Kimball (Boston) to Israel Kimball (Dover), general greetings after traveling to Boston.
Folder 3 1844 April [5 items]
1844 Apr 6 G. F. B. Leighton (Alfred) to Israel Kimball (Dover), references a conversation with Capt. Joseph Emerson (professional).
1844 Apr 8 Joseph C. Smith (Groton) to Israel Kimball (Dover), general friendly greetings.
1844 Apr 9 Albert R. Hatch (Portsmouth) to Israel Kimball (Dover), offer of teacher at the High School in Portsmouth (professional).
1844 Apr 14 Mary J. Cutts (Cutts Island) to Clara Kimball (Dover), general greeting and family matters.
1844 Apr 23 Ivory Kimball (Lyndeborough, NH) to Israel Kimball (Dover), general greeting, family matters and details about a temporary switch with a minister in Brentwood, NH.
Folder 4 1844 May [4 items]
1844 May 20 Samuel W. Kimball (South Boston) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), states that he heard that Israel had left the Belknap School in Dover for a teaching position at the High School in Portsmouth. Mentions a temperance meeting at Boston Common (professional).
1844 May 26 Clara Kimball (Dover) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), description of a Temperance celebration in Boston.
[1844?] May 31 Clara Kimball (Wells) to Israel Kimball (Dover), discusses illness of George Kimball (baby) and concern that it may be whooping cough as children in town have contracted it, religion (Christianity) and faith regarding illness of children, and childrearing including her difficulty whipping young Sarah Kimball but the necessity of proper discipline.
1844 May 31 Wilbraham Kimball (Kennebunk) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), general greetings, family matters and Israel’s move to Portsmouth.
Folder 5 1844 June [5 items]
1844 June 19 Samuel Leighton Bragdon (Wells) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), requesting Israel purchase and send him some medicine and disappointment that Israel and Clara did not visit before moving to Portsmouth.
1844 June 22 Ivory Kimball (Lyndeborough, NH) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), discusses financial matters, health and mentions their brother Wilbraham’s inability to care for his family financially.
1844 June 25 Israel Kimball and Clara Bragdon Kimball (Portsmouth) Joshua Bragdon (New Albany), describes his shipping business and a new boat. (2018 addition)
1844 June 26 Joseph C. Smith (Kennebunk) to Israel Kimball (Dover), death of Joseph Smith’s wife after childbirth due to an unknown brain “assisfication,” descriptive in regard to Smith’s personal grief. (2018 addition)
1844 June 25 William Kimball (Lyndeborough, NH) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), discusses his not being able to visit because of his business and general family matters.
Folder 6 1844 July [2 items]
1844 July 24 Newell Anderson Prince (Theological Seminary – Bangor) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), invitation to Israel to come as a former Bowdoin students (professional).
1844 July 24 Joseph C. Smith (Groton) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), discusses Israel’s new position in Portsmouth which is allowing him more financial stability, shares about his deep depression following the death of his wife (although he never says this directly, Joseph C. Smith’s wife, Augustus Smith, died a month earlier 11 days following the birth of their first child), and finding a home for his infant daughter, Louisa Augusta Smith, with relatives in Kennebunk following the death of his wife after childbirth.
Folder 7 1844 August [3 items]
1844 Aug 2 William Kimball to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), general greetings and health.
1844 Aug 5 Albert R. Hatch (Portsmouth) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), invitation to speak at Portsmouth Lyceum (professional).
1844 Aug 19 A. Fitz (Boston) to Isreal Kimball (Portsmouth), discussion concerning lecturers (Mr. Mann and Mr. Fowle) coming to Portsmouth (professional).
Folder 8 1844 September [3 items]
1844 Sept 1 Wilbraham Kimball (Wells) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), discusses new living situation following sale of the farm in Jay.
1844 Sept 3 Israel Kimball (Portsmouth) to Wilbraham Kimball (Kennebunk), advises his father on the possibility of purchasing a house together with Uncle Cole.
1844 Sept 12 Wilbraham Kimball (Wells) to Israel Kimball (Dover), general greetings and discusses poor health.
Folder 9 1844 October [3 items]
1844 Oct 5 Wilbraham Kimball (Wells) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), plans to go to Baltimore, Maryland in search of work.
1844 Oct 18 Ivory Kimball (Lyndeborough, NH) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), family matters, farming (harvesting potatoes), preaching, health problems and religion.
1844 Oct 24 William — (Lyndeborough, NH) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), financial matters, requesting payment on a debt.
Folder 10 1844 November [2 items]
1844 Nov 3 Wilbraham Kimball (Kennebunk) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), financial matters and specifics of building an addition on a house following move from Jay, Maine.
[1844?] Nov 24 Henry D. Moore to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), death of Rev. Hitchcock of Exeter, NH.
Folder 11 1844 December [3 items]
1844 Dec 18 Israel Kimball (Portsmouth) to Wilbraham Kimball (Kennebunk), reports of sickness amongst the brothers, Wilbraham and William.
1844 Dec 24 Joshua Bragdon (Mobile) to Clara P. Kimball (Portsmouth), mentions seeing his brother-in-law James Winn in New Orleans, general family matters, brief mention of Christmas gifts.
1844 Dec 25 Samuel Kimball (Bedford) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), taking a holiday from the city of Boston for the winter, planning to build two houses in the spring, family matters and general greetings.
Folder 12 1845 January-February [3 items]
1845 Jan 13 Ivory Kimball (Lyndeborough, NH) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), regarding a note against Samuel Butland, references Doctor E. G. Moore.
1845 Jan 15 H. A. Bigelow (Portsmouth) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), request for payment on a note due.
1845 Feb 6 John P. Kimball (Bedford) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), letter from Israel Kimball’s brother including general greetings, family news, “Miss Shapleigh [has] become a farmer” with descriptions of fall farm chores, before frost.
Folder 13 1845 March [7 items]
1845 Mar 4 Joshua Bragdon (Mobile) to Clara P. Kimball (Portsmouth), mentions leaving for Louisville and his poor health.
1845 Mar 13 Lydia A. Connor (New Albany, Indiana) to Clara Bragdon Kimball (Portsmouth), friend of Clara’s brother Joshua Bragdon writing of her love and admiration for Clara and desire to meet her. (2018 addition)
1845 Mar 17 Sarah Bragdon to Clara Kimball (Portsmouth), letter from Clara’s mother mentions eggs and milk.
1845 Mar 26 Hannah (Wells) to Clara Kimball (Portsmouth), discusses the joys of their childhood friendship, poetry, medical challenges (trouble with her leg that requires medicine), thankfulness for Clara’s family taking her in as a boarder.
1845 March 28 Charles A. Cheever (Portsmouth) to Israel Kimball, appears to be trying to convince Israel Kimball to remain as an instructor at the school for boys in Portsmouth, but there is some uncertainty about his position (professional).
The great uncertainty which hangs over our public schools, depending upon political — whether you will be permitted to remain as one of the instructors, with the although two great — demanded of you in a school of 60 boys – the utter — that you can devote as much time as you could with to my son – without doing injustice to others – has induced one to place him under a private instructor for half the day…. I hope you will not think that I take this course from any dissatisfaction with you as an instructor – on the contrary, I can say most sincerely that no man could have done better under the circumstances – I know of no one under where care I would so cheerfully place him – David is reluctant to leave you even for half the day and I feel equally so myself. But under the circumstances I think you would arrive to this course yourself. I would not send him to any other school.
1845 Mar 29 Sarah Bragdon to Clara Kimball (Portsmouth), letter from Clara’s mother mentions scarcity of butter and milk.
1845 Mar 31 Ivory Kimball and Sarah Poor Kimball (Lyndeborough, NH) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), mentions singing, going to meeting on the Sabbath with father so he “can preach and the others all sing,” however he is concerned that this will be “making too much show and display on the Sabbath,” he also states his desire for Israel and Clara to work on writing a family song or hymn. Ivory’s wife Sarah takes over the letter, sharing her concern for Ivory’s health including a cough and anxiety.
Folder 14 1845 April [4 items]
1845 Apr 1 Wilbraham Kimball to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), Israel’s brother Wilbraham asks about Israel’s plans for after his year was done at Portsmouth, he had heard that Israel may be interested in going west. Letter discusses the family’s ongoing financial hardship.
1845 Apr 18 Sarah Kimball (Lyndeborough, NH) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), Ivory’s wife Sarah informing Israel that his brother is very sick and near death.
1845 Apr 20 Joshua Bragdon (New Albany, Indiana) to Clara Bragdon Kimball (Portsmouth), describes life in Indiana, anticipated travel to Missouri and Iowa and asks about Israel’s school in Portsmouth. (2018 addition)
1845 Apr 29 Sarah Kimball (Lyndeborough, NH) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), Ivory’s health is improving.
Folder 15 1845 May [3 items]
1845 May 1 Clara Kimball to [sister?], discusses the poor health and near death of their brother, extensive discussion of thoughts on death and religion/Christianity.
1845 May 5 Joseph C. Smith (Groton) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), family matters and Israel’s brother’s poor situation (professional).
1845 May 23 Ivory Kimball and Sarah Kimball (Lyndeborough, NH) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), Ivory’s health continues to improve and he reflects on his surprising recovery and religion (Christianity). In a note that follows from Ivory’s wife, Sarah, she asks about a fire that she heard of In Portsmouth and tells the story of the death of a young woman in town and the grief of the girl’s mother.
Folder 16 1845 June [5 items]
1845 June 9 Ivory Kimball (Lyndeborough, NH) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), discusses plans for a visit, including stopping in Exeter along the way to have his chaise cleaned and varnished, mentions his health which Is improved but he is still no well.
1845 June 13 Isaac B. Kimball (South Boston) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), response to Israel who is trying to coordinate a family gathering.
1845 June 14 A. Fitz (Boston) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), bill due for lectures [?].
1845 June 22 Joshua Bragdon (New Albany, Indiana) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), describes his shipping business and a new barge, mentions marriage and his desire to wait to marry and mentions the possibility of Israel moving to the West to teach. (2018 addition)
1845 June 28 James Boutwell (Brentwood) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), James Boutwell is a minister who is inquiring about the health of Israel’s brother Ivory whom he appears to be filling in for as pastor in Lyndeborough while Ivory in in Portsmouth with Israel.
Folder 17 1845 July [1 item]
1845 July 9 Wilbraham Kimball (Fort Wayne, Indiana) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), details journey west to Fort Wayne, Indiana, travelling though upstate New York from Albany to Buffalo where he took a steam boat to Toledo, Ohio. Also mentions his illness during the journey. (2018 addition)
Folder 18 1845 August [5 items]
1845 Aug 3 Wilbraham Kimball (Fort Wayne, Indiana) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), discusses his living situation in the west, poor health (asthma and wheezing), describes city verses country living near him, poor people, women and children going without shoes. (2018 addition)
1845? Aug 6 Wilbraham Kimball (Fort Wayne, Indiana) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), details his ongoing poor health, asthma as well as other illness. (2018 addition)
1845 Aug 9 Ivory Kimball (Lyndeborough, NH) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), his health is still not good, another reverend, Mr. Fowler, is preaching for him, has recently visited other family in Lowell and Boston.
1845 Aug 18 Wilbraham Kimball (Fort Wayne, Indiana) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), details his ongoing poor health, asthma as well as other illness. (2018 addition)
1845 Aug 20 Horton [?] (Portsmouth [?]) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), tells of his return from a visit when he had an accident and was thrown from with his chaise and nearly run over by his horse.
Folder 19 1845 September [4 items]
1845 Sept 5 William Kimball (Lowell) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth, discusses his health and struggle with “canker in [his] mouth,” as well as the other brothers and family matters.
1845 Sept 6 John C. Bartlett (Wells) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), request for Israel to pay the money owed to him (professional).
1845 Sept 16 Samuel W. Kimball (Woburn) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), discusses family matters and the other brothers, including Wilbraham’s poor health, also mentions his desire to visit if the “plums are ripe out the bedroom window.”
1845 Sept 29 L. S. H. Fogg (Bowdoin) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), offer of text books “12 Trigonometrics” (professional)
Folder 20 1845 October 1-15 [7 items]
1845 Oct 1 Wilbraham Kimball (Fort Wayne) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), Wilbraham has moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana where he is still suffering from poor health. He asks Israel to send him money.
1845 Oct 1 Samuel Kimball (Lowell) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), regarding their sick brother, likely Ivory Kimball.
1845 Oct 2 Samuel Kimball (Woburn) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), their brother Wilbraham’s improving health.
1845 Oct 6 Wilbraham Kimball (Fort Wayne, Indiana) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), details his ongoing poor health, asthma as well as other illness and financial matters, hardship. (2018 addition)
1845 Oct 8 A. M. Winn (Hanover) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), regarding needing a certificate in Latin (professional).
1845 Oct 8 J. C. Bartlett (Wells) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), thanking Israel for paying the money owed, also states that Elizabeth Clark has died (professional).
1845 Oct 13 Israel Kimball (Portsmouth) to Wilbraham Kimball and Deborah Kimball (Kennebunk), reports on his brother William’s poor health and that he may be near death. Of his care by Portsmouth physician, Dr. Cheever, Israel states, “this morning he ordered a dozen leaches to be put upon his bowels.”
Folder 21 1845 October 16-31 [7 items]
1845 Oct 19 A. M. Winn (Hanover) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), apologizing for placing the letter he received from Israel in the fire.
1845 Oct 21 Samuel W. Kimball (Woburn) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), their brother Wilbraham’s poor health.
1845 Oct 21 Ivory Kimball and Sarah Kimball (Lyndeborough, NH) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), continued poor health of Ivory, will be hiring a minister to take over his preaching.
1845 Oct 21 William Goodale (Lowell) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), asking about Israel’s brother Wilbraham’s health.
1845 Oct 28 Wilbraham Kimball (Kennebunk) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), Israel’s father is informing him of his brother Wilbraham’s poor health.
1845 Oct 28 Ivory Kimball (Lyndeborough, NH) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), regarding his poor health but his spirits have improved. His wife Sarah is making a rag carpet.
1845 Oct 29 Wilbraham Kimball (Fort Wayne, Indiana) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), mentions his ongoing illness (asthma), plans to stay the winter with Captain Fairfield, discusses abundant crops and late season for farming wheat. (2018 addition)
Folder 22 1845 November [2 items]
1845 Nov 22 Ivory Kimball (Lyndeborough, NH) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), discusses religion and his decision to not preach due to his poor health.
1845 Nov 24 W. F. Jackson (Bowdoin) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), informing Israel of his election in a fraternity (professional).
Folder 23 1845 December, undated [6 items]
1845 Dec 6 William Kimball (Lowell) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), general greetings.
1845 Dec 13 L. S. H. Fogg (Eliot) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), offering Kimball “12 Trigonometries” if he is interested (professional).
1845 Dec 18 Wilbraham Kimball (Kennebunk) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), mentions health and illness.
1845 Dec 22 Joshua Bragdon (Mobile) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), running his new boat on the Alabama River, business is going well.
1845 Dec 23 Wilbraham Kimball (Fort Wayne, Indiana) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), discusses his health and illness.
1845 ca. Clara Kimball (Portsmouth) to Mary Jane Bragdon Winn (Wells), Clara is caring for her sister’s son James Franklin Winn and reports their daily activities, school instruction she is providing him, discipline and general health.
Folder 24 1846 January [7 items]
1846 Jan 4 William Kimball (Lowell) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), general family news and greetings.
1846 Jan 5 Israel Kimball (Portsmouth) to Wilbraham Kimball (Kennebunk), general greetings and family matters, news of health. Mentions the construction of the Portsmouth Steam Factory building.
1846 Jan 6 Wilbraham Kimball (Kennebunk) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), discusses Ivory’s health and his anticipated dismissal from his minister position.
1846 Jan 8 William Kimball (Lowell) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), mentions health and payment made to a doctor in Portsmouth.
1846 Jan 6 Ivory Kimball (Lyndeborough, NH) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), planning to discontinue preaching although his health has improved, Christmas gifts given to he and his wife.
1846 Jan 14 John Mann (Dover) to Israel Kimball, request that Israel return borrowed copies of the Unitarian Monitor to Edward Sise.
1846 Jan 18 Wilbraham Kimball (Fort Wayne, Indiana) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), discusses the mild winter and low cost of fire wood, his health has improved and he is working in a mill, he also hopes that Israel may travel west for a visit and discusses the abundance of goods produced in the west waiting to be shipped to eastern markets, once the canal opens in the Spring.
Folder 25 1846 February [2 items]
1846 Feb 9 John Patten Kimball (Bedford) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), general family news, discusses the other brothers, states regarding his situation in Bedford, “The seas are calm and the skies are clear and smoothly glides our boat.”
1846 Feb 15 Wilbraham Kimball (Fort Wayne, Indiana) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), details his improved health and better situation, he has a small farm and is working, he requests that Israel come out and bring his wife (Anna Littlefield Hatch Kimball), mentions the dedication of a new church where Charles Beecher is the pastor (brother of Harriet Beecher Stowe), he states that Charles Beecher is an excellent speaker and singer and a graduate of Bowdoin College who knows of Israel Kimball and desires to have him visit as well.
Folder 26 1846 March-April [3 items]
1846 Mar 22 Wilbraham Kimball (Fort Wayne, Indiana) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), anxious about making plans for his wife (Anna Littlefield Hatch Kimball) to join him in Fort Wayne, suggesting that she sell her furniture to fund the trip, general family news.
1846 Apr 10 [Israel Kimball (?)] Portsmouth to the High School Committee, “a schedule of the daily exercises in my school…” and a request for an assistant based on the work load of classes and number of students recognizing “the limited mans of the committee…” (professional)
1846 Apr 25 U. M. Cushing (Wells) to Mary Jane Bragdon Winn, religion (Christianity).
Folder 27 1846 May [3 items]
1846 May 17 Wilbraham Kimball (Fort Wayne, Indiana) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), discusses his wife, Anna Littlefield Hatch Kimball, coming to join him in Inidiana, traveling west with some others from Kennebunk. Also mentions his farm and crops. (2018 addition)
1846 May 22 Samuel W. Kimball (Woburn) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), mentions their brother Benjamin Kimball falling and breaking his arm, Samuel has recently recovered from the measles, possibility of singing at the Unitarian Society of West Cambridge.
1846 May 28 William Kimball (Lowell) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), regarding money owed to Israel.
Folder 28 1846 August-December [7 items]
1846 Aug 31 William Jones (Portsmouth) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), regarding payment of a debt.
1846 Sept 12 Edmund J. Lane (Dover) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), request that Israel run a singing school in Dover once a week.
1846 Sept 17 Wilbraham Kimball (Fort Wayne, Indiana) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), details his ongoing poor health, asthma as well as other illness. Wilbraham regrets having his wife come west to “this country of sickness and death.” Mentions of Kennebunk people in town that are also sick. Also discusses farming and crops of potatoes, corn and wheat. (2018 addition)
1846 Oct 4 William Kimball (Lowell) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), plans to winter over a horse for Israel and sell the horse in the spring.
1846 Nov 12 Samuel W. Kimball (Woburn) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), general greetings and family news written as a rhyming poem.
1846 Nov 16 J. M. Harris (Kennebunk) to Israel Kimball (Eliot), writing for the York County Anti-Slavery Society, asking if Israel will look to build the abolitionist movement in Eliot. (2018 addition)
1846 Dec 13 Wilbraham Kimball (Fort Wayne, Indiana) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), details his ongoing poor health, asthma as well as other illness. His wife is now supporting the family as a seamstress as Wilbraham is too sick to work. (2018 addition)
Folder 29 1846 undated [2 items]
1846 ca. Clara Kimball (Wells) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), Clara is visiting family in Wells, details about their baby Clara.
1846[?] Unknown to Clara Kimball, discusses reliogion (Christianity), two newspaper clipping poems enclosed, possible reference to the 1846 death of Clara’s sister Mary Bragdon.
Box 6
Folder 1 1847 January-February [6 items]
1847 Jan 4 Andrew Lowd to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), notarized letter looking for payment on note (professional).
1847 Feb 1 Charles F. Elliott (Great Falls – Somersworth) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), working on a deal to purchase or trade an organ for the church.
1847 Feb 2 Benjamin Merrian (?sp) (Roxbury) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), general greetings, he has heard that Israel no longer lives with Mr. Johnson and now has a home of his own with a garden, reflects on the benefits of gardening, recollecting the time when Israel lived with him, letter is very descriptive of everyday life and the joys of farming.
1847 Feb 4 Wilbraham Kimball (Fort Wayne, Indiana) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), discusses his friendships both in Kennebunk and in Indiana. Edward Hatch, brother-in-law of Wilbraham, is staying with them for the winter. (2018 addition)
1847 Feb 17 James Winn (Havana, Cuba) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), James Winn was the husband of Clara Kimball’s sister, Mary Jane Bragdon who died August 30, 1846; James Winn was the Captain of the Brig Altavella; this letter details his observations of Cuba, general comments about the voyage, he mentions the death of his wife recollecting “the happy hours we have spent together with my dearest friend who is no more, if I should never see you again I hope we shall meet where my dear Mary Jane is gone.”
1847 Feb 18 Joshua Bragdon (New Albany) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), discusses life in New Albany, steamboat construction, farming and his search for a wife. He states, “…the boats are doing a fine business this season and the farmers are doing well and getting rich and government is getting poor [?] on uncle Sam…” The final sentence of his letter states, speaking of the men in New Albany, “…for they have horrid ideas of the South and Negroes.”
Folder 2 1847 March-April [5 items]
1847 Mar 4 Joshua Bragdon (New Albany) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), adding addition boats to his fleet of shipping vessels.
1847 Mar 8 William Kimball (Lowell) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), William is thinking of going into business for himself and is planning to come to Portsmouth on his way to Farmington to discuss the idea with Israel.
1847 Mar 27 William Jones (Portsmouth) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), letter with account enclosed (account sheet not included) (professional).
1847 April 11 James Winn (Boston) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), details of his return voyage from Cuba.
1847 April 14 Stephen Kimball Jr. (Wells) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), their mother, Sarah Kimball, is very concerned about brothers in Woburn.
Folder 3 1847 May [4 items]
1847 May 2 Wilbraham Kimball (Fort Wayne, Indiana) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), his wife, Anna Kimball and son, Ivory Kimball, have joined him at Fort Wayne, he is confined to his house most of the time and is no longer happy in Fort Wayne, he discusses specifics of crops he has planted on his farm, mentions the family is supported by his wife’s work sewing, also provides specific travel instructions for Israel to visit.
1847 May 9 William Kimball (Lowell) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), request for Israel to send him money so that he can open his planned store.
1847 May 14 Israel Kimball (Portsmouth) to Wilbraham Kimball (Kennebunk), Israel describes his sickness, an abscess in his throat.
1847 May 21 William Kimball (Lowell) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), additional discussion of finances and again a request for Israel to send him money so that he can open his planned store.
Folder 4 1847 June-Dec, undated [4 items]
1847 June 9 S. F. H. — (?) (Saco) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), regarding money owed and the writer’s disappointment in Kimball (professional).
1847 Oct 27 — Goodwin (South Berwick) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), invitation to an ordination at Salmon Falls.
1847 Dec 6 Israel Kimball (Portsmouth) to Clara Kimball (Wells), Clara has gone to visit he sick mother, Sarah Bragdon, in Wells, Israel gives personal details of daily life as he cares for their three young children without his wife.
1847 ca. Clara Kimball to Israel Kimball, Clara is away visiting family and has brought her daughter Clara Kimball with her. She speaks of weaning her baby from night time breastfeeding and general family matters.
Folder 5 1848 February-September [2 items]
1848 Feb 3 John Patten Kimball (Woburn) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), general greetings, family matters and mentions a book being compiled about Kimball Genealogy.
1848 Sept 25 Samuel W. Kimball (Woburn) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), Kimball brothers singing and reading poetry at Temperance and Abolitionist events in Woburn, Lexington and Reading.
Folder 6 1848 October [5 items]
1848 Oct 17 Mary Kimball (Woburn) to Clara Kimball (Portsmouth), Mary is the wife of Wilbraham Kimball, mentions that the Kimball brothers as singers are becoming popular, with engagements most nights of the week, also mentions her loneliness as William is working late at his store and therefore she is hopeful that mother and father will come for the winter.
1848 Oct 15 Wilbraham Kimball (Fort Wayne, Indiana) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), general greetings, family matters and an update on his health and living situation.
1848 Oct 19 Ivory Kimball (Kennebunk) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), planning a visit of their parents, Wilbraham and Deborah Kimball to Israel in Portsmouth.
1848[?] Oct 22 Clara Kimball (Woburn) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), update on Israel’s father, Wilbraham Kimball, who is very ill and may not survive.
1848[?] Oct 27 Clara Kimball (Woburn) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), update on Israel’s father, Wilbraham Kimball, who is very ill and may not survive.
Folder 7 1848 November-December [3 items]
1848 Nov 28 Albert John Bennett (Portsmouth) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), policy issued by the Committee regarding the need for vacations and sick days taken by teachers to be approved by the committee because of “complaints in regard to the frequent vacations in said High Schools.” (professional)
1848 Dec 25 Wilbraham Kimball and Anna Littlefield Hatch Kimball (Fort Wayne, Indiana) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), discusses the blessing of only having one child while they are not in a position to care for any more due to his poor health and inability to work. He also details his ongoing poor health, asthma as well as other illness. Anna tells of health of the family as well as winter weather and hardship. (2018 addition)
1848 Dec 31 Samuel W. Kimball (Woburn) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), announcing the birth of his daughter, Anneta Kimball also news of their parents who are living in Woburn. Enclosure newspaper clipping about The Free Soil Festival hosted by the Female Emancipation Society.
Folder 8 1849 [7 items]
1849 Feb 24 James S. Tobey (Portsmouth) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), regarding a debt owed to Dr. Weeks.
1849 Mar 5 James S. Tobey (Portsmouth) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), followup on a debt to Dr. Weeks, which Israel appears to be disputing, also mentions politics and the inauguration of President Zachary Taylor.
1849 July 3 John P. Kimball (Woburn) to Clara Kimball (Portsmouth), mentions work, his store, father moving to Woburn for the winter and July 4th plans.
1849 July 12 Joshua Bragdon (New Albany) to Israel Kimball and Clara P. Bragdon Kimball (Portsmouth), mentions his recent marriage and life with his new wife, his living accommodations and shipping business.
1849 Aug 8 Samuel Leighton Bragdon (Wells) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), regarding payment of a debt, also mentions his brother Joshua opening a large wholesale grocery store.
1849 Sept 23 E. W. Clark to Clara Kimball (South Street, Portsmouth), discusses the illness of one of Clara’s children, likely Mary Louisa Kimball.
1849 Oct 12 Austin Willey (?) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), author mentions his sick wife in NH and his decision to leave Maine, attempting to relocate to Detroit, Michigan, but not being able to and returning to NH and possibly teaching (professional).
Folder 9 1850 [4 items]
1850 June 23 W. Bourne (Kennebunk) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), request that Israel sing at a concert at an anniversary celebration for the First Parish of Kennebunk.
1850 June ca. Israel Kimball to Joseph Wilson and Mary Wilson, Israel sending condolences to the parents of one of his students, Samuel C. Wilson (1839-1850) who died.
1850 July 26 Israel Kimball (Portsmouth) to Mr. Treat, writing in response to Mr. Treat’s apparent offense taken when Kimball wanted details regarding his son being absent and tardy from school (professional).
1850 Sept 23 Marie E. Damrill (Boston) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), request from a former teacher in Portsmouth for a letter of recommendation for a teaching position in Boston (professional).
Folder 10 1851 January-May
1851 Jan 19 Wilbraham Kimball (Fort Wayne, Indiana) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), health is good, he is working at the toll gate, it sounds as if he suffers from asthma as he states he wheezes if he tries to do “any chore of exercise,” trying to send his wife (Anna Littlefield Hatch Kimball) back east to visit her family, some of whom are not well, mentions the good crop of wheat in the west and that flour will soon be in eastern markets because of the “opening of navigation,” reports on the prices of other commodities, cotton, beef, pork, coffee, etc.
1851 April 2 Benjamin Carter Jr. (Portsmouth) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), regarding Israel’s decision to leave the North Church Choir (singing).
1851 May 17 John Burnett (Portsmouth) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), reappointment of Kimball as instructor at the High School as well as Miss Curtis [Anne Curtis], as assistant (professional).
1851 May 28 James T. Fields (Boston) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), will be sending “a few books as a nucleus of a library for the Portsmouth High School.” (professional)
1851 May 29 William Kimball and Mary Kimball (Woburn) to Israel Kimball, news of Ann’s visit and general family matters.
Folder 11 1851 July [3 items]
1851 July 10 Ivory Kimball (North Edgecomb, Maine) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), details living situation in Maine working as a minister, also discusses religion (Christianity) and family matters.
1851 July 28 Deborah Kimball (Woburn) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), thanking Israel for sending a package and hoping to see Israel soon.
1851 July 28 Joshua Bragdon (New Albany, Indiana) to Clara Kimball (Portsmouth), general greeting and family matters.
Folder 12 1851 September-November [3 items]
1851 Sept 5 Daniel Kimball (Woburn) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), will be visiting Portsmouth to speak on Temperance (professional).
1851 Oct 20 Ivory Kimball (North Edgecomb, Maine) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), Ivory is better after a long period of illness and poor health, his wife is living with him but they are searching for a house of their own, he also discusses Maine temperance law spreading throughout the country.
1851 Nov 23 Samuel Leighton Bragdon (Wells) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), mentions that he expected to see Israel for Thanksgiving, traveling home to Wells through Ogunquit and the value of his horse, includes some verses of poetry.
Folder 13 1852 January-March [4 items]
1852 Jan 27 Samuel Leighton Bragdon (Wells) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), discusses Temperance events in Wells, Sanford, Saco and Portsmouth.
1852 Jan 28 L. Everett (Dover) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), “I have made this one a little larger than the old one.”
1852 Mar 1 Samuel W. Kimball (Woburn) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), reports of busy singing schedule and asks if they should plan a singing performance in Portsmouth.
1852 Mar 27 John P. Kimball (Woburn) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), reports of the health of his parents, thanks Israel for a gift sent to them, reports on a fire that burned the Warren Academy barn, and singing engagements.
Folder 14 1852 April-July [4 items]
1852 Apr 19 William Kimball and Mary Kimball (Woburn) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), general family matters, health of parents and visiting.
1852 June 5 Ira Patchin (Boston) to Israel Kimball, text book suggestions, books used by Boston Latin School (professional).
1852[?] July 7 William Kimball (Woburn) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), discusses selling a cow.
1852 July 12 Ebenezer P. Wheelwright (Dixfield, Maine) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), Wheelwright is Israel’s cousin and he is making payment on debt.
Folder 15 1852 August-October [6 items]
1852 Aug 11 Portsmouth City Council – Lyman D. Spalding, John Dame and J. Bartlett Claggett to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), invitation to join the city council on an outing to Suncook.
1852 Sept 12 Wilbraham Kimball (Fort Wayne, Indiana) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), discusses health of his family and an outbreak of illness that has caused deaths in Fort Wayne, politics and the presidential election.
1852 Oct 6 Statement titled “What [William] H. Rollins stated, Oct 6 1852,” description of an interaction at the Portsmouth Athenaeum where William H. Rollins and the author disagreed about a lease or legal matter, accusation of a false statement. Israel Kimball is referenced as is P. R. Freeman who was in the room at the Athenaeum as well.
1852 Oct 19 Israel Kimball (Portsmouth) to Clara Kimball (Woburn), Clara is helping to care for Israel’s father Wilbraham Kimball.
1852 Oct 21 Mary Kimball (Woburn) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), discusses the health of Wilbraham Kimball, their father, states the doctor “thinks he is liable to drop away any time,” Wilbraham Kimball dies a week later.
1852 Oct 27 D. R. Ambrose (Morse’s Depot) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), request for Kimball to select music that would be appropriate for a gathering of the Free Soil Society (Anti-Slavery/Abolition) with an address by Horace Mann. Enclosed is also an apparent draft of a letter by Israel Kimball to Mr. Carpenter where Kimball appears to be open to an opportunity to leave Portsmouth and find a new teaching position (professional).
Folder 16 1852 November-December [3 items]
1852 Nov 3 E. G. Carpenter (Newcastle, Maine) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), details about a potential teaching position at Lincoln Academy (professional).
1852 Nov 24 (New Albany, Indiana) to Israel Kimball and Clara Bragdon Kimball (Portsmouth), tells of the death of a friend of ‘congestion of the heart’ (whom he calls sister Mary, wife of brother Marshall). (2018 addition)
1852 Dec 20 K. Dickinson to Israel Kimball, regarding the decision to not contribute funds to the construction of the Washington Monument (professional).
Folder 17 1853 February-May [5 items]
1853 Feb 21 Samuel Kimball (Wells) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), mentions corn sent from Samuel to Israel, plans to sing at Curtis Hall.
1853 Mar 31 Ivory Kimball and Sarah Poor Kimball (Edgecomb, Maine) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), discusses Ivory’s poor health and medical problems, Ivory describes the details on a wedding he performed.
1853 Apr 12 J. Hayes (Charlestown) to Israel Kimball, general greetings and family information.
1853 May 10 William Kimball (Woburn) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), discusses a trip to Down East, Maine, as well as the health of their brother Ivory (professional).
1853 May 24 Wilbraham Kimball (Fort Wayne, Indiana) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), reports on the birth of a son, general greetings and family matters.
Folder 18 1853 June-July [3 items]
1853 June 2 Ebenezer P. Wheelwright (Dixfield, Maine) to William Kimball (Woburn), Wheelwright is Israel’s cousin, discusses debt owed and possible payment with a horse. Letter was forwarded to Israel by his brother and was with the letter dated June 7, 1853 from William Kimball to Israel Kimball.
1853 June 7 William Kimball (Woburn) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), see June 2, 1853 description.
1853 July 25 C. V. Poor (Boston) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), regarding the death of Ivory Kimball.
Folder 19 1853 September 1-15 [7 items]
1853 Sept 1 W. H. Rollins (Portsmouth) to Israel Kimball, request to re-admit Frank Dearborn and G. F. Jenness to school (professional).
1853 Sept 1 W. H. Rollins, High School Committee (Portsmouth) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), regarding complaints made to the High School Committee regarding “serious injuries inflicted on boys just entering [the High School] last year under pretense of initiating them and the parents are afraid that they may be repeated this year.” (professional)
1853 Sept 2 W. H. Rollins, High School Committee (Portsmouth) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), surprise regarding a letter sent by Kimball to the Committee. Likely Kimball’s resignation (professional).
1853 Sept 5 J. M. Tredick to Israel Kimball, re-admitting George H. Rogers to the school after illness (professional).
1853 Sept 8 Sarah Poor Kimball (Edgecomb, Maine) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), Sarah is the widow of Ivory Kimball, letter discusses probate court and legal advice the judge has given her, Sarah asks for Israel to visit to help her settle the estate.
1853 Sept 9 T. W. Chadbourne (Wiscasset, Maine) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), regarding having some sermons printed.
1853 Sept 15 Charles Varnum Poor (Boston) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), reports on a visit to Boston made by his sister, Sarah Kimball, widow of Ivory Kimball.
Folder 20 1853 September 16-30
1853 Sept 18 D. W. Gooch (Melrose, Massachusetts) to Israel Kimball, has heard of Israel’s possibly leaving his position in Portsmouth and offers to help find him a teaching position near him (professional).
1853 Sept 21 Israel Kimball (Portsmouth) to Rev Charles Burroughs (Portsmouth), with reply transcribed, regarding Israel losing his job at Portsmouth High School following his unauthorized vacation (professional).
1853 Sept 21 Israel Kimball (Portsmouth) to Rev Charges Burroughs, Israel is discussing his recent resignation and that he is not interested in addressing the High School Committee directly, but would prefer Rev Burroughs bring his side of the story to the committee (professional).
1853 Sept 24 Rev Charles Burroughs (Portsmouth) to Rev Henry D. Moore (Portsmouth) and a reply, regarding the ongoing discussion concerning Israel losing his job at Portsmouth High School, mentions that Israel has taken out an advertisement in the Portsmouth Journal about opening a private school (professional).
1853 Sept 26 Rev Charles Burroughs (Portsmouth) to Rev Henry D Moore, appears to be a message from the High School Committee offering Israel his job back. Israel then replies through Rev Moore with stipulations relevant to his potential return (professional).
1853 Sept 28 Rev Charles Burroughs (Portsmouth) to Rev Henry D. Moore (Portsmouth), message to Israel Kimball, the High School Committee is looking for information about Israel’s views on vacation time (professional).
1853 Sept 28 Rev Henry D. Moore (Portsmouth) to Rev Charles Burroughs (Portsmouth), Israel Kimball is justifying his vacation which resulted in his being fired (professional).
1853 Sept 28 unknown (Portsmouth) to Israel Kimball, regarding decisions of the High School Committee and compensation for Israel (professional).
1853 Sept 30 Rev Charles Burroughs (Portsmouth) to Rev Henry D. Moore (Portsmouth), informing Israel that the High School Committee will offer him is position back but is unable to pay him from the time he resigned to the time when he is reinstated (professional).
1853 Sept 30 Rev Henry D. Moore (Portsmouth) to Rev Charles Burroughs (Portsmouth), Israel refuses to return to his position if he is not paid for the time between his resignation and reinstatement. He claims he was forced to resign (professional).
Folder 21 1853 October [4 items]
1853 Oct 1 Rev Charles Burroughs (Portsmouth) to Rev Henry D. Moore (Portsmouth), concluding that a resolution will not be possible and the negotiation regarding Israel Kimball’s back salary has failed and he will not be returning to his position (professional).
1853 Oct 3 Rev Charles Burroughs (Portsmouth) to Rev Henry D. Moore (Portsmouth), ending negotiations regarding Israel Kimball’s lost position as principal of the High School (professional).
1853 Oct 13 Sarah Poor Kimball (Edgecomb, Maine) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), Sarah is the widow of Ivory Kimball, letter discusses he future plans and selling off the farm animals, settling the estate and re-establishing herself in a new location.
1853 Oct 21 Edward Rand (Brunswick) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), [difficult to decipher] (professional)
Folder 22 1853 November-December, undated [4 items]
1853 Nov 12 F. A. Burleigh (Great Falls) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), offering a teaching position at the Great Falls High School (Somersworth) (professional).
1853 Nov 14 A. S. Packard (Bowdoin) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), mentions the death of Ivory Kimball and also updates on former students of Israel’s who are now at Bowdoin (professional).
1853 Dec 18 I Goodwin (Saratoga Springs, New York) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), description of Saratoga Springs.
1853 Sarah Poor Kimball (Edgecomb, Maine) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), Sarah is the widow of Ivory Kimball, letter discusses probate court, Sarah asks for Israel to visit to help her settle the estate.
Folder 23 1854 March-June [4 items]
1854 Mar 11 Henry C. Moore to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), discusses speaking and preaching schedule and severe illness/headache.
1854 Apr 20 Joshua James Laighton (Brunswick) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), Laighton is a former student of Israel and writes from Bowdoin College where he is a student, he describes the college, professors (Prof. Smyth and Prof. Hitchcock) and his living quarters, mentions Portsmouth Academy being in “such good hands.”
1854 April 27 John Knowlton (Portsmouth) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), letter to members of the North Church Building Committee regarding raising funds (professional).
1854 June 2 Samuel [?] Kimball (Lowell) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), mentions the death of Mr. Bragdon and payment of debt, including money owed to Mr. Ladd.
Folder 24 1854 Oct-Nov, undated [5 items]
1854 Oct 22 William K. Preston (Portsmouth) to Israel Kimball, thanking Israel for providing music at the Unitarian Convention.
1854 Oct 27 Webster (Boston) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), inquiring about Kimball’s school (professional).
1854 Nov 18 T. W. Chadbourne (Wiscasset, Maine) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), tells of the death of his wife, is sending items to Israel.
1854 Nov 28 George W. Round [?] (Kennebunk) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), purchase of Ivory Kimball’s house at auction, hoping to settle estate with Kimball brothers for the benefit of Ivory’s widow, Sarah.
1854 ca. Mr. Walker, Portsmouth Sacred Music Society to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), offering an honorary membership in the Society (professional).
Folder 25 1855 January-March [6 items]
1855 Jan 14 Wilbraham Kimball (Fort Wayne, Indiana) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), tells of the birth of a son (Fred Kimball) to their brother, Samuel Kimball, however Samuel does not yet know of the birth as he has been traveling with a temperance program. He details his ongoing poor health, asthma as well as other illness. (2018 addition)
1855 Jan 15 Sarah Kimball (Conway) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), general greetings, family matters and details of everyday life, frustration over work situation and wages.
1855 Feb 12 Joseph Burnett (Boston) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), sending Israel a possible cure for his asthma.
1855 Feb 26 Samuel B. Kimball (Putnam, Ohio) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), reference to Clara being hurt falling down the stairs, letter is badly faded and difficult to decipher.
1855 Mar 25 E. P. Wheelwright (Dixfield, Maine) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), Israel’s cousin sends him money, hearing that Israel has been sick, also speaks of his brother John Wheelwright, a minister in Weld, Maine.
1855 Mar 26 Samuel Leighton Bragdon (Wells) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), sending money, discusses his health and general family matters. (2018 addition)
Folder 26 1855 April-October
1855 Apr 3 Joshua James Leighton (Bowdoin College) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), general greetings, description of school work.
1855 Apr 7 E. P. Wheelwright (Dixfield, Maine) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), Israel’s cousin sends money due to Israel’s poor health, also mentions railroad construction.
1855 Oct 6 Joshua Bragdon (New Albany, Indiana) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), Clara’s brother, Joshua, writes about an order of flour and wheat.
1855 Oct 12 Joshua Bragdon (New Albany, Indiana) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), Clara’s brother, Joshua, writes about shipping flour to Boston.
Folder 27 1855 December [4 items]
1855 Dec 8 N. Cleavland (New York) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), request for information about Bowdoin College class mates would had died (professional).
1855 Dec 21 Wilbraham Kimball (Fort Wayne, Indiana) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), encourages Israel to leave Portsmouth for the sake of his health, concerned that Israel will die if he stays in Portsmouth, discusses their mother, Debourah Kimball, visiting, the unusually mild winter/weather and details cost of various dry goods.
1855 Dec 24 J. G. Webster (Boston) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), inquiring on the status of his son’s studies (professional).
1855 Dec 24 Joshua Bragdon (New Albany, Indiana) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), Clara’s brother, Joshua, writes shipping via boat as well as general and Christmas greetings.
Box 7
Folder 1 1856 [4 items]
1856 Jan 4 S. Y. H. [?] (Eliot) to Clara Kimball (Portsmouth), general greetings.
1856 Jan 15 John P. Kimball (Woburn) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), general greetings, family matters, mentions the new church building and minister in Portsmouth as well as the minister in Woburn leaving unexpectantly for Rochester, New York.
1856 Jan 15 J. G. Webster (Boston) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), paying for his son’s studies with Kimball, also discussion of his son’s habit of stammering or stuttering (professional).
1856 Jan 31 Sarah Kimball (Kennebunk) to Clara Kimball (Portsmouth), wife of Ivory Kimball, general greetings, discussion of health and illness.
Folder 2 1857-1858 [6 items]
1857 Augusta Adams to Sarah D. Kimball, general greetings.
1857 ca. Augusta Adams to Sarah D. Kimball, will not be going to Sewing Society.
1857 ca. Augusta Adams to Sarah D. Kimball, describes walking to school in Portsmouth.
1857 ca. Augusta Adams to Sarah D. Kimball, concern for what others may think.
1858 Jan 6 E. P. Whiting (Austin Street, Portsmouth) to Israel Kimball, general family news and greetings.
1858 Oct 16 Israel Kimball (Portsmouth) to Clara Kimball, family matters, Clara appears to have gone out west (uncertain of location) and Israel gives details about the children (professional).
Folder 3 1862-1865 [3 items]
1862 Oct 19 Israel Kimball (Washington DC) to Mary Kimball (Portsmouth), description of life in Washington DC, including the boarding house he is staying at and food he is eating. He mentions Civil War soldiers marching and wounded soldiers “hobbling on crutches” and provides and detailed description of conditions at work. He mentions going to visit Mary Foster of Portsmouth who is working as a nurse in Washington and Henry Richards who is a patient at a nearby hospital.
1865 Jan Clara Kimball to unknown Portsmouth pastor, letter of thanks, describing daily life and challenges, family, motherhood, discusses religion (Christianity).
1865 Sept 1 Kimball daughter to Clara Kimball, expressing her love and appreciation for her parents and siblings.
Folder 1866-1869 [7 items]
1866 Aug 5 Israel Kimball (Washington DC) to Mary Kimball, description of life in Washington DC, including the boarding house he is staying at and food he is eating.
1867 May 20 Israel Kimball (Washington DC) to Helen Kimball, discusses life in Washington DC, weather, “funny” dress of people and mentions seeing the president.
1869 Jan 16 Caddie to Mary Kimball, describes Christmas celebration, general greetings.
1869 Feb 4 Caddie to Mary Kimball, describes social gathering and food, general greetings.
1869 Nov 29 Israel Kimball Jr. (Washington DC) to Helen Kimball (Portsmouth), Israel is writing from their father’s office on Treasury Department stationary. Enclosed is a calligraphy sample of his sister’s name that he states “Mr. Hutchings” has done. Letter mentions stamp collection and travel.
1869 Dec 3 Clara Kimball (Washington DC) to Clara Elizabeth Kimball Chapman (New Albany, Indiana), recently married to William W. Chapman, the younger Clara and her husband are living with her uncle Joshua Bragdon in New Albany, Indiana. Discusses compliments she has had regarding Clara’s character and actions following her recent marriage and religion (Christianity).
1869 Dec 8 Clara Kimball (Washington DC) to Clara Elizabeth Kimball Chapman (New Albany, Indiana), recently married to William W. Chapman, the younger Clara and her husband are living with her uncle Joshua Bragdon in New Albany, Indiana. Letter speaks of marriage and role of women, health, eating habits, reading, politics, financial matters, newspapers. She states that she “went into the opening of Congress on Monday. Went into the Senate Chamber heard the President’s message read.
Folder 5 1870 [6 items]
1870 Jan 19 Clara Kimball (Washington DC) to Clara Elizabeth Kimball Chapman, mentions watching Senate and House proceedings in Washington, DC, discusses health of Israel (asthma) and desire to live closer to family.
1870 March 30 Clara Kimball (Washington DC) to Clara Elizabeth Kimball Chapman, general greetings and family matters, health and business of the younger Clara’s husband, William Wesley Chapman and religion (Christianity).
1870 May 24 W. H. Bancroft (Boston) to “Miss Manie” [?], general greetings, misunderstanding about a joke in recent letter.
1870 May 28 W. H. Bancroft (Boston) to “Miss Manie” [?], general greetings, misunderstanding about a joke in recent letter.
1870 June 2 W. H. Bancroft (Boston) to “Miss Manie” [?], general greetings, misunderstanding about a joke in recent letter.
1870 June 3 Israel Kimball (Washington DC) to Clara Elizabeth Kimball Chapman, general greetings and family matters as well as illness/health of Clara’s husband and Israel.
Folder 6 1871 [6 items]
1871 Jan 11 [Mary Louis Kimball ?] to [Clara Elizabeth Kimball Chapman ?], uncertain as to the identity of individuals, discusses teachers, holidays and family matters.
1871 Jan 21 Clara Kimball (Washington DC) to Clara Elizabeth Kimball Chapman (Paducah, Kentucky), discusses daily life, family matters, school of Clara’s younger siblings, Israel and Helen.
1871 Mar 18 Clara Kimball (Washington DC) to Clara Elizabeth Kimball Chapman, involved discussion of politics and the recent election and family matters.
1871 Aug 2 W. H. Bancroft (Quincy, Illinois) to Mary Louise Kimball (Portsmouth), general greetings, daily activities, attractive women in Quincy.
1871 ca. Jeanie and Arthur Gerrish to Helen Knight Kimball, brief invitation.
1871 ca. Alice Tompson to Helen Knight Kimball, brief invitation.
Folder 7 1872-1873 [3 items]
1872 Feb 18 Israel Kimball Jr. to [Clara Elizabeth Kimball Chapman ?], written on engraved stationary for the Forty-Second Congress with image of the Capitol Building general, greetings and family matters, mentions a boarder and vaccination.
1872 May 20 Charlie Robinson to Helen Kimball, brief invitation accepted.
1873 May 28 Israel Kimball Jr. (Washington, DC) to Helen Kimball, daily life in Washington, including playing croquet on the Capitol park.
Folder 8 1874 [7 items]
1874 Feb 21 Unknown to Helen Kimball, RSVP for an event.
1874 Apr 3 Unknown to Clara Kimball Chapman (Savannah, Georgia), general greetings, family matters, illness.
1874 Nov 13 Israel Kimball (Washington DC) to Unknown, rhyming poem, “Jonathan Greenleaf’s morning prayer.”
1874 Nov 28 Israel Kimball (Washington DC) to George Washington Kimball, regarding a recent invitation to the twenty-fifth wedding anniversary of his brother and wife. Letter includes political discussion and is written as poem.
1874 Dec 5 Israel Kimball (Washington DC) to Helen Kimball, general greetings and family matters.
1874 ca. Treasury Department envelope labeled “Original Poetry by I. Kimball” enclosed handwritten poem, “Our Home Under the Elms,” likely a reflection about the Kimball family home in Portsmouth.
1875 Oct 7 Israel Kimball (Washington DC) to Clara Kimball (Portsmouth), reflection on his thirteen year career in Washington and how he misses his friends and family. He states, “I hope I have done something for the government and for the country.”
Folder 9 1876 [4 items]
1876 May 1 Clara Kimball to Israel Kimball (Washington DC), mentions sadness over the death of her brother, most likely Joshua Bragdon who died in 1875, and sadness over missing him as well as general family matters.
1876 May 19 Unknown (Portsmouth) to Helen Kimball, general greetings and social news of friends in Portsmouth.
1876 Nov 3 Clara Kimball to Israel Kimball, Clara has decided to stay home and pray about the upcoming election rather than take part in demonstrations.
1876 ca. Clara Kimball to Florence Orton “Flo”, welcoming the new wife of her son George Kimball into the family.
Folder 10 1878 [6 items]
1878 Mar 31 Mabel Storer (Portsmouth) to Helen Kimball (Washington DC), describes girls playing baseball in Portsmouth, mentions a party at George Haven’s house.
1878 Sept 30 Florence Orton Kimball (Boston) to Clara Kimball (Portsmouth), visit to Brooklyn, general greetings.
1878 Oct 13 Clara Kimball (Wollaston Heights, Massachusetts) to Israel Kimball (Washington DC), describes in detail a horse and carriage accident their some George was in, in which several men he was riding with died.
1878 Oct 25 Clara Kimball (Wollaston Heights, Massachusetts) to Israel Kimball (Washington DC), update on their son George’s recovery (see previous letter).
1878 Oct 31 Israel Kimball (Wollaston Heights, Massachusetts) to Kimball Children, update on George’s recovery (see previous letter).
1878 Dec 1 Clara Kimball (Boston) to Israel Kimball (Washington DC), describes Thanksgiving holiday celebration, including food and cooking, and memories of Thanksgiving celebrations when the children were young.
Folder 11 1881-1882 [2 items]
1881 Sept 18 Sadie (sister) to Mrs. Charles H. Butler (Mary Louisa Kimball) (New Albany, Indiana), describes travel to northern New Hampshire, including the Flume House, Bethlehem, North Conway, Crawford Notch, Mt. Lafayette and Profile House.
1882 Aug 28 to Clara Kimball Chapman (Lansing, Michigan), thanking for a dress made by Clara “what a splendid machine you must have had,” general greetings, family matters.
Folder 12 1884-1889 [4 items]
1884 Feb 26 Helen Knight Kimball (Washington, DC) to Clara Kimball Chapman (Detroit, Michigan), general greetings, family matters, daily life, illness.
1884 Aug 5 Unknown, mentions childhood dream.
1887 Apr 6 Helen Knight Kimball (Portsmouth) to Clara Kimball Chapman (Washington, DC), general greetings, family matters, daily tasks
1889 Dec 29 Israel Kimball Jr. (Washington DC) to Helen Kimball (Portsmouth), mentions Christmas including going to a Catholic Church to hear music.
Folder 13 1891-1900 [5 items]
1891 Dec 12 Clara Kimball (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) to Clara Kimball Chapman (Washington, DC), general greetings and family matters.
1891 ca. “Sister” (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) to Clara Kimball Chapman (Washington, DC), general greetings, family matters, daily tasks, illness.
1894 Sept 6 Sarah D. Kimball (Portsmouth) to Clara Kimball Chapman (Washington DC), general greetings, religion (Christianity).
1897 June 2 Clara B. Wishart to Clara Kimball Chapman (Portsmouth), brief general greetings.
1900 Feb 17 William W. Chapman to Clara Kimball, brief note of thanks.
Folder 14 Undated Nineteenth Century [7 items]
Undated ca. 1831 Joseph Bragdon to Clara Kimball, a poem written by Joseph.
Undated Israel Kimball to Clara Kimball, talks about Ichabod leaving and that he will then be all alone.
Undated John P. Kimball (North Edgecomb) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth) informs Israel that their brother is very ill and the doctor is not sure how long he will live.
Undated E. W. C. (Portland) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth) “Rufy” is coming to Portsmouth and appears to be living with Rev. Peabody but in some way under the care of Israel.
Undated Elizabeth P. Bragdon to Israel and Clara Kimball (Dover),
Undated R. C. Cutter for the High School Committee to Israel Kimball, complementing the good behavior of the students at a recent assembly.
Undated Deborah Kimball [?] to Israel Kimball [?], general family news and sending money from Uncle Joshua.
Folder 15 Undated Nineteenth Century [11 items]
Undated Israel Kimball to A. M. Winn, letter certifying that Winn was a student at Eliot Academy while Israel was there.
Undated John R. Adams (Gorham) to Israel Kimball, inquiring about a school in Gorham.
Undated E. W. C. to Israel Kimball, mentions Israel Kimball’s delicious doughnut recipe.
Undated Clara Kimball to George Kimball, mentions money being scares and reminds George about the importance of religion (Christianity).
Undated Clara Kimball (Wells) to Sarah, thanking Sarah for the hood she has sent.
Undated Ann Littlefield Kimball (Fort Wayne, Indiana) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), Ann is the wife of Israel’s brother Ivory and she tells of Ivory’s poor health and struggle to work (it appears he suffers from asthma or another chronic lung condition). She also tells of her illness and the subsequent loss of a prematurely born son along with their son Ivory’s reaction to the death of the baby.
Undated I. Goodwin (New York) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth) [difficult to decipher]
Undated Elizabeth P. Bragdon to Israel Kimball (Dover) general greetings and family matters, health of parents.
Undated Samuel [Bragdon?] (Wells) to Israel Kimball and Clara Kimball, extensive discussion of temperance and Maine law concerning the sale of rum, also instruction for purchasing him a new cap.
Undated Samuel Kimball to Israel Kimball, discusses the illness and poor health of their brother William Kimball.
Undated [Frederick Augustus?] Webster (Boston) to Israel Kimball, discussing the education and challenges of his son Frederick Webster who is a student of Israel’s.
Folder 16 Undated Nineteenth Century [4 items]
Undated E. W. Clark to Israel Kimball (South Street, Portsmouth), request that Israel visit him.
Undated Elizabeth P. Bragdon to Israel Kimball and Clara Kimball, reports that their daughter Sarah is recovering well from illness (professional).
Undated unknown to Israel Kimball, acknowledging Kimball’s kind letter after the writer was let go as a teacher at the Boys High School (professional).
Undated L. P. Nichols to Israel Kimball, thanks from a student (professional).
Oct 15 Charles A. Cheever (Portsmouth) to Israel Kimball (Portsmouth), offering Kimball a new coat as thanks for helping his son get into college (professional).
Folder 17 Undated Nineteenth Century [7 items]
Undated E. W. Clark to Israel Kimball, regrets that they will not be able to accept an invitation (professional).
Undated Annie to Mother, travel to Niagra
Undated Bertha Goodall sending regrets, unable to accept Kimball invitation
Undated Israel Kimball (Washington, DC) to Helen Kimball, death of grandmother
Undated Unknown to Sister, religion (Christianity) and general greetings.
Undated Israel Kimball (Washington DC) to Helen Kimball (Portsmouth), general greetings.
Undated Unknown to Clara and Sadie Kimball, mentions father’s safe arrival, weather, family matters.
Folder 18 Fragments
1860-1880 ca. Letter fragments, covers and miscellaneous enclosures
Box 8 Twentieth Century Correspondence
Clara Wishart is living with family in Portsmouth while her parents, Helen (Kimball) and William Wishart live in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Letters are often general greetings and family news.
Folder 1 1900-1902 [6 items]
1900 Aug 4 Helen Kimball Wishart (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), general greetings, weather, family matters.
1902 June 23 Clara Wishart (Portsmouth) to her father, W.W. Wishart, mentions Uncle George Kimball.
1902 June 29 Clara Wishart (Portsmouth) to Helen Kimball Wishart (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), request for money, garden, Uncle George was hit by a truck and broke his arm.
1902 July 2 Clara Wishart (Portsmouth) to her father, W.W. Wishart, mention Aunt Sadie.
1902 July 3 Clara Wishart (Portsmouth) to Helen Kimball Wishart (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), general greetings, family matters.
1902 July 13 Clara Wishart (Portsmouth) to her mother.
Folder 2 1903 June-July [6 items]
1903 June 24 Helen Kimball Wishart (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), general greetings, family matters, a new dog and illness with discussion of doctor’s diagnosis of Clara’s possible liver problem.
1903 June 30 Helen Kimball Wishart (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), general greetings, family matters, Clara is hoping to be in Portsmouth shortly and tells Helen to prepare the house and yard for her arrival, mentions pet dog.
1903 July 6 Helen Kimball Wishart (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), general greetings, family matters, tennis and having the court in Portsmouth repaired, July 4th celebrations.
1903 July 11 Helen Kimball Wishart (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), general greetings, family matters, planning a trip to Portsmouth, requests Clara have lobster salad waiting for them for dinner when they arrive.
1903 July 16 Helen Kimball Wishart (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), general greetings, specifics of trip to Portsmouth, their dog has wandered away and Helen fears has been caught by the “dog catchers.”
1903 July 25 Helen Kimball Wishart (Newton, Massachusetts) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), visiting Uncle Fred on her way to Portsmouth, mentions using the telephone.
Folder 3 1903 Aug-Dec [6 items]
1903 Aug 3 Helen Sullivan (St. Albans, VT) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), general greetings, travel to Lake George and Fort Ticonderoga.
1903 Aug 21 Helen Kimball Wishart (Blue Hill Farms, Maine) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), general greetings, mentions sailing and birthday.
1903 Sept 7 Helen Kimball Wishart (New York, New York) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), general greetings, sightseeing in New York City.
1903 Sept 11 John Wishart (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), general greetings, family matters.
1903 Sept 14 Helen Sullivan (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), daily activities, eye glasses, birthdays and music lessons.
1903 Nov 6 John Wishart (Kiski School, Saltsburgh, Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), note from boarding school.
Folder 4 1904 January-July [6 items]
1904 Jan 12 George Kimball (Chicago, Illinois) to Clara Kimball Chapman (Washington, DC), discusses his career in law in Chicago and his heavy case load and long work hours.
1904 July 10 Katharine Belleville (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), discusses tennis.
1904 July 17 Helen Sullivan (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), trip to Philadelphia.
1904 July 20 Helen Sullivan (Atlantic City, New Jersey) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), trip to Atlantic City and the beach.
1904 July 21 Clifford Sullivan (Atlantic City, New Jersey) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), general greetings.
1904 July 27 Helen Sullivan (Hudson, New York) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), sight seeing on the Hudson River.
Folder 5 1904 August-December [5 items]
1904 Aug 11 Alice Fellabaum (Virginia) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), general greetings.
1904 Aug 31 Dorothea Davis (Boston, Massachusetts) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), general greetings, daily activities.
1904 Sept 12 Clifford (Pittsburg) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), general greetings (child).
1904 Sept 23 H. C. Knight to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), general greetings, mentions Roger’s Mission Circle.
1904 Dec 7 Jim to Clara Wishart (Northampton, Massachusetts), general greetings, planning a visit.
Folder 6 1905 July [8 items]
1905 July 5 Helen Kimball Wishart (Blue Hill Falls, Maine) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), general greetings, family matters, visit with family in Portsmouth.
1905 July 9 Helen Kimball Wishart (Lakewood, New York) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), general greetings, family matters, trip to Stow, New York.
1905 July 14 Mary Jane to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), general greetings.
1905 July 15 Dorothea to Clara Wishart
1905 July 17 Helen Kimball Wishart (Blue Hill Falls, Maine) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), general greetings, family matters, visit with family in Portsmouth.
1905 July 20 Annie to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), general greetings.
1905 July 21 Helen Kimball Wishart (Blue Hills, Maine) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), general greetings, family matters, travel.
1905 July 25 Helen Kimball Wishart (Covenant, Ohio) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), general greetings, family matters.
1805 July 29 Dorothea to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), general greetings.
Folder 7 1905 August [8 items]
1905 Aug 5 Clifford and Helen Sullivan (Lakewood, New York) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), general greetings, travel.
1905 Aug 14 Jerry Reynolds to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), general greetings.
1905 Aug 16 Mary Kimball Johnson [?] (Lakewood, New York) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), general greetings.
1905 Aug 25 Helen to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth)
1905 Aug 30 Helen Sullivan (Lakewood, New York) to Clara Washart (Portsmouth), general greetings
1905 Aug 21 Dorothea (North Berwick, Maine) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), mentions borrowing “Wallis Sands films.”
1905 Aug 24 Bee (Washington, DC) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), weather, fond memories of Portsmouth.
1905 Aug 24 Dot (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), weather, general greetings.
Folder 8 1905 September [4 items]
1905 Sept 3 Helen Sullivan (Detroit, Michigan) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), writing while on the Steamer North West, discusses travel west.
1905 Sept 7 Jerry (Boston, Massachusetts) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), mentions a play at a friend’s house.
1905 Sept 11 Dorothea (North Berwick, Maine) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), trip by train to Hull and Nantasket, including an amusement park and roller coaster, description of food, Clara returning to Pittsburgh.
1905 Nov Jack [John Wishart?] (Kiski School) to Clara Wishart (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), general greetings between brother and sister.
Folder 9 1907-1910 [5 items]
1907 July 23 Clara Wishart (Portsmouth) to James Hoeveler (Beaver County, Pennsylvania), general greetings, thanking for the gift of candy.
1907 Aug 12 Clara Wishart (Portsmouth) to James Hoeveler (Beaver County, Pennsylvania), discusses her love of life in New Hampshire, bonfire at the beach and picnic in the woods.
1908 Aug 13 Clara Wishart (Portsmouth) to James Hoeveler (Beaver County, Pennsylvania), mentions travel around the seacoast of New Hampshire, including a friend who had rented a cottage at Kittery Point for the summer, weather, playing tennis, having to replace tires on car, going to the Rockingham Hotel for dinner.
1908 Oct 21 John Wishart to Earl Chapman (Portsmouth), illness, letter of encouragement from John to his cousin Earl who sick is at Cottage Hospital in Portsmouth. Earl dies of tuberculosis two months later.
1909 Aug 18 James Hoeveler to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), general greetings and travel.
Folder 10 1911 February [1 item]
1911 Feb 10 James Hoeveler (Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth), general greetings and socializing.
Folder 11 1911 Aug 1-15 [13 items]
Letters are primarily between James Hoeveler in Pennsylvania and Clara Wishart in Portsmouth. For the most part they are general greetings, commenting on the frequency or lack of letters with general information about daily tasks. One letter is from Clara’s friend Lea, in which she thanks Clara for a birthday gift. Letters between James and Clara become increasingly romantic, discussing their love for one another and unofficial engagement (Aug 7, 1911). One letter describes going to a baseball game and James’s trouble with his Elmore (car) (Aug 11, 1908).
1911 Aug 1 Lea (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth)
1911 Aug 4 James Hoeveler (Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Boston)
1911 Aug 7 James Hoeveler (Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth)
1911 Aug 7 James Hoeveler (Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth)
1911 Aug 7 James Hoeveler (Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth)
1911 Aug 8 John Wishart (Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth)
1911 Aug 9 James Hoeveler (Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth)
1911 Aug 11 Clara Wishart (Portsmouth) to James Hoeveler (Pennsylvania)
1911 Aug 12 Clara Wishart (Portsmouth) to James Hoeveler (Pennsylvania)
1911 Aug 13 James Hoeveler (Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth)
1911 Aug 13 Clara Wishart (Portsmouth) to James Hoeveler (Pennsylvania)
1911 Aug 14 James Hoeveler (Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth)
1911 Aug 15 James Hoeveler (Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth)
Folder 1911 Aug 16-31 [14 items]
Letters are between James Hoeveler in Pennsylvania and Clara Wishart in Portsmouth. James discusses asking Clara’s father to marry her and the same letter describes playing baseball (August 16, 1911). Most letters are general greetings, commenting on the frequency or lack of letters with general information about daily tasks. Much of the content focuses on missing each other. James frequently discusses regional travel in Pennsylvania. Describes firing shots at a suspected corn thief in the field at night (August 25, 1911).
1911 Aug 12 James Hoeveler (Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth)
1911 Aug 16 James Hoeveler (Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth)
1911 Aug 18 James Hoeveler (Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth)
1911 Aug 19 James Hoeveler (Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth)
1911 Aug 21 James Hoeveler (Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth)
1911 Aug 23 James Hoeveler (Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth)
1911 Aug 24 Clara Wishart (Portsmouth) to James Hoeveler (Pennsylvania)
1911 Aug 25 James Hoeveler (Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth)
1911 Aug 25 James Hoeveler (Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth)
1911 Aug 26 James Hoeveler (Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth)
1911 Aug 26 Clara Wishart (Portsmouth) to James Hoeveler (Pennsylvania)
1911 Aug 28 Clara Wishart (Portsmouth) to James Hoeveler (Pennsylvania)
1911 Aug 31 James Hoeveler (Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth)
1911 Aug 31 James Hoeveler (Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth)
Folder 13 1911 September [6 items]
Letters are between James Hoeveler in Pennsylvania and Clara Wishart in Portsmouth. James discusses asking Clara’s father to marry her and his mother asking about their future plans, including whether or not he should continue farming (Sept 1, 1911). In his letter dated Sept 2, 1911, James describes in detail asking Clara’s father William Wishart for her hand in marriage. William’s only concern is religious differences, James in Catholic. Most letters are general greetings, commenting on the frequency or lack of letters with general information about daily tasks. Much of the content focuses on missing each other. Clara is staying with George Kimball in Hingham.
1911 Sept 1 James Hoeveler (Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Hingham, Massachusetts)
1911 Sept 2 James Hoeveler (Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Hingham, Massachusetts)
1911 Sept 4 James Hoeveler (Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Hingham, Massachusetts)
1911 Sept 5 James Hoeveler (Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Hingham, Massachusetts)
1911 Sept 6 James Hoeveler (Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Hingham, Massachusetts)
1911 Dec 3 Marion (Portsmouth) to Clara Chapman (Washington, DC)
Folder 14 1912-1913 [5 items]
One letter describes James’s trip to visit family in Hingham. He mentions going to a Vaudeville Show and Wellesley Hills. The final letter from “Bob” congratulates the now married, Clara Wishart and James Hoeveler on the birth of their first child.
1912 May 24 James Hoeveler (Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Hingham, Massachusetts)
1912 June 22 George to Clara Wishart
1912 Oct 31 William Wishart (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) to Clara Wishart (Washington, DC)
1913 Sept 5 Sadie to Clara Wishart (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
1913 ca. Bob to Clara Wishart [?]
Folder 15 1916-1919 [10 items]
Jame’s is in the military and describes target shooting and training (July 24, 1916). He mentions George Adams and Paul Rice. One letter discusses shortages of sugar and coal along with harsh winter weather (December 15, 1917 and January 16, 1918). The May 15, 1918 letter describes the death of Sarah D. Kimball and care of the elderly, Uncle George Kimvall. One letter mentions sickness and that Clara has whooping cough.
1916 July 24 James Hoeveler (Plattsburg, NY) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth)
1916 Aug 16 James Hoeveler (Boston) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth)
1916 Sept 29 Violette (New York) to Clara Wishart (Portsmouth)
1917 Jan 18 George to “Chap”
1917 Aug 31 George to “Chap”
1917 Dec 15 Clara Kimball Chapman to Clara Wishart (Pittsburgh)
1918 Jan 16 Clara Kimball Chapman to Clara Wishart (Pittsburgh)
1918 Apr 4 Clara Kimball Chapman to James Hoeveler (Pittsburgh)
1918 May 15 Clara Kimball Chapman to Clara Wishart (Pittsburgh)
1919 Aug 22 Mary S. Corbett to Clara Wishart (Pittsburgh)
1919 Dec 18 Clara Kimball Chapman to Clara Wishart (Pittsburgh)
Folder 16 1920-1923 [8 items]
Letters focus on daily activities, making jelly, enjoying the nice weather and taking care of elderly relatives, Uncle George Kimball (September 29, 1920).
1920 Sept 29 Clara Kimball Chapman to Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (Pittsburgh)
1920 July 12 Unknown to Clara Kimball Chapman
1920 Sept 13 Unknown to Clara Kimball Chapman
1923 Nov 25 “Sister” to “Mother”
1927 Jan 8 Barbara Kaufman to Clara Chapman
1927 June 19 Gerturde M. Butler to Chappie
1927 Nov 9 Violette to Clara Chapman
1927 Dec J. H. Sherburne to Clara Chapman
Folder 17 1928 January to July [9 items]
Letters are mostly from the children of Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (living in France) to their great aunt Clara Kimball Chapman, who was living at the Kimball family home at 848 Islington Street in Portsmouth. One letter describes a new house purchase by Jack (John Wishart Hoeveler) in St. Cloud, France and plans for schooling at home with a governess when they move into the new house (June 12, 1928). Another letter talks about travel by boat from New York to Europe and seeing Olympic athletes on the boat traveling to the 1928 Olympics in Amsterdam (June 23, 1928).
1928 Jan 24 Fannie S. to Clara Kimball Chapman
1928 May 10 James Hoeveler to Clara Kimball Chapman (Portsmouth)
1928 May 30 Clara Kimball Chapman (Portsmouth) to Clara Hoeveler (Paris, France)
1928 June 6 John Hoeveler to Clara Kimball Chapman (Portsmouth)
1928 June 12 John “Jack” Wishart Hoeveler (Paris, France) to Clara Kimball Chapman (Portsmouth)
1928 June 23 William “Billy” Hoeveler (St. Cloud, France) to Clara Kimball Chapman (Portsmouth)
1928 June 23 Katherine Hemphill Hoeveler (St. Cloud, France) to Clara Kimball Chapman (Portsmouth)
1928 July 17 S. H. Marcy (Tampa, Florida) to Clara Kimball Chapman (Portsmouth)
Folder 18 1928 Aug to September [4 items]
Letters discuss the Hoeveler family’s life living and travel in France. Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler also discusses the education of her children while in France (August 18, 1928). Letter from Fannie S. describes southern California, Mission at San Juan Capistrano, homes in Beverly Hills and Hollywood and all of the educational opportunities (August 29, 1928). One letter describes families significant to family history in Kennebunk and Wells (September 14, 1928).
1928 Aug 6 Ella K. Tyler to “cousin”
1928 Aug 18 Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (St. Cloud, France) to Clara Kimball Chapman (Portsmouth)
1928 Aug 29 Fannie S. (Los Angeles, California) to Clara Kimball Chapman (Portsmouth)
1928 Sept 14 Clara Kimball Chapman (Portsmouth) to Clara Hoeveler (St. Cloud, France)
Folder 19 1929 [7 items]
Letters discuss the Hoeveler family’s life living and travel in France, including the beach at Normandy. Letters also provide details of daily life and general family matters.
1929 Jan 28 Clara Kimball Chapman to unknown
1929 June 29 Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (Paris, France) to Clara Kimball Chapman (Portsmouth)
1929 June 29 Clara Kimball Chapman (Portsmouth) to Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (Paris, France)
1929 July 11 James Hemphill Hoeveler (Pittsburgh) to Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (St. Cloud, France)
1929 Aug 20 Clara Kimball Chapman (Portsmouth) to Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (Paris, France)
1929 Aug 26 Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (St. Cloud, France) to Clara Kimball Chapman (Portsmouth)
1929 Sept 19 Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (St. Cloud, France) to Clara Kimball Chapman (Portsmouth)
Folder 20 1930 [8 items]
One letter mentions a preference for silent movies over “talkies” as well as provides a description of living in Tampa, Florida (July 5, 1930). Letter discusses illness (August 4, 1930). One letter provides details in into the possibility of Clara Kimball Chapman moving out of the family home in Portsmouth to be closer to family (August 27, 1930). Letters also provide details of daily life and general family matters.
1930 July 1 Bill from John G. Sweetser, Plumber, to Clara Chapman (Islington St. Portsmouth)
1930 July 7 S. H. Marcy to Clara Kimball Chapman (Portsmouth)
1930 July 11 unknown relative to Clara Kimball Chapman (Portsmouth)
1930 July 29 U.S. Post Office to Clara Kimball Chapman, regarding balance due
1930 Aug 4 Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (Hoeveler Farm, Pennsylvania) to Clara Kimball Chapman (Portsmouth)
1930 Aug 17 Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) to Clara Kimball Chapman (Portsmouth)
1930 Aug 20 Clarence (cousin) to Clara Kimball Chapman (Portsmouth)
1930 Aug 27 B. W. Butler (Washington, DC) to Clara Kimball Chapman (Portsmouth)
1930 July 13 Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) to Clara Kimball Chapman (Portsmouth)
Folder 21 1932 [13 items]
Letters provide general family information, details about traveling between Portsmouth and Pittsburgh and daily life.
1932 Aug 8 Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (Portsmouth) to James Hoeveler (Pittsburgh)
1932 Aug 9 Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (Portsmouth) to James Hoeveler (Pittsburgh)
1932 Aug 11 Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (Portsmouth) to James Hoeveler (Pittsburgh)
1932 Oct 30 Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (Portsmouth) to James Hoeveler (Pittsburgh)
1932 Nov 12 James Hoeveler (Pittsburgh) to Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (Portsmouth)
1932 Nov 15 Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (Portsmouth) to James Hoeveler (Portsmouth)
1932 Nov 23 James Hoeveler (Pittsburgh) to Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (Portsmouth)
1932 Dec 3 James Hoeveler (Pittsburgh) to Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (Portsmouth)
1932 Dec 8 Alice “Sally” Wishart (Pittsburgh) to Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (Portsmouth)
1932 Dec 10 James Hoeveler (Pittsburgh) to Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (Portsmouth)
1932 Dec 12 James Hoeveler (Pittsburgh) to Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (Portsmouth)
1932 Dec 17 Susan [?] to Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (Portsmouth)
1932 Dec 30 unknown to Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (Portsmouth)
Folder 22 1933-1934 [8 items]
Letters provide general family information, details about traveling between Portsmouth and Pittsburgh and daily life.
1933 Feb 5 Katherine (Portsmouth) to Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (Pittsburgh)
1933 Feb 12 Marion Drake (Portsmouth) to Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (Pittsburgh)
1934 July 16 Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (Portsmouth) to James Hoeveler (Pittsburgh)
1934 July 16 Helen Hoeveler (Pittsburgh) to Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (Portsmouth)
1934 July 23 James Hoeveler (Pittsburgh) to Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (Portsmouth)
1934 July 29 James Hoeveler (Pittsburgh) to Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (Portsmouth)
1936 Sept Florence (Boston) to Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (Portsmouth)
1936 Sept 10 Helen Hoeveler (Pittsburgh) to Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (Portsmouth)
Folder 23 Correspondence 1940s [2 items]
Letters provide general family information, details about traveling between Portsmouth and Pittsburgh and daily life.
1943 Apr 24 Clara Bragdon Wishart Hoeveler (Portsmouth) to James Hoeveler (Pittsburgh)
1946 Oct 17 Harold (Portmouth) to James Hoeveler (Pittsburgh)
1947 June 6 James Hoeveler to Harold
Folder 24 20th century postcards [11 items]
1905 Aug 22 Clifford to Clara Wishart, Kent House, Lakewood-on-Chatauqua
1905 Aug Helen to Clara Wishart, “The Whole Dam Family”
1905 July Helen Sullivan to Clara Wishart, image of woman with dog
1905 May 15 Unknown to Clara Wishart, image of owl, “Get Wise in Portsmouth, NH”
1906 Aug 27 unknown to Helen, Corner of the Waumber, Jefferson, White Mountains
1907 Aug 30 C. B. W. to James Hoeveler, Islington Street, Portsmouth, NH
1908 July 12 C. B. W. to James Hoeveler, Prospect Point Niagra Falls
1908 July 15 C. B. W. to James Hoeveler, Dr. Coolidge’s Residence, Pittsfield, MA
1911 unknown to William Hemphill Hoeveler, The Battle of the Crater, July 30, 1864, in front of Petersburg, VA, Civil War
Undated Mount Mansfield, VT (poor condition)
Undated Easter Greeting
Folder 25 Undated 20th Century Correspondence and Fragments [12 items]
Box 9
Folder 1 Photocopies of Israel Kimball Papers, 1837-1839, American Antiquarian Society, Catalog Record 271736 – Collection is related to Israel’s Kimballs position as secretary of Bowdoin College’s social/debating society, the Athenaean. It includes a key document related to racial bias at the University of Vermont against its first black student. Permission for use or publication must be arranged with the American Antiquarian Society.