William and Catherine Nicholson Few papers, 1782-1844

Summary

Creator:
Few, William, 1748-1828 and Few, Catherine Nicholson, 1764-1854?
Date:
1782-1844
Extent:
1 Linear Feet 2 document boxes
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

William and Catherine Nicholson Few papers, ms3245, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of letters that were exchanged between William Few, his wife Catherine and their children. Catherine Few also wrote letters to her sister Maria Few Montgomery, her grandchildren and her friend, Harriett Woodward Murray. There are several letters written by Joseph Hopper Nicholson (1770-1817), cousin of Catherine Few, to Frances Few. Writings and a biographical sketch of William Few are included. These are family letters describing such topics as children, health, social activities, local and foreign travel and weather, there is also commentary on political and military matters. Some of the letters of Joseph Nicholson mention his part in the War of 1812 bombardment of Fort McHenry in Maryland.

Biographical / historical:

William Few (1748-1828), politician and lawyer, was born in Baltimore County, Maryland to William Few and Mary Wheeler. At age 10 his family moved to North Carolina and later to Georgia. Few served in numerous political positions including delegate to the Constitutional Convention (1787), surveyor general of Georgia, Judge of Richmond County (Ga.), and U.S. Senator (1789-1793). In 1788 he married Catherine Nicholson (1764-1854?) fo New York, daughter of Commodore James Nicholson. Their children were Frances (1789-1885), Mary (1790-1872), Matilda (1794-1878), and Albert (d. 1810). in 1799 William Few's health declined and he decided to move his family to New York for a visit. But they remained in New York where he continued his career in politics and commerce, serving as state prison inspector and bank president. In 1803 Few returned to Georgia for the last time to dispose of his plantation (Hesperia) near Augusta, Georgia.

Access and use restrictions

Preferred citation:

William and Catherine Nicholson Few papers, ms3245, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.