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Letters by Hannah Rantoul

Hannah Lovett Rantoul (1821-1898)

Hannah Lovett Rantoul, daughter of Robert Rantoul and Joanna Lovett, was born 17 June 1821 in Beverly, Massachusetts. She never married, and died 1 September 1898 in Beverly.

All of these letters were written to Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch in North Carolina. Hannah and Elizabeth were friends from their early days growing up in Beverly, and corresponded throughout their lives. See the Abbot Letters to Hannah Rantoul for many letters written to Hannah by Elizabeth. The letters are generally in very good condition, and fairly easy to read.

  • 14 May 1846. To Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch in Tarboro, North Carolina. She talks about Elizabeth's new baby (Nathaniel); tells her news about various family members and friends; and describes a visit she made in Cambridge and Boston. [Transcription]
  • 12 July 1848. To Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch in Tarboro, North Carolina. She talks about caring for her mother and their relationship, and how difficult it is to part with one's parents when they die; congratulates Elizabeth on the birth of her daughter Georgiana; and tells her news about various family members and friends. [Transcription]
  • 5 September 1849. To Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch in Tarboro, North Carolina. She tells Elizabeth news about various family members and friends; mentions a visit from Anne Abbot, and talks about the death of Anne's sister Elizabeth; reminisces about past times together; and thanks her for sending pictures of her children. [Transcription]
  • 20 February 1897. To Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch in Tarboro, North Carolina. She talks about "the wedding" (between Elizabeth's son Frederick Darlington Bowditch and Helen Louise Tryon), and tells Elizabeth news about various family members and friends. [Transcription]
  • Undated. To Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch in Tarboro, North Carolina. These are two Christmas cards, in an undated envelope without a stamp or postmark. Neither card includes any handwriting. [Transcription]