Beard family papers, 1831-1945.

ArchivalResource

Beard family. Beard family papers, 1831-1945.

Beard family papers, 1831-1945.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/82138099

The correspondence consists of the original letters along with typewritten transcriptions. Most, but not all, are addressed to Joseph Cleveland Beard and Releaf (Kendall) Beard from their children and grandchildren, and from nieces and nephews who were scattered in New England and the Midwest. The writers give accounts of the life of the times, descriptions of their locations and, of course, the state of health of the family members. The earliest letters were written by Joseph Beard, mainly to his children, relating family news and describing the state of religion in Orange, Vermont in the 1830s. Many of the later letters were written by Hiram C. Beard and his children while living in Victor, Illinois. Of particular interest are the letters written during the Civil War in which Hiram describes some of his financial difficulties. There is also a letter written by Benjamin Beard describing the death of his son Calvin who had enlisted in the Seventh Illinois Infantry Regiment and one written by Cleveland Beard who enclosed a transcript of two letters written by his son Cleveland, Jr. while serving in Ninth New Hampshire Volunteer Regiment. The collection also includes letters written by Nancy Beard during various times of her life, including acting as housekeeper for her brother Hiram in Illinois, during her widowhood in Lowell, Massachusetts where she worked in the mills, and after her second marriage with a widower from Pittsford, Vermont with whom she was barely acquainted. The genealogy material includes a historical sketch of the first seven generations, a notebook of vital records by Edna L. Beard and a number of family sheets copied from said notebook. There is a bound book of poetry by George Petrie Beard and wife Luna (Griswold) Beard and by their daughter Luna Caroline Beard. Also a poem for the golden wedding anniversary (1878) of Kendall Beard and Roxcinda Richardson as well as one to "mother" by Fannie H. Beard. As well, the collection contains World War II ration books belonging to the Frank K. Beard family.

.5 linear feet.

Vermont Historical Society