MSS 0461 - Torbert-Ellegood collection

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The Torbert-Ellegood collection, spanning 1759-1889, with the bulk of the papers dating 1820-1840, consists of 1.3 linear feet of legal papers, land records, accounts, receipts, correspondence, and other documents, many of which relate to the Torbert and Ellegood families of Delaware. It is unclear, however, how these two families relate to each other and how this collection of papers was assembled. John Torbert (1775-1842) and Joshua A. Ellegood (1789-1845), the central figures in each group of family papers, were both active in Delaware business and civic life. John Torbert served as a Justice of the Peace in New Castle County from 1812 to 1814, and Joshua A. Ellegood was appointed Justice of the Peace in Sussex County in 1827. Through their business transactions and public offices, it is possible that both men came in contact with many individuals and families represented in this collection. The collection documents the personal and professional lives of John Torbert and Joshua A. Ellegood, but the overall research value may be in its broad representation of early nineteenth-century economic and legal affairs in Delaware.

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  • Mostly the business and legal papers of John Torbert (JT), but also involving his brother, William Torbert (WT). Later papers pertain to John Torbert's son, William Warner Torbert (WWT). The material includes household and business receipts, accounts, and correspondence. There are also financial judgments, promissory notes, and other legal papers, along with a number of miscellaneous items.
  • Consists of family correspondence between John Torbert (JT), his brother, William Torbert (WT), and their children. Many of the documents are incoming letters to John Torbert's son, William W. Torbert (WWT), from his siblings.
  • Records related to the administration of the estate of James McClyment by John Torbert and Sarah McClyment (later Lowber), including accounts, receipts, and legal documents. Many of the accounts were written before McClyment's death, with additional notes added later by the administrators. James McClyment was most likely the brother of John Torbert's wife, Jane (McClyment) Torbert. Also includes papers related to the estates of Sarah Lowber and Clementina McClyment.
  • Deeds, surveys, articles of agreement, and other land records of the Timmons family of Sussex County, Delaware. Family members include John Timmons and his sons William A. Timmons and Eli C. Timmons. Also includes a judgment regarding a trespassing suit between Eli Timmons and William Pusey/Puzey; a list of John Timmons' sons; a record from the Docket of Caveats; and other miscellaneous papers. Other parties named in the records include Jesse Green and William Pusey/Puzey
  • Papers related to Esther Yarnall, who did business with the mercantile partnership Warner and Torbert.
  • Legal papers, land records, accounts, receipts, letters, and other documents related to Joshua A. Ellegood (JAE), his family, his business dealings, and his work as a Justice of the Peace and Land Commissioner for Sussex County, Delaware.
  • Receipts for the transferal of money attained through executions of legal judgments. As constable, Ellegood was apparently responsible for these transferals.
  • Records related to the administration of the estate of Alexander White (often spelled Whyte) by Joseph A. Ellegood, including numerous accounts, receipts, judgments, and other legal documents. Many of the accounts were written before White's death, with additional notes added later by Ellegood. Also included are accounts to and from White and Doherty, the company Alexander White shared with Edward Doherty. There is additional material related to Alexander White and White and Doherty in Series XIII.

Items in this collection are presented for their historic and research value. We note that viewers may find some content objectionable.