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1770.03.30 — Bill of sale for Cesar, March 30, 1770
In this short bill of sale, William Williams of Massachusetts Bay sells an 18-year-old enslaved Black man named Cesar to Charles Phelps Jr. of Hadley. Williams charges Sixty-Five Pounds Thirteen Shillings & four pence for the sale. He specifies that…
1807.01.12 — Indenture document for Henry Fraser, January 12, 1807
Henry Frasier is signing off his son Robert Frasier to work as a servant to Charles Phelps Junior. Henry hopes Robert will be mentored and taught how to run a successful farmstead while also being compensated for the agreed amount of $100 and two…
1744.08.15 — Indenture document for Timothy Buggy, August 15, 1744
The first part of the document has Oliver, Warham, and Eliakim Smith assert their legal legitimacy as the “select men and overseers” representatives of the “poor” people who sign themselves into indentured servitude in Hadley, Massachusetts. The next…
1798.09.05 — Promissory note for Charles Phelps, September 9, 1798
This promissory note from September 1798 certifies that Charles Phelps paid a three dollar tax on his chaise, a two wheel carriage pulled by one horse. Abel Whitney, the Collector of Revenue, is stating that Charles Phelps’ duty was to be paid off by…
1745.07.29 — Bill of Sale for Zebulon Prutt, July 29, 1745
This document, dated July 29, 1745, is a bill of sale between Jerusha Chauncey of Hadley and Moses Porter of Hadley. Chauncey has agreed to sell his African- American slave, Zeb, who is approximately fourteen years old, to Porter, in return for 150…
1834.12.02 - Mary Huntington to Elizabeth W. P. Huntington, Dec 2, 1834
Mary tells her mother of Mr. Merrick’s sermon upon his arrival to town. He spent more than an hour to indicate the character of God and denies the doctrine of original sin. Mr. Merrick says he is an abolitionist. Mary is pleased with him and thinks…
1832.05.12 - Mary Huntington to Elizabeth W. P. Huntington, May 12, 1832
In this letter from Mary Huntington to Elizabeth Phelps Huntington, she updates her mother on her rooming situation and the internal struggle she’s been experiencing as a result of homesickness. Mary is staying with a friend temporarily while her…
1840.04.21 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, April 21st, 1840
Elizabeth begins with apologies for not writing sooner, and thanks for Frederic's attentions through her sickness. Letter discusses Frederic's missionary work visiting prisoners, ferry transportation to Northampton now that the bridge is out, rules…
1842.06.08 - Elizabeth Huntington to Edward Huntington, June 8th, 1842
Elizabeth starts off her letter to Edward by saying that Edward’s brother Frederic has just surprised them by showing up to the house and is taking a nap on the couch. She then discusses how the people of Hadley talk to much, and this causes…
1844.06.02 - Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, Jun 2nd, 1844
The letter is from Elizabeth to her son describing her trip to visit his sister and her respective family. The mother begins with her trip and gives some specific details about the visit. She says that the family hopes to move to Oswego while some of…