The Winterthur Library

The Joseph Downs Collection of Manuscripts and Printed Ephemera

Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum, Winterthur, DE 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.: 92x60

Quantity: 3 boxes

Location: 18 C 2

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

Further information on the Janvier family may be found in the Margaret Janvier Hort Papers, Collection 33. Hort was the Janvier family genealogist in the 1960s and 1970s.

SCOPE AND CONTENT

This collection of 189 items contains materials (business accounts, family histories, legal and real estate documents, indentures, original poems, hand-sewn volumes of verse for mourning, and a journal of a trip from Delaware to the Pocono Mountains) related to members of the branch 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.

ORGANIZATION

The collection has been organized by document type. In Box 1, there is correspondence, arranged alphabetically by writer and recipient. Box 2 contains family histories, religious material, poems, miscellaneous items, financial documents, and legal documents. Deeds are in Box 3.

LANGUAGE OF MATERIALS

The materials are in English.

RESTRICTIONS ON ACCESS

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

PROVENANCE

Purchased from DeCaro Auctions.

ACCESS POINTS

People:

Janvier, John, 1749-1801.

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.

Adelaide, Julia.

Clopper, Rebecca.

Topics:

Marley family - Genealogy.

McWilliams family - Genealogy.

Janvier family - Correspondence.

Clapper family - Correspondence.

Courtship.

Dating (Social customs)

Etiquette.

Decedents' estates - Delaware.

Estates (Law) - Delaware.

Inheritance and succession.

Manners and customs - History - 19th century.

Poetry - Manuscripts.

Religious poetry - Manuscripts.

Real property, Exchange of - Delaware.

Religious thought - 19th century.

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.

Accounts.

Letters.

Correspondence.

Journals (notebooks).

Receipts.

Receipts.

Indentures.

Deeds.

Wills.

Sermons.

Poems.

Prayers.

Eulogies.

Merchants.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTION

Location: 18 C 2

Box 1: Correspondence, arranged alphabetically by writer and recipient.

Folders 1-2: Julia Adelaide to Jane W. Clopper, 1815-1818.

Julia lived on Greenfield farm, probably in New York State and was one of Jane's cousins. The letters contain family news, remarks about dating and marriage, comments on local preachers, etc.

Folder 3: Sarah Besse to William Bradford Janvier, 1843.

Sarah wrote this letter to inform William about the death of her husband.

Folder 4: Caroline Clopper to Jane W. Clopper, 1816

Contains comments about her "beau" and other family gossip.

Folder 5: Jane W. Clopper to William Bradford, 1815-1823.

These letters were part of an exchange during their courtship. The last letter, dated 1823, reports on the family while William is away on business.

Folder 6: M. Clopper to Jane W. Clopper, n.d.

M. Clopper is sending sympathy upon the news of the death of Jane's infant.

Folder 7: Rachel and Peter Clopper to Jane W. (Clopper) Janvier, n.d.

Jane's parents convey family news.

Folder 8: Rebecca Clopper to Jane W. Clopper, 1816-1822.

The letters contain family news, Rebecca's thoughts on adjusting to a new neighborhood, and remarks on married life.

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

Contains a verse and family news.

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

A note in verse to Sarah's aunt and uncle.

Folder 11: Gulielmus Janvier to Philip Janvier, 1813.

A note in verse that accompanied a shawl Gulielmus sent to Rebecca Janvier from Philadelphia.

Folder 12: Jane W. (Clopper) Janvier to Rebecca Janvier, 1835.

Jane W. (Clopper) Janvier to Sarah G. Janvier, 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."

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

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

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

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

Folder 15: Philip Janvier to William Bradford Janvier, 1816-1818.

Letters include information on finances, requests to purchase clothing and material, and reservations about William's impending marriage.

Folder 16: Rebecca Golden Janvier to William Bradford Janvier and Jane Clopper, 1820.

Letter to congratulate them on their new-born daughter.

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

Contains family news and comments about Baltimore.

Folder 18: Thomas Janvier to 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.

Folder 19: Thomas Janvier to William Bradford Janvier and Edward Janvier to Philip Janvier, 1818.

Thomas reports on business activity and describes a wedding he attended. Edward details his trip to Baltimore.

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 informs Jane of Philip Janvier's death in 1822.

Folder 23: William Bradford Janvier to Sarah Hyatt, 1818.

Sarah Hyatt to William Bradford Janvier, 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.

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

Written in verse.

Folder 25: William Morris to William Bradford Janvier, 1845.

Letter inquiring about the sale of a house.

Folder 26: Jane A. Sidelle to Jane W. Clopper, 1817.

Contains family news and other gossip.

Folder 27: Sarah Janvier (Vandegrift) to Jane W. Clopper, 1812-1815.

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

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

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

Folder 29: To Jane W. Clopper, 1816, 1818.

Letters from several people with family news and local gossip.

Folder 30: To Sarah Besse, 1847, 1850.

Letters from several people with family news and describing trips.

Folder 31: To Rebecca Clopper, 1820.

Letter in several handwriting styles containing news of the Clopper family in New York.

Folder 32: To Maria Golden and Susan Golden, 1808, 1820.

Letters in verse, probably from Sarah Hyatt.

Folder 33: To Rebecca Janvier, 1837,1838.

The first letter is in several handwriting styles and contains a poem entitled "Spring" in addition to news. The second letter is from Rebecca's brother, Ferdinand, and describes his life at school.

Folder 34: Miscellaneous letters between family members.

Box 2: Family histories, poems, miscellaneous materials, financial and legal documents

Family histories:

Folder 1: Janvier family history

Compiled by William Bradford at the age of 24 and was copied and expanded by his daughter Jane in 1864. (A typescript version is available in the Hort papers).

Folder 2a: Marley family history

Notes on index cards about births, deaths, and marriages.

Folder 2b: McWilliams family history

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

Religious material:

Folder 3: Sermon delivered on December 20, 1856.

Folder 4: Prayers and reflections, probably written by members of the Janvier family.

Poems and verse:

Folder 5: Collection of verses sewn together, 1782-1811.

Religious and death themes predominate.

Folder 6: Collection of verse about death, 1806-1810

Pieces written by Sarah Hyatt to mourn the death of her husband, Johnny Hyatt.

Folder 7: "Verse composed by Mrs. Sarah Hyatt."

Folder 8: Collection of verses sent to Sarah Hyatt.

Folder 9: Assorted poems and rhymes.

Includes an Indian hymn.

Folder 10: Verse, 1877. Entitled: "A Tour to Fort Delaware."

Folder 11: Poem in memory of Benjamin Archer Janvier, by Francis De Haes Janvier, 1863 (from a newspaper)

Miscellaneous items:

Folder 12: Printed copy of the Duke of York's Deed to William Penn, 1682.

Folder 13: Reproduction of Thomas Jefferson's draft of the Declaration of Independence, distributed by John Wanamaker, 1913.

Folder 14: Photograph of Matilda Pennington and friend taken in Atlantic City, N.J., May 16, 1903.

Folder 15: Journal, July 14 to August 9, 1879.

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

Financial documents:

Folder 16: Accounts:

Francis Janvier to Philip Janvier, June 11, 1785 for property rental.

Sundries sold by order of Mr. Janvier, Aug. 9, 1788.

Francis Janvier in account with Clay Bond & Co., 1797 for spirits.

John Boyd in account with Philip Janvier for such things as spirits, tobacco, food, cloth, lathing, and planting.

Mrs. Hannah Frazier in account with Philip Janvier for a bond.

Francis Janvier's account for a variety of products, including: coffee, spirits, cotton, thread and buttons, nails, nutmeg, etc.

Folder 17: Receipts for property received payment of debt.

Folder 18: 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.

[note: this account book was originally attributed to John Janvier, but has been re-attributed to Thomas]

Folder 19: 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.

William B. Janvier's statement of rent for 1821 for the estate.

Recorder's seal for a deed, 1835.

Document appointing Jacob Boyer as William B. Janvier's property agent for a dwelling in Baltimore, Md.

Folder 20: Lease agreements between Philip Janvier and John Janvier, 1819-1823

Folder 21: Lease, 1860?, for farm in Norristown, Pa. between Susan Hopkins and C. Pennington.

Legal documents:

Folder 22: Personal Indentures:

Elizabeth Black indentured to Philip and Rebecca Janvier, 1800, with note of a man, who is a slave, and Rachel, a free black woman.

Agreement binding Francis Janvier, a blacksmith, to Thomas May, an ironmaster.

Indemnifying bond, William McNamee to E.G. Janvier, Feb. 27, 1845.

Folder 23: Miscellaneous legal documents:

Summons to Francis Janvier for jury duty, 1794.

Security case of William Huckill, 1811.

Francis Janvier's acceptance of property inherited from Joseph Tatlow's estate; his wife was an heir.

Folder 24: Proceedings of the Orphan Court for Francis Janvier's estate, 1783.

Folder 25: Abraham Golden's will (2 copies), 1766.

Folder 26: Philip Janvier's will and charge to his children, 1807, 1819.

Folder 27: Settlement of William B. Janvier's estate, Dec. 10, 1849.

Includes accounts kept by Ferdinand Janvier, administrator of the estate.

Folder 28: Sale of Francis Janvier's property, 1787.

Agreement that Francis Janvier will sell a lot in New Castle to Isaac Grantham at a future date.

Folder 29: John Stoop, Property and estate

Drawings of the boundaries of Stoop's property and agreements with Robert Ocheltree and L. Underwood along with an abstract of Stoop's will.

Folder 30: Property history

Items relating to the development of Janvier properties in New Castle, including drawings of property boundaries and summaries of property deeds.

Box 3: Deeds

Folder 1: Judith Harman to W.B. Janvier, March 1843, for property Harman inherited from Sylvia Rice.

Folder 2: William Williams claim to land in New Castle County, 1722.

Folder 3: Caleb Derby to William B. Janvier, 1835, for property on Union St.

Folder 4: Robert Ocheltree and John Stoop, 1825, for several lots and parcels in New Castle County.

Folder 5: 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.

Folder 6: Indenture for property between Thomas Janvier and his wife and William B. Janvier, March 21, 1831.

Folder 7: Indenture for property near New Castle, between George Pierce (Phil.) and John Moody, 1834.

Folder 8: James Booth to Henry Colesbury, October 17, 1816.

Folder 9: Tract of land exchanged between Archibald Enos and William McNamee, September 2, 1839.

Folder 10: Sharp Delaney and wife to John Janvier, 1776

Folder 11: Sharp Delaney and wife to John Janvier, 1789

Folder 12: Joel Lewis to John Janvier, in trust for heirs, 1806

Folder 13: Indenture for 6 acres of land and a road, James Bolton to Francis and William B. Janvier, 1843. (Note: not in box, 12-11-2000)

Folder 14: James R. Black Esq., Trustee to William S. Barr, 1817.

Indenture between Doct. Henry Colesbury and Thomas Janvier, 1830 for property in New Castle.

Lease agreement between New Castle Presbyterian Church and Richard Sexton, 1819.