TABLE OF CONTENTS
Guide to the Arthur Benjamin Calef Papers, 1851 - 1861
Special Collections and ArchivesOlin Library
Wesleyan University
252 Church Street
Middletown, CT 06457 USA
(860) 685-3864
(860) 685-2661
Email: sca@wesleyan.edu
URL: http://www.wesleyan.edu/libr/schome/
Descriptive Summary |
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| Repository | Special Collections & Archives, Wesleyan University |
| Creator | Calef, Benjamin Arthur, 1825-1900. |
| Title | Arthur Benjamin Calef Papers, |
| Dates | 1851 - 1861 |
| Linear Feet | 0.25 |
| Archival Boxes | 1 |
| Abstract | Arthur Benjamin Calef, Wesleyan class of 1851, served in a variety of governmental positions in Middletown and Middlesex County, Connecticut and in the state as a whole, as well as being a delegate to the National Republican Conventions in 1860 and 1864. |
| Excepting two copies of court records from 1851 and 1853, the collection contains correspondence addressed to Arthur Benjamin Calef dating from 1856 to 1861. John Woodruff is the author of the bulk of the correspondence; his letters - usually marked "private" - chiefly relate to the political situation in Washington, D.C. and Connecticut, especially with regards to pre-Civil War tensions, campaigning, and Calef's appointment to the position of Middletown Postmaster. Other letters are also primarily politically motivated, but include requests for references from Calef or requests that he exert his influence to procure letter-writers certain positions, etc. These letter-writers include Connecticut Governor William A. Buckingham. | |
| Call Number | 1000-138 |
| Location | For current information on the location of these materials, please consult Special Collections & Archives staff. |
| Language of Material | Material in English |
Biographical Note
Arthur Benjamin Calef was born in Sanbornton, NH on June 30, 1825. He attended Wesleyan University between 1847 and 1851. He studied law in Middletown, CT, serving as clerk of the Middlesex County courts for eight years. In 1855, he was elected State Treasurer of Connecticut; three years later, he was elected Middletown City Attorney. He also served as a Middletown councilman, alderman and recorder. He was trustee, secretary, lecturer on constitutional law, and president of both Psi U and the Alumni Association at Wesleyan University. In 1860 and 1864, he was a delegate to the National Republican Convention. He served as postmaster - elected by Republicans - from 1861 - 1869. From 1884 - 1895, Calef was Middletown City Court Judge. He was a Son of the American Revolution and a Freemason. He died in 1900.
John Woodruff was born in West Hartford, CT on February 12, 1826. He received little schooling and moved to New Haven in 1845, where, three years later, he was elected a member of the common council. He served in the Thirty-fourth Congress (March 1855 - March 1857) as a member of the American Party, and, after unsuccessfully running for reelection to the Thirty-fifth Congress, was elected as a Republican to the Thirty-sixth Congress (March 1859 - March 1861). In 1862, he was appointed internal revenue collector for the second district of Connecticut. He died in 1868.
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Collection Overview
Excepting two copies of court records from 1851 and 1853, the collection contains correspondence addressed to Arthur Benjamin Calef dating from 1856 to 1861. John Woodruff is the author of the bulk of the correspondence; his letters - usually marked "private" - chiefly relate to the political situation in Washington, D.C. and Connecticut, especially with regards to pre-Civil War tensions, campaigning, and Calef's appointment to the position of Middletown Postmaster. Other letters are also primarily politically motivated, but include requests for references from Calef or requests that he exert his influence to procure letter-writers certain positions, etc. These letter-writers include Connecticut Governor William A. Buckingham.
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Restrictions
Access Restrictions
No restrictions.
Copyright Notice
Copyright for Official University records is held by Wesleyan University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.
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Online Catalog Headings
These and related materials may be found under the following headings in online catalogs.
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Administrative Information
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Arthur Benjamin Calef Papers, Collection #1000-138, Special Collections & Archives, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT, USA.
Acquisitions Information
Acquired before 1997.
Processing Information
Processed by Thea De Armond, October 2007
Encoded by Valerie Gillispie, October 2007
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