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Guide to the Wilson and Jane Rantus Papers Addendum 1
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Descriptive Summary | ||
| Creator | Rantus family | |
| Title | Wilson and Jane Rantus Papers Addendum 1, | |
| Dates: | 1856-1860 | |
| Abstract: | The Rantus Papers though not very voluminous cover most of the span of the lives of Wilson and Jane. This collection has been completely photocopied. Originals will be serviced only on an individual document basis whenever requested or needed. By and large they consist of receipted bills, with several letters or other documents included as well. These papers have been divided into the following series: Bills (personal family bills), Bills (village and town bills), Letters from Thomas Hamilton, Financial Notes Involving Thomas Hamilton, and Miscellaneous Items. | |
| Extent: | 1 box, .2 cubic feet | |
| Identification: | R-1a | |
| Location: | The material is located in the Archives at Queens Library. | |
Historical/Biographical Note
A sketch of the life of Wilson and Jane Rantus can be found in the July 1962 issue of the Long Island Forum. There, in an article titled "William Rantus, Negro Leader”, Father Richard K. MacMaster, S.J. has outlined the life and times of Rantus who though “not a national leader in the struggle for abolition of slavery, civil rights and equal educational opportunities ... was typical of the articulate, free Negro who helped to further the cause on state and local levels".
Rantus (sometimes the family spelled it Rantous) was born in the Town of Jamaica on January 25, l807, the son of Troy and Catherine Rantus. Throughout his life he took an interest in his people, and was closely associated with a pioneer Negro journalist, Thomas Hamilton. Rantus died on May 13, 1861 His wife, Jane, survived him until 1889.
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Scope and Content Note
The following item had been alluded to by Nicholas Falco on his work sheet in his “Misc. 11 items including one volume". However, it was not listed or described in his final typed draft.
Miscellaneous 1-Account Book Tan leather bound " cover inscribed in block lettering: “WILSON RAN TUS.”
Entries dated from 1856 to 1860. Primarily rent paid by various boarders to Wilson Rantus; Workdays accounting for Mr. Ludlum 18 pages plus two cover liner entries, remainder of volume has blank leaves. 4 leaves cut out at end of volume obviously about 1858 or earlier.
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Administrative Information
Preferred Citation
Published citations should take the following form:
Creator of item, date of item (if known), identification of item, if a photograph its control number. The Wilson and Jane Rantus Papers Addendum 1, Archives at Queens Library, Queens Borough Public Library.
Access Restrictions
Open for research without restrictions. Manuscripts are only available in the Archives at Queens Library, please call (718) 990-0770 for hours. Manuscript users will be required to complete the division's Manuscript Usage Form and deposit their photograph identification or Queens Borough Public Library card with a staff member. The identification will be returned to the user after she/he has returned the material. Manuscript users will deposit all their personal items behind the reference desk. Manuscript users must use the division's loose sheets of paper for note taking. To reiterate, no pen of any type is permitted. Paper and a pencil are available upon request. Manuscript users may be required to use special handling procedures depending on the conditions of the material.
Use Restrictions
Permission to publish materials must be obtained in writing from the:
- Archives at Queens Library
- Queens Borough Public Library
- 89-11 Merrick Boulevard
- Jamaica, NY 11432
- Phone: (718) 990-0770.
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Access Points
Subject Names:
- Hamilton, Thomas, 1823-1865
- Rantus, Jane
- Rantus, Wilson
Subject Places:
- Jamaica (New York, N.Y.)
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Inventory
[The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.]
