The
The Joseph Downs Collection of Manuscripts and
Printed Ephemera
Henry Francis du Pont
5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur,
Delaware 19735
302-888-4600 or 800-448-3883
OVERVIEW OF
THE COLLECTION
Creator: Doolittle, Annette B.
Title: Janvier, Danforth, and Bush
family papers
Dates: 1659-1948, bulk 1842-1926
Call No.:
Acc. No.: 10x23; 14x35
Quantity: about 200 items (2 boxes, 1
oversize folder)
Location: 9 A 4 and map case C, drawer 9
BIOGRAPHICAL
STATEMENT
The Janvier, Danforth, and Bush families resided in
Thomas Janvier (1773-1852, son of Thomas and Jane Clark
Janvier) was a cabinetmaker and banker in
Joshua Noble Danforth was born in Massachusetts on April
1, 1798, the son of Joshua and Salome Noble Danforth. He attended Williams College (which was later
attended by several descendants), the theological seminary at Princeton
University, and then became a Presbyterian minister. One of his first churches was in New Castle,
Delaware, where he met and married the widow Jane Janvier Whildin (1797-1870). He also served churches in Washington, D.C.;
Lee, Mass.; Alexandria, Virginia, and other places. He and Jane had five children, their eldest
being Emma Noble Danforth (born 1831). Joshua Danforth died on November 14, 1861, in
New Castle, Delaware.
Joshua N. Danforth was descended from Thomas Danforth
(1622-1699), who, among his other duties, had served as deputy governor of
Massachusetts Bay Colony from 1679 to 1686.
He also served as a judge of the Superior Court of Massachusetts.
Emma Noble Danforth Bush (1831-1880) was the eldest
child of Jane Janvier and Joshua Noble Danforth, and was married to George
Washington Bush of Wilmington, Delaware, in 1850. (They met while she was visiting family and
friends in New Castle.) George
Washington Bush, son of Martha Potter and David Bush, was a director of the
Delaware Fire Insurance Corporation, a shipper and coal merchant, and a member
of the Wilmington Park Commission. Their
six children were Walter
Danforth (1851-1904, married Rebecca Tatnall), Lewis Potter (1853-1914, married
Margaret Whiteley), Julia Janvier (b.1855, married Marcus Bronson), George W.,
Jr. (b. 1858), Alice
Driscoll (1862-1867), and Joshua Danforth (1868-1926).
Joshua Danforth (Dan) Bush lived 1868-1926. He was a partner in the lumber business
started by his father George Washington Bush.
He was an officer in the Delaware National Guard, which was posted to
New Mexico in 1916, and then served in France during World War I. He was also involved in politics, and served
as lieutenant governor of Delaware from 1921-1925. He married Martha (Mattie) McComb in 1893,
and they had several children.
William Sharp Bush (1786-1812) was the son of Mary Sharp
(1764-1791) and John Bush (1755-1806).
He was a lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps and died during the battle
between the Constitution and the Guerriere. Bush was the first Marine Corps officer to be
killed in combat. He was posthumously
awarded a silver medal by Congress.
SCOPE AND
CONTENT
A collection of materials relating to the Janvier,
Danforth, and Bush families of New Castle County, Delaware. Of great interest is the friendship album of
Emma Danforth (later Mrs. George Washington Bush). It includes a note from Samuel F. B. Morse
about how he came to be a model for a painting by the English artist Charles
Robert Leslie. An engraving of the
painting is in Emma’s album. The
collection also includes a copy book which belonged to Mary G. Janvier, which
contains a catechism on Judgment; a memorial album commemorating Emma Danforth
Bush; photos of Emma D. Bush and her family; a copy of the will of Thomas
Janvier (died 1852); a very brief history of part of the Janvier family; and
minutes of the Rugby Foot-ball club of which George W. Bush, Jr., was a
member. Some materials pertain to
settling the estate of Sarah McAlister, whose executor was David Bush.
A second group of papers pertains to J. Danforth
(Dan) Bush and his family. There are
scattered letters and documents from various generations of the Bush
family. The single largest group is
those letters written by Dan Bush to his wife Martha (Mattie) while he was
serving in France during and just after World War I. Many of these are brief, however. Before going to France, Bush and his family
went to Deming, New Mexico, with the Delaware National Guard. His daughter Alice wrote an informative
letter about their living conditions.
Other letters, usually not very informative, were sent to him from men
who were or who were to become Delaware governors or senators, including Henry
A. du Pont. A copy of Bush’s signed oath
of office as lieutenant governor of Delaware is part of the collection.
The oldest documents in the collection relate to the
work of Thomas Danforth (1622-1699), who had been a judge and deputy governor
of Massachusetts Bay Colony. These
documents relate to various court cases or church matters. A few assorted documents do not pertain
directly to any members of the Bush, Danforth, or Janvier families. Among these is the bill of sale of a slave
named Essex; a description of a town lot in Wilmington written in 1784; a copy
of a poem titled “The Battle of St. Paul’s,” written about an incident which
took place in New Orleans in 1862; and a facsimile of the medallion honoring
Isaac Hull and the victory of his ship USS Constitution
over the English ship HMS Guerriere in
August 1812. (William Sharp Bush was a
lieutenant on board the Constitution
and died in the battle.)
ORGANIZATION
The items are arranged by individual and are roughly
in chronological order.
LANGUAGE OF
MATERIALS
The materials are in English.
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.
Janvier family papers, Col.
155, includes family histories for the Janvier, Marley, and McWilliams
families.
The January family papers,
Col 570, includes genealogical materials about the Janvier and January families
of
Members of the Janvier family
are mentioned in Fol. 229, the Wilmington Fire Insurance Co. log.
The
PROVENANCE
Both accessions: gift of Annette Danforth Bush
Doolittle.
ACCESS POINTS
People:
Leslie, Charles Robert,
1794-1859.
McAlister,
Sarah, d.1848.
Morse, Samuel
Finley Breese, 1791-1872.
Bush, J.
Danforth (Joshua Danforth), 1868-1926.
Danforth, Thomas,
1622-1699.
Du Pont, H. A.
(Henry Algernon), 1838-1926.
Leach, Ethel
Pennewill Brown, 1878-1960.
Pyle, Howard,
1853-1911.
Roosevelt,
Theodore, 1887-1944.
Stuart,
Alexander Charles, 1831?-1898.
Bush, William
Sharp, 1786-1812.
Hull, Isaac,
1773-1843.
Bush family.
Danforth family.
Janvier family.
Topics:
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
(New Orleans, La.)
Distribution of
decedents’ estates.
Embroidery – Specimens.
Friendship.
Judgment of God.
Mourning customs.
Rugby football teams –
Wedding anniversaries.
Politicians - Delaware - Correspondence.
Slave bills of sale.
World War, 1914-1918 - Posters.
World War, 1914-1918 - Personal narratives, American.
Wilmington (Del.)
- Social life and customs.
Delaware - Politics and government.
Delaware.
National Guard.
Deming (N.M.) -
Description and travel.
Massachusetts -
History - Sources.
United States -
History - Civil War, 1861-1865 - Poetry.
Autograph
albums.
Commonplace books.
Poems.
DETAILED
DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTION
Location: 9 A 4 and map case C, drawer 9
Folder 1: Mary G. Janvier copybook/commonplace
book.
Two items are laid inside
the marbled covers: a catechism about Judgment (8 pages), and a collection of poems
and other writings (93 pages). Both
items are detached from the covers. Mary
G. Janvier signed the front cover in 3 places, and a label bearing her name is
on the inside of the front cover. (acc. 10x23.1a-c)
Folder 2: copy of will of Thomas Janvier, dated
February 13, 1852.
The will mentions wife Mercy, sons George and
Benjamin, daughter Jane Danforth, and grandchildren Alexander Robeson and Mary
C.(?) Robeson. The Presbyterian Sabbath
School of New Castle is also listed as an heir.
The will lists several properties in
Folder 3: Statement of settlement between George
Janvier and Jane J. Danforth, 1862. Settling
accounts willed to Mercy Janvier during her lifetime; and listing bonds, stock,
and cash given to Jane J. Danforth.
(acc. 10x23.3)
Folder 4: a very brief history of the Janvier
family; mentions Thomas Janvier (1664-ca.1729) and his wife Sarah Cross; then
following their son John, and his sons John and Thomas (1773-1852). Penciled notes were added by a later hand.
Note: item is torn, handle with
care. (acc. 10x23.4)
Folder 5: Emma N. Danforth [Bush] album.
The album was printed in
Most notably, it contains a
note from Samuel F. B. Morse, dated
Laid into the album are two
hand-written calling cards and some embroidery thread. (acc. 10x23.5)
Folder 6: Framed photograph of Emma Danforth
Bush, with embroidered mat.
Identification is written in
pencil on the back. The frame bears the
label of Geo. Hardcastle & Son Art Store,
Folder 7: photograph (a copy of the original) of
the family of Emma Danforth and George Washington Bush; on the back, the
children are identified as (left to right) Lewis Potter (born 1853), George W.,
Jr. (b. 1858), Walter Danforth (b.1851), and Julia Janvier (b.1855). (It is possible the identifications are not entirely
correct.) (acc. 10x23.7)
Wedding cards of Emma N.
Danforth and Geo. W. Bush, ceremony at Second Presbyterian Church on Sept. 11,
[1850] (acc. 10x23.8a-b)
Invitation to 25th
wedding anniversary party of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Bush, September 10, 1875,
held at
“In Memoriam. Alice Driscoll Bush, ascended April 18,
1867.” Printed tribute to
Folder 8: “In Memoriam. Emma Danforth Bush.
1831-1880.”
Book contains extracts from
the sermon preached at her funeral by J. Garland Hamner, the words of a hymn,
extracts from a memorial sermon by J. Howard Nixon, letters from friends
(signed by initials only), her photograph (with penciled additions to her
hair), and an introduction signed G.W.B.
Laid inside the front cover are two brief newspaper accounts of her
funeral. (acc. 10x23.11)
Folder 9:
George W. Bush, Jr., was the
secretary. Members were H. G. Bradford,
N.(?) Clark, C. du Pont, N.(?) Childs, E. H. Gayley, A. Lindsay, A. Mahoney, N.(?)
Folder 10: Indenture, between George W. and Emma D.
Bush and Washington Jones, all of Wilmington, October 20, 1865, for a lot and
house on French Street (between 6th and 7th Sts.), with additional
notes. Signatures of the Bushes were
later cut out of the document. (printed
form) (acc. 10x23.13)
Bond, between George W.
Bush and Washington Jones, all of
Folder 11:
documents pertaining to the estate of Sarah McAlister of
Bond between David Bush
and Sarah McAlister, both of
Mortgage indenture, David Bush and wife Martha Bush
to Sarah McAlister, March 31, 1842. Land
was located at 2d and Walnut Streets in Wilmington. (acc. 14x35.13)
Copy of will of Sarah
McAlister, Dec. 20, 1845. Names son
Andrew McAlister, daughters Margaret Wattson and Sarah Wilson. Book bindery tools were left to Charles
Wilson, son of Lewis Wilson. Friend
David Bush named executor. (acc.
10x23.16)
Account of David Bush
with Sarah McAlister, 1846-1847. (acc.
10x23.17)
Authorization for Edwin
A. Wilson and Charles Parsons to appraise estate of Sarah McAlister, signed
Amos H. Wickersham, Register’s Office,
Letters testamentary,
that is, authorization for David Bush to administer will of Sarah McAlister,
signed Amos H. Wickersham, Register’s Office,
Release, Sarah Wilson of
Release, James Watson of
Release, Andrew McAlister of
A list of payments made by David Bush for the estate
of Sarah McAlister, April-Sept. 1848.
Includes payments for digging grave, coffin, funeral expenses, medical
attendance, medicine, and payments made to her heirs. (acc. 14x35.12)
Box 2: papers Danforth and Bush
families (acc. 14x35)
Folder
1: papers of Thomas Danforth (1623-1699)
acc. 14x35.1 “Testimony of Andrew Belcher, aged 45 years
or thereabouts,” signed Thos. Danforth, 7-(8)-59 [1659]. Mentions Goodman Goffe of Middlesex County [Massachusetts]
and his son Samuel Goffe; Mr. Goffe had mentioned that he planned to leave his
house to his son.
[With limited resources available, the
identity of Goodman Goffe cannot be absolutely determined, but he was possibly
Edward Goffe of Cambridge, who lived 1594-1658, and had a son Samuel who lived
1630-1705.]
acc. 14x35.2 Judgment of the court, April 1, ’73 [1673]. Court held in Cambridge. Benamuel Bowers was fined for not attending
worship services. The document also
mentions Benoni Eaton and Thomas Andrews[?], and is signed by Thomas Danforth.
acc. 14x35.3 Testimony of Samuel Phipps[?], age about 28,
May 13, 1673, taken before Daniel Gookin and Thomas Danforth. It seems to be testimony about seeing someone
vote twice.
acc. 14x35.4 Evidence against Jno. Pittime, Oct. 14,
1676. Elizabeth Bontborriye[?], aged
about 30 years, testified that she and Jeremiah Hood met with an Indian on Oct.
2 while on their way to Sudbury, and the Indian called them bad names.
[note: this was found with other Thomas Danforth
documents]
acc. 14x35.5 Testimony of Thomas Hovey (about 28 years
old), John Kemball (about 40 years old), and Samuel Ffeild (age about 24 years)
in John Clary’s case, about a horse, Sept. 25, 1677. All sworn before the clerk Samuel Partrigg.
acc. 14x35.6a-b Two lists of men in full communion
with churches in Woburn, Dorchester, and Roxbury: John Walker, John Carter,
John Berboard[?], James Blake (about 29 years old), John Walos, Sr., and John
White, Sr. (of Muddy River). The year
1677 has been added in pencil to both lists.
[note: these lists were found with other Thomas Danforth
documents]
Folder
2: other early documents
acc. 14x35.7 S.
Danforth, justice of the peace, to constables of the town of Medford, Middlesex
County. Complaint against a woman called
Lydia My-Lady (her real name is unknown), who lives with the widow Phebe
Tufts. Lydia refuses to name the father
of her child, and it is feared she plans to leave Medford and desert her child,
who would then be a burden on the town.
On back: notice of constable Blanchard that he had attached the body of
Lydia My-Lady. March 18-19, 1760.
acc. 14x35.8 an
order to pay Henry Yelverton for managing the duties upon wine licenses, with
note to Mr. Townshend to pay the money, July 17 and 19, 1764.
Folder 3: Martha Potter Bush
(wife of David Bush; mother of George Washington Bush)
acc. 14x35.9 letter,
Matthew Potter, Bridgetown [i.e. Bridgeton, New Jersey], to “my dear little
Martha,” at Mrs. Bails, Wilmington, July 15, 1797. Father sends news that all at home are well
and hopes Martha is same. Mentions that
Martha is visiting Uncle Kean and other relatives in Wilmington and going to school
there. Reminds Martha to pray.
acc. 14x35.10 letter,
Smith Bowen, to Mrs. Bush, addressed to Capt. David Bush, on board of the
Wilmington packet, Philadelphia, June[?] 1809.
Writing because Mrs. Bush’s sister Jane [Mrs. Bowen] is too lazy. Her sister thinks it is too expensive for
them to come visit; sister is busy making rag carpets. Busy season is nearing so he will not be able
to come visit. But hopes to be able to
convince Jane to come visit.
[Jane Potter lived 1772-1837. Her husband Smith Bowen lived 1764-1840. He died in Bridgeton, New Jersey.]
acc. 14x35.11 letter,
Jane B.[?] Seeley, Bridgeton, to cousin Martha Bush, Wilmington, April 10,
1827. Religious thoughts; is glad that
so many are coming to Christ. Church
meetings in Bridgeton. Mentions cousin
Matthew Kean and Martha’s niece Mary Clark.
Sends some other family news.
Folder 4: David Bush
(husband of Martha Potter Bush; father of George Washington Bush)
acc. 14x35.14 letter,
Charles Bush, Washington Factory, to father David Bush, Sept. 16, 1824. Am sending this by Mr. Gilpin. Father’s last letter was lost. Factory work has not started yet, but hope to
soon. Have been working on a
machine. Factory hands are a rough set.
acc. 14x35.15 newspaper
notice: J.O. Pierson and D. Bush, Port Gibson [Mississippi], April 4,
1840. Announcing dissolution of their
co-partnership.
acc. 14x35.16 The Port Gibson Whig, v. I, no. 7 (March
3, 1842), Port Gibson, Mississippi.
Includes executor’s notice and notice of executor’s sale of Alfred
Harlow’s estate, signed by D. Bush and G.W. Elmer, executors.
[oversized, in map case]
acc. 14x35.17 letter,
Charles Bush, Wilmington, Del., to brother David Bush, Monroe. Louisiana,
January 8, 1846. Mr. Rogers has received
all the papers he expected. The court
case will be heard next term. Business
concerns. Explosion at paper mill killed
one man and burned two. Family news.
acc. 14x35.18 letter
and bill, Holloway & Lonsdale, New Orleans, to D. Bush, Dec. 22, 1860. Shipping the goods he ordered (which are
listed: potatoes, onions, apples, rice, macaroni) and request that goods sent
in return. “We will all have to fight if
we cannot do any better, tis sad to see such a boon as this great country
thrown away, alas poor human nature.
[illegible] we are from our birth to our death, we are for the South.”
Folder
5: George Washington Bush (1824-1900)
acc. 14x35.19 bank
note, Wilmington and Brandywine Bank, $5, no. 2001, May 1, 1854, signed by W.S.
Hagan, Jr., cashier, and Geo. Bush, president.
Note engraved by Danforth, Wright & Co. of Philadelphia and New York. One vignette shows 3 workmen, with faint view
of a city behind them. The man’s
portrait is not identified, but possibly represents Franklin Pierce. The seal of the bank indicates it was
incorporated in 1835.
acc. 14x35.20a-b letter,
not signed, but the name Ashwood Lea is written on the envelope, from Richland,
La., to George W. Bush, Wilmington, Jan. 1, 1857. With envelope. Mentions family and mutual friends. Getting good price for cotton. To celebrate the holiday, the Negroes sang
and had a dance and a band with banjo, jaw bones, tambourines, and
fiddles. Since the new house isn’t quite finished, he
let the Negroes have their party there.
Mentions their Thanksgiving dinner.
Attends a church in the area.
Plenty of game to shoot.
acc. 14x35.21a-b letters,
P. B. Du Chaillu, New York, to G.W. Bush, Jan. 9, 1869 [i.e. 1870] and Jan. 17,
1870.
Jan. 9: Will be able to lecture in Wilmington on the
18th.
Jan. 17: sending box of diagrams for lecture.
[Paul Belloni du Chaillu was a French-American
zoologist and anthropologist. He gave
lectures on these subjects.]
acc. 14x35.22 letter,
Jno. Wanamaker, Philadelphia, to “dear sir” [someone added the initials GWB in
pencil], March 5, ‘85[?]. “Please call
on me…” to discuss his recent letter.
Folder 6: George Washington
Bush, Jr. (1859-1905)
acc. 14x35.23a-b Letter,
with envelope, Mother [Emma Noble Danforth Bush], Brandywine Springs, to
Georgie, Bridgeton, New Jersey, July 17, 1873.
Knows that he will have good time with cousins. Preserved raspberries. Things at the Springs are fine. The children wade in the creek. Be careful in the sun and when swimming. Not much news.
acc. 14x35.24a-b Letter,
with envelope, Mother [Emma Noble Danforth Bush], Brandywine Springs, to
Georgie, Bridgeton, New Jersey, July 26, 1873.
Glad he is having a good time but he needs to return because Father
needs him at the wharf. Dan and a friend
went on a long trek by themselves. More
family news.
acc. 14x35.25a-c letter
with envelope. Dan [Joshua Danforth Bush],
Wilmington, to brother George, Easton, Pa., May 6, 1879. Has been ill.
Recounts visits by several people.
Went to church.
acc. 14x35.26 letter,
Anthony Higgins, law office, Wilmington, to G.W. Bush, Jr., Jan. 12, 1885. Not able to enter into the proposed venture
at this time. Thinks John Dunn would be
of great value in locating a ranch.
acc. 14x35.27 letter,
Preston Lea, Wilmington, to G.W. Bush, Jr., May 23, 1892. Sends Mrs. Lea’s address in Dresden, Germany.
[note: Lea was governor of Delaware
1905-1909.]
acc. 14x35.28 passport,
issued by U.S. Department of State, signed James G. Blaine[?], issued to George
W. Bush, Jr., age 34 years, dated May 31, 1892.
Folder 7: miscellaneous
family documents
acc. 14x35.29 photograph
of a receipted bill, Samuel Bush, Wilmington, was paid for freight (one shallop
load of goods) on the brig Sally,
Aug. 15, 1796.
acc. 14x35.30a-b receipt,
H.S. McComb purchased of A.C. Stuart, a painting “Old East Indiaman” at an
exhibition at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia, and a painting “New Style”
from Stuart’s studio in Wilmington, and a painting “Merrimack and Monitor,”
place of purchase not given.
Envelope has note about who in
family may have had these paintings.
[Henry S. McComb was the father
of Martha McComb, wife of Joshua Danforth Bush, Sr. Alexander Charles Stuart (1831-1898) was born
in Great Britain, served in British and American navies, and is best known for
his marine paintings.]
acc. 14x35.31a-b letter
with envelope, Mason Noble, Washington, D.C., to cousin L.P. [Lewis Potter]
Bush, Jr., Wilmington, Dec. 8, 1880.
Sorry to hear of Bush’s mother’s death.
Expresses his continuing grief over the recent death of his own wife. Turns to Christ for solace.
acc. 14x35.32 letter,
James M. Banker, Treasurer [of Delta Kappa Epsilon], Boston, to Walter B.
Safford, New York, Feb. 24, 1897.
Acknowledges receipt of check from J.D. Bush for contribution.
Added note from Safford to Dan
[Bush] about this matter.
acc. 14x35.33a-b letter,
E.W. Twaddell, Philadelphia, to C.D. Bush, Wilmington, June 8, 1909. About pedigree of a cob [horse] which Bush
purchased from Twaddell.
acc. 14x35.36a letter,
Jno. A. Rogers, superintendent, Union League Club, New York, to John D. Bush,
Wilmington, April 3, 1911. Encloses copy
of Robert Ingersoll’s letter on “Orthodox Billiards.”
acc. 14x35.36b letter, R.G. Ingersoll, New York, to
Dr. Ranney, no place, Feb. 18, 1899.
Describes “Orthodox Billiards,” comparing life to billiard game.
acc. 14x35.37a-b letter with envelope, Alice [Bush],
Deming, New Mexico, to Josephine Bush, Wilmington, postmark Oct. 10, 1916. There are no pretty postcards of Deming. Visit to Phoenix was wonderful after
desolation of Deming. Hopes Josie is
using their canoe while they are away.
Describes Deming. Had been having
good dances, which all classes attended.
Draws diagram of their adobe house.
Take meals at boarding house; didn’t like first one and were able to
switch. Father did not have to go to
Mexico with his unit.
[Alice
D. Bush (1896-1962) was daughter of Martha McComb and Joshua Danforth Bush,
Sr. Her cousin Josephine (b. 1885) was
the daughter of Walter D. and Rebecca Tatnall Bush.]
acc. 14x35.38 letter, J. George Stewart, U.S. House of
Representatives, to Mrs. J. Danforth Bush, April 19, 1935. Received her letter.
[Mrs. J. Danforth Bush, Sr., died in 1923, so
this must have been sent to Annette Mason Bush, wife of Joshua Danforth Bush,
Jr.]
Folder
8: J. Danforth Bush (1868-1926): letters, 1892-1916 and no date
acc. 14x35.39 letter,
Chas. M. Carter[?], to Dan, no places, no date.
Request for support for Boy Scouts.
acc. 14x35.40 letter,
Margaret Hamilton Rutledge, McClellansville, S.C., to JDB, no place, Aug. 6, no
year. Thanks for sending pictures published
in the magazine “American Forestry.”
acc. 14x35.41 letter,
John J. Westin, New York City, to “my dear colonel,” no date. Thanks for hospitality.
acc. 14x35.42a-b letter
with printed envelope, John W. Foster, Department of State, to Diplomatic and
Consular Offices of the United States, Aug. 25, 1892. On behalf of Senator Anthony Higgins,
introduces J. Danforth Bush.
acc. 14x35.43a-b letters,
Howard Pyle, Wilmington, to JDB, Dec. 3 and Dec. 13, 1892. The first concerns payment of a concert subscription,
and the second is about a choir rehearsal.
acc. 14x35.44 receipted
bill, LDB paid W. McCausland, harness maker, Philadelphia, for set of double
coach harness and a box of saddle soap, Dec. 28, 1893. On printed billhead.
acc. 14x35.45 bill,
Samuel J. White, manufacturer of carriages, Wilmington, billed JDB for a
sellers wagon, May 25, 1894. On printed
and illustrated billhead.
acc. 14x35.46 telegram,
D.E. Black, New York, to JDB, Wilmington, Feb. 23, 1898. Offering quail.
acc. 14x35.47 letter,
Dean R. Wood, vice consul, Madrid, Spain, to JDB, Wilmington, Aug. 8,
1901. Warns Bush about “the old ‘Spanish
Fraud Scheme.’”
acc. 14x35.48-49 political
business letters from L. Heisler Ball, United States Senator from Delaware,
Jan. 9 and June 7, 1904.
acc. 14x35.50 letter,
Dwight A. Huntington, Centre Moniches, N.Y., to JDB, Wilmington, Jun 10,
1905. Requests names of officers of game
clubs in Delaware; preparing a book on game preservation.
acc. 14x35.51 political
business letter from U.S. Representative Hiram R. Burton of Delaware.
acc. 14x35.52 letter,
Langdon Mitchell, New York City, to JDB, Jan. 10, 1907. Reports on a hunting trip to North Carolina.
acc. 14x35.53a-d political
business letters from Hiram R. Burton (U.S. Representative), Henry A. du Pont
(Senator), and Harry A. Richardson (Senator), Feb. 6, 1907; Feb. 25, 1908; and
March 8, 1909.
acc. 14x35.54a-c form
letter and enclosures from T.Z. Talley, Wilmington, about the publication The Swedish Settlements on the Delaware.
acc. 14x35.55 political
business letter from Senator Harry A. Richardson, Feb. 8, 1911.
acc. 14x35.56 membership
card, JDB a member of the Delaware Game Protective Association, Dover, Dec. 13,
1910.
acc. 14x35.57a-c political
business letters from Senator Henry A. du Pont and Congressman Thomas W.
Miller, May 10, 1913; Aug. 22, 1915; April 20, 1916.
acc. 14x35.58 letter,
Harry A. Richardson, Dover, to JDB, Washington, D.C., May 3, 1916. Will be unable to attend the dinner on Friday
night.
On letterhead of Richardson &
Robbins Company, meat and fruit packers.
acc. 14x35.59 letter,
John P. Nields, Wilmington, to Lt. JDB, [probably in New Mexico], July 20,
1916. Proud that JDB is serving in the
militia, putting country ahead of self.
acc. 14x35.60 letter,
Henry A. du Pont, to Lt. JDB, Deming, N.M., Aug. 17, 1916. Pleased to hear that Delaware troops are well
stationed and that the locals are hospitable.
acc. 14x35.61 State
of New Mexico hunting license issued to JDB, Deming, Oct. 4, 1916.
acc. 14x35.62 letter,
William[?] Janey[?], Democratic National Committee, Chicago, to Capt. JDB,
Deming, N.M., Oct. 19, 1916. Will see
what can do about your letter. Give
respects to Mrs. Bush.
Folder
9: J. Danforth Bush (1868-1926): military papers, 1917-1919
acc. 14x35.63a-k a
series of documents concerning Ursa Major, the private mount of Lt. J.D. Bush,
1917. These forms seem to have been
issued by the Delaware National Guard.
acc. 14x35.64a-f a
series of documents concerning the location of Sgt. Raymond Haggarty after he
was discharged from a hospital in France, 1918-1919.
Folder
10: J. Danforth Bush (1868-1926): letters from France, 1918-1919
acc. 14x35.65a-oo letters
from JDB, France, to his wife Martha (Mattie) Bush, 1918-1919. Most letters include an envelope. One letter includes Bush’s report of finding
the grave of Lt. John K. MacArthur, a pilot who was shot down and died in a
German hospital in August 1918 (see also acc. 14x35.66).
Folder
11: J. Danforth Bush (1868-1926): letters, 1919-1925
acc. 14x35.66 letter,
C.P.[?] MacArthur, Pennsylvania Railroad, Buffalo, N.Y., to JDB, March 3,
1919. Thanks for recent letter. Thinks Charles was responsible for marking
Jack’s grave.
[see folder above for JDB’s report on finding John MacArthur’s
grave.]
acc. 14x35.67 letter,
Joseph P. Gasiorowski[?], Jersey City, N.J., to JDB, Wilmington, Sept. 25,
1919. Brother is getting better and
should be able to work soon. Thanks JDB
for being good to him.
acc. 14x35.68 letter,
Max B. Berking, secretary, Williams Club, New York, to JDB, Nov. 17, 1919. Thanks for donation of 1814 catalogue.
acc. 14x35.69a-b political
business letters from Senators L. Heisler Ball and J. O. Wolcott, March 4,
1920.
acc. 14x35.70 postcard,
Mary (Mrs. J. P.) Stroman, Jr., McClellanville, S.C., to JDB, Aug. 2,
1920. Thanks for the picture.
acc. 14x35.71 oath
of office, Joshua Danforth Bush as lieutenant governor of Delaware, Jan. 18,
1921.
acc. 14x35.72a-c political
business letters from Senators L. Heisler Ball and J. O. Wolcott, and
Congressman C. R. Layton, Jan. 24 and Feb. 25, 1921. All concern legislation for veterans.
acc. 14x35.73 letter,
Alfred I. du Pont, Wilmington, to JDB, July 5, 1921. Appreciates his recent efforts “to save our
[judicial] Bench from political debauchery.”
acc. 14x35.74 letter,
Charles W. Whitelsey[?], New York, to JDB, Nov. 2, 1921. Impossible to accept his invitation due to
prior engagement.
Someone, probably JDB, added a
note that the letter writer committed suicide later that same month.
acc. 14x35.75 letter,
Congressman Lamar Jeffers of Alabama, to JDB, Nov. 15, 1921. Was happy to be with the Legionnaires in
Delaware.
acc. 14x35.76 letter,
Major General R. L. Bullard, Governors Island, N.Y., to JDB, March 20, 1923. Invitation to attend a military track and
field meet and relay carnival on June 9, 1923.
acc. 14x35.77 copy
of Delaware Senate Resolution No. 24, April 10, 1923, extending condolences to
JDB on the death of his wife.
acc. 14x35.78 letter,
H.H. Harper, The Bibliophile Society, Boston, to JDB, Nov. 17, 1924. Encloses a copy of a volume of essays.
acc. 14x35.79 letter,
Theodore Roosevelt [Jr.], New York City, to JDB, March 20, 1925. Tom Miller and he think it very important
that Delaware be represented at the Republican Service League Conference to be
held in Chicago on March 27.
Folder
12: J. Danforth Bush (1868-1926) and J.D. Bush & Co.: death and estate
acc. 14x35.80 Memorial
adopted at a meeting of The Lumbermen’s Exchange of the City of Philadelphia,
held January 6th, 1927. A
resolution of sympathy tendered to the family of their late member J. Danforth
Bush. Handwritten in calligraphy, tied
with black ribbon, in its original box.
acc. 14x35.81 First
and final account of Equitable Trust Company, executor of the last will and
testament of Joshua Danforth Bush, late of Wilmington Hundred, deceased. 1927.
Includes list of assets and income of estate; bills paid; value of guns,
furniture, books, and a Franklin sedan; and amount distributed to his four
children.
acc. 14x35.82a-h a
series of letters and documents pertaining to the sale of the J.D. Bush estate
property in West Bradford township, Chester County, to Frank and Vincent James
Zappacosta of Philadelphia, 1948. The
document was signed by the children of J. Danforth and Martha McComb Bush and
the spouses of two of the children.
Folder 13: Martha McComb
Bush (Mrs. J. Danforth Bush)
acc. 14x35.83 letter,
Francis N. Buck, treasurer, Waqlton and Whann Company, Wilmington, to Mrs. Bush,
Nov. 1, 1893. Company will not be paying
semi-annual dividend because of current poor business conditions.
Printed bill head, illustrated
with a view of Wilmington river front.
[note added: this was father of
C. Douglass Buck, governor of Delaware 1929-1937.]
acc. 14x35.84a-b Release
of liens, April 1908, and photograph.
Release of liens signed by all the contractors who worked on Mrs. Bush’s
house at 801 Broome Street, Wilmington.
The list includes cellar digging, stone and stonemason, lumber,
hardware, tinsmith, etc.
The photographic
postcard is a view of the complete house.
[This building is now the University and Whist Club.]
acc. 14x35.85 letter,
Charles R. Miller, Wilmington, to Mrs. bush, June 9, 1911. Received the dollar. Next time will “save my ammunition until the
second round.”
[note added in pencil: governor
of Delaware; Miller served 1913-1917]
acc. 14x35.86 letter,
Brother [James Craig McComb], Wilmington, to Mattie, Nov. 29, 1913. About notes owed to their mother’s esate.
acc. 14x35.87a-g documents
relating to income tax, 1918-1921.
acc. 14x35.88 Certificate
of the granting of letters testamentary for the estate of Martha McComb Bush to
Joshua Danforth Bush and James C. McComb, April 19, 1923. Signed by Isaac R. Brown, register of wills.
acc. 14x35.89 appraisal
of properties by Guy R. Ford and Charles O. Kurtz, Wilmington, sent to
executors James C. McComb and J.D. Bush.
acc. 14x35.90a-b bill
and letter. Bill from Price & Price,
Civil Engineers and Surveyors, Wilmington, to estate of Martha McComb Bush,
Oct. 4, 1923, for work done. Letter,
John P. Nields, Wilmington, to J.D. Bush, oct. 5, 1923, about the surveying
work done by Mr. Price.
acc. 14x35.91a-e handwritten
lists of estate expenses, bequests, bills, May-October, [1923].
acc. 14x35.92 statement,
J. Danforth Bush and James C. McComb, executors of Martha McComb Bush,
Wilmington, to Equitable Trust Company, Oct. 17, 1924. List of payments made for the estate.
Folder 14: Joshua Danforth
Bush, Jr. (1903-1963)
acc. 14x35.93a-c Military
Training Certificates, Citizens’ Military Training Camps. Joshua D. Bush, Jr. received training in red,
white, and blue courses, in field artillery, 1925, 1927, 1928.
Folder 15: miscellaneous
documents and pictures
acc. 14x35.94 Jno.
M. Kinly gives a description of William Randsted’s lot in Wilmington, on west
side of French Street, south of Second Street, June 10, 1784.
acc. 14x35.95 specimen
of a bank note, Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson, New York, offices at New
Orleans & Cincinnati, also at Boston under the name of the New England Bank
Note Company. Decorated with picture of
farmer, hay wagon, trains, distance city, and two women, one holding a horn and
the other setting food on a table.
acc. 14x35.96 note
from unknown person to Theo. Wright, June 7, 1826. About Wright breaking up a match or
engagement between Wright’s sister and the writer of the note.
acc. 14x35.97 Receipted
bill of sale, David Kinley[?], Port Gibson, was paid by Jos. O. Pierson for a
slave named Essex, about 40 years old.
Witnessed by Danson[?] Dougall.
acc. 14x35.98 poem,
“The Battle of St. Paul’s,” fought in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 12, 1862. By a Louisiana Soldier.
Poem recounts an incident in New Orleans. Major
George Strong interrupted the Sunday service being led by the Reverend Goodrich
because he had not obeyed General Butler’s order to offer prayers for President
Lincoln. The poem describes the protests
of this action by the women who were attending the service.
acc. 14x35.99a letter,
with envelope and transcription, T. F. [Thomas Francis] Bayard, Wilmington, to
Francis N. Buck, Buena Vista, [estate in Delaware], Dec. 29, 1891. Encloses a facsimile of the medal (acc.
14x35.99b, in separate box) struck by Congress to commemorate the capture of
the British frigate Guerriere by the
U.S. frigate Constitution, under the
command of Isaac Hull, Aug. 19, 1812.
Letter also mentions the heroism of Marine Lieutenant W. S. Bush at the
same action.
[note; letter is in four pieces]
acc. 14x35.100 printed
death notice for Caroline Simpkins May of Massachusetts, wife of John Joseph
May, born January 20, 1817, died June 29, 1900.
acc. 14x35.101 World
War I poster: “Delaware, Awake! The
Liberty of the World is at Stake.” A
woman listens to a voice, with a map of Delaware behind her, and a rooster at
her feet. The poster was done by Ethel
Pennewill Brown in April 1918.
acc. 14x35.102 Silhouette
of man wearing hat, identified on back as J. D. Bush, done at Norfolk Va., 8
Dec. 1902, Hotel Monticello.
acc. 14x35.103 photograph
of George W. Bush, taken by Harrison Krips, Philadelphia.
acc. 14x35.104a-b photographs
of soldiers marching, probably Delaware National Guard troops, probably circa
1916; Rockford Tower is seen in the background of one photo; houses and cars
are in the background of the other
Folder
16: newspaper clippings
The clippings are mostly about Lieutenant Governor J.
Danforth Bush. One concerns his
dog.
Some print-outs of family records are also in this
folder; these did not come with the donation.
Folder 17: book
“Joshua Noble Danforth in His Own Words,” by Annette
Danforth Bush Doolittle.
Mrs. Doolittle is the great-great
granddaughter of J.N. Danforth. She used
family letters and journals to write this biography.