The Winterthur Library

 The Joseph Downs Collection of Manuscripts and Printed Ephemera

Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum

5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, Delaware  19735

302-888-4600 or 800-448-3883

 

 

OVERVIEW OF THE COLLECTION

 

Creator:         Janvier family                                     

Title:               Papers

Dates:             1705-1913, bulk 1790-1823

Call No.:         Col. 155         

Acc. No.:        84x146.1-.3; 92x60; 09x33

Quantity:        2 boxes, 1 over size folder

Location:        9 A 6, map case 3, drawer 1

 

 

 

BIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT

 

The Janvier family descended from Thomas Janvier (1664-ca.1729), who was an early French immigrant to New Castle County, Delaware.  He married Sarah Jordain, also of New Castle County.  They had six sons: Isaac, Thomas, Francis, Philip, John and Benjamin; and three daughters: Mary, Sarah, and Susannah.  Francis, a blacksmith, married Elizabeth Calvert about 1730 and a son, Thomas, was born in 1731.  Elizabeth died shortly thereafter and Francis married Sarah de Haes Janvier.  Francis and Sarah had five sons and three daughters.  Their youngest son, Philip, was born in New Castle, Delaware, in 1751.

 

Philip Janvier was the progenitor of the branch of the family to which most of the material in this collection relates.  He was a brick-layer by trade and settled on a farm in St. Georges' Hundred adjoining "The Trap," land owned by the McDonough family.  He married Rebecca Golden, daughter of Abraham Golden, in 1784.  Philip and Rebecca had seven children: John (1785-1859), Thomas (1787-1842), Sarah Golden (1789-1871), William Bradford (1793-1848), Jesse (1796-1870), Edward G. (1797-1851), and Rebecca Jane (1805-1875).  Most of them settled in the New Castle area and were merchants, store owners, or homemakers.

 

John Janvier remained at the farm and married Eliza McDonough.  Thomas Janvier became a merchant in Baltimore.  Sarah Golden Janvier married Abraham Vandegrift.  Edward G. Janvier married Ann Clearer and settled in Pencader Hundred.  William Bradford Janvier married his cousin Jane W. Clopper of Baltimore in 1819.  William Janvier apprenticed as a merchant with John and Thomas Janvier; later he owned a shop on Delaware Street in New Castle.  William and Jane had eleven children, three of whom died in childhood.  Their daughter, Rebecca, married Richard McWilliams Marley; it is likely that the papers in this collection were passed down through her.

 

 

SCOPE AND CONTENT

 

This collection of about 200 items contains business accounts, family histories, legal and real estate documents, wills, indentures, letters, original poems and verse, and a journal of a trip from Delaware to the Pocono Mountains, all associated with members of the Janvier family that resided in New Castle County.  The papers span four generations of Janviers; however, the bulk of the material dates from the 1790s to the 1820s and pertains to family oriented events, visits, and relations.  The financial and legal documents primarily relate to real estate and the settlement of decedents' estates.  Included are such items as lease agreements, statements of rent, deeds for property in New Castle County (Pencader, St. Georges, and New Castle Hundreds), wills for Abraham Golden (1766) and Philip Janvier (1819), orphan court proceedings for Francis Janvier's estate (1783), and accounts for the settlement of William Bradford Janvier's estate (1849). 

 

The collection includes a photocopy of the account book of Thomas Janvier, covering 1794-1796.  (Thomas was of a different branch from the rest of the Janviers in this collection.)  An interesting document is the 1800 indenture for Eliz. Wiering(?), referred to as Black Elizabeth, the daughter of a Rachel, a free black woman.  The collection includes family histories for the Janvier, Marley, and McWilliams families, although they are not extensive.  The Janvier family history was written by William Bradford Janvier when he was twenty-four; his daughter Jane copied and expanded it in 1864.   

 

The correspondence includes letters written by William Bradford Janvier to Jane Clopper during their courtship. Many of the other letters are also to or from Jane Clopper Janvier.  Most letters relate news of family and friends.  Several of the letters requested relatives in Baltimore to purchase clothing, fabric, and shoes.  In one letter, Thomas Janvier remarked about a move for independence in South America, among other political and business trends.  In 1815, a Spicer cousin gave a very brief review of his naval service during the War of 1812.  William Wickham, another relative, wrote about conditions in San Francisco in 1850, where he was aboard a ship.  A few letters were written in verse, including one about a razor, and two concerning an order for a carpet.

 

However, most of the poems were not with letters, and most express religious thoughts and friendship.  Sarah Hyatt wrote a number of poems as an outlet for her mourning for her deceased husband.  One poem recorded a trip to Fort Delaware in 1877, with the names of those who took the excursion listed in one of the stanzas.  Also included is a sermon delivered on December 20, 1856.  The trip to the Poconos was undertaken in 1879 by someone with the initials W.J.M.(?)

 

 

ORGANIZATION

           

The collection has been organized by document type.  In Box 1, there is correspondence, arranged alphabetically by writer and recipient.  Family histories and religious materials are also in Box 1.  Box 2 contains poems, miscellaneous items, financial documents, legal documents, and deeds.  One folder of deeds is oversized and is in a map case.

 

 

LANGUAGE OF MATERIALS

 

The materials are in English, with a few items in French.

 

 

RESTRICTIONS ON ACCESS

 

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

 

 

RELATED MATERIALS AT THIS REPOSITORY

 

A large group of Janvier family materials is found in Col. 33, the Margaret Janvier Hort Papers.  It includes original family documents, compiled genealogies, and much 20th century correspondence concerning family history. 

 

The January family papers, Col 570, includes genealogical materials about the Janvier and January families of Delaware and Kentucky.  (Some Janvier descendants anglicized their surname to January.) 

 

Additional Janvier family materials are found in Col. 869 at this repository; this collection also includes materials on the Danforth and Bush families.  Most of this material relates to a branch of the family which included Thomas Janvier (1773-1852).

 

Members of the Janvier family are mentioned in Fol. 229, the Wilmington Fire Insurance Co. log.

 

The Winterthur Museum collection includes furniture made by John Janvier, Sr.

 

 

PROVENANCE

 

Accession 84x146 gift from Corbitt-Calloway Memorial Library, Odessa, Delaware.        

Accession 92x60 purchased from DeCaro Auctions.

Accession 09x33 gift of Roger Henry.

 

 

ACCESS POINTS

 

            People:

                        Janvier, Thomas, 1773-1852.

                        Janvier, Jane Williams Clopper, 1793-1847.

                        Janvier, William Bradford, 1793-1848.

                        Janvier, Philip, 1751-1822

                        Janvier, Rebecca Golden, 1762-1822.

                        Golden, Abraham.

                        Vandegrift, Sarah Golden Janvier, 1789-1871.

                        Janvier, Edward G., 1797-1851.

                        Vandegrift, Abraham.

                        Janvier, Francis, 1705-1751.

            Hyatt, Sarah.

            Clopper, Rebecca.

 

            Golden family – Genealogy.

Marley family - Genealogy.

            McWilliams family - Genealogy.

            Janvier family  - Correspondence.

            Clapper family - Correspondence.

 

Topics:

            Carpets.

Courtship.

            Dating (Social customs)

            Etiquette.

            Decedents' estates - Delaware.

            Estates (Law) - Delaware.

            Inheritance and succession.

            Manners and customs - History - 19th century.

            Poetry - Manuscripts.

            Razors.

            Religious poetry - Manuscripts.

            Real property, Exchange of - Delaware.

            Religious thought - 19th century.

            Ribbons.

            Teenage girls - Social life and customs.

            Deeds - Delaware.

            Leases - Delaware.

            Love-letters.

            Mourning customs.

            Weepers (Mourners)

            Laments.

            Marriage customs and rites.

            New Castle County (Del.) - History - Sources.

            Pocono Mountains (Pa.) - Description and travel.

            Baltimore (Md.) - Description and travel.

            California - Description and travel.

            United States - History - War of 1812 - Naval operations, American.

            Accounts.

            Letters.

            Correspondence.

            Journals (notebooks).

            Receipts.

            Receipts.

            Indentures.

            Deeds.

            Wills.

            Sermons.

            Poems.

            Prayers.

            Eulogies.

            Merchants.

 

 

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTION

 

Location: 9 A 6, map case 3, drawer 1

 

 

Box 1: Correspondence (arranged alphabetically by writer and recipient);

            Family histories; and

            Religious material.

 

 

Folder 1:          Sarah G. Besse, Baltimore, to cousin William Bradford Janvier, New Castle, March 26, 1843.

                        Sarah wrote this letter to inform William about the death of her husband.  (acc. 92x60.144)

 

Folder 2:          Caroline Clopper, Greenfield, to cousin Jane W. Clopper, Baltimore, January 17, 1816.

                        Contains comments about her "beau" and other family gossip.  (acc. 92x60.30)

 

Folder 3:          Jane W. Clopper to William Bradford Janvier, 1815-1816, 1818, 1823.

            These letters were part of an exchange during their courtship.  The letter of May 5, 1816 is decorated with pencil drawings of flowers and a bird.  The last letter, dated 1823, reports on the family while William is away on business.  (acc. 92x60.135, .137, .139, .145, .150, .151)

 

Folder 4:          M. Clopper, Baltimore, to Jane W. Clopper Janvier, August, no year

                        M. Clopper is sending sympathy upon the news of the death of Jane's infant. (acc. 92x60.26)

 

Folder 5:          Rachel and Peter Clopper, Baltimore, to Jane W. (Clopper) Janvier, New Castle, September 11, no year

                        Jane's parents convey family news.  Paper is watermarked.  (acc. 92x60.186)

           

Folders 6-8:     Rebecca Clopper [“Julia Adelaide,”] Greenfield Farm [near Frederick, Maryland] or Springfield [Maryland,] to cousin Jane W. Clopper [later Janvier; her nickname was “Cornelia”],  Baltimore and New Castle, 1815-1818, 1822, and no year

            The letters contain family news, remarks about courting and marriage, comments on local preachers, Rebecca's thoughts on adjusting to a new neighborhood, etc.  The 1822 letter remarks on Jane’s married life.

            (acc. 92x60.147, .153-158, .160, .162, .164, .166, .169, .173, .174, .178, .179, .181)

 

Folder 9:          Sarah Hyatt to John Golden, Baltimore, n.d.

                        Contains a verse and family news.  (acc. 92x60.31)

 

Folder 10:        Sarah Hyatt to Philip and Rebecca Janvier and aunt Golden, December 1805.

                        A note in verse to Sarah's aunt and uncle.  (acc. 92x60.114)

 

Folder 11:        Gulielmus Janvier, Philadelphia, to uncle Philip Janvier, New Castle, October 26, 1813.

            A note in verse that accompanied a shawl Gulielmus sent to Rebecca Janvier from Philadelphia.  Most of the verse is about a razor.  (acc. 92x60.96)

 

Folder 12:        Sarah G. Janvier and Jane W. (Clopper) Janvier, New Castle, to sister and daughter Rebecca Janvier, Baltimore, June 22, 1835.

                        Jane W. (Clopper) Janvier to Sarah G. Janvier, Lone Poplar, Del.,  April 30, 1846.

            Letter to Rebecca includes family news, motherly advice, and also a note from her sister, Sarah.

            Letter to Sarah includes family news and motherly advice; it was written while Jane was "storekeeper."

            (acc. 92x60.61, .182)

 

Folder 13:        P. (Peregrine?), Baltimore, to William Bradford Janvier, New Castle, 1814, 1817.

                        Includes family news and a report on Jane's health.

                        (acc. 92x60.128, .131)

 

Folder 14:        Philip Janvier to Sarah Hyatt, Flitting Day 1805.

                        Pertains to exchanging such foods as peas, onions, and potatoes.

                        [In Scotland, Flitting Day was May 25.]  (acc. 92x60.60)

 

Folder 15:        Philip Janvier, St. Georges, to William Bradford Janvier, New Castle, 1816-1818.

            Letters include information on finances, requests to purchase clothing and material, and approval of William's impending marriage to Jane.

            (acc. 92x60.132, .134, .142. .145, .146, no number)

 

Folder 16:        Rebecca [Golden] Janvier to William Bradford and Jane Clopper Janvier,  New Castle, February 11, 1820.

                        Letter to congratulate them on their new-born daughter; also news of her health.

                        (acc. 92x60.184)

 

Folder 17:        Sarah Janvier to Jane W. Clopper, Batlimore, 1814, 1819.

                        Contains family news and comments about Baltimore.

                        (acc. 92x60.50, .53)

 

Folder 18:        Thomas Janvier to father Philip Janvier, 1822.

            In one letter, Thomas remarks on relations between the Turks and Russians and the move for Independence in South America, among other political and business trends.  In the second letter, he describes building a pump.

            (acc. 92x60.10, .189)

 

Folder 19:        Thomas Janvier to William Bradford Janvier, Cantwells Bridge, and Edward Janvier to Philip Janvier, February 21, 1818.

            Thomas reports on business activity and describes a wedding he attended.  Edward details his trip to Baltimore, including crossing the Susquehanna on the ice.

            (acc. 92x60.136)

 

Folders 20-22: William Bradford Janvier to Jane W. Clopper, 1812-1822.

            These letters were part of an exchange during their courtship.  The last letter (.188) informs Jane of father Philip Janvier's death in 1822.

            The address on accession 92x60.55 (no date) has Jane’s name written on an oak leaf, with an acorn as part of the design. 

            Accession 92x60.159, no date, is a poem, “Eulogy to Friendship.”

            (acc. 92x60.27-.29, .55, .91, .152, .159, .165, .167, .168, .170, .172, .175, .180, .188)

 

Folder 23:        Sarah Hyatt to William Bradford Janvier, October 12, 1816.

                        William Bradford Janvier to Sarah Hyatt, November 10, 1818.

                        Sarah comments on something William wrote, and also asks him to call on the shoemaker for her. 

                        William's letter discusses the epitaph for a mutual friend, Maria Wilson, and includes J.’s poem “In memory of Maria Wilson.”  William wishes his cousin Sarah Hyatt to compose a better epitaph.

            (acc. 92x60.24, .130)

 

Folder 24:        Jane Williams Janvier Marley, Delaware City. Xmas 1888 Greeting.           

                        Written in verse.  Tied with green ribbon.

                        (acc. 92x60.121)

 

Folder 25:        William Morris, Philadelphia, to William Bradford Janvier, New Castle, November 6, 1845.

                        Letter inquiring about the sale of a house.

                        (acc. 92x60.91)

 

Folder 26:        Jane A. Sidell, New York, to cousin Jane W. Clopper, Baltimore, April 1817, and 1818.

                        Contains family news and other gossip.  The 1818  letter also discusses Jane Sidell’s search for salvation.

                        (acc. 92x60.52, .171)

 

Folder 27:        Sarah Janvier [Vandegrift] to cousin Jane W. Clopper, 1812-1815.

                        Contains family news and describes life in the "country."

                        (acc. 92x60.140, .161, .176, .177)

 

Folder 28:        Sarah Janvier Vandegrift to brother William Bradford Janvier, n.d.

                        Contains family news and describes a trip to "The Plains."

                        (acc. 92x60.147, .148)

 

Folder 29:        P.J., Baltimore, to Jane W. Clopper, Trap, Nov. 23, 1816

                        All are well and hope she is well.  (He is making a joke about the word well.)

                        (acc. 92x60.163)

 

Folder 30:        To Sarah Besse, 1847, 1850.

                        Letters from cousins Sarah Vandegrift and S.R.(?) Vandegrift (June 14, 1847) and nephew William Wickham (San Francisco, August 31, 1850), with family news and describing trips. 

                        Wickham was mate of the ship Iowa, taking on ballast for Callao.  Talks about miners. 

                        (acc. 92x60.67, .74)

 

Folder 31:        Niece Eliza Chester, New York, to Rebecca Clopper, Baltimore, January 3, 1820.

            Letter containing news of the Clopper family in New York.

            (acc. 92x60.69)

 

Folder 32:        To Maria Golden and Susan [Susanna] Golden, Baltimore, 1808, 1820.

                        Letters in verse, probably from Sarah Hyatt.

                        (acc. 92x60.25, .54)

 

Folder 33:        To Rebecca Janvier, New Castle, 1837, 1838.

            The first letter, September 2, 1837, is from G. F. Moulton and M.J.M. of Philadelphia, and contains a poem entitled "Spring," in addition to news.  He relates an involved story about why he chose the name Emily Willard for his daughter. 

            The second letter is from Rebecca's brother Ferdinand Janvier in Philadelphia, March 23, 1838.  He enquires about the temperance society in New Castle and gives news of acquaintances and family.

            (acc. 92x60.183, .185)

 

Folder 34:        Miscellaneous letters between family members:

 

                        92x60.133: [illegible] Spicer, New York, February 6, 1815, to cousin Wm. Janvier, New Castle.  Has resigned from the Navy.   Good news from New Orleans.

 

                        92x60.70-71: sister Jane, father W. R. Janvier, and mother J. W. Janvier, February 20, 1845, to unknown brother, son.  Jane writes about school.  Father writes about his son leaving the school in Kirkwood.  Mother writes about his spiritual life.  Other family members mentioned.

 

                        92x60.79: Will, New Castle, to Fanny, November 9, 1855.  He, Ferd, and Reub recently made cider.  Discussed the safety of railroad travel with Miss Eliason’s mother.  Talks about Fanny getting married in two years.  Other news.

 

                        92x60.75: S. J. Hopkins, Norristown, March 24, 1888, to “esteemed friend.”  Oder for clover seed will be shipped tomorrow.  Health is beter.

 

                        92x60.141: note, P. Janvier to unknown person, no date, about business.

 

                        92x60.138: Eliza [Chester], New York, September 9, no year, to cousin Jane.  News of family and friends.  Inquires if Jane is married yet.    Thanks for cap and ruffs.

 

                        92x60.68: R. [Rebecca] Janvier, Jane W. Janiver, and W. B. Janvier, New Castle, September 1, no year, to grandmother, mother, and mother-in-law Rachel Clopper, Baltimore.   Did not visit Baltimore in the summer because of the cholera, but would love for Rachel to come visit them.

 

 

Family histories:

 

Folder 35:        Janvier family history 

            Compiled by William Bradford at the age of 24 and was copied and expanded by his daughter Jane in 1864.  Includes notes on the Golden family. 

            (A typescript version is available in the Hort papers, Col. 33.) 

            (acc. 92x60.57, .65, .107, unnumbered)

 

Folder 36:        Marley family history

                        Notes about births, deaths, and marriages.

                        (acc. 92x60.56, . 80, .81, .83, .84, .86, .125)

 

Folder 37:        McWilliams family history     

            Includes notes of births, deaths, and marriages, plus a nine page family history that contains a list of members of the Society of the Cincinnati in Wilmington in 1801.

            (acc. 92x60.1-.5)

 

Folder 38:        “Report of Research in church records of Saint-Martin de Ré…, October 31st, 2007,” genealogical information about the Janvier family in France, with images and translations of the records (acc. 09x33)

 

Folder 39:        Golden genealogy; pedigree of Elizabeth Boyd Janvier (1863-1920)

                        [no accession number, received March 2013 from the preparer]

 

 

Religious material:

 

Folder 40:        Sermon delivered on December 20, 1856, at Pencader Church by Rev. George Foot.  Note is initialed S.G. J.  (acc. 92x60.63)

 

Folder 41:        Prayers and reflections, probably written by members of the Janvier family.  “A Thanksgiving” is dated Dec. 29, 1818.  The other items are undated, but were probably written within a few years of that.  (acc. 92x60.116-.119)

 

 

 

Box 2: Poems, miscellaneous materials, financial and legal documents; deeds

 

Poems and verse:

 

Folder 1:          Collection of verses sewn together, 1782-1811.

            Religious and death themes predominate.  Some of the verses are written for specific people, such as Miss Brinkley, John V. Hyatt, Miss Nancy Clay, some members of the Janvier family, “Mrs. Aull’s Negro girl Sal,” etc.  

            Pages from Journal of the House of Representatives of the State of Delaware (no date but 1803 or later) were used as covers for this group of verses. (acc. 92x60.58)

           

Folder 2:          Collection of verse about death, 1806-1810

            Pieces written by Sarah Hyatt to mourn the death of her husband, Johnny Hyatt.  (acc. 92x60.59)

 

Folder 3:          "Verses composed by Mrs. Sarah Hyatt," 1795 and undated  

                        A newspaper dated Feb. 9, 1799, was used as the cover. (acc. 92x60.111)

 

Folder 4:          Collection of verses sent to Sarah Hyatt by E. B. and others.  Of especial note is an order for a carpet composed in verse and sent to Mr. Janvier in Philadelphia, and a poem from cousin William Janvier in Philadelphia (July 1816) in reply to the carpet order.  Also includes a short letter from cousin William Janvier.  (acc. 92x60.126)

 

Folder 5:          Assorted poems and rhymes, on written by Sis Hyatt (about her pets), another by W.B. J.  Includes an Indian hymn.  (acc. 92x60.112. 123, .124, .129)

 

Folder 6:          Verse, 1877.  Entitled: "A Tour to Fort Delaware, May 7th, 1877."

The last stanza lists the names of those who visited the fort.  Pages are tied together with a pink ribbon.  (acc. 92x60.65)

 

Folder 7:          Poem in memory of Benjamin Archer Janvier, who died June 1, 1863, age 17 years, by Francis De Haes Janvier.  (from a newspaper)  (no accession numer)

 

 

Miscellaneous items:

 

Folder 8:          Printed copy of the Duke of York's Deed to William Penn, 1682.  (acc. 92x60.127)

 

Folder 9:          Reproduction of Thomas Jefferson's draft of the Declaration of Independence, distributed by John Wanamaker, 1913.  (acc. 92x60.120)

 

Folder 10:        Photograph of Matilda Pennington and friend taken in Atlantic City, N.J., May 16, 1903.  (acc. 92x60.113)

 

Folder 11:        Journal, July 14 to August 9, 1879.

                        Describes a trip taken from Delaware to the Pocono Mountains in eastern Pennsylvania, initialed W.J.M.(?) 

                        Note: Fragile condition, handle with care.  (acc. 92x60.32)  

 

 

Financial documents:

 

Folder 12:        Accounts:

                        Francis Janvier to Philip Janvier, June 11, 1785 for property rental.  (acc. 92x60.102)

 

                        Sundries sold by order of Mr. Janvier, Aug. 9, 1788.  Endorsed on back: “Samuel Black, Dec’d, Sails of Clothing.”  Lists trousers, jackets, coats, stockings, a stock, breeches, shirts, plus a Testament, bags, and a chest.  (acc. 92x60.94)

                        [see also acc. 92x60.99, below]

 

                        Francis Janvier in account with Clay, Bond & Co., 1797 for spirits, butter, sugar.  (acc. 92x60.93)

 

            John Boyd in account with Philip Janvier for such things as spirits, tobacco, food, cloth, lathing, and planting.  Account current, October 1799.  (acc. 92x60.92) 

 

                        Mrs. Hannah Frazier in account with Philip Janvier for a bond, 1816-1821.  (2 pages; acc. 92x60.17a-b)

 

            Francis January’s [i.e. Janvier] account for a variety of products, including: coffee, spirits, cotton, stockings, dishes, textiles, tea, thread and buttons, nails, nutmeg, etc.  (acc. 92x60.95)

 

Folder 13:        Receipts for property received payment of debt:

                        “form of a receipt to be taken by an executor for goods…,” in this case Philip Janvier as executor for Sarah Golden, 1822 (acc. 92x60.20).

 

                        Received of William G. Caulk(?) on account of William Pollard, signed Robert Kirkwood, Sept. 1785.  (acc. 92x60.9-)

 

                        Received of Francis Janvier for funeral of Samuel Black (who was in the Poor House), signed Peter Brynberg, March 23, 1789.  (acc. 92x60.99)

                        [see also acc. 92x60.94, above]

 

Folder 14:        Thomas Janvier's Account book, 1794-1796 (photocopy)

            Records furniture made by Thomas Janvier and the amount he received for selling the items.  Such pieces as tables, clock cases, coffins, sideboards, and chairs are listed.  He made a number of items for Daniel Trotter, as well as John Janvier, Francis Janvier, and Michael King.  Also included are five drawings of furniture with dimensions (tall chest of drawers, bureau, clock case, desk, “Chinese” doors for a secretary).  {acc. Ph-186)

            [note: this account book was originally attributed to John Janvier, but has been re-attributed to Thomas.  Original account book held by Delaware Public Archives.]

 

Folder 15:        Statements of rent:

            Accounts of rent and credit between William B. Janvier, agent for the property, and P. Janvier, one of the heirs of F. Janvier's state, 1818 and 1819.  Endorsed on back: Wm. B. Janvier's statement of rent, 1821.   (acc. 92x60.21)

 

            William B. Janvier's statement of rent, June 15, 1821, sent to father P. Janvier, below St. Georges, Delaware.  (acc. 92x60.19)

 

Folder 16:        Three lease agreements between Philip Janvier and John Janvier, for a plantation in St. Georges Hundred, 1819-1823.  (acc. 92x60.6, .7, .18)

           

                        Lease, January 5, 1886, for farm in Upper Providence township, Montgomery County, Penn., between Susan J. Hopkins of Norristown, Pa., and J. C. Pennington.  Also signed by S. S. Yerkes and L. E. Pennington.  (acc. 92x60.12)

 

 

Legal documents:     

 

Folder 17:        Personal Indentures:

            Eliz. Wiering(?) indentured to Philip and Rebecca Janvier, 1800, with note about a man who is a slave [name not legible], and Rachel, a free black woman, probably Elizabeth’s parents.  Also mentioned in the document is Sutton P. Abraham, who may be the master of the enslaved man.  Elizabeth is to be taught sewing, knitting, and housework, and is indentured for 13 years, 6 months, and 20 days.  Endorsed on back: Eliz. Wiering’s(?) indenture, Jan. 2, 1800, Black Elizabeth’s indenture. 

            Note: document is in poor condition, torn, and faded.  Handle with care.  (no accession number found, but apparently part of 92x60)

 

                        Agreement binding Francis Janvier, a blacksmith in New Castle, to Thomas May, an ironmaster in Wilmington, for a specified sum of money, August 15, 1788.  (acc. 92x60.104)

 

                        Indemnifying bond, William McNamee, probably of Pencader Hundred, to Edward G. Janvier, of St. Georges Hundred, for sale of property in Pencader Hundred, Feb. 27, 1845.  (acc. 92x60.43)

 

Folder 18:        Miscellaneous legal documents:

                        Summons to Francis Janvier for jury duty, February 1794.  Printed form, from Allen McLane, M.D.D.  (acc. 92x60.98)

                       

                        Security case stated.  George Lewis died in 1811.  Widow Lewis married William Hukill, who died about 1830.  J. [or I.] Clayton, married to daughter of widow Lewis, is suing Hukill’s estate for portion of George Lewis’ estate owed to his wife.  (acc. 92x60.9)

                       

                        Francis Janvier's acceptance of property inherited from Joseph Tatlow's estate; his wife was an heir; 1783-1786.  Endorsed on back: Joseph Tatlow’s statement of the houses valued to [illegible] by Orphans Court.  (acc. 92x60.101)

 

                        Recorder's seal for a deed, signed James S. White, July 24, 1835.  (acc. 92x60.-1)

 

                        Document appointing Jacob Boyer as William B. Janvier's property agent for a dwelling in Baltimore, Md., March 12, 1841.  Addressed to Jacob Boyer, Baltimore.  Endorsed on back: form of power of attorney.  (acc. 92x60.11)

 

Folder 19:        Proceedings of the Orphan Court to divide Francis Janvier's estate, 1783.  Names Francis’ widow Sarah (now also deceased) and children Thomas (now deceased), Francis, John, Philip, Sarah (married to John Golden), and Mary (married to Joseph Tatlow; she now deceased, Tatlow children named).  (acc. 92x60.109)

 

Folder 20:        Copy of will of Abraham Golden [I], 1748.  The will names wife Ann and children Abraham, Anthony, Jacob, William, Ann, Mary McConnell, and Catharine, and grandchildren Mary Marteen, John Golden (son of Joseph).   (acc. 92x60.106)

 

Copy of will of Abraham Golden [II], 1766.  The will names children John, Eleanor, Anna, and Elizabeth.   (acc. 92x60.105)

 

[Note from researcher: Abraham Golden I was born in New Utrecht, New York on 23 Aug 1684, fifth and last child of Joseph Golden and Neetje Claessen; he died somewhere in St. George's Hundred, Delaware, before his will was proven on 7 July 1749.

 

Abraham Golden II was the fifth child (out of nine) of Abraham Golden I and Ann Duschen. Abraham II was born sometime before or around 1710 in New Utrecht, NY, and died before his will was proven on 8 Sep 1766 in New Castle County, probably also in St. George's Hundred.]

 

Folder 21:        Philip Janvier's wills and charge to his children, 1807, 1819:

 

                        Sketch of a will, 18—(date not completed).  Names wife Rebeccah, children Jesse (who was incapacitated in some way and so was to inherit more money), and John.  (acc. 92x60.22)

 

                        Two copies of will, May 1, 1819.  Names wife Rebeccah and sons Jesse and John.  Terms are same as those in the sketch above.  Ann J. Janvier and  John Janvier, cabinetmaker, were witnesses.  (acc. 92x60.8, .15)

 

                        Charge to his children, October 28, 1807.  Asks his children to look after their mother and brother Jesse (described as helpless).  Also lists items that he wishes his wife to have, should he die.  (acc. 92x60.16)

 

Folder 22:        Settlement of estate of William B. Janvier of New Castle, Dec. 10, 1849. 

                        Includes accounts kept by Ferdinand Janvier, administrator of the estate.  Settlements were made with Rebecca, Sarah G., Jane C., Mary S., Martha E., William E., and Reuben P. Janvier.  (acc. 92x60.42)

 

Folder 23:        Sale of Francis Janvier's property, September 27, 1787.

            Agreement that Francis Janvier will sell a lot in New Castle to Isaac Grantham at a future date.  (acc. 92x60.110)

 

Folder 24:        John Stoop, Property and estate. 

                        Deed of sale of property, Robert Ocheltree and his wife Elizabeth to John Stoops, 1825.  (Possibly just part of the document.)  (no accession number)

 

                        Memorandum of a deed made to John Craynor and wife by the heirs of John Stoops.  Lists heirs to Stoops’ estate, including his widow Mary.  (acc. 92x60.46)

                       

                        Abstract of John Stoop's will, proven in 1830.  Names his heirs.  (acc. 92x60.45)

 

                        Drawing of the boundaries for a deed from L. Underwood to R. Ocheltree, with lines of Stoop's property.  On back of a letter from William [illegible], Philadelphia, to cousin, April 12, 1841, about grape vines from Leghorn, and other goods.  (acc. 92x60.78)

 

                        Westward line of Stoop’s farm agreeable to deeds from Levi Underwood to Robert Ocheltree and from Ochletree to John Stoops, deeds dated 1825.  (acc. 92x60.47)

 

                        Plat showing westward line of Stoop farm agreeable to deeds from Levi Underwood to R. Ocheltree & from R. Ocheltree to Jn. Stoop.  (acc. 92x60.88) 

 

Folder 25:        Property history:  items relating to the development of Janvier properties in New Castle, including drawings of property boundaries and summaries of property deeds.  (13 items)

           

                        Indenture between James Bolton and wife Francine of one part and William B. Janvier and wife Jane of the other, all of New Castle Hundred, 1843.  Names other people as well.  (acc. 92x60.90)

 

                        List of owners of a property in New Castle, beginning with Thomas Smith, merchant, died previous to 1737.    (acc. 92x60.73)

 

                        History of a lot which in 1722 belonged to Allett.  (acc. 92x60.72)

 

                        Courses of a deed from William Williams to James Crawford, 1729, for “Half-way House Land.”  (no accession number)

 

                        History of ownership of lot on Delaware Street, owned 1823-1843 by W. B. Janvier.  (acc. 92x60.115)

 

                        Summary of survey for Salomon Underwood, with plat map on back (in pencil).  (acc. 92x60.76)

 

                        Courses of farm conveyed by R. O. and wife [Robert Ocheltree] to Henry Hugg, 1833, with penciled notes on back, addressed to William B. Janvier.  (acc. 92x60.77)

 

                        Notes relating to deeds, etc. of property belonging to the estate of Francis Janvier, dec’d.  (acc. 92x60.103)

 

                        “Lines of Lot,” with plat map on back.  (acc. 92x60.100)

 

                        Two triangular plat maps.  (acc. 92x60.86, .87)

 

                        Map of part of New Castle, showing ownership of lots along Union Street and the turnpike road to Hairs [sic] Corner.  A house is drawn on the lot belonging to heirs of Dr. C. H. Black, and a building on the meetinghouse lot.  Dated February 11, 1859.  (acc. 92x60.89)

 

                        A plot of lots of Francis Janvier and James Caldwell in New Castle, May 12, 1797.  (acc. 92x60.85)

 

 

Deeds:

 

Folder 26:        Agreement between Judith Harman, colored woman of Wilmington, and William B. Janvier of New Castle, August 3, 1841, to sell property Harman inherited from her sister Sylvia Rice.  (acc. 92x60.44)

 

                        Indenture between Judith Harman, colored woman of Wilmington, and William B. Janvier of New Castle, December 21, 1841, to sell her share of a property on William Street in New Castle which Harman had inherited from her sister Sylvia Rice.  (Brother James Toney[?] was a co-heir to the property.] (acc. 92x60.13)

 

Folder 27:        William Williams claim to land in New Castle County, January 14, 1722/3.  Signed by Richard Hill, Isaac Norris, and James Logan. 

                        Note: the item had parted along fold lines and was subsequently stitched to part of the newspaper Delaware Gazette and American Watchman, April 30, 1830.  (acc. 92x60.108)

 

Folder 28:        Caleb Darby to William B. Janvier, November 8, 1833, for property on Union St.

                        Note: this document is in several pieces, having parted along fold lines.  Please handle carefully.  (acc. 92x60.33)

 

Folder 29:        Robert Ocheltree and Eliza his wife of one part (of White Clay Creek Hundred) and John Stoop of the other part, April 7, 1825, for several lots and parcels in New Castle Hundred.  (acc. 92x60.38)           

 

Folder 30:        Abraham Vandegrift, executor of Edward G. Janvier's estate, transferring property to Ferdinand Janvier, 1852, in Pencader Hundred.  The property was sold for payment of debts of the estate.  (acc. 92x60.34)

 

Folder 31:        Indenture for property between Thomas Janvier and his wife Mercy, and William B. Janvier, March 21, 1836.

                        Note: this item has parted along fold lines and is in several pieces.  Handle with care.  (acc. 92x60.49)

 

Folder 32:        Indenture for property near New Castle, between George Peirce, a house carpenter of Philadelphia, and John Moody, gentleman of New Castle, October 6, 1834.  (acc. 92x60.36)

 

Folder 33:        James Booth, esquire, and his wife Ann, to Henry Colesbury, physician, all of New Castle, October 17, 1816, for marshland.  Tied with silk ribbon.  (acc. 92x60.40)

 

Folder 34:        Archibald Enos and his wife Jane, of New Castle County, to William McNamee of Pencader Hundred, September 2, 1839, for land in Pencader Hundred.  Item tied with silk ribbon.  Part of deed is colored.  (acc. 92x60.48)

 

Folder 35:        Sharp Delaney, druggist of Philadelphia, and his wife Margaret, to John Janvier, cabinetmaker in St. Georges Hundred, May 24, 1776, for land in St. Georges Hundred.  (acc. 84x146.2)

 

Folder 36:        Sharp Delaney and wife Margaret, of Philadelphia, to John Janvier, cabinetmaker of St. Georges Hundred,  December 10, 1789, for land in St. Georges Hundred.  (acc. 84x146.1)

 

Folder 37:        Deed poll, Joel Lewis, U. S. Marshall, to John Janvier, in trust for heirs, referring to land belonging to estate of Sharpe Delaney in Cantwell’s Bridge, recorded February 7, 1806.  (acc. 84x146.3)

 

Folder 38:        wrapper labeled Deed, John Janvier, Anne, Jane, to Wm. Janvier of property at New Castle, Delaware.  (no accession number)

 

 

In map case:

 

Folder 39:        James R. Black Esq., Trustee for Samuel Barr and Elisabeth his wife, to William S. Barr, merchant, all of New Castle,  December 31, 1817, for land in New Castle Hundred.  (acc. 92x60.35)

           

            Indenture between Doct. Henry Colesbury and Thomas Janvier,  December 28, 1830 for property in New Castle.  (acc. 92x60.37)

 

            Lease agreement between New Castle Presbyterian Church and Richard Sexton, October 1819, for the “Graveyard Lot.”  Tied with silk ribbon.  (acc. 92x60.39)