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:         Doolittle, Annette B.                                                 

Title:               Janvier, Danforth, and Bush family papers

Dates:             1659-1948, bulk 1842-1926

Call No.:         Col. 869

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 New Castle County, Delaware.  The Janvier family descended from Thomas Janvier (1664-ca. 1729), a French immigrant who settled in New Castle, Delaware.  Descendants moved to Cantwell’s Bridge (now Odessa) and Wilmington. 

 

Thomas Janvier (1773-1852, son of Thomas and Jane Clark Janvier) was a cabinetmaker and banker in New Castle .  He married Mercy Archer of New Jersey.  Their children were George (1804-1873), Jane (1797-1870), Mary Gaw (1811-1834), and Benjamin Archer.  Mary Gaw Janvier (1811-1834) attended the Wilmington Boarding School and was married to John Lewden Robeson.  Jane Janvier (1797-1870) married first John Galloway Whildin, and secondly Joshua Noble Danforth.

 

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 Delaware and Kentucky.  (Some Janvier descendants anglicized their surname to January.) 

 

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

 

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 – Delaware.

            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 New Castle, and also bonds and mortgages, giving the names of the people who owe money on those instruments. (acc. 10x23.2a-b)

 

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 New York by J. C. Riker, and includes several engravings.  It was given to Emma in 1843 by her friend P. Allen.  It contains poems and other writings from Emma’s friends and relatives, including her mother and several members of the Robeson family. 

Most notably, it contains a note from Samuel F. B. Morse, dated Washington, June 3, 1846, explaining how he came to be the model for the male figure in the engraving on the opposite page, “The Lost Found,” from the painting by the English artist C. R. Leslie. 

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, Wilmington.  (acc. 10x23.6)

 

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 604 French Street.  Includes envelope.  (acc. 10x23.9a-b)

 

                        “In Memoriam.  Alice Driscoll Bush, ascended April 18, 1867.”  Printed tribute to Alice, with photo and poem.  Two copies.  (acc. 10x23.10a-b)

 

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:          Rugby Foot-ball Club, Secretary’s Book, 1873-1874. 

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.(?) Richardson, H. Rile, M. Vaughan, N.(?) Vaughan, C. Whitely, J. Price, N.(?) Seidel, and L. Hilles.  The book also includes the club’s rules.    (acc. 10x23.12)

 

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 Wilmington, October 20, 1865, for $10,000, with additional notes.  Signatures were later cut out of the document.  (printed form)  (acc. 10x23.14)

 

Folder 11: documents pertaining to the estate of Sarah McAlister of Wilmington

 

                        Bond between David Bush and Sarah McAlister, both of Wilmington, for $1400, March 21, 1842.  (printed form)  (acc. 10x23.15)

 

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, New Castle County, May 8, 1848.  (printed form)  (acc. 10x23.18)

 

                        Letters testamentary, that is, authorization for David Bush to administer will of Sarah McAlister, signed Amos H. Wickersham, Register’s Office, New Castle County, May 8, 1848.  Includes copy of her will.  (printed form)  (acc. 10x23.19)

 

                        Release, Sarah Wilson of Wilmington, to David Bush, stating that she had received her inheritance from her mother Sarah McAlister, July 17, 1848.  (acc. 10x23.20)  [She was married to Lewis Wilson in 1824.]

 

Release, James Watson of York County, Pennsylvania, to David Bush, stating that he had received the inheritance due to his wife Margaret from her mother Sarah McAlister, August 31, 1848.  (acc. 10x23.21)

 

Release, Andrew McAlister of Suffolk, Virginia, to David Bush, stating that he had received his inheritance from Sarah McAlister, September 18, 1848.  (acc. 10x23.22)  (Andrew lived 1792-1872.)

 

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.