The Winterthur Library

 The Joseph Downs Collection of Manuscripts and Printed Ephemera

Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum

5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE  19735

302-888-4600 or 800-448-3883

 

 

OVERVIEW OF THE COLLECTION

                                                           

Title:               Wilson-Warner-Corbit Family Papers

Dates:             1681-1976

Call No.:         Col. 35

Acc. No.:        69x224; 76x355, 80x266, 84x150, 12x116

Quantity:        4 boxes

Location:        9 A 4

 

 

 

BIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT

 

The Wilson, Warner, and Corbit families were important and influential families in Odessa (formerly known as Cantwell's Bridge), Delaware through much of its history.  They were connected by marriage, business, political, and religious ties.  The connections of the families with each other, with the city of Philadelphia (where some members went for education or for business), and with other Quakers are all evident in this collection. 

 

Among the people represented in the collection are David Wilson, father and son.  The father David Wilson (1743-1820, builder of the Wilson-Warner House is Odessa) was a merchant and married Mary Corbit (1749-1803, daughter of Daniel Corbit and Mary Brinton).  Their two children were Rachel (married Samuel Thomas, who is mentioned in some papers) and David (dates unknown).  The younger David’s first wife was Ann Jefferis of Wilmington; she died in 1822.  He then married Mary Poole of Brandywine Village, and they eventually moved near Richmond, Indiana.  David and Ann Jefferis Wilson’s daughter Mary Corbit Wilson married her cousin Daniel Corbit in 1847. 

 

Also represented in this collection is Daniel Corbit (1796-1877), the son of William Corbit (1746-1818, builder of the Corbit-Sharp House in Odessa) and his fourth wife Mary Cowgill (1761-1845).  Daniel’s first wife was Eliza Naudain (1810-1844), and his second wife was his cousin Mary Corbit Wilson (1811-1880, daughter of David Wilson and Ann Jefferis).  Daniel and Mary C. W. Corbit had a daughter, Mary Cowgill Corbit (1848-1923, married Edward Tatnall Warner in 1876).  Daniel ran the tanyard in Cantwell’s Bridge which he father had begun and which had belonged to his older brother; he was also a landowner and served in the Delaware legislature.  In the 1850s, he closed the tanyard and concentrated on agriculture, including peach orchards.  Daniel was interested in family history and made an effort to preserve family papers and furniture.   A few other Corbits are also represented.

 

The White papers were found in the attic of the David Wilson house in Odessa.  It is unclear how the Whites of Mispillion Hundred in Kent County, Delaware, fit with the other families.   The members of the White family included James White, who mentions sons James and Gilbert in his will of 1784.  However, a will was found for the Gilbert White whose papers form part of this collection, and in it, he named his father as Andrew White.  This will also mentioned wife Sarah, son George (a minor at time the will was written in November 1795), daughters Elizabeth (Betsy) Rickets, Peggy, Mary, Ann, Pheby, Sarah, Esther, and Henrietta.  In the will, Gilbert mentioned that his first wife was Rebecca Bradley.  No family tree was found for the Whites. 

 

 

 

SCOPE AND CONTENT

 

 The collection consists almost entirely of letters to and from members of the named families.  The pre-nineteenth century materials relate to the White family.  The papers document the education, family life, and relationships of members of these eighteenth and nineteenth century residents of Delaware.  Whether being educated at Quaker schools in Pennsylvania, or moving to Indiana, the focus of the families was still on their hometown in St. Georges Hundred, New Castle County, Delaware.  Letters from Mary Poole and David Wilson in Indiana concern the hardships they endured in trying to start a new life in another state.  Letters written by Mary Cowgill Corbit from Westtown School and from Vassar College shed light on the life of a school girl and a college student.  A number of papers pertain to settling the estate of David Wilson (died 1820).  Genealogical information and a few photos and daguerreotypes are also included.

           

 

ORGANIZATION

           

The papers are arranged by family and are in 4 series: I. White papers; II. Wilson papers; III. Corbit-Warner papers; and IV. books and wrappers.

 

 

LANGUAGE OF MATERIALS

 

The materials are in English.

 

 

RESTRICTIONS ON ACCESS

 

Collection is open to the public.  Copyright restrictions may apply.

 

 

RELATED MATERIAL

 

Sweeney, John A. H.  Grandeur on the Appoquinimink: the House of William Corbit at Odessa, Delaware.  (Newark: University of Delaware Press, 1989.)  Some of the above genealogical information was taken from this volume. 

 

Additional Corbit materials are found in Col. 297 at this repository.

 

Additional materials about the Wilson, Warner, and Corbit families is held by the Delaware Historical Society.

 

 

PROVENANCE

 

The papers came to Winterthur from descendants of the families.   

Acc. 80x266 gift of E. Perot Walker. 

Acc. 84x150 gift of Mrs. D. Meredith Reese.

Acc. 12x116: acquisition information unknown.

 

 

ACCESS POINTS

 

Topics:

            Westtown School (Westtown, Pa.)

            Vassar College.

            Quakers - Delaware - Odessa - Biography.

            Boarding schools - Pennsylvania.

            Inventories of decedents’ estates – Delaware – New Castle County.

Quaker women.

            Women – Education.

            Slaves - Delaware.

            Odessa (Del.) - Genealogy.

            Odessa (Del.) - History.

            Kent County (Del.)

            Richmond (Ind.)

            Letters.

            Wills.

            Prayer books.

            Marriage certificates.

            Accounts.

            Deeds.

 

People:

            Wilson family.

            Warner family.

            Corbett family.

            White family.

           

 

 

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTION

 

Location: 9 A 4

 

Note: all accession numbers begin with 69x224, unless otherwise noted.

 

 

Series I: White family papers

 

Box 1:

 

Folder 1:  Andrew White, 1681, 1763-1788

                        .1         copy of Andrew White’s will, dated July 7, 1763.  Names children and grandchildren (he leaves “one good woman Sadel” to his daughter Isabel); the will is signed by register of wills Caesar Rodney.  Penciled note says that Andrew was ancestor of Sarah E. White Polk and James Polk Trimble(?); copy made 1788

                        .2         copy of part of Andrew White’s will.

                        .3         note that Andrew White’s land was “taken up and surveyed” in 1681.

 

Folder 2:  James White, 1784

                        .4         copy of part of his will, naming sons Gilbert and James, and grandchildren; orders that three slaves (gives names) be sold to pay legacies

 

Folder 3:  Gilbert White, 1773-1799

                        .5         bond to Jean [Jane] Torbert of Sussex County, ca.1773.

                        .6         Gilbert White gives notice of his intent to pay a bond purchasing a slave called Jack; with a surveying note dated 1774.

                        .7         bill of sale, Thomas Warrington sells Negro boy Annable to Gilbert White, 1773.

                        .8         Gilbert White’s bond to pay Thomas Warrington, 1773.

                        .9         receipt, money received from Gilbert White for Thomas Warrington, March 13, 1773.

                        .10       bill of sale from Jean [Jane] Torbert of Sussex County to Gilbert White, for a Negro girl slave named Mary, January 14, 1773.

                        .11       bill of sale from James King, blacksmith of Sussex County, to Gilbert White, for a Negro girl slave named Mary, March 29, 1774.

                        .12       bond of Gilbert White to George Walton of Sussex, January 2, 1775.

                        .13       bill of sale from Nathan Spencer of Sussex to Gilbert White, for Negro girl slave named Juday [Judy?].

                        .14       bill of Gilbert White and William Wolleston(? Moleston?) to William Kellen, March 18, 1777.

                        .15       John Davis, justice of the peace, Kent County, certifies that Gilbert White took the oath of fidelity, July 1, 1778.  On form printed by Francis Bailey of Lancaster.

                        .16       Gilbert White’s petition to Orphans Court for Kent County, March 1, 1786, regarding division of property to minor children of Robert White, late of Mispillion Hundred, heirs of Andrew White.  [One heir was Elizabeth Wilson, the wife of James Wilson.]

                        .17       receipt, Gilbert White paid John White his fee in suit of White vs. Torbert, November 14, 1786.

                        .18       note, Gilbert White to James Sykes, March 1, 1786.

                        .19       request to Gilbert White from Isaac Davis, asking White to pay Isaac Cullen for 1787 taxes, January 28, 1789(?).

                        .20       bond, Nathan Lecompte, Charles Lecompte, and Philemon Laney, to Gilbert White and Major McNatt, September 4, 1789.  [Nathan Lecompte’s wife Mary was the widow of Robert White.]

                        .21       bill for expenses in surveying property for division among heirs of Andrew White (see .16), 1789, paid 1793.

                        .22       surveyor’s bill, from Mark McCall to Gilbert White, July-August 1789.

                        .23       bill, Caleb Evans to Gilbert White (spelled Whight), on the account of Mr. Wairbrook, July 6, 1789.

                        .24       receipt, James Douglass was paid by Gilbert White for his part in dividing land, November 17, 1789.

                        .25       bond of Gilbert White to George Walton of Sussex, January 16, 1786.

                        .26       request from Gilbert White to Thomas Oliver to pay David Beauchamp, October 22, 1790.

                        .27       receipt, Charles Mason was paid by Gilbert White for his part in dividing land, October 27, 1790.

                        .28       Thomas Evans certifies amount due him, mentions Gilbert White, August 5, 1790.  On back: writing exercise.

                        .29       receipt, Nehemiah Cary received payment from Gilbert White, August 27, 1790.

                        .30       receipt, Thomas Wisemore(?) received payment from Gilbert White, July 16, 1791.

                        .31       receipt, Thomas Joden(? On back: Jordin) received payment for taxes from Gilbert White, July 30, 1791.

                        .32       receipt, Will Sorden for Thomas Sorden received payment for taxes from Gilbert White, guardian of Robert White’s minors, November 8, 1791.

                        .33       receipt, John Newcomb received payment from Gilbert White, December 8, 1791.

                        .34       receipt, Ferdinand Capon(?) received payment for taxes from Gilbert White, March 21, 1791.

                        .35       receipt, Elias Shockley received payment from Gilbert White, March 12, 1791.

                        .36       promissory note, Gilbert White to pay Robert Hilford, January 26, 1792; with Robert’s assignment of claim to Zaddok Hilford, August 24, 1792.

                        .37       receipt, William Brinckle received payment from Gilbert White, March 6, 1792.

                        .38       receipt, James Cook received payment from Gilbert White, May 30, 1792.

                        .39       receipt, Thomas Soden received payment from Gilbert White, for taxes due from Robert White’s minors, December 29, 1792.

                        .40       bill, Gilbert White owes Abner Dill for velvet, twist, buttons, January 31, 1793.

                        .41       receipt, William Russum received payment from Gilbert White for his part in dividing land of Andrew White, March 9, 1793.

                        .42       receipt, Jacob Stoub, Jr., of Doublass & Stoub, received payment from Gilbert White, March 9, 1793.

                        .43       Gilbert White appointed as fence viewer for Mispillion Hundred, Kent County, May 13, 1793.  [printed form]

                        .44       note from Thomas Evans to Gilbert White, September 26, 1793.

                        .45       receipted bill, Gilbert White paid Francis Many for copies of deeds and will of William Jacobs, October 23, 1793.

                        .46       receipt, Isaac Davis received payment from Gilbert White for his part in dividing land of Andrew White, February 27, 1794.  [land division done in 1789]

                        .47       receipt, James Griffith received payment from Gilbert White, September 30, 1794.

                        .48       statement from Gilbert White to John Ratston(?) about amount owed to White by Mark Killen, deceased.

                        .49       bond of Gilbert White to George Walton of Sussex, January 1, 1795, with Walton’s assignment of bond to Richard Dallinay, and receipts about payments made, including payments made by White’s widow Sarah.

                        .50       receipted bill, Gilbert White paid Joseph Miller, 1795-1796.

                        .51       short letter from Joseph Miller to Gilbert White about judgment against White, August 7, 1785.

                        .52       license for Gilbert White to run a still September 5-October 5, 1795, signed by Andrew Barratt.  [printed form]

                        .53       receipted bill, Sarah White paid Avery Nicolas, on behalf of Gilbert White, 1795-1796.

                        .54       Sarah White named executor of will of Gilbert White, signed by John Laws, Register of Wills, Kent County, December 10, 1795.

                        .55       statement about Gilbert White’s license for a still, from William Guy, Collector of the Revenue, April 29, 1796.

                        .56       bill from William Adams for medicine and attendance for Gilbert White and family, 1795-1796.

                        .57       statement of Gilbert White’s debt to Perry Prettyman, February 8, 1794, 1796, signed by George Manlove.

                        .58       statement of Gilbert White’s debt to John Ratston, 1794, 1796, signed by George Manlove.

                        .59       statement of Gilbert White’s debt to James Douglass, 1798-1794, with receipt of payment made by Sarah White, 1799.

                        .60       account of Nathan Lecompt, for renting land from estate of Robert White, with estate of Gilbert White, 1789-1796.

 

Folder 4:  Sarah White, 1796-1815

                        .61       summons to administrator of estate of Gilbert White to answer plea of Stephen Alston, from George McCall, April 30, 1796. [printed form]

                        .62       bond of Major McNatt and Ferdinand Capen to Sarah White, December 30, 1797.

                        .63       receipt, Sarah White paid Bruffet Stapleford for his share of estates of wife’s father [Gilbert White] and sister Sally, June 22, 1799.

                        .64       received, Sarah White paid Avery Needles, July 25, 1799.

                        .65       judgment against estate of Gilbert White and receipt that Sarah White paid the amount, 1801-1802.

                        .66       receipt, Sarah White paid Bruffet Stapleford for Esther White’s share of father Gilbert’s estate, March 27, 1806.

                        .67       receipt, Sarah White paid John Collins, May 7, 1807.

                        .68       receipt, Sarah White paid the tax on her chaise, signed by Thomas Peterkin, Collector of Revenue, Delaware, January 2, 1814.  [printed form]

                        .69       receipt, Sarah White paid the tax on her chaise, signed by Thomas Peterkin, Collector of Revenue, Delaware, January 18, 1815.  [printed form]

                        .70       receipt, Sarah White gave her son George White his part of his father’s personal estate, namely horse, negroes Anthony and Elias, a gun, and clothes, January 22, 1807.

                        .71       receipt, George White received money from estates of Sarah White and Esther White, March 15, 1815.

 

Folder 5:  George White, 1812-1813, 1839

                        .72       receipt, George White made a payment on his shares of the Commercial Bank of Delaware, signed by cashier Jacob Biddle, Milford, October 3, 1812.  [printed form]

                        .73       receipt, George White made a payment on his shares of the Commercial Bank of Delaware, signed by cashier Jacob Biddle, Milford, December 2, 1812.  [printed form]

                        .74       receipt, George White made a payment on his shares of the Commercial Bank of Delaware, signed by cashier Jacob Biddle, Milford, October 14, 1813.  [printed form]           

                        .75       5 shares in the Commercial Bank of Delaware, assigned to George White, Milford, May 24, 1813, signed by Jacob Biddle.  [printed form]

                        .76       receipt, George White paid Clement Clark, December 17, 1839.

 

Folder 6:  Robert White's heirs, 1793

                        .77       summons of Speakman Jacobs and William Tharpe to court in Dover to give evidence in a case involving heirs of Robert White (James, Susannah, Elizabeth, Mary) v. Major McNatt, November 2, 1793

                        .79       a statement about the property belonging to the minor heirs of Robert White, with some accounts of Elizabeth White, 1774-1789.

 

Folder 7:  Mary White, 1783-1789

                        .78       Mary White appointed Smith Farset, a shallopman, her attorney, August 1, 1783.

                        .80       account of Mary White against Alexander McDonald, about corn, 1775-1785.

           

Folder 8:  Miscellaneous White papers, 1769-1794

                        .81       “a small account forgot,” probably for blacksmithing work, 1790.

                        .82       request from Barnaby Lanigan to Math. Jones to pay Mr. White, July 11, 1783.    

                        .83       bill from John Tucker for sugar, bucket, hogshead, barrel, etc.  September 15, 17[torn]

                        .84       bill of sale, Matthias and Elizabeth Davis sold the Negro man Prince to John Plowman, a bricklayer, all of Mispillion Hundred, October 7, 1769.

                        .85       receipt of John Houston, October 22, 1793-1795.

                        .86       Mr. Douglas’ account, for trees (poplars, white oaks, red oaks), 1794

                        .87a     charges for dividing land, Andrew Patten, Elizabeth Wilson, Major McNatt

                        .87b     scrap of paper

 

Series II: Wilson papers

 

Box 1:

 

Folder 9:  David Wilson I papers: Letters to David Wilson II at Westtown School, 1800-1805

                        .88       September(?) 5, 1800: study hard – school is too expensive for son to waste his time; family news.

                        .89       July 10, 1804: continue with studies; family news.

                        .90       November 7, 1804: father not going to Quarterly Meeting, but can come home with another couple who plan to attend; love to Joshua Sharpless.

                        .91       January 16, 1805: study hard because will soon be time to leave school and go into business; resist worldly temptations; hopes new bridge will be erected; continues a previous discussion [father thinking of remarrying?].

 

Folder 10:  survey with map, “plat of the Friends’ Meeting House Lot, situate in Cantwell’s Bridge,” and survey of “lines of the Meeting House Lot deeded by D. Wilson to Friends of Appoquinimink,” no date [acc. 76x355, trex 7087]

 

Folder 11:  David Wilson I papers: Estate accounts, 1828-1830

                        .92-.117           various receipts and bills for taxes, labor, advertisements of sale, etc.; includes list of sperate and desperate debts owed to estate (.112)

                       

                        12x116.14       printed public vendue notice, for sale of residue of personal estate of David Wilson, to be held March 17, 1829; items to be sold included household and kitchen furniture, library, carriage cows, etc., with handwritten notice that sale postponed until March 24; issued by Samuel Thomas, Arnold Naudain, and Daniel Corbit, assignees; printed at office of Delaware Journal, Wilmington [see next folder for results of the sale]

 

Folder 12: David Wilson I papers: Estate accounts, 1829

                        12x116.15a-t   photostatic copy of “A List of Sales of the Household property of David Wilson by the assignees, March 24, 1829,” listing items sold, names of buyers, and price.  [original may be at Delaware Historical Society]

                        [no accession number]            a transcription of the above

 

Folder 13: David Wilson I papers: Estate surveying, receipts, and description, 1829

                        .118     “Terms of sale for the real estate of David Wilson of Cantwell’s Bridge, made the 27th day of January 1829,” as published by Sam. Thomas, Arnold Naudain, and Daniel Corbit

                        .119-.129         various bills sent to the estate, including a bill from the surveyor, and notes about the prices of various pieces of the estate [the real estate was sold piece-meal, not as one property]

                       

Folder 14:  David Wilson I papers: Estate accounts, court cases, 1828-1829

                        .130     article of agreement between the assignees of David Wilson and John Janvier of the town of New Castle, December 31, 1828, about sale of Wilson’s property.

                        .131     John Janvier agrees to postponement of sale, January 27, 1829.

                        .132     John Janvier agrees to pay Wilson’s property, except for specified pieces to go to William Polk and Samuel Thomas and the tan yard lot to Daniel Corbit, January 28, 1829

                        .133-.135, .139            various bills and statements about the estate

                        .136a-b            four blank checks for the Bank of Smyrna, all signed by A. Naudain

                        .137a-b            article of agreement between the assignees of David Wilson (Samuel Thomas, Arnold Naudain, Daniel Corbit) and George Houston of New Castle County, December 31, 1828, about sale of Wilson’s property.    

                        .138     Court of Common Pleas list of judgments against Jonathan Wilson, David Wilson, and Ann Carter, 1821-1828.

 

Folder 15:  David Wilson I papers: Court cases, 1829-1839

                        .140-.141         letters about accounts at the Bank of Smyrna, one from the bank itself (March 24, 1829) and the other from E. F. Chambers of Chestertown, Md. (March 30, 1837).

                        .142-.143         decision of the Superior Court of Delaware in case of assignees of David Wilson (Daniel Corbit, acting assignee) v. Bank of Smyrna, May 1836; and an account statement pertaining to that case, September 1838

                        .144     receipt, Daniel Corbit paid James Rogers ad James Booth for services in the above case, January 21, 1839.

                        .145     statement by Daniel Corbit about the above case, March 29, 1839.

                        .146a-b-.147    statements in case involving Richard Corbly [or Corbally], 1838.

                        .148-.152         notes in cases of David Wilson v. Richard Clayton, 1821; bond of J. Wilson, 1828; case of David Wilson, assignee of Molton Hudson, v. Rachel Hanson, 1827; Daniel Wilson v. George Bartholomew, addressed to John Burnham near Middletown, n.d.

 

Folder 16:  David Wilson I papers: Court cases, Jonathan Wilson, 1829

                        .153-.154         statements that there are no judgments against Jonathan Wilson and that there is only one mortgage in the name of him and his wife (to Richard Mansfield), 1829.

                        .155     statement about mortgage of Jonathan Wilson to Richard Mansfield, and legacies in favor of children of Samuel Thomas (Richard, Charles, Edward, Mary Ann, Eliza), 1829.

 

Folder 17: David Wilson I papers: Court records, Ann Carter, 1821-1829

                        .156a-b            statements that there are no cases against Ann Carter and about her mortgage with the Farmers Bank of the State of Delaware, 1829.

                        .157-.158         list of cases the Court of Common Pleas and the Supreme Court of Delaware involving Ann Carter, 1821-1827.

                       

Folder 18:  David Wilson I papers: Court case, Charles S. Boyd, 1828

                        .159     statement about Bank of Smyrna v. Charles S. Boyd, 1829

 

Folder 19: David Wilson I papers: Land patent to John and Henry Hartrop, copy of 1671 original

                        .160     undated copy, for land along Blackbird Creek, granted by Francis Lovelace, agent for James, Duke of York.

 

Folder 20: David Wilson II papers: Financial agreements and accounts, 1814, 1825-1829, 1834

                        .161     William D. Mercer appoints David Wilson as agent to pay expenses of Susan Walmsley(?), boarding with John Hirons, December 7, 1825.

                        .162     bond of John Kensel, Jr., of Kent County, to David Wilson, May 27, 1826.

                        .163     articles of agreement between David Wilson, Jr., and George Ford of Cecil County, Maryland, to form a store called Wilson & Ford in Cecil Crossroads, January 26, 1814.

                        .164     receipt for money paid by George Ford, October 31, 1822.

                        .165     letter, Edward Gilpin, Wilmington, to Wilson, Cantwell’s Bridge, requesting a note for money owed to Gilpin, April 21, 1828.

                        .166     bill, from John Harris to David Wilson for work done on the sloop Ann, March–June 1827.

                        .167     bill from Bainton & Bancroft, 1828

                        .168     account statement, Levi Garrett, Philadelphia, to Samuel Thomas, Andrews Naudain, and Daniel Corbit, assignees of David Wilson, 1828.

                        .169     bill from James price & Son to David Wilson, for freight charges, May 17, 1828.

                        .170     bill from [James] M. Williams to David Wilson for school and store charges, 1828, and note from Wilson that he cannot pay the bill and Williams needs to apply to Daniel Corbit for the money.

                        .171     Thomas Cooper’s account with David Wilson, addressed to Samuel Thomas or David Corbit, 1828.

                        .172     bill of David Wilson with George D. Mitchell, addressed to assignees Samuel Thomas, D. Corbit, and A. Naudain

                        .173     letter, Henry Tumbleston, Philadelphia, to unknown person, August 19, 1828, requesting that wool be purchased for him.

                        .174     letter, Edward Gilpin to Samuel Thomas, requesting information about David Wilson’s situation, July 30, 1828.

                        .175     account of David Wilson with cousin Jonathan Wilson, addressed to Daniel Corbit, no date.

                        .176     account of David Wilson with Robert T. [or J.] Potts of Philadelphia, addressed to Daniel Corbit, August 15, 1828.

                        .177     account of David Wilson with Daniel Corbit, 1828.

                        .178     account of David Wilson with William Newell & York, Philadelphia, with letter, December 6, 1828.

                        .179     account of David Wilson with C. Pusey & Co., February 28, 1829.

                        .180     Edward Gilpin, Wilmington, to Samuel Thomas et al., assignees of David Wilson, February 13, 1829.

                        .181     letter, James Price & Son, B.Wine [Brandywine?], to Daniel Corbit, about David Wilson, March 5, 1829.

                        .182     bill, B. H. Wiley, Kennett(?), to David Wilson, plough, etc., March 22, 1829.

                        .183     bill, Ezekiel Bennett, Wilmington, to David Wilson, for spikes, splicing bolts, etc., 1825.

                        .184     calculation of bond given by George Ford to David Wilson, balance of which received of George Biddle, March 24, 1834.

                       

Folder 21:  David Wilson II papers: Court records, 1828-1829

                        .185a-b            statements that there are no recognizances in Orphans Court against David Wilson and only mortgage is one to John Janvier, 1829.

                        .186     certificate of search in Supreme Court for judgments against David Wilson (none found), February 16, 1829.

 

Folder 22:  David Wilson II papers: Letters from Ann Wilson, his wife, 1821

                        .187-.192         letters written May-June 1821 from New York City

 

Folder 23: David Wilson II papers: Letters to and from Capt. James Jefferis [father of Ann Jefferis, wife of David Wilson], 1807, 1822

                        .193     letter, James Jefferis, on board the Neptune, to Ann, April 24, 1807; voyage going well so far, obey her mother and help her with work; will write from Antwerp.

                        .194     part of letter, James Jefferis, Flushing, to Deborah, July 2, 1807; have arrived from Antwerp; hope things going well at home.

                        .195     letter, William Warner, Wilmington, to Capt. Jefferis, near West Chester, January 17, 1822; about improving cotton mills along the Brandywine.

 

Folder 24:  David Wilson II papers: Letters received, 1847-1864

                        .336     M. W. [Mary Wilson] Corbit, Cantwells Bridge, to father and mother David Wilson, Richmond, Indiana, September 26, [1847]; all well, brother William learning bookkeeping; had nice visit to Chester County and saw family and old friends; family news; Mary Lynd’s headdress [describes it] seems to be lost.

                        .196     letter, Jefferis Wilson, St. Joseph, Missouri, to father, July 22, 1849; on way to the gold fields of California with 3 friends, have had to get rifles and ponies, cholera very bad; almost lost his coat and money while on steamboat in St. Louis; plan to winter in Utah.  [Jefferis Wilson may have died in California in 1859.]

                        .337     Jefferis Wilson, Scotts Bluff, to father, no date [1850?]; is wearing a suit of elk skin, a wolf skin hat, and moccasins; has been “riding and walking express for the company, they finding that I could endure hardships”; still plans to go to California.

                        .338     Joseph Bancroft, Wilmington, to “brother and sister” [David Wilson, Hopewell, near Richmond, Indiana,] January 23, 1859, and brief note from his wife Sarah Bancroft to the same; death of Sarah’s sister Elizabeth; her family had just moved into new house; family news, including news of marriage of his brother George; Sarah adds more family news.

                        .339a-b            E. Shipley [probably Elizabeth Jefferis Shipley], The Cliffs, to “dear brother,” November 13, 1859; family news.

                        .340     E. Shipley, [Wilmington,] to “dear brother” [David Wilson, Hopewell, near Richmond, Indiana,] January 20, 1864; letter of condolence on loss of wife; grateful for shawl as remembrance of Mary P. Wilson; E. and her brother are “the last links in the chain of the Wilson and Jefferis family.” [with envelope]

                        .341     William Poole Wilson, Fort Craig, to mother and father, January 14, 1862; going to Washington about the Campbell case – wishes it were over; enjoying Army life, so far.

                        Also two envelopes: one addressed to David Wilson, present; and the other to William P. Wilson, Richmond, Indiana.

 

Folder 25:  Jefferis Wilson papers: Letters received, 1848 and undated

                        .342     from mother [Ann Jefferis Wilson, Cantwells Bridge,] to Jefferis Wilson, Philadelphia, April 3, 1848; birth of his niece Mary Cowgill Corbit; family news; not much happens to write about in a letter; includes note to son William as well.

                        .343     from sister Molly, Hopewell, Indiana, to Jefferis Wilson, Philadelphia, September 14, [probably 1846]; has just returned from visit to Chillicothe; news of family births and marriages; Jefferis’ courtships; expects visit from cousin Daniel Corbit (whom she is thinking of marrying).

                       

Folder 26:  Elizabeth Shipley papers: Letters received and sent, 1853-1864

                        .250     E. Shipley, The Cliffs, to Mary [probably Mary Poole Wilson, wife of David Wilson,] May 11, 1860; about visit of Mary’s sister Martha, who lives in California; visits of others as well.

                        .345     to Aunt Shipley, no place, from David Corbit, Cantwell’s Bridge, June 29, 1853; looking forward to return of his wife and child; hopes aunt will come visit them.

                        .346     to sister E. Shipley, from David Wilson, Richmond, [Ind.,] January 27, 1856; family news; with added note that letter was put into pocket and forgotten. [with envelope]

                        .347     to sister[-in-law, Elizabeth Shipley, care of E. Bringhurst, Wilmington,] from M. Wilson, [Odessa,] no date; enjoys husband David reading to her while she sews; dislikes having visitors – too much work; regrets her son William went into the brush business – shoe making would have been better; he is planning to move to Kansas(?); not looking forward to move to country.  [with envelope]

                        .348     to Aunt Shipley, from David Corbit, Odessa, June 10, 1860; her niece (his wife) has gone to visit family in Indiana; family news.

                        .349     to sister [Elizabeth Shipley, Wilmington,] from David Wilson, Hopewell, [Ind.,] February 26, 1864; hopes their deaths are peaceful; his wife Mary had been a faithful and loving companion for 40 years, although he has not forgotten first wife Ann; family news.

                        [David Wilson’s first wife was Ann Jefferis.  Elizabeth Shipley was her sister.]

 

Folder 27:  David Wilson papers, 1769, 1828, 1844

                        .504     receipt, David Wilson gave wheat on account at Chew, Clayton & Chew, August 8, 1769, signed John Clayton.

                        .505     note to treasurer of the Blackbird Creek Marsh Company to pay Samuel Thomas, David Corbit, and Arnold Naudain, assignees of David Wilson, for hire of the sloop Ann, signed Abraham Staat and William Deakyne, September 19, 1828.

                        .507-.508         notes from Whitewater Preparative Meeting that David Wilson is out of unity with the society and that Robert Hill and Samuel Coate are to visit him, one undated and one dated June 26, 1844.

                        .509     draft of note from David Wilson to Whitewater Monthly Meeting, April 23, 1844, in which he resigns from the meeting.

           

 

Folder 28: David C. Wilson papers

 

                        12x116.16       deed, David C. Wilson and wife Letitia Wilson of Wilmington, selling to Nelson Cleland of Wilmington, the lot on French Street which formerly belonged to Job Harvey, March 15, 1838, with stamp of Registry Bureau dated Oct. 7, 1874

 

                        12x116,17       printed notice of a sheriff’s sale, held by David C. Wilson, sheriff, New Castle County, Delaware, Oct. 5, 1822; selling mill property of Peter Bauduy

 

Folder 29: miscellaneous Wilson family materials

 

            12x116.18a-f   Wilson family genealogical information

            12x116.4         photograph of David Wilson house, last quarter 20th century

            12x116.20       statement about Wilson family and house

            12x116.19       photograph of a print of a 19th century London storefront, perhaps to be used as a sample in restoring Wilson store

 

Series III: Corbit-Warner papers

 

Box 2:

 

Folder 1: William Corbit papers: Deed, David Wilson to William Corbit, with map, 1815

                        Ph1105            photocopy of deed for property in Cantwell’s Bridge, including a plat map, on which is drawn a picture of the Wilson house, and a typescript of the deed; David Wilson is selling his house to William Corbit

 

Folder 2:  William Corbit papers: Estate inventory, 1818

                        Ph939.1-.2       photostatic copy of the inventory of William Corbit, 1818

 

Folder 3:  Louisa and Charles C. Corbit papers: Letter received, 1836

                        .344     sister Emma, Philadelphia, to Charlie & Lou, no place, July 28, 1856; about new treatment for husband’s disease; will soon leave for Milford, Pike County, Penn.; other family news.

                                    [Louisa A. Corbit (1838-1901) married Charles Corbit (1838-1887.  Louisa A. was the daughter of Daniel and Eliza Naudain Corbit; she was called Lou and is mentioned in letters by Daniel Corbit and his second wife Mary Corbit Wilson Corbit.]

 

Folder 4:  Daniel Corbit papers: Letters received, 1832-1864

                        .306     D. Wilson, Philadelphia, to cousin Daniel Corbit, Cantwell’s Bridge, April 17, 1832; sympathy on death of Daniel’s brother.

                        .307     David Wilson, Richmond, [Ind.,] to cousin Daniel, August 9, 1842; sympathy on death of son; family news and thoughts; farm report.

                        .308     Mary C. Wilson, Hopewell, [Ind.,], to cousin Daniel, August 8, 1846; sympathy on death of his wife; is not sure she will be able to competently fill the role of second wife; a bit concerned over the division in the Quaker societies.

                        .309     Molly C., Wilmington, to cousin, November 15, 1846; uncle has had another attack and she cannot leave aunt just yet; Cousin M. Morton is raising objections to marriage between her [Molly] and him [Daniel] because of division in Quaker societies;.

                        .310     David Wilson and M.P.W., Hopewell Farm, [Ind.,] to cousin Daniel, Cantwell’s Bridge, January 7, 1847; hopes he and Mary will be happy; thoughts on keeping a housekeeper after marriage; family news; M.P.W. adds note that the Wilsons intend to move to Richmond to make and sell brushes.

                        .311     Cousin Mary, Philadelphia, to cousin, January 13, 1847; glad his children like the toys; news of cousins; thoughts.

                        .312     David Wilson, Richmond, Ind., to Daniel, Cantwell’s Bridge, April 14, 1848; congratulations on birth of daughter Mary Corbit; telegraph wires have been strung; William would like to sleep a hundred years and wake up to see what progress has been made; other news.

                        .313     David Wilson, Richmond, Ind., to Daniel, Cantwell’s Bridge, April 21, 1850; Sallie’s husband has left for California; remember me to John Janvier and other old friends; remembers the old days.

                        .314     M. W. Corbit, Richmond, to husband, May 28, 1853; Aunt Mary almost had cholera; is enjoying visit with family; their daughter likes to play in Grandfather Wilson’s shop; might go home by way of Niagara Falls – could husband and Lou meet her there?

                        .330a-e             Henrietta M. (Mrs. Charles M.) Liter(?), Philadelphia, to Uncle Dan, April  20, 1864; she is on a committee for the Sanitary Fair, and they are collecting Penn relics for a room; could he loan the Clayton(?) chair for that room?  Encloses a circular about the fair from the Governor of Delaware William Cannon, a circular from the Great Central Fair committee, a printed letter from the Delaware Department to school children “in and near Odessa,” May 14, 1864, to donate money or get up an entertainment for the fair; and an envelope from the Delaware Department, Wilmington, Great Central Fair for the Sanitary Committee, decorated with a picture of Sanitary Commission employees helping a wounded soldier.

 

Folder 5:  Daniel Corbit papers: Letters received, dates uncertain (no year)

                        .315     Mary W. Corbit, Richmond, to husband, June 5, [1853]; had had a cold; no observance of First Day; enjoying visit but misses home; enquires about garden; on back: note from D. Corbit to Aunt Betsy, June 12, 1853; has had marble stone placed on wife’s mother’s grave.

                        .316     M. W. Corbit, Cantwell’s Bridge, to husband Daniel, Boston, Mass., August 13 [probably 1848 or 1849]; news of work on farm; news of children.

                        .317     Mary W. Corbit, Cantwell’s Bridge, to husband Daniel, New York; family comings, goings, and activities; bark has arrived from Smyrna.

                        .318     note, Molly C. to cousin Daniel, present; encloses a volume of poetry.

                        .319     M.C.W., Wilmington, to cousin, March 12 [probably 1847] ; aunt and uncle have colds; sentimental thoughts.  [with envelope]

                        .320     Mary, Wilmington, to cousin Daniel, 6th day; looks forward to seeing him – bring Lou if you can.

                        .321     Cousin Mary, Wilmington, to cousin Daniel, 5th day; looking forward to his visit; family news.

                        .322     Molly C., Wilmington, to cousin Daniel, 5th day; death of John Bullock; Sally Seal and she were busy getting things ready for Capt. Metts.

                        .323     Molly C., Hopewell, [Ind.,] to cousin Daniel, August 28, [probably 1846]; grateful that he understands her need to weigh his marriage proposal; hopes he can come visit and accompany her back to Delaware; sorrow over loss of a schooner, which affected family members; proposed visit to Chillicothe.

                        .324     Mary C. and David Wilson, Hopewell, to cousin Daniel, September 20; enjoyed trip to Chillicothe; father David wishes Daniel to postpone proposed trip by a little bit.

                        .325     Molly C., Brandywine, to cousin Daniel, July 16, [probably 1846]; good time for Daniel to visit; cousin Harriet’s elopement.

                        .326     Mary, Wilmington, to cousin Daniel, 3d day; did not pay proper attention to what he had to say because of concern over brothers’ affairs.

                        .327     Molly C., Wilmington, to cousin Daniel, November 19; visits; family news.

                        .328     Mary, Wilmington, to cousin Daniel, December 13; could not attend meeting because new bonnet had not arrived; visits; family news.

                        .329     M. C. Wilson, Wilmington, to cousin Daniel, December 24; has attended meeting and found all kind; concern over his health; mentions Christmas presents; will make a new sack [clothing item] for Sally Spruance.

                        .331     M. W. Corbit, Pittsburgh, to husband Daniel, May 20; news of trip she and daughter Molly are taking [to Indiana].  [with envelope]

                        .332     Mollie to father, and M. to husband Daniel, Hopewell, October 9, [1865]; Mollie writes of trip to Indiana by railroad; German Jewish family in the cars; Uncle James in delicate health; plans to go to Richmond to see a minstrel show; Mary sends love; is working on father’s and brother James’ winter wardrobes.  [with envelope]

                        .333     Mollie to father, and M. to husband Daniel, Hopewell, October 14, [1865]; Mollie has been horseback riding and calling on other girls – makes fun of their grammar; Grandfather and James are enjoying their visit; hopes brother will get to Europe and will buy a coral breast pin and bracelet for her; both send love.  [with envelope]

                        .334     M. W. Corbit, Hopewell, to husband Daniel, October 18, [1865]; thoughts with William on his travels; Mollie’s friend Belle died; family news. [with envelope]

                        .335     envelope addressed to Daniel Corbit, containing calling cards of Mary W. Bringhurst and Ferris Bringhurst.

                        Also envelope addressed to Daniel Corbit, postmarked Richmond, Ind., May 30.

 

Folder 6:  Mary Corbit Wilson [later Mrs. Daniel Corbit]: Letters received, 1845-1849

                        .198-.213         letters from the following:

                                    Augustine Mailly of White Hall Farm;

                                    cousin (and afterwards husband) Daniel Corbit from various places (he  traveled);

                                    Aunt E. Shipley of Wilmington;

                                    father David Wilson of Richmond and Hopewell, Indiana;

                                    M.P.W. [Mary Poole Wilson, wife of David Wilson];

                                    Also three envelopes.

                        .211     letter from aunt E. Shipley, Wilmington, April 11, 1849; family news; decorated with drawings of one male and two female figures; the females wear bonnets, one has a long cape and the other a short one; the male wears a hat and carries a walking stick

 

Folder 7: Mary Corbit Wilson Corbit: Letters received, 1850-1859

                        .214-.248         letters from the following:

                                    husband Daniel Corbit;

                                    “Mother” [step-mother Mary Poole Wilson], Indiana;

                                    aunt E. Shipley, Wilmington;

                                    William Robertson and M. R. Robertson, Delaware City [he writes about rose bushes];

                                    Lou Corbit [step-daughter];

                                    father David Wilson;

                                    Jacob T. Williams, Philadelphia;

                                    And nine envelopes.

                        .233     bill, Walnut Street House [hotel], Cincinnati, to Mr. Eliason, for room for Mrs. Corbit and child and room for Mrs. Cowgill; with lithographed view of the hotel

 

Folder 8:  Mary Corbit Wilson Corbit: Letters received, 1860-1869

                        .249, .251-.280, .282-.289       letters from the following:

                                    “Mother” [step-mother Mary Poole Wilson], Indiana;

                                    Lou [Louisa] Corbit [step-daughter];

                                    husband Daniel Corbit;

                                    aunt E. Shipley, Wilmington;

                                    father David Wilson;

                                    A.B.W., Germantown;

                                    brother William P. Wilson, Richmond [see description of one letter, .263, below];

                                    sister Sallie, Richmond;

                                    nephew David Wilson [son of William P.], Richmond;

                                    cousin A. M. Jefferis, West Chester [see description of .272 below];

                                    friend Mary N. Logan, Philadelphia;

                                    cousin S. B., Wilmington [possibly Sarah Shipley Bringhurst];

                                    unnamed sister [possibly Sallie];

                                    daughter Mary C. Corbit, Roslyn;

                                    and 23 envelopes, plus a copy of John Greenleaf Whittier’s poem “Laus Deo!” cut from a Philadelphia newspaper.

                        .260     “darling El[illegible];s hair, cut by E. Baker, 1862” [packet with hair].

                        .261     an article about donations made for soldiers’ families in Richmond, Indiana, from a Richmond newspaper, April 4, 1863.

                        .263     from brother William P. Wilson, Mower(?) Hospital, Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, Dec. 7, 1863; details of visit in Wilmington, mentioning many relatives; discharge expected soon and then can leave for Richmond; medical director has given order for his artificial leg.

                        .264c-e            newspaper clippings from Richmond, Ind., newspapers, about William P. Wilson’s good work as city collector.

                        .272a-b            from cousin A. M. Jefferis, West Chester, August 14, 1865; information about clothing and gloves; encloses sleeve pattern [which is still with letter, acc. .272b]; visits; hope Mary got bundles safely to Westtown and that Molly was glad to see her.

                       

Folder 9:  Mary Corbit Wilson Corbit: Letters received, 1870-1879

                        .290-.302         letters from the follwing:

                                    step-son W. B. [William Brinton] Corbit, Washington;

                                    husband Daniel Corbit;

                                    cousin William P. Stallmill(?), Chelten Hills;

                                    brother W. P. [William P.] Wilson, Office of City Treasurer, Richmond, Ind.;       

                                    Gilbert Cope [see description below, .295b];

                                    sister Sallie;

                                    granddaughter Eliza N. Corbit [Eliza Naudain Corbit, daughter of Louisa A. and Charles Corbit]

                                    daughter Mary C. Warner, Wilmington;

                                    friend Debbie, Wilmington;

                                    and 11 envelopes

                        .291b   list of Wilsons and their death dates, and notes about graves,

                        .295b   from Gilbert Cope, West Chester, July 10, 1870; includes printed and handwritten genealogical information about the Jefferis family.

           

Folder 10:  Mary Corbit Wilson Corbit: Letters received, 1880

                        .303     from sister [Sallie?], Richmond, March 10, 1880, mostly about death of brother William. [with envelope]

                        .304     envelope containing 13 of Mary W. Corbit’s calling cards.

                        .305     calling card of Mrs. Lewis Hutchison, with envelope postmarked Wilmington

                        12x116.12       a slightly different style of calling card for Mary W. Corbit

 

Folder 11: Mary Cowgill Corbit [later Warner]: Letters sent, 1864

                        .357-.366         Mary [Mollie] Cowgill Corbit wrote her mother and father from Westtown School, a Quaker boarding school in Pennsylvania.  Includes:

                        .359b   copy of essay, “Effect of Learning on the Countenance”

                        .365b   Mary’s report card for May 16-June 13, 1864

                        And 9 envelopes

                                   

 

Box 3:

 

Folder 1:          Mary Cowgill Corbit [later Warner]: Letters sent, 1865

                        .367-.393         Mary [Mollie] Cowgill Corbit wrote her mother, father, brother, and Eliza A. Baker (also of Odessa) from Westtown School, a Quaker boarding school in Pennsylvania.  Includes:

                        .367b, .371, .375b, .377c, .380b, .391b          Mary’s report cards for Dec. 12, 1864-Jan. 9, 1865; Feb. 6-March 6; May 15-June 12; June 12-July 10; July 10-Aug. 7; Nov. 13-Dec. 11, 1865

                        And 24 envelopes

 

Folder 2:          Mary Cowgill Corbit [later Warner]: Letters sent, 1866

                        .394-.419         Mary [Mollie] Cowgill Corbit wrote her mother, father, and brother from Westtown School, a Quaker boarding school in Pennsylvania, and from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.  Most of the letters from Vassar are written on stationery which includes a picture of the college buildings.  Includes:

                        .397b   Mary’s report card for Jan. 8-Feb. 5, 1866

                        .419b   program for the First Anniversary Meeting of the Philalethean society, Vassar College, December 3, 1866, with notations on the performances and performers added by Mary C. Corbit.

                        And 25 envelopes

 

Folder 3:          Mary Cowgill Corbit [later Warner]: Letters sent, 1867

                        .420-.431         Mary [Mollie] Cowgill Corbit wrote her mother and father from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

                        And 12 envelopes

 

Folder 4:          Mary Cowgill Corbit [later Warner]: Letters sent, 1868

                        .432-.450         Mary [Mollie] Cowgill Corbit wrote her mother, father, and brother from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.  Includes:

                        .450     at home card for Mr. and Mrs. John Cloake, Smyrna, Del.

                        And 21 envelopes

 

Folder 5:          Mary Cowgill Corbit [later Warner] papers: Letters received, 1851-1868, and n.d.

                        .281a-c, .350-.356       Mary [Mollie] received letters from the following:

                                     half-sister Lou [Louisa A. Corbit];

                                    mother Mary Corbit Wilson Corbit;

                                    father Daniel Corbit;

“sister” Belle [this is probably the friend whose death is mentioned in .334];

Grandfather David Wilson;

Unnamed brother in Vienna, Austria.

                        Includes:

                        .352b   carte-de-visite photo of Mary Wilson Corbit, taken by Broadbent & Co., Philadelphia (another copy is acc. .511)

                        .356a   calling card for Annie A. Cabeen.

                        .356b   trade card for Boughman, Thomas & Co., Wilmington, Del.

                        .356c   calling card for Mr. & Mrs. Joseph T. Lea.

                                   

Folder 6:          Mary Cowgill Corbit Warner papers: Letters received, 1870-1902

                        .455-.483         Mary Cowgill Corbit Warner received letters from these people:

                                    Joseph Roberts;

                                    Cousin S. B., Wilmington [possibly Sarah Shipley Bringhurst];

                                    Gilbert Cope, West Chester;

                                    Katherine A. Blackiston, Chestertown, Md.;

                                    Jervis Spencer, Chestertown, Md.;

                                    Olivia V. Laing, Galena, Kent Co., Md.;

                                    Uncle George Wilson, Richmond, Ind.;

                                    Anna Wilson Drum, East Pittsburgh, Penn.;

                                    J. [torn] Cummins, no place;

                                    M. T.(?) Bringhurst, no place [probably Wilmington];

                                    Virginia Roberts Bowers, Philadelphia;

                                    Sophie Selden Rogers, Philadelphia;

                                    Cousin Ella Wilson [Mrs. G. W.] Carll, Terre Haute, Ind.;

                                    Cousin S. W.(?) Herdie [or perhaps McHerdie], no place;

                                    Cousin Sarah E. Clarke, Lock Haven, Penn.;

                                    Cousin James Jefferis, Lock Haven, Penn.;

                                    M. A. Rankin, Germantown, Penn.

                                    Cousin Alice C. Cowgill, Dover, Del.;

                                    Fanny E. Wilson, Chestertown, Md.;

                                    Cousin L. C. Alston, Upland, Penn.;

                                    John Y. Wilson, Earlsville, Cecil County, Md.;

                                    Eleanor P. Caball, no place.

                        These letters chiefly concern genealogy of various family branches.  Also 11 envelopes.

                        Includes: ad for Terre Haute Oil Co.’s Pennsylvania Dazzler Oil

                                                                       

Folder 7:  Mary Cowgill Corbit Warner papers: genealogical information,

                        Includes:

                        list of students at the W.B.S. [Westtown Boarding School] in 1799 (David Wilson and William F. Corbit are listed);

                        several lists of children and marriage dates;

                        some printed genealogical information about Cope and Jefferis families;

                        wedding announcement of E. Tatnall Warner and Mary C. Corbit, 1876

 

Folder 8: Mary Cowgill Corbit Warner papers: genealogical information

                        Includes:

                        Membership certificate for Mary Corbit Warner in the Delaware Society of the Colonial Dames of America;

                        Final financial account for estate of Mary C. Warner, 1923;

                        Genealogical information.

           

           

Folder 9:  Miscellaneous papers, n.d.:

                        .496     photo of an unidentified woman;

                        .498     engraved picture of birthplace of Shakespeare, from Rock & Co., London;

                        .499     engraved picture of The Capitol, Washington, drawn by T. Doughty, engraver’s name cut off;

                        .501     poem sent to Mary Corbit by Alexander Durkin(?); begins “I often say my prayers…”;

                        .506     letter to “My Old Friend” [probably David Wilson,] from William Reynolds, Philadelphia April 20, 1841; sending a draft for $50;

                        .510     a poem entitled “Thou Art Not Lost”;

                        .511     photo of Mary Wilson Corbit (daughter of David Wilson II and mother of Mary Corbit Warner), taken by Broadbent & Co., Philadelphia (another copy is .352b);

                        .512b   calling card of Mr. & Mrs. E. T. Warner;

                        Ph1276.a-.2     photocopy of letter from Nicholas Ridgely, New Castle, to John Cloak, Smyrna, August 21, 1821, about appointing John Corbit or some other person as guardian for grandchildren of Governor Clark [not named in letter but the children were Sarah Clark Corbit and Mary Pennell Corbit];

                        12x116.17       a piece of silk from a curtain “in the cathedral where the remains of Christopher Columbus now rest.”  [A note which was found with this item stated that the identifying note was written by Mrs. E. Tatnall (Mary Cowgill Corbit) Warner and that it was found in the Wilson House in Odessa.]

 

Folder 10:  Photographs of Corbit house

                        96x106.1-.4     Four photographs of the Corbit house dating from 1894 to the 1920s;

           

Also: photos of a survey of the Corbit property, with a drawing of a house, done by Philip Reading for William Corbit, 1777; the original document is museum accession 1963.0162.

 

Folder 11: Reminiscences – recollections of Mary Corbit Warner

                        “Mrs. Edward Tatnall Warner, 1848-1923: Reminiscences of Aunt Mollie [Mary C. Corbit Warner]”, by four great-nieces, Mrs. Earle Rosman Crowe, Mrs. Paul Jennings Nowland, Mrs. Charles Lee Reese, Jr., and Mrs. David Meredith Reese.

 

Folder 12: paper

                        Stewart Rafert, “The Indiana Connection: Frontier Failure and Images of the Past in the Wilson-Corbit Letters, 1835-1870.”  paper for University of Delaware, February 1976

 

Folder 13:  Mary Cowgill Corbit Warner, “Annals of Odessa,” July 19, 1917

                        A notebook in which Mrs. Warner was writing a history of Odessa

 

 

Folder 14: Henry Cowgill Corbit and Charles Corbit

 

            carte-de-visite photo of Charles Corbit (1838-1887), in Civil War uniform, taken by photographer P. L. Perkins, 207 Balto. St., city unknown (acc. 80x266.1)

 

            photo of Charles Corbit (1838-1887), taken ca.1885 by photographer F. Gutekunst, 712 Arch St., Philadelphia (acc. 80x266.2)

 

            daguerreotype of Helen Corbit (1836-1852) is filed in Col. 182 at this repository (acc. 80x266.3)

 

            letter, Henry Cowgill Corbit, Paris, Oct. 25, 1839, to uncle John Cowgill, near Dover, Delaware, apparently sent aboard the ship British Queen and received in Philadelphia on Nov. 27.  Name of Samuel Newbold is also written on the sheet.  Henry and Sarah arrived safely in Paris and are taking French lessons.  They miss their Quaker meetings.  Caroline and Emma are at boarding school in Paris.  Also mentions younger children Helen and Charles.  Anticipates working in Paris for the next 1-2 years, with business trips to London and Lyons.  (acc. 80x266.4)

 

folder 15: Emily Peterson (Mrs. John Cowgill) Corbit

           

            letter and envelope, mamma [Emily Peterson (Mrs. John Cowgill) Corbit], Odessa, May 21, 1875, to son, Alexander Peterson Corbit, Lawrenceville, N.J.  Family news, gardening report (cauliflowers, geraniums, and fruit trees mentioned); the old [Wilson]  store has been torn down; study hard; God is watching over him

 

folder 16: Photograph (copy) of Mary Wilson Corbit and Mary Cowgill Corbit, taken in 1853 when Mary Cowgill Corbit was 5 years old.  Photo has been tinted.  Also identifying information.  (acc. 12x116.1a-b)

 

 

Box 4:

 

Folder 1: daguerreotypes

 

            Daniel Corbit (acc. 12x116.2);

            Henry Corbit (acc. 12x116.3)

 

Folder 2: Photographs: Corbit-Higgins family

                       

            12x116.4:5: a Mr. Higgins? (with copy);

            12x116.4:6: Anthony Madison Higgins (tinted) (with copy);

            12x116.4:7: Sarah Corbit (Mrs. Anthony Madison) Higgins (tinted) (with copy);

            12x116.4:8: Sarah Corbit (Mrs. Anthony Madison) Higgins, taken by Braodbent & Co., Philadelphia (with copy)

 

 

Folder 3: letter, John Clark to Pennell Corbit, Cantwells Bridge, December 1813. 

 

            Wishes to consult with another doctor on Molly’s case.  Has engaged 750 pounds of pork for Corbit.

 

 

Folder 4:  Marriage certificates:

            .197     marriage certificate of Daniel Corbit and Mary C. Wilson, April 15, 1847.  Signed by those in attendance at the ceremony at Wilmington Friends Meeting.  [printed form]

            .451     marriage certificate of E. Tatnall Warner and Mary C. Corbit, November 1, 1876. Signed by John Crowell, pastor of Drawyer’s Church, and by those in attendance at the wedding.  [printed form]

 

 

Folder 5: Duer family marriage certificates (descendants of Corbit family)

           

            12x116.9: Edward L. Duer, M.D., and Clara Jones Naudain (daughter of Mary P. Corbit and Andrew Snow Naudain), Philadelphia, Oct. 29, 1862, on printed certificate of Calvary Presbyterian Church (certificate now in 3 pieces);

            12x116.10: Malcolm L. Councill and Helen Duer, March 31, 1902, on printed Orphan’s Court form;

            12x116.11: Malcolm L. Councill and Helen Duer, March 31, 1902, on printed form of Protestant Episcopal Church

Series IV: Books and wrappers

 

Box 4:

 

Folder 6: book

            .503     Milk and Honey, or a Miscellaneous Collation of Many Christian Sentences, by Ralph Venning (London: Religious Tract Society), a gift to M. W. Corbit from E.B.H., in 1847.

 

Folder 7:  Prayer book

            .502     prayer book (title page no longer extant), which includes notices about the births of children to Jonathan and Mary Wilson and to Lawrence and Martha Wilson, 1770s-early 1800s; the name Mary Ann Wilson is written inside the front cover

 

Folder 8: various notes, wrappers, and ties that came with the collection