MGJ Postal History

Rev. Leonard Tracy was a Baptist minister who served as pastor to congregations is New Hampshire and Vermont. January 21, 1824, he was ordained pastor of the Claremont New Hampshire Baptist Church. He also served as pastor of a Baptist congregation in Burlington Vermont.  This letter, addressed to East Bethel, Vermont, was written by his wife Martha and brings him up to date on the happenings of the last week.  Her affection for him is quite clear at the outset when she opens with "My dear, dear Husband"  She closes the page and a half missive with concern about her husband's well being because the weather has been very bad.  Excellent and easy read. Slight separations where page folds cross. Full early Newport postmark.

Solid and complete postmark along with PAID 3 in circle on this well-worn cover. 

Brief note addressed to John P. Knowlton, Wendell Harbor, NH, postmaster regarding a debt of $1,000. A representative of Knowlton apparently tried to collect the money from the writer, Peter Sargent, but to no avail and Sargent is writing to say he hopes to have money soon and "you can have it". Light but full Newport NH postmark along with large red numeral 5. Very good condition.  Wendell Harbor is an rare and interesting address since it was an early name for what is now Sunapee Harbor. According to historical records: "Like many other towns, Sunapee one went through name changes before its incorporation in 1781: Saville in 1768, Corey's Town, and then Wendell, for one of the Masonian Proprietors, John Wendell. The marsh near Sunapee Middle High School still bears Wendell's name. The name Sunapee was substituted for Wendell by the legislature in 1850."  Captain John P. Knowlton, a retired merchant of Sunapee, was born in that town, October 10, 1821, son of Samuel and Betsey (Pike) Knowlton. The grandfather, Robert Knowlton, was one of the pioneer settlers of New London, N.H. Samuel Knowlton was a farmer in Sunapee. He was also engaged in hewing lumber.  John P. Knowlton, at six feet, six inches, was one of the tallest men in the area. He received his education in town schools and took up farming. Subsequently he became interested in a mercantile business, and entered into partnership with his brother in 1844. He bought out his brother’s interest, and went on as sole proprietor. In 1862, he retired. In 1870, he erected Knowlton Block. He was a Director of the First National Bank of Newport, N.H., for several years. He was first Postmaster of Sunapee and held the office for 11 years. On January 4, 1848, Governor Jared B. Williams created him Captain of the militia company called the Sunapee Guards. For four years he was Town Clerk, and for one year Town Treasurer. In 1856-57 he served as State Representative, and he was a Justice of the Peace. Captain Knowlton was married October 23, 1848, to Abby S. Morgan.

Circa 1850 Washington DC 5cts black postmark on this cover to Mr. Sanford, Derby, Connecticut.  Note manuscript steamer designation at top.