The collection spans several generations of the Wood family, focusing on the personal life and business activities of Colorado assayer Henry Ellsworth Wood (1855-1932). The bulk of the collection consists of correspondence, including some 300 pieces from Henry Ellsworth Wood to his wife, Belle Matteson McGinnis Wood. Subject matter includes the Woods' family life, mining in Colorado, business affairs, and the Colorado River expedition with John Wesley Powell.

Henry Ellsworth Wood (1855-1932) was born in 1855 in Joliet, Illinois, the son of William Cowper Wood and Hannah Tucker Lawrence. The Woods hailed from a prominent Connecticut family which included Oliver Ellsworth, the third Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. In 1868, William accompanied Major John Wesley Powell’s expedition to explore the headwaters of the Colorado River, hoping a trip to the West might improve his health. Thirteen-year old Henry joined his father for much of the journey. Having entered Yale University with the class of 1876, Henry left after two years of study in mineralogy for a job with the Edgar Thompson Steel Works in Braddocks, Pennsylvania.

726 items in 5 boxes

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