Call Number:

C1498

Repository:

Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division

Extent:

• 1 box
• 0.2 linear feet

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Robert H. Barton family correspondence, Box and Folder Number; Special Collections, Princeton University Library.

Date:

1849-1890 (inclusive)

Creator:

Barton, Robert Henry 1811-1898

Form:

Correspondence -- 19th century

Abstract:

Consists primarily of incoming correspondence to Robert H. Barton (1811-1898) of Providence, Rhode Island, from his family that begins in the winter of 1849 when Barton left his wife and four children to head to the California gold fields. The 70 plus letters, which continue until the early 1870s, are from various family members and friends all with the common theme of "come home." Also included are a few letters from Barton; some family photographs; and Barton's account statement from Gregory & Waite Groceries & Provisions (Nevada City).

Robert H. Barton (1811-1898) of Providence, Rhode Island, was the son of John Brown Barton (1785–1869) and Hannah West (1785–1849). In 1830, Barton married Julia Ann Bennett Barton (1809–1880), daughter of Abraham Bennett (1782–1868) and Susanna Wood (1785–1850), with whom he had four children: Harriet Ward Barton (1832–1869), William Barton (1837–1902), Julia Ann Barton Ashley (1841–1925), and Emily Barton Goldsmith. Barton was a member of the Providence Society of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and for a time served as its president.

In the winter of 1849, Robert Barton left his family to head to the California gold fields eventually settling in Nevada City. It appears that he did not return to Providence for at least two decades, and even after that may have gone back to Nevada City for a time.

The collection consists primarily of incoming correspondence to Robert H. Barton (1811-1898) of Providence, Rhode Island, from his family that begins in the winter of 1849 when Barton left his wife and children to head to the California gold fields. The 70 plus letters, which continue into the early 1870s, are from various family members, in particular Barton's sister Emeline Barton Coit, as well as from friends and members of Barton's Baptist congregation all with the common theme of "come home."

In a letter to her father, Harriet W. Barton writes, "my dear father all that would make us happy on this earth is yourself, and oh, that you would come home for you have given California a fair trial and for what? Gold, which will neither compensate for the toil, trouble, anxiety and sickness you have undergone since you have been there with no wife, nor children near you to watch and take care of you...(July 2, 1865?)"

The letters largely provide information about the Barton family, friends, and local events.

Though Barton seems to have corresponded very little with his family once settling in Nevada City--a letter from his father-in-law notes that he had not written in 4 years-- the collection does include a few letters from him that offer insight into his intentions and efforts to find gold. While at sea en route to California, Barton writes to his wife Julia, "to me the separation from you and my dear children would be insupportable(?) were not my spirits cheered by hopes and anticipations of obtaining in California enough of this world's gear to procure us in our old age a home and a trifle for our declining years...(March 30, 1849)"

Also included in the collection are a few family photographs as well as Barton's account statement from Gregory & Waite Groceries & Provisions, Nevada City, CA.