Samuel Eddy Barrett-Barrett Family Papers
Scope and Content of the Collection
Letters written by Samuel Eddy Barrett to his wife Alice Barrett while travelling throughout the Far East. Also one letter addressed to Zechariah Eddy from Barrett's father Samuel Barrett regarding the death of Eddy's brother; and letters to Barrett's daughter Adela Barrett pertaining to an inheritance and property.
While the purpose of Barrett's visit to the Far East in unclear, the letters to wife Alice from Japan, China, India, and Indonesia are colored with descriptions of architecture and gardens, markets, and luxury goods. Many of the letters were written while at sea and describe fellow travelers and social interactions.
Dates
- Creation: 1829-1948
Creator
- Barrett, Samuel Eddy, 1834-1912 (Person)
Language
Materials are in English.
Conditions Governing Access
The Samuel Eddy Barrett-Barrett Family Papers are open for research in the Special Collections Reading Room; 1 box at a time (Priority III).
Ownership and Literary Rights
The Samuel Eddy Barrett-Barrett Family Papers are the physical property of the Newberry Library. Copyright may belong to the authors or their legal heirs or assigns. For permission to publish or reproduce any materials from this collection, contact the Roger and Julie Baskes Department of Special Collections.
Biography of Samuel Eddy Barrett
Chicago industrialist, head of Barrett Manufacturing Company, and a Major in the Civil War.
Samuel Eddy Barrett was born in Boston, Massachusetts on May 16, 1834 to parents Samuel and Ann Juliet Eddy Barrett. After school, Barrett came west to Chicago and founded the manufacturing firm of Barrett, Powell & Arnold in 1857. In 1859, he reorganized the business under the name S. E. Barrett: Manufacturing Company. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted as a private volunteer soldier in Company B, First Regiment Illinois Volunteer Artillery. Through the recommendation of General Sherman, he was commissioned major of his regiment in 1863.
Upon Barrett's return to Chicago in 1864, and until his retirement in 1903, he resumed charge of his business. S. E. Barrett Manufacturing Company became the Barrett Manufacturing Company in 1896, dealing primarily in roofing materials. In 1903 Barrett was appointed head of the executive board of American Coal Products Company.
Barrett married Alice D. Brush of Cleveland, Ohio, on May 20, 1868. They had six children: Robert, Adela, Juliet, John Wisner, Alice (who later married Arnold Scudder), and Winnifred. Barrett died in 1912.
Extent
0.1 Linear Feet (1 folder)
Abstract
Letters written by Samuel Eddy Barrett to his wife Alice Barrett while travelling throughout the Far East; one letter addressed to Zechariah Eddy from Barrett's father Samuel Barrett regarding the death of Eddy's brother; letters to Barrett's daughter Adela Barrett pertaining to an inheritance and property.
Arrangement
Materials arranged chronologically.
Collection Stack Location
1 1 2
Provenance
Gift, Barrett Scudder, undated.
Processed by
Lisa Janssen, 2010.
Acknowledgements
This inventory was created with the generous support of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this inventory do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Subject
- Barrett family (Family)
- Barrett, Samuel Eddy, 1834-1912 -- Family (Person)
- Title
- Inventory of the Samuel Eddy Barrett-Barrett Family Papers, 1829-1948
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Lisa Janssen
- Date
- ©2010.
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Revision Statements
- 8/16/2011: Revisions, additions, and updates were made.
Repository Details
Part of the The Newberry Library - Modern Manuscripts and Archives Repository
60 West Walton Street
Chicago Illinois 60610 United States
312-255-3512
reference@newberry.org