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Guide to the Joseph Onderdonk Skillman Correspondence
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Descriptive Summary | ||
| Creator | Skillman, Joseph Onderdonk | |
| Title | Joseph Onderdonk Skillman Correspondence, | |
| Dates: | 1853-1872 | |
| Abstract: | There are 31 letters addressed to Joseph Onderdonk Skillman in this collection. With but one or two apparent exceptions, all letters are from members of the family, more especially, from his brother Francis Skillman. All are written on single sheets of paper, but none have any integral address leaves. Because in some instances, the envelopes in which the letters were enclosed have survived, we have been able to fix Mr. Skillman’s place of residence at the time, as either Manhasset or Blackstump (the lower portion of the old Flushing Township bordering on the Jamaica Township). Other letters did not have envelopes nor had envelopes with no community name on them. Probably, Mr. Skillman spent the majority of his life in Flushing. | |
| Extent: | 1 box, .2 cubic feet | |
| Identification: | S-7 | |
| Location: | The material is located in the Archives at Queens Library. | |
Historical/Biographical Note
According to the Onderdonk and Skillman Family genealogies, Joseph O. Skillman, the person to whom the letters in this collection were directed, was born in 1827 and died in 1872. He was a farmer primarily, and "in 1858 bought a farm in Blackstump, Long Island on which he was successful”. See especially The Skillmans of New York, by Francis Skillman (Page 70)
Judging from the letters addressed to Skillman, he lived at two different locales, at least, during his relatively short life, namely, Manhasset and Blackstump, the latter actually in the township of Flushing. Correspondents were from Manhasset, Jamaica, and Roslyn, mainly. The earliest dated letter is Mar 29, 1853, while the latest is Feb 28, 1872, thus spanning most of the adult years of Joseph Skillman. Francis Skillman, the chief correspondent, was born in 1817 and died in 1898. He was a Justice of the Peace and a member of the New York Assembly during part of his life.
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Scope and Content Note
There are 31 letters addressed to Joseph Onderdonk Skillman in this collection. With but one or two apparent exceptions, all letters are from members of the family, more especially, from his brother Francis Skillman. All are written on single sheets of paper, but none have any integral address leaves. Because in some instances, the envelopes in which the letters were enclosed have survived, we have been able to fix Mr. Skillman’s place of residence at the time, as either Manhasset or Blackstump (the lower portion of the old Flushing Township bordering on the Jamaica Township, now part of Fresh Meadows.) Other letters did not have envelopes nor had envelopes with no community name on them. Probably, Mr. Skillman spent the majority of his life in Flushing.
Few of the letters are very lengthy, and some are really nothing but notes. The size of all sheets is indicated in the calendar, as well as the number of lines of text. Since almost half of the letters are undated, these have been placed at the end. Whenever any clue exists (name of the day or month), these have been indicated in the calendar in the hopes that some researchers will derive some benefit from them.
There is no one principal subject or theme in this correspondence. Generally, they may be said to reflect on personal family matters of the Skillman and related families (more especially, the Onderdonks); and on everyday farm or village life in the Flushing and Manhasset areas especially, as well as perhaps in Jamaica and Roslyn, the villages in which several correspondents lived. They offer brief insights into the life of the times. Only one or two letters, perhaps make very brief mention of Francis Skillman’s political career.
Of perhaps some special interest is the fact that a very few of the letters were addressed to Mr. Skillman by his uncle Henry Onderdonk (1804-1886), the well-known historian of Long Island. None of these letters, however, reflect on his career, but deal basically with family matters. Names and initials are indicated in the calendar exactly as given in the letters themselves. Letter dated Oct 19, 1855 and undated letter No. 1 are in very faded condition and photocopies of them have been made and placed in the collection.
1853, Mar 29, Manhasset from Cousin A.J.H. Setting up an appointment "at Baxter’s or Chapman’s store...”. This letter is addressed to Mr. Skillman at Manhasset. 7 lines of text
1855, Aug 16, Jamaica from Aunt M.H.O. Mentions picnic at which various "persons looking to office" will attend such as "James Remsen and others of that class”. Also orders "8 locust posts...” 22 lines of text
1855, Oct 11, Flower Hill (a section in or near Manhasset) From Cousin (A. J. Hegraan?) Inquiring if Mr. Skillman is able to pick up several persons with his wagon 7 lines of text
1855, Oct 19, Roslyn Prom brother Francis Skillman discusses his possible candidacy for the office of "Justice of the Sessions". Also mentions his cousin A.J. Hegman as a possible nominee for the Assembly. This letter is addressed to Mr. Skillman at Manhasset. 26 lines of text
1856, Jan 30 from brother, F.S. "Rev. Mr. Ely ... has a citation to serve on you as one of the heirs of (Rem?) Lefferts...” Briefly discusses relationship to Lefferts. Addressed to Mr. Skillman at Manhasset 17 lines of text
1859, Jun 8 from Brother F. Skillman informing Skillman that he is ready "to start for Galesburg, …” Addressed to Mr. Skillman at Blackstump. 14 lines of text
1859, Aug 26, Roslyn From brother F.S. A very lengthy letter describing principally a recent visit to Niagara Falls and surrounding areas He received "a feeling of awe and reverence for the Almighty…” “Well did the Indian call it the ‘Father of waters'". Describes some hotel accommodations, feat of tightrope walking, and impressions received from the Niagara Falls area. 79 lines of text
1863, Feb 24, Court House (probably Jamaica) from brother, F. Skillman Apparently describes, very briefly, a court case. "Joseph H. and Dorothy settled a week ago ...by giving her $1000 to release to him all her right in the farm...”. Mentions family matters. Concludes with "so little business is being transacted here that I find it tedious". 30 lines of text
1864, May 27 from brother, F.Skillman Mentions some personal matters such as his not being "contented at home". Offers to give a cow in exchange for something else. 17 lines of text
1864, Jul 18, New Haven, Conn. From brother, P. Skillman relates a visit to the family of John S. Skillman. Regarding New Haven, states that he has "not discovered any very remarkable changes since 1840 when (he) first (saw) the place”.35 lines of text
1864, Oct 1, Court House (probably Jamaica) from brother, P. Skillman "I have to be here a very uncertain time... . I would come to stay all night with you but it is uncertain when court may rise ...". Addressed to Mr. Skillman at Blackstump, Jamaica, P.O. 23 lines of text
1867, Mar 28, Albany From nephew, P. Skillman, Albany a political letter referring to the Town Hall (probably the Jamaica Town Hall). "Jamaica has sent several cliques here on this business…” 34 lines of text
1870, Dec 22, from brother, P. Skillman Discusses, in the main, conditions on the farm and the possibility of giving a lame horse to Skillman. 25 lines of text
1871, Dec 6 From brother, P. Skillman Mainly regarding cloth needed by H.G.O. in order to make garments for Skillman and his son. Copy of pertinent note from H.G.O. also enclosed. 19 lines of text
1871, Dec 31 from brother, F. Skillman "I don’t see any need of your worrying about the land covered by the 'fill" and stonework of R. Road...". "I believe I told you that Stewart built a bridge over L.I.R.R. at Queens...". Also discusses his illness. 38 lines of text
1872, Jan 20 from brother, P. Skillman Discusses, in the main, family matters and his illness. 16 lines of text
1872, Feb 7 from brother, P. Skillman Mentions the smoking of meat, as well as the engagement of "Mr. Davis, the minister of the Dutch Church, Manhasset and Henry Remsens daughter…”36 lines of text
1872, Feb 28 from brother, P. Skillman Chiefly discusses sickness in the family including a sick baby. Also refers to posts to "hole”. 19 lines of text
The following letters are all undated: Numbers 1 through 7 are all from brother Francis Skillman who always signs himself P. Skillman. Numbers 8, 9, 10 are from Skillman’s uncle, the historian, Henry Onderdonk, Jr., who always signs himself H. O. Jr. Number 11 and 12, are from another uncle who signs himself H.G. Onderdonk, probably Horatio Gates Onderdonk, a lawyer as well as some time Judge.
Jan 23, Roslyn Discusses personal family matters. Addressed to Skillman at Manhasset. 35 lines of text
Nov 18 and Nov 20, Roslyn Mentions A.J. Onderdonk, and some receipts for board connected with their deceased mother. Adds some thoughts in this regard. Evidently before letter was mailed, a note was added on Nov 20 onto the letter. Discusses same subject. 47 lines of text
Monday morning “I send my men to see if a finish can't be made of your corn and stalks too...”. Generally discusses farm matters. Envelope also has a few lines written on it. 33 lines of text
Tuesday evening mainly concerned with the butchering and salting of hogs. 47lines of text
Saturday evening mainly about family matters including the hiring of a servant. Also mentions that "B. Coles Jackson's executors are not likely to get ;. 10,000$ for their farm at (Cellas?) Swamp". 40 lines of text
Saturday P.M., May 13 States that he expects "to be married Tuesday...". Hopes to get this particular letter" in the Jamaica P.O. if there is a mail on the cars of the L.I. Road." addressed to Skillman at Blackstump. 25 lines of text
Some mention is made of the out come of a case involving a Mr. Powell and a Mr. Stewart, as well as family matters. "On the way home I stopped at H.G.O. to tell them of your health…” 33 lines of text
Jamaica, Friday morning From Uncle H.O., Jr. Long rambling letter making mention of several family members and friends, and giving some local news regarding farm crops, church services, etc. 65 lines of text
Nov 25 From Uncle H.O., Jr. Primarily in regard to the sale of certain articles. “I think Adrian had better take up a fair valuation...", also describes an accident which befell a friend. 37 lines of text
May 3 From Uncle H.O, Jr. Regarding the price of potatoes and some related farm items. “Uncle James asked for some split locusts posts”. 20 lines of text
Manhasset, Jan 9 From Uncle H. G. Onderdonk Interested in a farm advertised for sale in the "Flushing Journal" “Can it be what was Jacob Willis' farm”. 11 lines of text
From Uncle H. G. Onderdonk regarding a search made in the Brooklyn Register's Office for two mortgages, "and they were not there". Addressed to Skillman at Manhasset. 17 lines of text
Feb 22 From Daniel T. Kissam A brief note of one sentence which reads "I shall have a full supply of Guano, as soon as the ice will permit, and will be pleased to furnish what you may want at the lowest market price". Addressed to Skillman at Manhasset. 6 lines of text
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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 Joseph Onderdonk Skillman Correspondence, 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:
- Skillman, Joseph Onderdonk
Subject Places:
- Fresh Meadows (New York, N.Y.)
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Inventory
[The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.]
