Cowper Family Papers, 1827-2007, bulk 1900-1933

Title:

Cowper Family Papers, 1827-2007, bulk 1900-1933

Creator:

Cowper family
Schuchman, Agnes Cowper, 1884-1973

Accession / Call Number:

2016.115

Object ID:

2016.115

Date:

1827-2007

Physical Description:

14 boxes and 1 oversized folder ; 5.63 linear feet

Scope and Content:

The Cowper Family Papers consist entirely of letters, ephemera, and photographs of the Cowper family between 1827 and 2007. Reverend Frederick C. Cowper (1851-1929), an Episcopal priest, and his wife Emma (1856-1931) served several New Hampshire congregations. His writings, poems, and ephemera reflect his religious convictions. Letters to and from his wife discuss local news and activities. There are letters from all six of their surviving children, but most are from the oldest sister, Agnes Cowper Schuchman (1884-1973). The letters offer advice, report local news, discuss finances and plans, and worry about the care of mentally ill family members (two daughters lived their entire adult lives in the New Hampshire State Hospital). Agnes was a 1911 graduate of St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing in New York City and her correspondence from then until her 1919 marriage to Walter Schuchman (1884-1961) contains letters from several suitors and reflects her life as a young single woman and nurse in and around the city. She was also an aspiring writer and many of her short story drafts and articles, written circa 1930s and 1940s, contain much autobiographical material. Most appear to have been submitted for publication and some have accompanying letters from editors. Also included in the collection is correspondence from Henry Cowper (1887-1932) as he served in World War I; from Professor Frederick A.G. Cowper (1883-1978) describing Duke University and his academic and social life in Durham, NC; and from neighbors and friends caring for the elderly and widowed Emma before her death in 1931. The correspondence documents the joys and sorrows of a large family. Ephemera in the papers consist mostly of religious items, greeting cards, and many postcards collected by one of the institutionalized sisters. Photographs are of family members and a few New Hampshire locations in which Reverend Frederick Cowper served. The Cowper family were particularly attached to a farm they owned and worked in Carroll County, and there are many images of a simple farmhouse, barn, and agricultural activities. Not present are records of or information about specific churches served by Reverend Frederick C. Cowper, though St. Andrew's-in-the-Valley in Tamworth, NH, at which he volunteered after retirement, is mentioned more than any others.

Subjects:

Authors , Account books , Church , Clergy , College teachers , Correspondence , Diaries , Education , Episcopalians , Mental illness , Nurses , Nursing , Nursing--History , Photographs , Poetry , Postcards , Religion , World War, 1914-1918

Locations:

Concord, NH
Durham, NC
Munhall, PA
New York, NY
Sanbornville, NH
Tamworth, NH
Wolfeboro, NH

People:

Cowper, Emma Kidd, 1856-1931 , Cowper, Frances, 1886-1968 , Cowper, Frederick A.G., 1883-1978 , Cowper, Frederick C., 1851-1929 , Cowper, Henry, 1887-1932 , Cowper, Robert, 1893-1919 , Schuchman, Agnes Cowper, 1884-1973 , Watkins, Edith Cowper, 1889-1956

Organizations:

Cowper family
Duke University
New Hampshire State Hospital
Phillips Exeter Academy
St. Andrew's-in-the-Valley (Tamworth, N.H.)
St. Luke's Hospital (New York, N.Y.). School of Nursing
United States. Army

Credit Line:

Gift of Kathy Berman.

Restrictions:

Available for research.

Level Description:

Collection

Finding Aid Link:

RS63223_Cowper_Family_Papers_2016.115.pdf