Matteson-Ostrom Family collection

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: OU-SC-MATOST

Staff Only

Scope and Contents note

The Matteson-Ostrom Family Collection was preserved by Ella Ostrom and donated to Rod and Susan Wilson, whose collection of Rochester history Oakland University acquired in 2018. It consists of letters, diaries, and some ephemera as well as genealogical research notes conducted by Rod and Susan Wilson. The family correspondence contains letters covering the years 1859 to 1922, with particular focus on the early 1870s. Of particular note are letters between Ellen Matteson and Henry W. Ostrom during their courtship and after their marriage. The collection also includes the 1872 diary of Henry Ostrom and his daughter Ella's diaries for 1912-1917. Both contain brief notes about their daily activities, list of expenses, and other personal notations.

Dates

1859 - 1960
Majority of material found within 1865 - 1874

Access and Use note

The Matteson-Ostrom Family collection is open for research.

Copyright

Copyright has not been transferred to Oakland University. Researchers are responsible for seeking copyright permissions before publishing items from the collection.

History

Ellen Matteson married Henry Wellington Ostrom on March 20, 1872. They had one child, Ella Julia Ostrom on March 15, 1883, who never married. Ellen was the daughter of Johnson Matteson and Electa Taylor (August 7, 1821- March 16, 1915), who had married on Jan. 1, 1839 and had 5 children. Electa was the daughter of Elisha Taylor and Mary Miner from Stoney Creek. The Rev. Elisha Taylor, a Baptist minister, was born August 19, 1791. Mary Miner, his second wife, earned a living at carpet weaving after he passed away, leaving her with 6 children.

Extent

0.5 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Letters, diaries, and some ephemera pertaining to the Ostrom and Matteson families and documenting daily lives and family relationships in 19th century / early 20th century Rochester and surrounding areas (part of the Rod and Susan Wilson collection of Rochester (Michigan) History).

Acquisition

This collection is part of the Rod and Susan Wilson Collection of Rochester (Michigan) History and was acquired by Oakland University along with their donation.