Five dollar bill issued by the Farmers & Exchange Bank of Charleston and dated September 28, 1853. Bill depicts an African American tending to a wagon pulled by oxen. Engraved by Toppan, Carpenter, Kasilear & Company, Philadelphia and New York.
Stereoscopic image of a gun turret on the civil war navy ship, Passaic, with three men visible. The handwritten caption on the verso reads, "Turret of the 'Passaic' off Charleston. Jany 1864."
Stereoscopic image of a gun turret on the navy ship, Passaic, with a group of men visible. Handwritten caption on the verso reads, "Turret of the 'Passaic' off Charleston. Jany 1864."
A document conveying a tract of land to the German Evangelical Church. The document describes how the court auctioned the land to the church so the previous owner, Jacob Williman, could settle a bill of complaint in the Court of Equity in the District of Charleston.
A document signed by Cephas Whittmore, agreeing to pay back eight-thousand dollars in eight-hundred dollar installments in return for a loan from George Dispau. This money was taken out for a tract of land.
A document signed by A.O. Norris agreeing to lend the North Eastern Rail Road Company money to purchase a tract of land. It also outlines the purchase of land north of the city limits, by the German Evangelical Lutheran Church. And it includes a note signed by notary Joseph Ballard affirming that Francis J. Winkler, Henry Stender (President of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church), and William Ufferhaurdt (Secretary of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church) signed the document.
The abstract to a title to a tract of land conveyed to the German Evangelical Lutheran Church. The document lists previous owners of the property, when they acquired the land, how they acquired it.
A legal document signed by representatives of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church agreeing to pay back two-thousand eight hundred and sixteen dollars for a loan from James Tupper.
A title to real estate conveying a tract of land from John N. Tideman to George Dispau. This document also includes a notation by widow Lydia Whittmore conveying rights to George Dispau.
Documents for the sale of enslaved people Margaret and her infant son Thomas, as well as Margaret's future children, "with the future issue and increase of Margaret", to Henry Wessels from Francis A. Mitchell for the sum of eleven hundres and fifty dollars. Auction was carried out by J.S. Riggs auctioneers.
Documents for the sale of an enslaved woman named Margaret and her unborn child to Francis A. Mitchell from Benjamin Lazarus for the sum of one thousand dollars. Auction was carried out by J.S. Riggs auctioneers.
Volume contains a chronological record (1855-1856) of the number of bushels, tolls, vessels on which the rice arrived, names of individuals (plantation owners), where the rice was stored (floor and "binn") and the marks used, the names of factors, the vessels on which rice was shipped, and other data. Mill accounts contain expenses for rice, drayage, coopers, carpenters, watchman, Negroes (hire), labor, salaries of various individuals, repairs, baskets and brooms, rice, cords of wood, poles, barrels, mill stones, wharf building, cart license, a butcher's bill, horses, insurance on rice, discount on a note, sales of rice, ironwork, sweep chimney, blacksmith work, and other expenses. Income is from cash received at mill, from various individuals for rice flour and rice, from freight and tolls on rice, from notes, and from other items. The Cannonsborough Mills, begun in 1825 by former Governor Thomas Bennett, included twenty-two pestles driven by steam and fourteen pestles run by tide power. Its property fronted Ashley River a third of a mile. In 1847 Bennett deeded the property to his son-in-law, Jonathan Lucas, III. The larger of the Cannonsborough mills burnt in February of 1860.
Mary Wilkinson Memminger writes to her mother, chastising her for not writing. She also shares news from Charleston, including the news that her daughter Ellen has returned to Montpelier Institute, a school for girls in Georgia run by Bishop Stephen Elliott. She also informs her mother that they have met a distant cousin, a Dr. Borland, a sugar planter who lives in Louisiana.
Five dollar Confederate greenback issued on February 17, 1864 and redeemable two years after the ratification of a treaty of peace between the Confederate States of America and the United States of America. Printed by Evans & Cogswell in Charleston, South Carolina and engraved by Keatinge & Ball of Columbia, South Carolina.
Ten dollar Confederate greenback issued on February 17, 1864 and redeemable two years after the ratification of a treaty of peace between the Confederate States of America and the United States of America. Printed by Evans & Cogswell in Charleston, South Carolina and engraved by Keatinge & Ball of Columbia, South Carolina.
Print document containing list of German immigrant passengers' names and the region or town they were from in Germany. In print is the date October 13. Handwritten notes add the year 1858 with further notes: "Passanger list aboard SS Gauss on 9 October. Sailed from Bremen to Charleston, Captain H. Wieting."
Stereoscopic image of a group of men on the deck of the navy ship, Passaic. The handwritten caption on the verso reads, "Sunday morning service on the deck on the deck of the 'Passaic' off of Charleston SC Jany 1864."
A set of annual reports of the the Fire Department from 1859-1872. Reports missing for years 1862-1865. The annual reports open with a statement from the Fire Chief and include multiple lists of department expenses, financial cost of fires, the cause of the fires, and locations of city property pertaining to the fire department.
Printed broadside includes description of curriculum, rules of conduct, tuition and refereces. Madame Rosalie Acelie Togno opened her french and english boarding school for young ladies in Charleston under the patronage of James Louis Petigru in 1854. Initially located on Tradd Street, the school and dormitory for students was relocated to Meeting Street soon after. Togno was a fluent speaker of french and arrived in Charleston by way of New York. Her strict teaching style set new standards for education in antebellum Charleston and students were instructed in science, history, geograph and writing . Madame Togno's students included such notable women as Adele Allston Vanderhorst and Elizabeth Allston Waties Pringle. During the Civil War, Togno relocated her school to Barhamville, South Carolina but was forced to flee South Carolina soon after.
Certificate of citizenship for John McCormick, a "laborer" from Ireland. McCormick lived in Charleston from 1871 until at least 1894. Initially he is listed as a "seaman" in Charleston City Directories. By 1882, McCormick is listed as the captain of the Rattlesnake Shoals light ship. A light ship is a vessel which acts as a lighthouse for locations that are too deep or otherwise unsuitable for lighthouse construction and many were operated under the auspices of the U.S. Lighthouse Service, later the U.S. Coast Guard. John McCormick served as captain of the Rattlesnake Shoals light ship until at least 1894 when his name disappears from the City Directories. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the Rattlesnake Shoal Light Ship was blown off station by a hurricane on August 27/28, 1892. It was then driven ashore at Long Island Beach (SC), 40 feet above low water mark. While beached, the light ship was damaged by a second hurricane in October. It was hauled off in 1894 and brought to Charleston for repairs. McCormick changed residences frequently during the 1880s living at 129 Coming St., 6 Thomas St., 17 Thomas St., and 55 Chapel St. By 1892, McCormick had settled in at 62 Cannon St., a residence he shared with a Miss Lillie McCormick, who is listed as a teacher at Courtenay School, according to City Directories.
Letter in German from John Heinemann, organist and member of the church, to Church Council asking to renew his contract as organist with German Evangelical Lutheran Church and stating reasons for his request.
An act to amend the charter of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church with the South Carolina General Assembly, authorizing holding property in the amount of one hundred fifty thousand dollars.
1850-1859, 1870-1879, 1860-1869, 1840-1849, 1830-1839, and 1820-1829
Description:
This is the plantation register by Mathurin Guerin Gibbs (1788-1849) for Rice Hope Plantation (January 1, 1824 to December 1844) and Jericho Plantation (December 1844 to 1875). Gibbs, a lawyer before becoming a planter, used the first several pages of the manuscript dating January 1824 to May 1829 for summarizing legal cases. The plantation register primarily documents daily labor activities on the plantation including cultivation and harvesting of staple crops such as corn, cotton (Sea Island Cotton and Santee black seed cotton), rice and potatoes, livestock, and building fences. Gibbes also writes about the use and management of slave labor, the movement of enslaved people between the plantation and Charleston, and selling and purchasing of enslaved people. Slave names are included in portions of the register. Gibbs notes throughout the register the struggles he encounters as a planter including being unable to pay the mortgage of Rice Hope Plantation and the property going into foreclosure. Most of the entries at the end of the register are regarding slave births, slave deaths and distribution of blankets. Gibbs died in 1849 and the management of the plantation was carried out by his son.
Caption: 'The Battery or Park Promenade at Charleston, South Carolina, during the bombardment of Fort Sumter--Sketched by our Special Artist--[see next page].' [full date May 18, 1861.]
Caption: 'Military Prisons at Charleston, South Carolina.--Sketched by Lieutenant F. Milward--[See Page 110]' The Jail and Work-House are both identified.
Caption: 'Caption: 'The rifled cannon which did so much execution on Fort Sumter, Charleston, South Carolina'--[From a Sketch by our Special Artist.]' [full date May 18,1861.]
Caption: 'Remains of the new bridge over Ashley River, Charleston, S.C., partially destroyed by the Rebels on the evacuation of the city, Feb 18, 1865.--from a sketch by our Special Artist, W.T. Crane.' [full date June 10, 1865.]
Main caption: 'The present appearance of Charleston, S.C., showing the effects of the Federal bombardment.--from recent sketches by our special artist.' Caption top left: 'Nos.165, 167 and 169 Meeting Street, Charleston, S.C.' Caption top right: 'East Bay Street, looking south.' Caption middle left: 'Kitchen attached to 53 Wentworth Street--effect of two shells.' Caption middle right: 'Gentleman's ordinary, Charleston Hotel.' Caption bottom: 'Vendue Range.' [full date March 25, 1865.]
Caption: 'Military Prisons at Charleston, South Carolina.--Sketched by Lieutenant F. Milward--[See Page 110]' the Jail and Work-House are both identified. [full date February 18, 1865.]
Letter in German from Heinrich Emil Eckel to the President and Council Members of the German St. Matthew's Church offering himself as a candidate for the customary annual selection for the position of organist. He references his experience playing his own works at two concerts given to celebrate the founding of the church. He also states other churches in the city have offered him a ten-year position as organist, which speaks best to his qualifications.
1850-1859, 1840-1849, 1830-1839, 1810-1819, and 1820-1829
Description:
A fragmented crystal discovered during 2019 investigations of the Russell House Kitchen House. The crystal was wedged tightly between the end of an original floorboard and the first period masonry wall in the east enslaved quarter of the Russell House Kitchen House. One end identifies it as a chandelier or girandole crystal. The other end, however, shows evidence of a percussive strike, evidence it was intentionally struck one or more times to shape it into a crude point.
1850-1859, 1840-1849, 1830-1839, 1810-1819, and 1820-1829
Description:
A small pillow, hand sewn with faded mattress ticking and stuffed with lambswool, uncovered during 2020 investigations of the Nathaniel Russell Kitchen House. Pillow was discovered under the floorboards in the front of the fireplace in the west enslaved quarter. Pillow measures 4"x5".
1850-1859, 1840-1849, 1830-1839, 1810-1819, and 1820-1829
Description:
A small wooden brush with fine hairs uncovered during 2020 investigations of Nathaniel Russell House Kitchen House. Brush discovered under the floorboards in the front of the fireplace in the east enslaved quarter. Dates to period of enslavement.
A page ripped from a Quaker periodical entitled "Friends Intelligencer," published in Philadelphia in 1868. Discovered above the kitchen firebox on the first floor during 2018 investigations of the Nathaniel Russell House kitchen house.
Bill of sale detailing the $600 sale at auction of an enslaved man named Elick to St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, here referred to as the German Evangelical Lutheran Church, by the executors of the estate of Thomas Gates.
"Title of Real Estate" indicating the sale of a plot of land "situated on the North side of Radcliffe Street" from Jacob H. Kalb to St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, represented by Chairman of the Vestry Henry Stender, for $1,500.
Document detailing the raising of $20,000 to complete the construction of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church- here under its original name, the German Evangelical Lutheran Church- through the mortgage of the church's land and sale of bonds, with the lot's mortgaged deed to be held by trustees J.C.H. Claussen, G.W. Steffens and B. Bollmann, and signed by John A. Wagener.
Title granting a plot of land, described within, to St. Matthew's Lutheran Church- here under its original name, the German Evangelical Lutheran Church- for $12,010. After the property was auctioned by the estate of Reverend Patrick O'Neill, the title was conveyed to the church by Master in Equity James W. Gray.
Document detailing the contractual agreement and payment conditions between "architect contractor and builder" John H. Devereux and Jacob H. Kalb, chairman of the Building Committee, for the construction of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church for a total of $53,000.
Bond agreement for $18,067 between "Master of the Honourable Court of Equity, for Charleston District" James W. Gray and St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, here named as the German Evangelical Lutheran Church, including payment dates and deadlines. Also included, document detailing the church's payments against this loan, signed by John B. Gray, "receiver," in 1870 and 1871.
Mortgage document which indicates St. Matthew's Lutheran Church- here under its original name, the German Evangelical Lutheran Church- is bound to Charleston's Court of Equity for the sum of $18,016, and mortgages their property as described in the document to Master in Equity James W. Gray as collateral.
Request on behalf of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church by president J.H. Kalb and attorney John F. Ficken to amend the church's charter, expanding its corporate status to allow for the ownership of $100,000 in assets. The request's subsequent approval by government officials is included as well.
Bond document by St. Matthew's Lutheran Church- then known as the German Evangelical Lutheran Church- promising to repay Dorothea Clausen $50 by February 1, 1875, at 7% interest. Signed by President J.H. Kalb and secretary John Heeseman.
Bond document by St. Matthew's Lutheran Church- then known as the German Evangelical Lutheran Church- promising to repay J.J. Bredenberg $100 by February 1, 1875, at 7% interest. Signed by church president J.H. Kalb and secretary John Heeseman.
Program detailing the dedication ceremony of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, to take place on "Holy Thursday," March 28, 1872. Includes a personnel list for the Directors of Procession and the Arrangements Committee, and details each moment of the ceremony. Also includes several key dates in the property history leading up to the opening of the church from 1867 to 1872, and a schedule of events to come, including baptisms, funerals and a marriage.
Letter to trustees J.C.H. Claussen, G.W. Steffens and B. Bollmann from John Phillips, which encloses the title to the land on which the German Evangelical Lutheran Church- St. Matthew's Lutheran Church- is being constructed.
Document detailing the mortgage of St. Matthew's Church to raise $20,000 via the trustees J.C.H. Claussen, G.W. Steffens and B. Bollmann, signed by Charles Voigt.
Bond document detailing a $6,400 loan to St. Matthew's Lutheran Church- here under their original name, the German Evangelical Lutheran Church- from Charles Voigt, "Trustee of Wilhelmina Mertens and children," including conditions like payment timeline and interest rate.
"Title of Real Estate" from Edward R. Laurens, Master in Equity, to Patrick O'Neill through auction for $2000 for the west side of King Street across from Citadel Square containing two lots.
Letter to Edgar M. Lazarus from Henry S. Samuel discussing the political situation in the United States following the Civil War, family, and matters at the Liverpool synagogue.
Document noting a pledge of allegiance to the United States government under the Union of the States signed by Emily Minis following the end of the Civil War.
Meeting minutes not included in the minutes book discussing the amalgamation of Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim and Shearith Israel, and finances related to synagogue repairs.
Letter from Henry Ravenel, President of the Union Bank of South Carolina in Charleston, SC., to Mrs. Eleanor Tobias, widow of Abraham Tobias. The letter expresses regret and sympathies in regards to the death of Abraham Tobias.
Letter from Joseph H. M. Chumaciero, KKBE minister, to the Board of Trustees regarding his decision to accept his election as minister of the congregation.
Letter from Joseph H. M. Chumaciero, KKBE minister, to Philip Wineman, President of the Board of Trustees, regarding credentials for a "Mr. Garfunkle."
Letter from Joseph H. M. Chumaciero, KKBE minister, to the Board of Trustees regarding the pending visit of Reverend Dr. Isaac Mayer Wise to Charleston.
Letter from Reverend Myer H. Myers to Charles H. Moise, KKBE President of the Board of Trustees, regarding his resignation as minister due to a misunderstanding of a translation between himself and Moise.
Letter from Reverend Myer H. Myers to Charles H. Moise, KKBE President of the Board of Trustees, regarding his resignation as minister due to a misunderstanding of a translation between himself and Moise.
Letter from Jacob Clavius Levy to Charles H. Moise, KKBE President of the Board of Trustees, acknowledging the "neat" reprinting of the congregation's hymn book and expressing congratulations to the congregation on "harmony in the synagogue."
Letter from Laura L. Wineman, director of the KKBE choir, to President of the Board, Charles H. Moise. Wineman expresses her displeasure with the Board's decision regarding the singing of strictly "old tunes" during service.
Letter from Laura L. Wineman, director of the KKBE choir, to President of the Board, Charles H. Moise. Wineman discusses the incorporation of instrumental music with the choir's singing. She relates the music from the "Portuguese Minhag" and a German synagogue.
Letter from Laura L. Wineman, director of the KKBE choir, to President of the Board, Charles H. Moise. The letter expresses Wineman's displeasure with the Board in regards to the approved songs to be sung by the choir.
