Evelyn Barber Metcalf Brewster papers

Collection – Multiple Containers

Identifier: MS-0092

Staff Only

Collection Overview

Abstract

Included in the collection are correspondence, genealogies, maps, books, pamphlets, ledgers, newspapers, broadsides, postcards, and photographs dating from 1827 to 1969. These records mainly document the lives of the Metcalf family members and various aspects of the history of Findlay, Ohio. The collection consists of 4.14 cubic feet of shelved material.

Dates

Creation: September 3, 1827-1969

Extent

4.14 Cubic Feet (9 legal archive boxes)

Creator

Brewster, Evelyn Barber Metcalf, 1899-1979 (Person)

Scope and Contents

The Evelyn Barber Metcalf Brewster Papers, 1827-1969, mainly document the lives of several Metcalf family members. While there is little information about Mrs. Brewster herself, there is substantial material on her father, Clarendon B. Metcalf. The material is arranged by the type of document (diaries, correspondence), and each document type is divided further into specific groupings such as Clarendon B. Metcalf's correspondence. All of the maps, broadsides, pamphlets, books, and newspapers have been removed from the collection and placed into their respective areas of the Center's main holdings.

Two diaries written by Abigail Jones (1844-1848, 1854-1863) relate daily activities while Abigail lived in Sandusky County and later while residing in Findlay, Ohio. Scrapbooks mainly of news clippings provide information on the Hurd and Metcalf families. The major part of the correspondence consists of letters written to Clarendon B. Metcalf. Most of these letters are from Clarendon's mother, Lucinda August Capell, in which she describes daily life in Jersey, Ohio, (Licking County) from 1885 to 1890. The remaining letters to Clarendon are from his father (John Barber Metcalf), his brothers, several cousins, and acquaintances.

Following Clarendon's correspondence are letters addressed to Clarendon's mother and others to his wife, Evalina Hurd Metcalf. Evalina's letters precede the correspondence addressed to Evelyn Metcalf Brewster; Evelyn's letters are the second largest series of correspondence in the collection. Evelyn's letters are from her mother, grandmother, cousins, and acquaintances and date from 1895 to 1900. The remaining correspondence, from several different family members, relates information on family activities in New York, Kansas, Oregon, Michigan, and areas of Ohio.

Arranged after the correspondence are items of a diverse nature. Applications to the Daughters of the American Revolution and the extensive genealogical research conducted by Mrs. Brewster comprise the largest section of the remaining material. Also included are notes on Findlay's history, many wedding invitations and announcements, two unidentified account ledgers, a few legal papers, poems, and the family Bible. The Bible also has information included on Metcalf genealogy.

Biographical / Historical

Evelyn Barber Metcalf Brewster was born on February 3, 1889, in Findlay, Ohio. Her father, Clarendon Barber Metcalf, was Findlay's mayor, Hancock County's auditor, and the Superintendent of Findlay's No. 9 School. Evalina Hurd Metcalf, Evelyn's mother, was employed as the principal of the No. 9 School. The entire family maintained residence in Findlay throughout their lives. In 1943 Evelyn married Kingsley Parks Brewster; the couple had no children. Mrs. Brewster died on March 18, 1979.

Mrs. Brewster was educated at the College of Young Girls and Women in Roanoke, Virginia. In the 1920s she became Hancock County's first woman auditor. Later she was employed as the county's school census taker. Mrs. Brewster belonged to the First Presbyterian Church of Findlay, the Shakespeare Club, and the Daughters of the American Revolution of which she was a member for over fifty years. Both Mrs. Brewster and her mother were amateur historians and antiquarians; they spent much of their lives working on family genealogy. Through her membership in the DAR and her interest in history, Mrs. Brewster was instrumental in preserving David Metcalf's house located in Dedham, Massachusetts. This house has been noted for its unique architecture and historical significance. Family genealogies are located within the collection.

Conditions Governing Access

No known access restriction.

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers using this collection assume full responsibility for conforming to the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright, and are responsible for securing permissions necessary for publication or reproduction.

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Separated Materials

All photographs, maps, newspapers, postcards, pamphlets, books, and broadsides have been removed from the collection and placed into their respective areas of the Center's main holdings.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The Evelyn Barber Metcalf Brewster Papers were donated to the Center for Archival Collections on May 1, 1979. As per the Manuscript Deed of Gift Agreement, the donor will remain anonymous.