The Elder Family Papers consist primarily of correspondence to Francis William Elder (1807-1889), a Baltimore merchant, and his wife, Matilda Winchester Elder. The correspondence concerns various aspects of nineteenth century American Catholicism and Southern history. The collection includes material on Mt. St. Mary's Seminary and St. Joseph's Academy in Emittsburg, Maryland, and correspondence from American Catholic bishops William H. Elder, Thomas S. Byrne, Martin John Spalding, and John M. Odin. Also included are letters from generals Pierre Beauregard and Richard Taylor concerning the Southern Relief Fair, and a letter from Benjamin F. Winchester concerning his career as a circuit judge in Louisiana in 1881. Note: Click on "External Documents" below for a link to the finding aid for the collection.
Most manuscripts collections at the Georgetown University Booth Family Center for Special Collections are open to researchers; however, restrictions may apply to some collections. Collections stored off site require a minimum of three days for retrieval. For use of all manuscripts collections, researchers are advised to contact the Booth Family Center for Special Collections in advance of any visit.
The Elder family of Maryland are descendants of William Elder, who migrated to Frederick County from St. Mary's County in 1734. William Elder settled on St. Mary's Mount, near Emmittsburg, where his home "Pleasant Level” became the center of 1ocal Catholic activity during much of the eighteenth century. The papers primarily consist of correspondence to Francis William Elder (1807-1889) and his wife, Matilda Winchester Elder. Francis Elder, a Baltimore merchant, was the great-grand son of William Elder and son of Basil Elder. Matilda Winchester Elder was the daughter of Benjamin F. Winchester, Sr. and the sister of Benjamin F. Winchester, Jr., both circuit court judges in Louisiana.
0.25 Linear Feet (1 box)
English
Gift of Sister Barbara Cooper, R.S.C.J., 1980.
Part of the Georgetown University Manuscripts Repository