Geiger, Spearman, Gresham families papers, 1844-1996, bulk 1920-1994

Summary

Creator:
Gresham, Emma Mary Spearman, 1868-1952, Spearman, Gabriel Toombs, 1838-1912, Spearman, Ann Elizabeth Geiger, 1845-1911, and Gresham, William Jeptha, 1868-1930
Date:
1844-1996, bulk 1920-1994
Extent:
14.5 Linear Feet (29 boxes)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Geiger, Spearman, Gresham families papers, ms 3940, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, GA

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of biographical information, correspondence, financial papers, genealogy, writings, printed material, photographs, and artifacts. The major portion of the collection is genealogy research done by the Gresham sisters Pauline, Mary, and Frances.

Most of the correspondence is between family members and includes the following sections - 1844-1849 letters between Gabriel Toombs Spearman and his brother-in-law Matthew Whitfield; 1864-1865 letters to Annie Geiger from her friend Salina Perry describing effects of the war on her home; 1867-1903 letters between Annie Geiger and her sisters Esther and Mary which cover such subjects as fashion and dressmaking, babies, health, and gossip; 1866-1867 letters between Toombs Spearman and Annie Geiger in Micanopy, Florida before their marriage; 1888-1889 letters between Jeptha Gresham and Emma Spearman before their marriage; and 1860-1861 letters to Toombs Spearman at the University of Georgia from his father containing much about politics, Abraham Lincoln and the war.

There are writings by James Monroe Gresham about his Civil War experiences in the 42nd Regiment, Company H, including being a prisoner at Johnson Island (OH).

Biographical / historical:

Gabriel Toombs Spearman (1838-1912), son of Gabriel Toombs and Martha Ledbetter Spearman, was married in 1867 to Ann Elizabeth "Annie" Geiger (1845-1911) daughter of Washington Whitfield and Mary Ann Hardy Geiger. The Spearmans lived in Social Circle (GA). Their daughter Emma Mary (1868-1952) was married in 1889 to William Jeptha Gresham (1868-1930), son of James Monroe and Martha Catherine Atkinson Gresham. Their children included Pauline "Polly" (Mrs. Julian Moore), Mary, and Frances "Prue" (Mrs. Robert Mitchell).

Arrangement:

Organized into seven series: biographical information, correspondence, financial, genealogy, writings/artwork, printed materials, and photographs.

Access and use restrictions

Preferred citation:

Geiger, Spearman, Gresham families papers, ms 3940, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, GA