Eli J. Capell and family papers, 1817-1932 (bulk 1842-1890).

ArchivalResource

Capell, Eli J. (Eli Jackson), 1814-1888. Eli J. Capell and family papers, 1817-1932 (bulk 1842-1890).

Eli J. Capell and family papers, 1817-1932 (bulk 1842-1890).

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/122297212

Papers consist of correspondence and business records of the Capell family and related Crawford family. Letters from cotton factors, principally from the firm Carroll and Pritchard, and invoices for cotton sales comprise the early portion of the collection (1840-1859). Papers of Robert Capell contain a description of education available at Erskine College of South Carolina (Oct. 21, 1860), a reference of the fortification of Columbus, Ky. (Oct. 21, 1861), and a military furlough. Post Civil War materials (1865-1879) contain letters written to the Capell daughters concerning news of friends, personal relationships, and social activities. Other items include cotton sale accounts and general merchandise, a labor contract with freedmen (Jan. 21. 1868), inventory of goods (Dec. 29, 1879), and several cotton invoices. Documents related to land conveyance are found throughout the collection. Personal correspondence of Mrs. C. J. Crawford, née Kate Capell, and her sons Abram and Harry Crawford, and Harry's wife, Jeanne, comprises much of the collection between 1880-1899 and pertains primarily to the activities and travels of Crawford family members. Letters from Abram C. Crawford describe the social, economic, and geographic conditions of Missouri, Texas, Colorado, Utah, and Montana. Harry Crawford offers similar descriptions of towns in Texas. Jeanne's letters discuss family matters. Other topics include cotton prices; affects of weather on farming; a description of Ruston, La. (April 5, 1900); typhoid fever and malaria (Oct. 24, 1886), yellow fever (Oct. 1, 1899, Oct. 18, 1899); the impact of the Civil War and railroad expansion on the community of Thickwood, Mississippi (July 23, 1883); and the social environment, particularly that of African-Americans (March 19, 1882, Sept. 1, 1892, March 19, 1886), including hangings (Sept. 30, 1884, April 24, 1890). Business records include papers related to Henry Clay Capell's law practice, orders for merchandise, statements of accounts, invoices for cotton and merchandise, bills for goods, price lists and advertisements, and a German calendar (1899). The latter part of the collection (1900-1932) contains some personal correspondence, but consists primarily of business papers similar in nature to earlier business papers. Volumes consist primarily of memorandum books (1869-1917) of accounts for goods and cotton; other volumes include a laborers' record book (1867-1885), ledgers (1873-1917) containing customers' accounts, and a published copy of THE POCKET LAWYERS AND FAMILY CONVEYANCER (1845). Poems comprise the majority of newspaper clippings (n.d.), however other subjects include a biography of Geronimo, the influenza epidemic of the early 20th century, a report on the cotton market, and cake recipes.

1.3 linear ft.16 v.1 microfilm reel ; 35 mm.22 microfiche ; 11 x 15 cm.

Louisiana State University, LSU Libraries