Call Number:

C1212

Repository:

Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division

Extent:

• 1 box
• 0.2 linear feet

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Samuel Sibbett Collection, Box and Folder Number; Special Collections, Princeton University Library.

Date:

1835-1850 (inclusive)

Creator:

Sibbett, Samuel, 1800-1851 or 2.

Form:

Correspondence -- 19th century and Family papers -- 19th century.

Abstract:

Consists chiefly of correspondence by members of the Sibbett family to one another. The majority of the letters relate to Samuel Sibbett, a nineteenth-century lawyer living in Mt. Alto, Pennsylvania.

Samuel Sibbett (alternately spelled "Sibbet") was born in Cumberland County, Pa., of Scottish descent. He attended college in Chambersburg, Pa., and later set up a law office there. Sometime after his marriage to Nancy Ellen Greenfield, he moved his residence to a large farm near Mt. Alto, Pa., while maintaining his office in Chambersburg. He died in 1851 or 1852 and is buried in Mt. Alto.

The collection consists chiefly of letters written by members of the Sibbett family to one another. ("Sibbett" is alternately spelled "Sibbet" in the collection.) There are eleven letters (1846-1849) from Samuel Sibbett to his wife, Nancy, sent while he was traveling in Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania, trying to collect monies owed to him. There are thirteen letters (1835-1850) to Sibbett from his brother, Lowry Sibbett, who lived in Ohio; five letters (1849) from J. Ellis Bonham regarding accounts; and one letter (1843) of condolence from Elizabeth G. Hutchinson for the death of Samuel Sibbett's son, James. In addition, there are three letters written on behalf of Sibbett to the governor of Pennsylvania, Francis R. Shank, by William Coffelt, John Wunderlich, and C. G. French, recommending Sibbett for a position of associate judge of the Democratic Party. There is a copy of a letter, dated August 1, 1850, from Samuel Sibbet to a "Mr. Hill" on behalf of the "Democrats" regarding the Loyalists, and the betrayal of Benedict Arnold, and others. Also included is a printed verse titled "Lines on the death of James Lowrie Sibbet . . ." written by "The Mother."

Folders are arranged alphabetically by family member name.