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Minerva P. Donovan, Hull's Cross Roads, New York, to James w. Beekman, Oswego County, New York City, 29 April 1846
Luaigh an doiciméad seo Amharcóir IIIF
Bailiúchán Padden Donovan Letters
Title Minerva P. Donovan, Hull's Cross Roads, New York, to James w. Beekman, Oswego County, New York City, 29 April 1846
Description Excellent letter, especially on the perils faced by poor squatters and on a poor farmer's economy, very close to the subsistence level. Minerva Donovan tells more about how they purchased and lost their first farm in Hannibal township. Their farm was located in one of the ''Military Lots," the ownership of which was mired in legal confusion and uncertainty; apparently, the Donovans bought their SO acres from a previous squatter. The man who claimed ownership and evicted them was Cornelius Winekoop of Saugerties, NY; he intimidated them into leaving without protest or compensation by threatening to charge them rent for the seven years they lived there. Minerva and her husband are resigned to their loss, but they have bought a new cow for $18, and express gratitude to the Beekmans and hope for the future. Their payments for the new farm will be paid to the wealthy reformer and abolitionist, Gerrit Smith of New York City.
Date 29/04/1846
Date Issued 27/03/2023
Cineál Acmhainne Text
Archival Record Id p155/26/3
Publisher University of Galway
Extent 3pp
Topic Padden Donovan Letters
Geographic Oswego (county),New York (city),New York (state),United States
Temporal Nineteenth century,Eighteen forties
Genre Transcript,Reproduction
Note Title and description by Professor Kerby Miller. Citation for letter transcript from a published source: White, P.L. ed., (April 1967) "An Irish Immigrant Housewife on the New York Frontier," New York History, 48, no. 2, pp. 182-188.
Creator / Author Name Minerva P. Donovan