Erastus Hodges Collection
Collection
Identifier: MG-358
This collection represents the remaining papers and effects of Erastus Hodges, his children, remaining family and business partners in the form of photocopies. The collection was assembled by Theodore B. Hodges, Erastus's great-great grandson. The collection was then used to write his book on behalf of the NAWCC. The book, titled "Erastus Hodges," remains in the collection of the NAWCC library and is a look into the life of early clock merchants in America. The collection contains photocopies of ledgers, receipts, and letters concerning both business and family matters. The businesses of the Hodges that are covered include their clock business, cheese, base metals, and other mercantile pursuits.
Dates
- circa 1990s
Creator
- Hodges, Theodore B. (Person)
Language of Materials
English
Conditions Governing Use
These records are open to researchers for personal or scholarly research. Most of the records in the collection are available for photocopy, depending on the preservation needs of the material as well as other variables not specified here. Researchers, however, are responsible for obtaining copyright permission to use materials and documents. These records are part of the permanent collection in the archives of the Library & Research Center of the National Watch and Clock Museum and researchers are required to comply with the Archive Rules when using the collection.
Extent
1.5 Linear Feet (3 boxes)
Biographical / Historical
Erastus Hodges was a merchant living in the town of Torrington, Connecticut from his birth in 1781 until his death in 1847. Mr. Hodges engaged in many economic activities during his lifetime including but not limited to manufacturing, distribution of cheese, clocks, and base metals as well as other mercantile activities. He was preceded by Dr. Elkanah Hodges and had four brothers and two sisters. He was married in 1809 to Laura Loomis and again after her death in 1839 to Sila Bissel. He had six children all to his first wif between the years 1810 to 1827.
Biographical / Historical
Theodore B. Hodges was a descendent of Erastus Hodges. He has a Ph.D in history from Columbia University.
Arrangement
This collection is arranged into three series, with Series II having two subseries.
- Series I: Receipts, Contracts, & Inventories
- Series II: Correspondence
- Subseries a: Family Correspondence
- Subseries b: Other Correspondence
- Series III: Cheese
Creator
Theodore B. Hodges
Processing Information
This collection was processed and partially described before May 2016. During the Summer of 2016, the collection was revisited and the archival description was expanded. It is unclear if the order of the collection present at the time of the revision accurately reflected the original order. The order in which the collection was found in 2016 has been maintained as it is presented here.
Creator
- Hodges, Theodore B. (Person)
- Status
- in_progress
- Author
- Kate Van Riper; Archivist. Unknown author of the Erastus Hodges biography
- Date
- Summer 2016
- Description rules
- dacs
Repository Details
Part of the NAWCC Library and Research Center Archives Repository