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Letters by Ellen (Abbot) McClure

Ellen Louisa Abbot, daughter of George Abbot and Nancy Stickney, was born 13 September 1837, more than 16 years after her sister Elizabeth, in Beverly, Massachusetts. She married Johnson McClure on 22 October 1868, and moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She died 8 March 1887 in Milwaukee, at age 49.

These letters were written by Ellen from 1846 to 1855. All were to her sister Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch in Tarboro, North Carolina, except for one dated 6 March 1846 to her mother Nancy (Stickney) Abbot, who was in Tarboro for the birth of Elizabeth's first child Nathaniel. Parts of some letters were written by her mother Nancy, sister Martha, and sister Georgiana.

The letters are generally in reasonably good condition, although some are torn, with pieces missing. The handwriting is reasonably good, and the letters are generally not difficult to read.

  • 6 March 1846. To her mother Nancy (Stickney) Abbot, who was then with Ellen's sister Elizabeth in Tarboro, North Carolina, awaiting the birth of her first child. This is a few lines added to a longer letter written to Elizabeth by her sister Georgiana. She talks about the activities of various family members and friends. [Transcription]
  • 1 July 1846. To her sister Elizabeth in Tarboro, North Carolina. She mentions a trip to Boston; says there will be a Floral Procession in Salem; says she practices her music; and talks about her brother Fred and school. [Transcription]
  • 21 September 1848. To her sister Elizabeth in Tarboro, North Carolina. The second part of this letter was written by her mother Nancy (Stickney) Abbot. She asks about Elizabeth's children, and talks about the activities of various family members and friends. [Transcription]
  • 8 September 1849. To her sister Elizabeth in Tarboro, North Carolina. The second part of this letter was written by her sister Martha Abbot. She asks about Elizabeth's children; mentions a pet turtle her brother Fred has; describes a bell choir concert she attended, and a party she and Fred attended; and talks about the activities of various family members and friends. [Transcription]
  • 6 March 1853. To her sister Elizabeth in Tarboro, North Carolina. She talks about the weather; says they'll send pictures of themselves to Elizabeth; describes a visit with sisters Ellen (Bridge) Lovett and Mary (Bridge) Libby; says how she likes their new furnace; talks about her music lessons and songs she likes; describes current fashion styles; mentions the 15 Negroes Elizabeth has charge of; talks about a new servant girl they have; and talks about the activities of various family members and friends. [Transcription]
  • 3 April 1853. To her sister Elizabeth in Tarboro, North Carolina. She apologizes for not sending the pictures Elizabeth had been expecting; mentions that Sarah (sister of Elizabeth's husband) has been laid up with a foot problem; says Beverly is very quiet, but she's been to several "Happenings"; and talks about the activities of various family members and friends. [Transcription]
  • 14 June 1855. To her sister Elizabeth in Tarboro, North Carolina. She expresses the family's sympathies on the death of Elizabeth's son Abbot. [Transcription]