F.E. Griffith Family Correspondence (Sandwich), 1794-1938 | Northern Illinois University

Collection Overview

Title: F.E. Griffith Family Correspondence (Sandwich), 1794-1938

ID: RHC/RC/089

Extent: 0.75 Linear Feet

Date Acquired: 03/14/1980

Subjects: Cookbooks. - Recipes., Griffith Family, Sandwich (Ill.), Songbooks, United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Correspondence

Forms of Material: Poetry

Languages: English

Scope and Contents of the Materials

The Griffith Family Papers collection is a three generation chronicle of the Frank E. Griffith family containing letters, photographs, and legal documents dating from the late 1700's to 1938. The major series of this collection consists of letters Frank Griffith sent home during his military service in the Civil War (1862-1865), and several letters from other family members. These letters are a unique primary source providing insights on the Union Army attitudes and revealing the struggles between family members during war-time separation. A songbook, poetry, and recipes complete the collection.

The original Griffith Family correspondence located in Box 2 is not open to the public. Researchers will use photocopies and typed transcripts of the original letters.

Collection Historical Note

Frank Elnathan Griffith and his wife, Thankful Myers, lived in East Concord and later Evans, Erie County, New York. During the Civil War Frank Griffith served with Company K. of the 116th Regiment of the New York State Volunteer Infantry, primarily in the vicinity of New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After being wounded in April 1864, Griffith was transferred to the Invalid Corps and finished his tour of duty in Washington, D.C. The family moved to Sandwich, DeKalb County, Illinois in 1876. Frank and Thankful had one son, Edwin Clare, and four daughters Carrie Annette, Gertrude Mary, Cora Elsie, and Harriet, the eldest two “Nettie” and “Gertie” are mentioned in the letters. Mr. Griffith was employed as a carpenter and contractor. On March 23, 1877 Griffith helped found the Excelsior Lodge No. 67 of the Ancient Order of United Workmen (A.O.U.W.) in Sandwich, Illinois. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Sandwich Post, No. 510 . Frank E. Griffith died November 17, 1921 at the age of 86.

Subject/Index Terms

Cookbooks. - Recipes.
Griffith Family
Sandwich (Ill.)
Songbooks
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Correspondence

Administrative Information

Repository: Northern Illinois University

Access Restrictions: There are no restrictions on access to the collection.

Use Restrictions: Property rights in the collection are held by the Regional History Center; literary rights are dedicated to the public.

Acquisition Source: Mr. William C. Burrows

Acquisition Method: Mr. William C. Burrows donated the Griffith Family Papers to the Northern Illinois Regional History Center on March 14, 1980.

Original/Copies Note: The original Griffith Family correspondence located in Box 2 is not open to the public. Researchers will use photocopies and typed transcripts of the original letters.

Box and Folder Listing

Browse by Box:

[Box 1],
[Oversize Drawer 17],
[Box 2],
[All]

Box 1

Folder 1: Excerpts from Correspondence
Folder 2-6: Correspondence Transcribed, 1862-1866
Folder 7-11: Photocopies of Correspondence, 1862-1866
Folder 12: Legal Documents, 1794-1926
Folder 13: Poetry, 1837, 1847, no date
Folder 14: Recipes, no date
Folder 15: Academic Papers, Carrie A. Griffith, 1876
Folder 16: Sandwich High School Yearbook, 1915
Folder 17: Songbook, no date
Folder 18: Methodist Church, Centennial Publication,, 1838-1938
Folder 19: Memorabilia, no date
Envelope 1: Photographs Identified (2) Edna Minard, DeKalb, Illinois; David Griffith Bernard, Sandwich, Illinois, 1914; circa 1918
Envelope 2: Unidentified Ferrotypes (2), no date
Envelope 3: Unidentified Photographs (2), no date

Browse by Box:

[Box 1],
[Oversize Drawer 17],
[Box 2],
[All]