Correspondence, 1833-c. 1860.

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Funk family. Correspondence, 1833-c. 1860.

Correspondence, 1833-c. 1860.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/207136928

Much of the correspondence concerns business arrangements for the printing and distribution of Joseph Funk's book, A Compilation of Genuine Church Music.... It includes letters from men scattered throughout Virginia and bordering states who acted as sales agents for his book. Funk, often teaching music away from home, wrote to his sons extensively describing his travels, the schools he taught in, and particularly discussing printing matters. His son Timothy worked in their publishing firm (Joseph Funk and Sons) as a bookbinder, while Solomon, assisted by Benjamin, was the printer. John remained in Rockingham County, farming his land and that of his father. The family correspondence also related local and family news. Benjamin Funk wrote home describing his studies and living conditions while attending Richmond College. The collection also contains numerous letters from Funk's sons, Samuel, David, and Joseph. These pioneers settled in Tennessee, Ohio, and Missouri, respectively. In addition to their farming activities, they served as sales agents for their father's publications. Octavo volume #2 is a letterbook, 1856-1859, of Joseph Funk, Sr., mostly containing extracts of letters concerning business transactions, such as the mailing of music books or arranging for music lessons. There is also personal correspondence. Each entry includes the name and address of the recipient, the date, and a brief summary of the contents. The collection also contains a manuscript of a pamphlet written by Joseph Funk, Sr., which was apparently never printed. It was a response to a review and refutation of Funk's translation of a religious piece. The pamphlet is entitled "Vindication and Support of Truth in Opposition to Elder John Kline's Strictures and Reply," and was written about 1860.

3 folders.2 v. ; octavo.

American Antiquarian Society