Sangster family collection
Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: S1954
Scope and Contents
Collection S1954 is composed of photocopies of 72 items, most of which are letters between
members of the Sangster family and families into which it had married. Families include Sangster,
Willis, Norris, Bryce, Shirk, and Walls. Family matters (e.g., weddings, illnesses, and births)
and family business affairs (e.g., applying for a school board salary increase, applying for a
widow's pension, applying for a veteran's pension) provide the majority of subjects. Letters of
special note include one identified as a political letter (1848, Nov. 22), a letter of Lucinda Bryce
describing the burning of her Henderson (Ky.?) home by troops in 1863, a letter making reference
to both Lincoln soldiers and Rebel soldiers (also from Henderson, 1863, Feb. 6), and a letter
mentioning the enrollment of men and the poor status of slaves (1864, Mar. 29). Also of note are
two poems (ca. 1845, Jan. 6, and n.d.) and a list of the original officers and members of Company
K, 97th Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry (identified as "David Shirk military paper" and
found among the undated items).
The items which bear dates are dated from November 2, 1839, to July 7, 1942. Explanatory notes
are attached to most items, giving a quick survey of topics covered and the correspondents
involved. A letter from Edward A. Claypool (1903, May 23) offers help in tracing the genealogy
of the Claypool family (connected to the Sangsters in part, perhaps, through Mary Claypool Shirk
of Covington, Indiana).
Dates
- 1839-1942
Creator
- Sangster family (Family)
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
Legal title, copyright, and literary rights reside with Rare Books and Manuscripts, Indiana State Library, Indianapolis, IN. All requests to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted to Rare Books and Manuscripts.
Biographical Note
Marie Norris Sangster was born in 1795. Marie was married to George Sangster, who died on
May 10, 1873, at the age of 84. Marie and George Sangster had four children: Tom Sangster,
William Sangster, Hattie Shirk, and Lucy Sangster Willis. Marie Sangster, who lived in Bellville
for many years, had at least two sisters: Harriet A. Norris at Covington, Indiana, and Lucinda
Norris Bryce, who lived at Lafayette, among other places. She died on May 8, 1875.
Extent
0.02 Cubic Feet (2 folders)
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
This collection is arranged chronologically.
Custodial History
This collection was received by Rare Books and Manuscripts as a donation.
Accruals
No further additions are expected.
Processing Information
Collection processing completed in 1999 by Philip N. Williams. EAD finding aid created 2018/06/07 by Lauren Patton. EAD finding aid updated 2023/07/28.
Creator
- Sangster family (Family)
- Sangster, George (Person)
- Title
- Sangster family collection
- Status
- Completed
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
Repository Details
Part of the Rare Books and Manuscripts Repository
Contact:
140 North Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 U.S.A.
317-232-3671
140 North Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 U.S.A.
317-232-3671
