Judson-Fairbanks Papers, 1852-1887

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Summary

Creators:
Judson, Everitt , Fairbanks, Martin L. , and Fairbanks, Zelotes C.
Abstract:
This collection chiefly contains family correspondence of the Judson Family, dating from 1852 to 1887 and discussing family affairs as well as current events, including such topics as agriculture and economic conditions in California. Thirteen letters have to do with the Quartermaster Corps in Memphis during the Civil War. In addition, there are some items dealing with the accidental death of Martin L. Fairbanks.
Extent:
47 pieces in 1 box.
Language:
English.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of 36 single-item cataloged letters, 23 of which deal with the Judson Family, while the remaining 13 have to do with the Civil War. In addition, there are 5 letters, 5 bills and receipts, and 1 broadside that deal with the accidental death of Martin L. Fairbanks in 1866 and the recovery of his body. The bulk of the letters are written by Everitt Judson to his wife Philuta, while the remaining letters are written between various members of the Judson family. The letters concerning the accidental death of Martin L. Fairbanks are mostly written by or to his brother-in-law, John Baldwin Judson.

The letters are primarily family correspondence in which affairs of the family as well as current events are discussed. The majority of the letters from Everitt to Philuta relate to his business in gold mining and agriculture in California. In those letters are details as to the variety of crops grown, irrigation farming, fruit growers, and land tenure. Everitt's letters also frequently mention economic conditions in California, domestic relations in the 19th century, and Indian attacks, interspersed between descriptions of Placerville and Visalia, Calif. Other topics that are briefly addressed include telegraphs, railroads, the Mormons, churches, and the Central America steamship.

The letters pertaining to the Civil War discuss the Quartermaster Corps., religious practices in camp, and military chaplains. Some letters provide descriptions of Memphis, Tenn., and Washington, D.C., while others make brief mention of Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) and the political climate of the time.

Biographical / historical:

Everitt Judson traveled from New York to San Francisco in 1852 on the schoonerIno to pursue financial gains in California, leaving behind his wife, Philuta. Once there he tried his hand at gold mining and farming; each produced modest results and allowed him to purchase a ranch on the south fork of the Kern River. Everitt and Philuta had four children: John Baldwin, E. S., Smith and Mary.

Other Judson Family members include Everitt's brother, Roswell Judson, and Everitt's three nephews, Carlton, Harris, and J. Watts. J. Watts Judson worked in the Quartermaster Corps. in Memphis, Tennessee, and fought in 1862 in the Battle of Shiloh and the Battle of Corinth.

Everitt and Philuta's son, John Baldwin Judson, had two brothers-in-law, Zelotes C. Fairbanks and Martin L. Fairbanks, who also worked in the Quartermaster Corps. in Nashville, Tennessee.

Three Judson family members were Methodist chaplains: D. Cobb, Charles H. Flanders, and J. C. Robbins.

Acquisition information:
Purchased from Usher Lloyd Burdick, May 27, 1947.
Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.

Location of this collection:
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108, US
Contact:
(626) 405-2191
reference@huntington.org
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