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Minerva Padden Donovan, Hull's Cross Roads, Oswego Co., New York, to James W. Beekman, the son of her former employer, New York City, 4 March 1846
Luaigh an doiciméad seo Amharcóir IIIF
Bailiúchán Padden Donovan Letters
Title Minerva Padden Donovan, Hull's Cross Roads, Oswego Co., New York, to James W. Beekman, the son of her former employer, New York City, 4 March 1846
Description Excellent letter, showing another side ofthe pre-Famine Irish farmer's experience. Minerva Padden immigrated from Ireland (place of origin unknown) to New York in 1834. In 1834-36 she worked as a servant in the wealthy Beekman household in New York City. In 1836 she married an illiterate Irish Catholic laborer, Timothy Donovan, and they moved to Hannibal township, Oswego Co., New York, where they purchased SO acres. After seven years, they were evicted, allegedly because their title was faulty. They then purchased 11 acres for $77 at Hull's Crossroads, Oswego Co., where they and their children now live in a small log house. However, they had to sell their only cow to make the $11 down payment, and, although her husband is "steady" and sober, now they are having great difficulties in meeting their annual payments. Her letter is dignified but deferential, and she begs the Beekmans for assistance (James W. Beekman is the son of her former mistress, now deceased.)
Date 04/03/1846
Date Issued 27/03/2023
Cineál Acmhainne Text
Archival Record Id p155/26/3
Publisher University of Galway
Extent 5pp
Topic Padden Donovan Letters
Geographic Oswego (county),New York (city),New York (state),United States
Temporal Nineteenth century,Eighteen forties
Genre Transcript,Reproduction
Note Transcript, title and description by Professor Kerby Miller.
Creator / Author Name Minerva Padden Donovan