Center for Archival Collections

Introduction | Biographical Sketch | Scope and Content | Inventory

 Introduction

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. 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 three and one-half linear feet of shelved material. 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. All literary rights have been granted to the public for the purpose of scholarly historical and personal research. Marcia Sommerfeld, Graduate Assistant, Department of History, processed the collection and drafted the register.

 Biographical Sketch

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.

 Scope and Content

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.

 Inventory

Box 1

1. Mrs. Abigail Jones' diary, June 28, 1844-March 31, 1848
2. Letter taken from Mrs. Abigail Jones' diary, June 28, 1844-March 31, 1848
3. Mrs. Abigail Jones' diary (end of diary is the Samuel Sizer Family history and a theology discussion), May 1, 1854-August 5, 1863
4. Papers from Mrs. Abigail Jones' diary, May 1, 1854-August 5, 1863
5. Arthur B. Hurd's scrapbook (poems and stories), March 1868-April 1869
6. The Ideal Scrapbook (obituaries, wedding announcements, speeches, and presentations), 1895- 1935
7. Newspaper articles and wedding announcements taken from The Ideal Scrapbook, n.d.
8. Obituaries and articles about C. B. Metcalf taken from The Ideal scrapbook, n.d.
9. Abigail Jones' scrapbook, Findlay, January 1860
10. Correspondence taken from Abigail S. Jones' scrapbook:
    letter from E. P. Jones, July 16, 1837
    letter from R. B. Hurd to George S. Mosher, March 16, 1904
11. Miscellaneous poems taken from Abigail S. Jones' scrapbook, January 1860

Box 2: Correspondence to Clarendon B. Metcalf

1. Correspondence from Lucinda Augusta Capell Metcalf (mother), (8 items), January-June, 1885
2. Correspondence from Lucinda Metcalf, (13 items), July-December 1885
3. Correspondence from Lucinda Metcalf, (15 items), January-May 1886
4. Correspondence from Lucinda Metcalf, (9 items), June-November 1886
5. Correspondence from Lucinda Metcalf, (11 items), April-December 1887
6. Correspondence from Lucinda Metcalf, (11 items), January-June 1888
7. Correspondence from Lucinda Metcalf, (8 items), July-December 1888
8. Correspondence from Lucinda Metcalf, (8 items), January-June 1889
9. Correspondence from Lucinda Metcalf, (9 items), July-December 1889
10. Correspondence from Lucinda Metcalf, (4 items), January-March 1890
11. Correspondence from Lucinda Metcalf, n.d.
12. Correspondence from Lucinda Metcalf, (congratulations on birth of daughter Evelyn), February 8, 1889
13. Correspondence from John Barber Metcalf (father), (10 items), April 18, 1890-September 8, 1893 (scattered)
14. Correspondence from John Barber Metcalf, (9 items), January 3, 1895-October 23, 1904 (scattered)
15. Genealogy from John B. Metcalf, on the Metcalf/Barber family, n.d.
16. Correspondence from Oliver A. Metcalf (brother), (3 items), December 10, 1885-September 15, 1907 (scattered)
17. Telegram from Oliver A. Metcalf about their father's death, June 27, 1905
18. Correspondence from Frank Metcalf (brother), about their brother Seneca's death, October 31, 1912
19. Correspondence from Eliah B. Metcalf (brother), September 30, 1892
20. Correspondence from Seneca and Rachel Metcalf (brother and his wife), November 28, ?
21. Correspondence from "Aunt Mary", January 30, 1875
22. Correspondence from "Cousin Alice" (3 items), April 10, 1899-January 24, 1903
23. Correspondence from "Cousin" Lalla Courtney Metcalf, January 4, 1905
24. Correspondence from "Cousin" Sophie Metcalf, January 6, April 13, 1891
25. Correspondence form "Niece Birdie", October 9, 1904
26. Correspondence from M. A. Muzzy, (3 items), December 12, 1883-February 27, 1891
27. Correspondence from C. L. Hurd, January 3, 1911
28. Correspondence from Mary Hartwell Catherwood, February 2, 1902
29. Correspondence from Bethea and J. B. Williams, August 1, 1894
30. Correspondence from Richard Conine, August 19, 1897
31. Correspondence from George H. Jones, August 31, 1899
32. Correspondence from various acquaintances:
    Pastor, Presbyterian Church, Jersey, Ohio, May 5, 1879
    C. B. Metcalf, Massachusetts, August 5, 1885
    S. Freeman, Wooster, Ohio, February 11, 1886
    M. S. White, Oakfield, April 20, 1890
    F. B. Entrikin, Cincinnati, Ohio, November 24, 1891
    John Montgomery, Pastor, Findlay, September 18, 1903
33. Correspondence, unidentified sender and incomplete letter (father?), December 10, 1898
34. Correspondence from Rachel Metcalf to her mother, September 16, October 28, 1885
35. Correspondence from Ed W. Metcalf to his mother, March 1, April 17, May 24, June 30, 1889
36. Correspondence to Evalina Hurd Metcalf from Hannah F. Hurd (mother), June 11, August 12, 1865
37. Correspondence to Evalina Hurd Metcalf from "Aunt Mellie", June 13, 1865
38. Correspondence to Evalina Hurd Metcalf from Bertha Lulu Jones, March 30, 1908
39. Correspondence to Evalina Hurd Metcalf from William L. David, Capt. Co. A, 2nd Regt., May 19, 1904
40. Correspondence to Evalina Hurd Metcalf from Mary B. Watson, November 24, 1908
41. Correspondence to Evalina Hurd Metcalf from Mr. & Mrs. Pelton to Clara Hurd, April 4, 1908
42. Correspondence to Evalina Hurd Metcalf from Clarendon B. Metcalf, May 25, 1923; June 1, 20, 1924
43. Correspondence from Clarendon B. Metcalf to Evelyn B. Metcalf, (11 items), January, 1895-May 3, 1925 (scattered)
44. Correspondence from Evalina Hurd Metcalf to Evelyn B. Metcalf, (4 items), February 20, March 1, 1896, n.d.
45. Correspondence from Hannah F. Hurd to Evelyn B. Metcalf, September 13, (1894?)
46. Correspondence from Laura Beitler (cousin) to Evelyn B. Metcalf, (4 items), 1895-1900, n.d.
47. Correspondence from Alice Metcalf to Evelyn B. Metcalf, December 30, 1899; December 29, 1900
48. Correspondence from various acquaintances:
    Adella Wright, January 3, 1893
    Olive Beitler, June 6, 1897
    Francis (?), December 23, 1901
    Julia Hopkins, September 6, 1902
    Martha, n.d.
    Anne Cormell Priddy, November 13, [?]
    Mrs. Van Fleck, n.d.
    Unknown, n.d.
    
49. Correspondence from Evelyn Metcalf to Emma Galloway (friend), (3 items), 1896-1899
50. Correspondence from Hannah F. Jones to her brother George H. Jones, January 21, 1849
51. Correspondence from Hannah F. Jones to Maria, May 20, 1846
52. Correspondence from Abigail Jones to Lucinda and Hannah Jones, August 19, December 29, 1845
53. Correspondence from Elizabeth Jones to Hannah Jones (sister), August 22, 1845; February 11, 1848

Box 3

1. Correspondence from Maria L. Follett to Hannah Jones (sister), December 2, 1869; January 13, 1870; November 29, 1898
2. Correspondence from Mary L. Gray to Hannah Jones (grandmother), March 10, 1852
3. Correspondence from John Gray, E. P. And George H. Jones to Abigail and Hannah Jones, January 15, 1852
4. Correspondence from John Gray to Abigail Jones and family, November 20, 1843
5. Correspondence from Elizabeth Jones to Lucinda M. Jones, February 11, 1848, July 29, [?]
6. Correspondence from E. P. Jones to Lucinda M. Jones (sister), December 8, 1844
7. Correspondence from George H. Jones to Lucinda M. Jones (sister), July 20, 1845
8. Correspondence from John Gray to Maria L. Follett (sister), August 22, 1889
9. Correspondence from George H. Jones to Maria L. Follett (sister), November 13, 1898
10. Correspondence from Mary S. Jones to Maria L. Follett (sister), n.d.
11. Correspondence form George H. Jones to Brooks Hurd (brother), (16 items), 1895-1897 (scattered)
12. Correspondence from Elizabeth and C. M. Watson to Aunt Fanny Jones, December 24, 1848
13. Correspondence from "Cousin Mame" to her "cousin", August 26, 1903
14. Correspondence from Samuel Lockwen to J. W. Schermerhorn (letter of introduction for C. B. Metcalf), July 17, 1875
15. Correspondence from Arthur I. Newrsy [?] to Aunt Niu [?], September 16, 1885
16. Correspondence
    addressed to "Mother", December 7, 1887
    addresses to "sister", May 8, 1888
    
17. Correspondence from Helen Thomas Fowler to Dr. George C. Mosher about a Revolutionary War marker, May 2, 1928
18. Correspondence to Mrs. Kingsley Brewster on genealogy, and related matters, 1962, 1968
19. Envelope addressed to Lucinda M. Jones, [June 3,?]
20. Miscellaneous correspondence, 1887-n.d.
21. Birthday notes to Eva M. Hurd, 1878?
22. Copartnership agreement between E. P. Jones and George H. Jones, November 1857
23. Telegrams for the E. P. Jones and George H. Jones Company, May 19, 1897
24. Claims for vouchers and cash remittances for the estate of E. P. Jones, 1858, 1859, 1861
25. Miscellaneous schedules and summaries for the E. P. Jones and George H. Jones Company, 1859, 1861
26. Condition of the Account of Collections and Payments of the Commission Script. E. P. Jones and George H. Jones Company, 1864
27. Schedules of Oregon and Washington Indian War Claims filed by E. P. Jones and Co., 1855-1856
28. Schedules of Oregon and Washington Indian War Claims by E. P. Jones and George H. Jones and Co., March 21, 1861
29. Articles of Agreement for dissolution of partnership between R. B. Hurd, C. Church, and A. Cruminin, October 18, 1863
30. Warranty deed from John H. Decker and Anna C. Decker to C. B. Metcalf, April 22, 1887
31. C. B. Metcalf's account book (Jersey, Ohio, Licking County). Includes medicinal recipes, 1872-1874
32. Robert Hurd Estate Account Book, 1861, 1866
33. Family certificates and membership awards, 1878-1970, n.d. (scattered)
34. Clarendon B. Metcalf, Mayor. Speech to Findlay College, December 13, 1904; Speech to Ohio State School Convention, June 3, 1902
35. C. B. Metcalf's Certificate of Stock in Sheep Mountain Tunnel and Mining Co., January 30, 1893
36. Information on the No. 9 school--listing assistant teachers, n.d.

Box 4

1. Postcard correspondence, 1913-1969
2. Clarendon B. Metcalf's genealogical information
3. Miscellaneous papers giving genealogical information on marriages and births
4. Application to the Daughters of the American Revolution, by Clara Hurd, descendant of Ebenezer Pelton, 1896-1897
5. Application to the Daughters of the American Revolution by Clara Hurd, descendant of Crippen Hurd, 1903
6. Genealogy and application to the Daughters of the American Revolution by Evelyn Barber Metcalf Brewster, descendant of John Metcalf, n.d.
7. Genealogy and application to the Daughters of the American Revolution by Evelyn Barber Metcalf Brewster, descendant of George Barber, n.d.
8. Genealogy and application to the Daughters of the American Revolution by Evelyn Barber Metcalf Brewster, descendant of Thomas Jones, n.d.
9. Application and Acceptance into the Daughters of the American Revolution for Evalina Maria Hurd Metcalf, 1896-1897
10. Application to the Daughters of the American Revolution by Evelyn Barber Metcalf Brewster, descendant of John Capell, n.d.
11. Genealogy and application to the Daughters of the American Revolution by Evelyn Barber Metcalf Brewster, descendant of Ebenezer Pelton, n.d.
12. Genealogy and application to the Daughters of the American Revolution by Evelyn Barber Metcalf Brewster, descendant of Sergeant Peleg Havens, n.d.
13. Correspondence and genealogy on the Havens-Capell line in the Brewster family, 1932-1965 (scattered)
14. Phrenological character of Clarendon B. Metcalf given at Fowler and Wells' Phrenological Cabinet, August 7, 1875
15. Wedding announcements:
    Mary Hurd and A. A. Cannon, November 20, 1884
    Leathie May Woodruff and Judson Mahon, April 17, 1889
    Mary Smith Pride and George Hosmer Jones, June 28, 1894
16. Calling cards and invitations, 1833-1889, n.d.
17. Invitations to receptions of the Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio, May 12, 1875, April 27, 1885
18. Wedding invitations:
    Ella C. Pelton and George F. Houlison, November 15, 1885?
    Mary C. Converse and George P. Follett, November 18, 1879
    Eva Hurd to Clarendon B. Metcalf, August 16, 1887
    Jennie Claypool to S. A. Caldwell, September 3, 1874
    Huldah Hurd and Newton F. Hardman, May 10, 1880
19. Invitation and announcement for Dr. George C. Mosher and Ida Beagle, January 1, 1883, January 1, 1887
20. Wedding service and certificate book for Kingsley Parks Brewster and Evelyn Barber Metcalf, June 20, 1943
21. Marriage certificate for Brewster/Metcalf marriage, June 20, 1943
22. Graduation announcement for Laura Beitler from Denison University, Granville, Ohio, 1907
23. Happy New Year postcard from Harlow V. Knight to Clara Hurd, December 29, 1910

Box 5

1. Marriage records: Pelton, Jones, Follett
2. Death certificates for Brooks Hurd, Frances Hannah Hurd (1952) and Evalina Hurd Metcalf (1937)
3. Bible Class announcement, C. B. Metcalf, teacher, n.d.
4. War ration books, 1942
5. Genealogy of Henry and Edward Adams
6. Genealogy of George Barber
7. Genealogy of the Brainerd Family
8. Genealogy of John Breck
9. Genealogy of Joseph Clark
10. History of Henry Hemry and family, will of John Hemry, Sr., September 3, 1827
11. Genealogy of John Hill
12. Genealogy of Hurd Family
13. Genealogy of John Jones
14. Genealogy of William Jones
15. Genealogy of John Metcalf
16. Genealogy of Captain Joseph Morse
17. Genealogy of Pelton Family
18. Genealogy of James Penniman
19. Genealogy of Perkins/Palfrey Family
20. Genealogy of John Richardson
21. Genealogy of Whitney Family
22. Genealogy of Nicholas Wood
23. "Immigrant Ancestors"
24. Graves of Revolutionary Soldiers in Hancock County
25. Mrs. K. P. Brewster's Genealogical Work done for the Revolutionary Soldiers buried in Hancock County
26. Miscellaneous genealogical information
27. Work done on Tombstone Inscriptions and Cemetery Records in Hancock County, 1952-1958
28. Catalog of school material sent to Ohio State University by Mrs. Brewster, 1965
29. Findlay Public Library--petition, constitution, by-laws, opening announcement, 1885-1890
30. Notes on Findlay history
31. Short histories of Findlay's buildings
32. Settlement and early development of Findlay
33. Memorandum on Ft. Findlay and early history of Findlay, 1899
34. Findlay Courthouse:
    laying the cornerstone, August 1886
    dedication, October 1888
35. Veteran Tippecanoe Club meeting minutes, September 19, 1888

Box 6

1. Veteran Tippecanoe Club--preamble, constitution, by-laws, and member listing, n.d.
2. J. F. Burkett, Attorney, case record, 1857-1863
3. Fifteenth Annual Commencement Program--Findlay Union High School, May 27, 1887
4. Souvenir album of Findlay, Ohio--The Home of Natural Gas and Oil, 1887
5. Michael Metcalf's house in Dedham, Massachusetts
6. Handwritten poems:
   "The Indian Philosopher", March 2, 1844
   "The Bridesmaid", n.d.
   Untitled, n.d.
   "A Declaration of Love and The Bird, December 16, 1840
   "At Sea", n.d.
7. Columbus, Findlay, and Northern Railroad Company subscription list, 1888-1890
8. Fremont and Indiana Railroad stocks issued to R. B. Hurd, June 1855
9. Toledo, Columbus and Southern Railway, April 1885 and 1888
10. Toledo and Indianapolis Railway, 1882-1885
11. Miscellaneous speeches, n.d.
12. Newspaper article on George Harrison's visit to Ohio, n.d.
13. Newspaper article and card discussing Mrs. Brewster's 50 years of service to D.A.R.
14. Miscellaneous newspaper clippings, n.d.
15. Account ledger, Findlay, Ohio, 1895-1898
16. Account ledger, Findlay, Ohio, 1900 (missing pages)

Box 7

1. The Family Bible

Box 8: Photographs

1. Family portrait album, ambrotype & daguerreotype, 1840s-1880s
2. Family photograph album, circa 1890-1967
3. Portrait, Cordelia Hurd, n.d.
4. Evalina Hurd Metcalf photos (including women’s club), circa 1880-1921
5. Evalina Hurd Metcalf portraits, circa 1880-1933
6. Evelyn Metcalf Brewster portraits, circa 1889-1920
7. Evelyn Metcalf Brewster photos, 1889-1909
8. Hurd Family photos, n.d.
9. Metcalf home, 221 W. Hardin, Findlay, Ohio, 1927-1961
10. Clarendon B. Metcalf portraits, circa 1870-1920
11. Maria Follett portrait, n.d.

Box 9: Photographs

Folders

1. Unidentified portraits, n.d.
2. Unidentified portraits, n.d.
3. Unidentified portraits, n.d.
4. Unidentified portraits, n.d.
5. Unidentified people and places, circa 1900-1981
6. Unidentified houses, including one cyanotype, n.d.
7. First Presbyterian Church, Findlay, Ohio, circa 1900
8. Home and Hospital, Findlay, Ohio, building and staff, circa 1910
9. Findlay industry and construction, 1880s-1903
10. Dreitzler Family portraits, 1907, n.d.
11. Horse-drawn carriage, Labor Day Parade, 1902
12. Kingsley Brewster’s granddaughter, 1966
13. Girl with two dogs, unidentified, n.d.
14. Military (World War I) groups, circa 1915-1918
15. Metcalf Family members, n.d.
16. Laura Beitler Markle, n.d.
17. Belle Redich, circa 1870
18. John Halliday, circa 1880
19. Richard Firmin, 1908, n.d.
20. Amanda Carlin Donder, carte-de-visite (shows knitting) circa 1870
21. Hancock County Courthouse, circa 1888-1889, n.d.
22. Schools (number 9 school), Findlay, circa 1890
23. John Metcalf tombstone at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 1957
24. Early railroad engine, the Squire Carlin, at Bluffton, n.d.
25. Phoenix Hotel Fire, Findlay, Ohio, 1909
26. Stereograph card of University Hall, Ohio State University when it was known as the Agricultural and Mechanical College, circa 1873-1878
27. Findlay, Ohio floods, 1902, 1913
28. Street improvements, paving, Findlay, Ohio, circa 1910
29. President McKinley, Findlay, Ohio, September 1901
30. Bryn Dhu, home of cousin, Mr. Jones, in Grenville, Ohio n.d.
31. Unidentified tintype portraits, circa 1880s

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