Alexander D. Miner Correspondence

The correspondence of Alexander Douglas Miner consists almost entirely of letters sent by Miner addressed to his daughter, Martha Matilda Miner, a college student attending Oberlin College in Ohio. The letters sent from Miner to Martha span from 1852 to 1872. Some of the letters include a postscript from Martha's mother, Abby E. Miner.

The letters begin in Lima, New York in June 1852. Martha's mother, Abby E. Miner, begins the letter with an update on her father's health. The majority of these letters cover news on family members and friends, including church and social activities along with Martha's studies. Illnesses and deaths of friends and family are also commonly reported by Miner. Cholera morbus (gastroenteritis), erysipelas, and measles are some of the illnesses mentioned. Besides the common updates on family and friends, there are a couple of highlights in Miner's letters including a trial for perjury and a shooting during a sermon about slavery.

Although Miner did not fight during the Civil War, he mentions several friends who did, including a boy who participated in the First Battle of Bull Run. In regards to the war, he writes, "I am more than ever convinced that this war, before we see its termination, will be felt and realized as the direst calamity which has ever befallen our beloved country" ([after 1860], July 24).

There is a strong moral and religious tone in Miner's writing. In a letter dated October 1, 1858, Miner writes "We may set about any worldly enterprise, with firm health, and with every advantage for accomplishing the object of our pursuit, and yet...all these advantages may be removed from us, and if destitute of this trust in God, we shall be left to struggle alone unaided against the adversities of life." Miner also appears to have been deeply concerned about his daughter's moral development, as seen throughout his letters. "Avoid also a sort of stiffness of behavior, be familiar, not distant and cold, not waiting to be approached always by others, but prompt to do your part in exhibiting the courtesies and civilities of life" (1856, Mar. 17). In another letter dated February 1, 1859, Miner writes "I am afraid I have encouraged you in pride, in thinking of yourself more highly than you ought, in drawing comparisons between yourself and others ... in respect to smartness."

Martha's younger sister, Nellie W. Miner, appears to have been adopted. Miner reports, "She was found alone on the tow path of the canal by a lady of Rochester, who took her to the home. She says that her Mother put her there, and told her to stay till she came for her, and to tell people that her name was Helen Wells, and that she was six years old, she says that she came on a boat, and that her mother's name is Julia Wells. This is about all we know" ([1856], Sep. 29). Nellie was not the only abused and neglected child mentioned by Miner. In another letter, Miner writes about visiting another girl that needed a home on September 23, [1857]. In Miner's later letters, it appears that Nellie eventually moves to Oberlin, Ohio to attend college as well.

Also included with the collection are miscellaneous manuscripts and notes by John Gaius Fraser on religion, a receipt, and a carte-de-visite of Alexander D. Miner. There are also three volumes: an autograph book, notebook, and an album. These volumes contain various sentimental messages from friends. There are also two empty volumes where the original letters were contained.