Hanchett family papers

Collection

Identifier: c-00552

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of four letters between members of the Hanchett family of New York, which discuss family and personal matters, as well as their respective travels in the west (Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin) and Louisiana. The first letter from Mary Ann Hanchett to Elijah Hanchett in 1826, describes her travels in Michigan and Ohio. The next letter from Josiah and Nancy Hanchett and their son Lewis, who moved to Detroit in 1829, gives descriptions of people and life in Detroit. This letter addressed to Elijah Hanchett, encourages him to move out "west" with the family. The third letter, sent in 1833, also from Lewis to Elijah, describes his visit down south to Louisiana. The final letter from Jeremiah Drake, who moved from Salisbury, New York to Columbus, Wisconsin in 1842, was written to Elizabeth Hanchett in 1853, and talks about relatives and his travels.

Included are transcriptions of two of the letters, and an article written by the donor, entitled "The Lure of the West a Century Ago," which contains further transcription of one of the letters.

Dates

Creation: 1826 - 1853

Creator

Hanchett family (Elijah Hanchett) (Family)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish material from this collection must be obtained from University Archives & Historical Collections, Michigan State University.

Extent

0.1 Cubic Feet (, 1 folder)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Custodial History

Gift of Dr. Russell Nye, date unknown.

Legal Status

Copyright: Donor(s) have transferred any applicable copyright to Michigan State University but the collection may contain third-party materials for which copyright was not transferred. Copyright restrictions may apply.

Property Rights: Michigan State University