1829-1876
Guide to the Collection
Abstract
This collection consists primarily of diaries and commonplace-books of Hinkley Locomotive Works treasurer and Boston, Mass. native Daniel Franklin Child, his wife Mary Davis (Guild) Child, and other Child family members.
Biographical Sketch
Daniel Franklin Child was born in West Roxbury, Mass. on 10 May 1803, the son of Daniel and Rebecca (Richards) Child. On 14 November 1839, he married Mary Davis Guild, with whom he had five children: Mary Louisa Everett Child (1841-1920), Franklin David Child (1842-1905), George Frederick Child (1844-1933), Samuel Guild Child (1849-1895), and Sophia Child (1853-1918). Mary D. Child died in 1861.
Daniel F. Child was the treasurer of the Boston Locomotive Works, which subsequently became the Hinkley and Williams Locomotive Works and Hinkley Locomotive Works. He died on 18 October 1876.
Hannah Richards Child was born in 1809, the daughter of Daniel and Rebecca (Richards) Child and the sister of Daniel Franklin Child. She died in 1831.
Isaac Child was born in 1792, the son of Daniel and Rebecca (Richards) Child and the brother of Daniel Franklin Child. He served as treasurer of the Williams Market and the New England Historic Genealogical Society, as well as town clerk of Argyle, Me., selectman, and assessor. He died in 1885.
Collection Description
This collection consists primarily of diaries, commonplace-books, and other volumes of Daniel Franklin Child, Mary Davis (Guild) Child, Hannah Richards Child, and Isaac Child (of Boston, Mass. and Argyle, Me.). Daniel and his wife Mary kept a diary together from 1839 until Mary's death in 1861, and Daniel continued the diaries until 1876. Most of the diaries are indexed. Entries describe social life in Boston, engagements with family and friends, church attendance, weather, family news, and daily activities.
The commonplace-books of Daniel F. Child contain glossary-like lists with his thoughts on numerous subjects and events. Also included in the collection are a few loose manuscripts and printed items belonging to Daniel F. Child; a commonplace-book probably kept by his sister Hannah Richards Child; and a diary and financial ledgers of his brother Isaac Child.
Acquisition Information
Gift of Mrs. Emily H. Bush, Brookline, Mass., in the name of Mary D. Bush, September 1966.
Detailed Description of the Collection
I. Daniel F. Child and Mary D. Child papers, 1839-1876
A. Diaries, 1841-1876
Arranged chronologically.
This subseries contains the diaries of Daniel F. Child and Mary D. Child. Until Mary's death in 1861, the two wrote in the same diary. After her death, Daniel F. Child continued his entries through 1876. Also included in this subseries are indexes listing specific topics, persons, places, and events covered in the diaries.
B. Commonplace-books, 1839-1876
The commonplace-books of Daniel F. Child feature his thoughts on a variety of topics, from morality and religion to emancipation. One volume consists of quotations, and another contains a glossary of astronomical terms. Included are indexes. Note: These volumes contain outdated and inappropriate terminology in reference to African Americans, Native Americans, and Jewish people.
C. Miscellaneous printed and manuscript items, [1839-1873]
This subseries contains a variety of printed materials, as well as undated manuscript items written by Daniel F. Child and Mary D. Child. Included is an Ohio Union presidential ticket for Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson and an accompanying Democratic presidential ticket for George McClellan and George Pendleton, which reads "The White Man's Ticket."
II. Hannah Richards Child commonplace-book, 1829
This series consists of a commonplace-book, probably kept by Daniel F. Child's younger sister Hannah Richards Child, containing her personal poetry and collected poems.
III. Isaac Child volumes, 1834-1848
This series contains three volumes of Daniel F. Child's older brother Isaac Child, including an 1848 diary detailing his daily engagements, weather patterns, and business affairs, as well as two financial ledgers, labeled Boston and Argyle. Each ledger includes a comprehensive index.
Preferred Citation
Daniel Franklin Child papers, Massachusetts Historical Society.
Access Terms
This collection is indexed under the following headings in ABIGAIL, the online catalog of the Massachusetts Historical Society. Researchers desiring materials about related persons, organizations, or subjects should search the catalog using these headings.