Guide to the Branton H. Henderson Papers, 1833-1888 DAR.1937.11

Repository
ULS Archives & Special Collections
Title
Branton H. Henderson Papers
Creator
Henderson, Branton H. (Branton Holstein)
Collection Number
DAR.1937.11
Extent
1.25 Linear Feet (6 boxes)
Date
1833-1888
Abstract
Branton H. Henderson was a businessman who worked in the coal, steel, and finance industries in northwestern Pennsylvania during the mid- to late 1800s. This collection of correspondence details his professional and personal life, which were often interconnected.
Language
English .
Author
Matthew Strauss.
Publisher
ULS Archives & Special Collections
Address
University of Pittsburgh Library System
Archives & Special Collections
Website: library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections
Contact Us: www.library.pitt.edu/ask-archivist
URL: http://library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections

Biography

Branton Holstein Henderson was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, in 1823. In 1827, Branton moved to Mercer, Pennsylvania, with his mother, Elizabeth Henderson, and his brother, Samuel Holstein Henderson following the death of his father. He attended Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania, and later moved to New Castle, Pennsylvania, with his mother.

Branton was engaged in a number of business endeavors throughout his life, some of which involved coal, iron, horses, and the construction of furnaces. He seemed to have an especially close relationship with his nephew, Matthias Holstein Henderson, who lost both of his parents before reaching adulthood. As a young man, Matthias worked at a store owned by Branton, and would later follow his uncle in other professional and personal pursuits. After Elizabeth's death in 1871, Branton and Matthias relocated to Sharon, Pennsylvania, and worked for the First National Bank of Sharon, where they would become vice presidents. Both were also prominent Freemasons, with Matthias reaching the rank of Grand Master.

Scope and Content Notes

This collection consists of six letterpress books containing the personal and business correspondence of Branton H. Henderson. There are also letters written by Elisabeth Henderson and Matthias H. Henderson, though to a much lesser extent. Many of the letters are addressed to one another, revealing a close-knit family that regularly kept in touch over periods of separation. There are a number of letters from other companies in the area, as well as George S. Whitney, who seemed to have been the Branton's stock broker. Also included within the collection are business records such as bills and bank statements, as well as several poems, copies of sermons, and cooking recipes likely written by Elizabeth. The line between family and business was often blurred for the family, as Branton and Matthias were business partners who also had financial interactions with several relatives.

Many of the letters contain routine information such as business arrangements, travel plans, family updates, and descriptions of the weather. A sizeable portion of the correspondence consists of letters from Branton to Matthias. Branton often sent his nephew instructions concerning the day-to-day operation of their store, as well as advice about what kind of clothing to buy. Branton also seemed particularly worried about counterfeit money being used at the store, and passed along numerous warnings to his nephew on this topic. A bulk of the material dates from the 1850s through the 1880s, though there are few references to notable events of the time.

Access Restrictions

No restrictions.

Acquisition Information

Gift to the Darlington Memorial Library in 1937.

Custodial History

This collection was located in the Darlington Memorial Library in the University's Cathedral of Learning until 2007 when it was moved to the ULS Archives Service Center for processing, storage, preservation and service. However, it remains in the custodianship of the ULS Special Collections Department.

Preferred Citation

Branton H. Henderson Papers, 1833-1888, DAR.1937.11, Darlington Collection, Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh Library System

Previous Citation

Branton H. Henderson Papers, 1833-1888, DAR.1937.11, Darlington Collection, Special Collections Department, University of Pittsburgh

Processing Information

This collection was processed by Matthew Strauss in March 2007.

Copyright

No copyright restrictions.

Subjects

    Personal Names

    • Henderson, Elizabeth -- Correspondence
    • Henderson, Branton H. (Branton Holstein) -- Correspondence
    • Henderson, Matthias H. (Matthias Holstein) -- Correspondence

    Geographic Names

    • Meadville (Pa.)
    • Sharon (Pa.)
    • New Castle (Pa.)

    Genres

    • Bills of sale
    • Bank statements
    • Recipes
    • Personal correspondence
    • Commercial correspondence

    Other Subjects

    • Businessmen -- Pennsylvania -- Sharon
    • Businessmen -- Pennsylvania -- New Castle
    • Poetry

Container List

Elizabeth Henderson's Correspondence Book, 1838-1871
Family Correspondence Book and Miscellaneous Documents, 1833-1878
Containers
box 2
Business Correspondence Book, 1874-1878
Containers
box 3
Business and Family Correspondence Book, 1878-1880
Containers
box 4
Business Correspondence Book, 1883-1888
Containers
box 5
B.H.H to M.H.H Letterpress Book, 1855-1877
Containers
box 6