Edmondson-Jacobs Family papers

The papers of the Edmondson-Jacobs family span the years 1836 to 1954 with the bulk of the material dating between 1880 and 1900. Correspondence addressed to Emma E. Jacobs comprises the largest portion of the material. The collection also includes correspondence between other members of the Edmondson-Jacobs family, manuscripts, poetry, printed ephemera, passports, a scrapbook, financial records, and photographs.

The correspondence documents the daily lives of the family and focuses on local events and domestic concerns. Topics frequently discussed in the correspondence include religious services, social events, illness, clothing purchases, teaching, the weather, and vacations. The financial records in this collection include information on the distribution of William V. M. Edmondson's estate upon his death and numerous documents relating to the settlement of debts. These records provide valuable insight into the economic status of the Edmondson/Jacobs family.

The bulk of the series, dating between 1880 and 1900, consists of correspondence between members of the Jacobs family. Emma E. Jacobs, also called "Pink," was the recipient of the majority of the letters. Her brother, William V. E. Jacobs, was the principle author. Frequent topics in the correspondence include religious services, social events, illness, clothing purchases, teaching, the weather, vacations, and the experiences of William V. E. Jacobs as he traveled the United States as a captain in the Revenue Cutter Service. While the letters of William V. E. Jacobs were written during his military service, his letters focus on his personal life and social engagements. William's letters to his sister Emma are didactic in nature and include instruction on spelling, grammar, and etiquette as well as advice on how to handle her school and on whether or not she should marry.

Also included is correspondence between Emma E. Jacobs and those associated with her professional career such as James L. Bryan, the superintendent of the Church Creek school district, and the parents of pupils. The series also contains correspondence to Helen Emory from her daughters Agnes and May. The link between the Jacobs and Emory families is unclear.

Arrangement of the correspondence is alphabetical by recipient and then alphabetical by sender. Under each recipient the arrangement within each sender group is chronological; undated material appears after all the dated items. Letters addressed to more than one person, such as "children" or "sisters," are filed under the heading of the recipient with the most singly addressed correspondence from that sender. (For example, a letter from Emma V. Edmondson Jacobs, addressed "Dear Children," appears as "To Emma [Pink] E. Jacobs with Eugenia [Jean] Jacobs and Murdaughs -- From Emma V. Edmondson Jacobs.") Letters from senders whose full surname name could not be identified appear at the end of all senders for an individual recipient.