Martin Tewkesbury Diaries, 1855-1869

Collection number: MC 155
Size: 1 box (0.33 cu.ft.)

About Martin Tewkesbury

Martin V. B. Tewkesbury (1834-1900) of Danville, New Hampshire was the son of Enos Tewksbury and Mary Bartlett. He attended morning school in 1855-56, and on October 8, 1857 his diary notes that he "married Martha C. Ladd by Rev. Mr. Parker of Haverhill Mass." From the diary entry for the following day we can only assume that a honeymoon was a luxury the couple could not afford. October 9, 1857 was spent "threshing oats. E.D. Ladd helped." In fact, the diaries record little in the way of personal information, instead documenting the world of work. From the daily entries a picture emerges of a very resourceful young man willing to make his living in any useful way possible.

Tewkesbury was primarily a farmer who grew potatoes, corn, and wheat, and also raised sheep and pigs. He supplemented his income by means of a saw and cider mill which were constantly in use depending on the season. He hauled huge quantities of wood and cider to neighboring villages and towns by horse-drawn wagon. He also owned a shingle machine for the production of wood shingles, and made wooden boxes during the winter months. For additional income he sold and delivered coal. His travels frequently took him to Haverhill, Massachusetts and to other nearby towns such as Plaistow, Exeter, Newton, Hampstead, Newburyport, Derry, and Sandown.

About the Martin Tewkesbury Diaries

The Martin Tewkesbury Diaries contain an uninterrupted 15 year run of diaries spanning the years 1855-1869, portraying the life, chores, and activities of a New Hampshire farmer. Also included are personal and household accounts at the rear of the volumes together with some inlaid related items.

Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

This collection is open.

Copyright Notice

Contents of this collection are governed by U.S. copyright law. For questions about publication or reproduction rights, contact Special Collections staff.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Martin Tewkesbury Diaries, 1855-1868, MC 155, Milne Special Collections and Archives, University of New Hampshire Library, Durham, NH, USA.

Acquisitions Information

Purchased: Carmen Valentino, Philadelphia, PA, 57, 1996 (Accession number: 96.018)

Collection Contents

Box 1
Box 1, Folder 11855-1856
Box 1, Folder 21857-1858
Box 1, Folder 31859-1860
Box 1, Folder 41861-1862
Box 1, Folder 51863-1864
Box 1, Folder 61865-1866
Box 1, Folder 71867-1868
Box 1, Folder 81869