Guide to the John Hamlin Diaries, 1846-1871
John Hamlin Diaries, George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, Bowdoin College Library, Brunswick, Maine
The George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, like all archives and special collections libraries, is the creation of human beings who have collected, organized, and described things in ways that reflect personal, cultural, societal, and institutional biases. Although we strive to preserve and present collections in a manner that is respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in the collections, we acknowledge that our systems are neither neutral nor perfect. We encourage you to let us know if you encounter materials, descriptive language, or practices that are offensive or harmful, particularly those for which inadequate context or warning is offered. We are committed to modifying and updating our descriptive practices to use respectful and inclusive terminology and appreciate your help in this work. We look forward to supporting you in your research and learning together.
John Hamlin, son of Eleazer and Sally (Bancroft) Hamlin, was born in Waterford, Maine, on March 15, 1800, and spent most of his life farming around Raymond and Sweden, Maine. He was married three times, first to Mary Evans (1800-1839), then to Mary's sister, Caroline Evans (1813-1850), and finally to Mary Rich (1810-18??), and had nine children, most of whom died in childhood. Hamlin died on September 30, 1875, shortly after settling on land that had once been owned by his father. Additional information on the Hamlin family is available in the Cyrus Hamlin Collection and the Cyrus Hamlin and Hannibal Hamlin series in the Abbott Memorial Collection.
These diaries, dating from 1846 to 1871, chronicle the life of a farming family in the Raymond, Sweden, and Harrison, Maine area. They detail local agricultural practices, listing the types of crops planted; personal finances; daily chores; and the family's social life. There are also accounts of weather conditions, trips to town, and the medical history of the family. Attendance at Sabbath day services, weekly prayer meetings, and funerals are listed faithfully. The collection also includes diaries and school papers written in 1856 by an unidentified family member at the Kents Hill Preparatory School, and some miscellaneous notes.
1846 Jan 1 - 1862 Oct 9
1862 Oct 10 - 1871 May 8
Notes, etc. of a young member of the family [1856?, possibly while at Kents Hill Preparatory School]
Lists of deaths, 1847-1860 [miscellaneous notes on reverse side]
Miscellaneous notes