Search

Start Over Subject Family history Subject Mansions Place Montgomery County (Pa.)

Main content

Sheaff family papers, 1797-1904 (inclusive)

Extent:
2.0 linear feet
Abstract:
George Sheaff (1779-1851), a wine merchant in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, purchased the Highlands Mansion in 1813. Sheaff was interested in "progressive" agriculture and scientific farming, and the grounds blossomed under his hand. His family was the first to reside at The Highlands year-round, and members of the Sheaff family occupied the mansion for 102 years. The Sheaff family papers, 1797-1904, consist primarily of daily journals of the Sheaff family, which were kept from 1838 to 1904. The collection also contains property plans, wills and estate records, and newspaper advertisements for the property.

Held at: Highlands Historical Society [Contact Us]

Main content

Sinkler and Roosevelt family papers, 1899-1957 (inclusive)

Extent:
6.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Caroline Sidney Sinkler (1860-1949) was born in South Carolina and purchased The Highlands from the Sheaff family in 1917. She left the property to her niece, Emily Wharton Sinkler Roosevelt (1884-1970). Emily Roosevelt, wife of Nicholas Guy Roosevelt, bequeathed the Highlands to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Since 1970, the Highlands has been owned by the Commonwealth and been administered by the non-profit Highlands Historical Society. The Sinkler and Roosevelt family papers, 1915-1957, include correspondence, property plans, newspaper clippings, a few photographic reproductions of paintings, and several copies of a family tree. Nicholas Roosevelt's correspondence (1892-1930) and Emily Wharton Sinkler's correspondence (1902-1916) make up the bulk of the collection.

Held at: Highlands Historical Society [Contact Us]