Historical note:

 

      The Carters and Danforths were prominent families in late eighteenth and early nineteenth century Providence. The men became well-known in local businesses and politics, and the women for their marriages and social abilities.

      John Carter (1745-1814) was a printing apprentice of Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia and of William Goddard in Providence. He published the newspaper, the Providence Gazette, along with William Goddard and later William's mother, Sarah Goddard. In 1768 at age 23, he became sole proprietor of the paper. In 1772 he was appointed as the first postmaster in Providence and was partner in the publishing house in Rhode Island, Carter and Wilkinson. Of his three daughters, Ann, married Nicholas Brown, Rebecca married Amos Throop Jenckes and, Elizabeth Ann, married Walter Raleigh Danforth.

      Walter R. Danforth (1787-1861) was son of Job Danforth (1745-1830), a Providence artisan. Walter was a graduate of Brown University (1805) and studied law. He was clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court of Providence (1807-1818), editor of the Providence Gazette in 1820, and founder of Microcosm. 1829 through 1841 he was Collector for the Custom House. His active political career elected him to the Town Council of Providence and later in 1853, he was Mayor for one year.

      John Carter's son, Benjamin B. Carter (1771-1835), spent most of his life in the shipping industry. He graduated from Brown University (1789) and the Pennsylvania Medical College (1792). He practiced medicine for a short time in Woodstock, CT but soon was doctor and supercargo on the Ann and Hope, sailing to Canton. Carter seemed to enjoy the sea, for he continued his voyages until his death. He was one of the few Americans in Canton who saw a need to learn Chinese and he was proficient in Greek, Latin, Hebrew and perhaps Hindu. His brothers, Crawford and William (who died in Louisiana in 1822) also were involved with the China Trade, while his brother-in-law, Amos Jenckes spent much of his career voyaging to Cuba and eventually settled and died there and Rebecca returned to Providence.

      William Carter (1785-1821), another son of John Carter, was also a merchant. He travelled to Canton, China in 1815. He died in St. Francisville, Louisiana in 1821.

 

Sources:

Biographical Cyclopedia of Rhode Island, "Walter R. Danforth"

Carter-Danforth Papers, Manuscript Division, RIHS

 

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Scope and content:

 

      The papers of the Carter-Danforth Family date from 1722 to 1929, the bulk of the papers dating from 1790-1840. There are many deeds, bills, receipts and miscellaneous writings for school and for the newspaper. Also included are trade accounts for local trade as well as the China Trade. The most interesting papers are the correspondence of Crawford Carter, William Carter, Benjamin B. Carter and Amos Jenckes concerning trade with Cuba and China. Series include:

      Series I: Benjamin B. Carter (1771-1831)

      Series II: Carter-Danforth-Jenckes

      Series III: Walter R. Danforth (1787-1861)

      Series IV: Miscellaneous

 

SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

 

Series I: Benjamin B. Carter, 1781-1831 (.75 lin. ft.)

      This series contains letters, accounts, writings, and exercise books used to practice Chinese and Hebrew characters. The bulk of the letters concern business matters, accounts on purchases and receipts especially from China for Moses & Sons (1799-1800), King & Talbot (1803-6) and others. Family letters are primarily from John, James, and Crawford Carter His sister Huldah's papers contain some of his estate records. A 1787 letter discusses Shay's Rebellion and a July 1828 letter to Edward Carrington explains why Carter found it necessary to learn the Chinese language. Also included are medical articles, questions on Rhode Island history, and notes and accounts from his voyages with the Ann and Hope. Arranged alphabetically and chronologically with volumes and oversize items listed at the end.

 

Series II: Carter-Danforth-Jenckes, 17??-18?? (1.5 lin. ft.)

      This series includes letters, some accounts and account books, estate records and invitations. The bulk of the material dates from 1800-1820. Crawford Carter's files primarily concern the China Trade with many letters from his nephew, Amos T. Jenckes who ended up in Cuba. Rebecca (Carter) Jenckes folders contain invitations from Providence friends. William Carter also traveled to Canton and there are accounts from his voyages, as well as letters to Havana on behalf of his sister Rebecca to settle the Jenckes estate. One letter discusses the Savannah, GA earthquake in 1812. Elizabeth (Carter) Danforth received letters from her husband, Walter R., discussing politics, social events in Washington and Providence as well as family affairs. Others included in this series are the Browns, Capt. Burrows, John Updike, the Crawfords, Rebecca Jones, George Olney, and Ebenezer Sanders. Arranged alphabetically, then chronologically with volumes and oversize items arranged separately and listed at the end of the series inventory.

 

Series III: Walter R. Danforth, 1805-1861 (.75 lin. ft.)

      Series III consists of letters, including those from George Parker of Millbury, MA and his brother-in-laws concerning the China Trade, essays, orations, letters about the newspaper, Rhode Island and Providence politics, the custom house, the Dorr War, and trade. Also contains accounts of house painting and building. Speeches and lectures to various groups are also present as well as miscellaneous writings, probably for his publications.

The certificate to be Customs Collector signed by A. Jackson is also included. Arranged alphabetically and chronologically. Volumes at the end of the series and oversize items are in box 7.

 

Series IV: Miscellaneous, 1730-1852. 1.0 lin. ft.

      Contains calling cards, accounts writings and letters, an unidentified diary recording a trip to New York (Walter Danforth's?), miscellaneous writing which could be for publication, math problems and shipping documents, some from the Rebecca and the Victory. Arranged alphabetically then chronologically with volumes and oversize items listed at the end.

 

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Provenance:

 

The bulk of these papers were donated in 1917 by Crawford Carter Allen (see Rhode Island History, June 1918, p.82). These are the known accessions for this collection:

#1883.17    "Reminiscences of Providence" by Walter R. Danforth, bequest from his estate.

#1890.12.1-    Writings and memoranda of Walter R. Danforth Jr., gift of Charles Danforth

#1892.21.1-6    6 Chinese documents brought by B.B. Carter on ship Ann & Hope, gift of Charles Danforth.

#1894.16.1    Letter by Benjamin B. Carter, with genealogical notes on the Carter family, gift of Charles Danforth.

#1917.14.1-    Manuscripts and letters re Carter-Danforth family, gift of Crawford Carter Allen

#1930.18.1-    Ledger of John Carter, other books and papers. Bequest from John C.B. Woods.

#1951.14.1-    Seven bundles of documents, mostly legal papers, writs, etc., from the Carter and Danforth families, including several account books, gift of J. Danforth Edwards.

#1963.16.1-    One envelope of miscellany, gift of J. Danforth Edwards.

#1990.73.4    William Carter diary, 1814-1817 (photostat), from estate of Mrs. Washburn.

#1991.103.2    John Carter receipt book, 1767-1792, bequest from estate of Mrs. Washburn.

#1998.38.1-    Photocopies of twenty documents dated 1793-1830, and copies of family heirloom correspondence circa 1917-1919, gift of Susan White Pieroth.

 

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Processing note:

 

      This collection was first processed in 1949 by Mrs. Clifford K. Rathbone (see Rhode Island History 10/1949, p. 114), and additional material continued to be integrated in and re-processed through 1988 without an inventory being prepared. In 1991, other Danforth and Carter material was incorporated by Cindy Bendroth. Materials were reboxed, refoldered, labeled and arranged, and a finding aid was written. The collection was catalogued in OCLC shortly thereafter. However, previous catalog cards concerning specific items have been retained in the catalog and most were noted to see inventory. In 1999, some additional material was added, a provenance note was written, and the finding aid was slightly revised by Rick Stattler.

 

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Inventory:

 

Series I: Benjamin B. Carter

 

    Box 1

      Folder 1: Ann and Hope, 1802 and letter about trip on Ann and Hope, 1798 (incomplete)

      Folder 2: Benjamin B. Carter Estate, 1831

      Folder 3: Benjamin B. Carter, Correspondence and accounts 1781-1787

      Folder 4: Benjamin B. Carter, Correspondence and accounts 1792-1800

      Folder 5: Benjamin B. Carter, Correspondence and accounts 1801-1805

      Folder 6: Benjamin B. Carter, Correspondence and accounts 1806-1810

      Folder 7: Benjamin B. Carter, Correspondence and accounts 1811-1820

      Folder 8: Benjamin B. Carter, Correspondence and accounts 1821-1831

      Folder 9: Benjamin B. Carter, Correspondence and accounts Undated

      Folder 10: Benjamin B. Carter, Hebrew, Hindu and Chinese, n.d.

 

    Volumes

      #5 Benjamin B. Carter, Exercise Book, 1797

      #6 Benjamin B. Carter, Chinese Vocabulary, n.d.

      #11 Benjamin B. Carter, Journal 1801-1804 (purchases in Canton)

 

    OVERSIZE BOX 7

      Benjamin B. Carter Diplomas, 1789, 1792

 

Series II: Carter-Danforth-Jenckes

 

    Box 2

      Folder 1: Mrs. Crawford Allen, 1895-1929

      Folder 2: Mrs. Crawford Carter Allen, family history and heirloom notes, 1917

      Folder 3: Richard Bowen Allen

      Folder 4: Sophia Barnes Allen (Danforth) (1823-?), 1888-1913 

      Folder 5: Brown Family (Nicholas, John C., Mary), 174?, 1824, n.d.

      Folder 6: Burrows, Capt., Funeral for, November 30, 1835

      Folder 7: Amey Carter (Crawford) (1743-1806), 1804, 1807

      Folder 8: Crawford Carter (1782-1868)

      Folder 9: Crawford Carter (1782-1868), 2 account books, 1804-1809 (re federal money for states) and misc. papers, n.d.

      Folder 10: Crawford Carter (1782-1868), Correspondence and accounts 1798-1809

      Folder 11: Crawford Carter (1782-1868), House rent and memorandum book, 1843-45

      Folder 12: Eliza Ann Carter

      Folder 13: Elizabeth Carter (Spriggs) (John Carter's wife) (1713-1760), genealogy, n.d.

      Folder 14: Carter Estate, n.d.

      Folder 15: Carter House, Repairs on -Meeting St., 1847

      Folder 16: Huldah M. Carter (1787-184?), Correspondence and accounts, 1803-1842, Copybook of verse, 1804

      Folder 17: James Carter, 1804-1810

      Folder 18: John Carter, 1784-1812

      Folder 19: John Carter, Genealogy, n.d.

      Folder 20: John Carter, Receipt book, 1767-1792

      Folder 21: Rebecca Carter (1778-1837), 1794-1801, undated (see also Rebecca Jenckes)

      Folder 22: Rebecca Carter (1778-1837), party invitations, 1794 and undated

      Folder 23: Rebecca Carter (1778-1837), Diary to New York, 1828

      Folder 24: William Carter, 1803-1831, n.d.

      Folder 23: William Carter, diary 1814-1817 (two-page photostat), mostly kept as passenger aboard Ann & Hope from 1815-1817. Includes memorandum re death of John Carter in 1814. Photostat was probably made by John C.B. Woods, and was found among his papers. Filed with supporting documents.

      Folder 24: Abijah Crawford estate, 1770-1776

 

    Box 3

      Folder 1: Andrew Jackson Danforth, 1866 [Clara Barton signature]

      Folder 2: Charles Danforth, 1824-1828

      Folder 3: Charles Danforth, Reminiscences of Providence, 1883

      Folder 4: Elizabeth Ann (Carter) Danforth (wife of W.R. Danforth), 1812-1856

      Folder 5: Elizabeth Ann (Carter) Danforth (wife of W.R. Danforth), 1861-1869

      Folder 6: Elizabeth Ann (Carter) Danforth (wife of W.R. Danforth), 1870-1878

      Folder 7: Elizabeth Marie Danforth, 1827

      Folder 8: Danforth Family, 1882-1893 

      Folder 9: Danforth Genealogical Book, 1722-1807

      Folder10: Francis L. Danforth, n.d.

      Folder 11: James Danforth, 1837

      Folder 12: Job Danforth, 1771-1810

      Folder 13: Job Danforth, 1811-1827

      Folder 14: Job Danforth, estate and inventory, 1839

      Folder 15: Ozias Danforth, 1805-14

      Folder 16: Governor Samuel Danforth, 1740

      Folder 17: Thomas Danforth, 1750/51

      Folder 18: Walter R. Danforth, Jr., 1823

 

    Box 4

      Folder 1: William C. Danforth, 1871-76

      Folder 2: Danforth Estate-Meeting St. and Westminster St.

      Folder 3: William Harharrey(?)-Inventory, n.d.

      Folder 4: Jenckes Family (Rebecca, Emily, Amos Sr. & Jr.), 1806-1850

      Folder 5: Francis Carter Jenckes, 1816

      Folder 6: Rebecca Jones, 178?

      Folder 7: George Olney, 1811

      Folder 8: Ebenezer Sanders, petition for bankruptcy, 1811

      Folder 9: Estate of John Updike, 1804

 

    Volumes

      #1 Attorney Fee book, 1817-1819 [Carter or Danforth]

      #7 Crawford Carter, Estate Accounts, 1838-1854

      #8 Crawford Carter? Lunar Observations, 1803-1804

      #10 Crawford Carter, Exercise Book, 1795

      #14 Crawford Carter, Accounts, 1804-1808

      #15 Crawford Carter, Accounts, 1804-1809

      #2 John Carter, Journal #1 1768-1775

      #4 John Carter, Ledger A, 1816-1817s

      #17 William Carter Estate, 1822

      #3 Job Danforth, Journal, 1789-1828

      #9 Walter R. Danforth, Jr.-Exercise Book, 1824

      #12 Elizabeth A. Danforth-Estate of Walter R. Danforth, 1864-1875

 

    OVERSIZE BOX 7

      Huldah Carter-Arithmetic book (conserved)

      John Carter-Certificate for Postmaster of Providence from Benjamin Franklin to John Carter, Sept. 25, 1775

      Rebecca Carter-Copybook, 1791 (conserved)

      Rebecca Carter-Diary, 1794 (conserved)

 

Series III: Walter R. Danforth

 

    Box 4

      Folder 10: Brown University-school essays and bills, 1802-1804, n.d.

      Folder 11: Walter R. Danforth, Correspondence and accounts, 1805-1816, n.d.

      Folder 12: Walter R. Danforth, Correspondence and accounts, 1817-1824

      Folder 13: Walter R. Danforth, Correspondence and accounts, 1825-1840

      Folder 14: Walter R. Danforth, Correspondence and accounts, 1841-1861

      Folder 15: Walter R. Danforth, Correspondence and accounts, Custom House, 1829-1845

      Folder 16: Walter R. Danforth, Correspondence and accounts, George P. Parker, 1839, 1842

 

    Box 5

      Folder 1: Walter R. Danforth, Female Excellency

      Folder 2: Walter R. Danforth, Oration Delivered at Pawtucket, July 4, 1831

      Folder 3: Walter R. Danforth, Oration to Federal Adelpi Society, Sept. 1816 and Philemania (?) Society September 1817

      Folder 4: Walter R. Danforth, Providence Mechanics and Manufacturers Association-First speech delivered to, n.d.

      Folder 5: Walter R. Danforth, Reminiscences of Walter R. Danforth, n.d.

      Folder 6: Walter R. Danforth, Reminiscences of Providence, n.d.

      Folder 7: Walter R. Danforth, Speech, March 5, 1833

      Folder 8: Walter R. Danforth, Speech on Independence Day, [1833]

      Folder 9: Walter R. Danforth, Speech-Roger Williams Meeting House, July 4, 1834

      Folder 10: Walter R. Danforth, Writings, n.d.

 

    Volumes

      #13 Walter R. Danforth-Journal, 1807-1815

      #16 Walter R. Danforth-Pocket Journal, 1811

 

    Oversize Box 7

      Walter R. Danforth-Certificate for Collector of Customs, Providence, RI, March 11, 1829

 

Series IV: Miscellaneous

 

    Box 5

      Folder 11: Calling Cards, n.d.

      Folder 12: Cotton Manufacturers, 1809 (copy)

      Folder 13: Cotton Manufacturers, 1809 (original)

      Folder 14: "History Founded on Facts-Chap. 2nd," n.d.

      Folder 15: Princeton University, 1746-1759

 

    Box 6

      Folder 1: Providence Gazette(?), n.d. (Miscellaneous writings)

      Folder 2: Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, by David Humphreys, 1730

      Folder 3: Town of Providence, 1813-1852, n.d.

      Folder 4: Writings, n.d.

      Folder 5: Miscellaneous, 1791-1800

      Folder 6: Miscellaneous Writtings, n.d.

      Folder 7: Miscellaneous, n.d.

      Folder 8: Miscellaneous Merchant documents (Rebecca, Victory)

 

    OVERSIZE Box 7

      "To the honorable Chancellor...of Rhode Island College, n.d.

 

List of Oversized Items and Volumes (repeats previous listings in the above Series)

OVERSIZE BOX 7

            Rebecca Carter diary, 1794

            Rebecca Carter copybook, 1791

            Huldah Carter's Arithmetic Book

            "To the Honorable Chancellor the Reverend President...of Rhode Island College," n.d.

            Certificate, Providence Postmaster, Benjamin Franklin to John Carter, Sept. 25, 1775

            Certificate for Collector of Customs, Providence, RI, March 11, 1829

            Diploma, Pennsylvania Hospital to Benjamin B. Carter, 1792

            Diploma, Rhode Island College to Benjamin B. Carter, 1789

 

VOLUMES

      #1 Attorney Fee book, 1817-1819 [Carter or Danforth]

      #2 John Carter, Journal #1 1768-1775

      #3 Job Danforth, Journal, 1789-1828

      #4 John Carter, Ledger A, 1816-1817s

      #5 Benjamin B. Carter, Exercise Book, 1797

      #6 Benjamin B. Carter, Chinese Vocabulary, n.d.

      #7 Crawford Carter, Estate Accounts, 1838-1854

      #8 Crawford Carter? Lunar Observations, 1803-1804

      #9 Walter R. Danforth, Jr.-Exercise Book, 1824

      #10 Crawford Carter, Exercise Book, 1795

      #11 Benjamin B. Carter, Journal 1801-1804 (purchases in Canton)

      #12 Elizabeth A. Danforth-Estate of Walter R. Danforth, 1864-1875

      #13 Walter R. Danforth-Journal, 1807-1815

      #14 Crawford Carter, Accounts, 1804-1808

      #15 Crawford Carter, Accounts, 1804-1809

      #16 Walter R. Danforth-Pocket Journal, 1811

      #17 William Carter Estate, 1822

 

 

Related RIHS Collections:

Other material on members of the Carter and Danforth families can be found in the Peck, Shepley and Log Book Collections as follows (check Manuscript card catalog for descriptions):

 

Carter, Benjamin

      MSS 9005 Peck Collection, v.12, p.1

      MSS 9003, Rhode Island Historical Society Manuscripts Collection, v.14, p.167

      MSS 9006, Shepley Collection, v.8, pp.118, 121, 124

 

Carter, Benjamin B.

      MSS 828, Ship’s Log Book Collection, Ann and Hope, July 10, 1798-August 1800 (2 logs) microfilmed

      MSS 828, Ship’s Log Book Collection, Asia July 12-Dec. 9, 1804

 

Carter, Crawford

      MSS 9006, Shepley Collection, v.8, pp.116, 118, 119-121

      MSS 9006, Shepley Collection, v.6, p.131

      MSS 828, Ship’s Log Book Collection, Rebecca, Aug.19-Oct. 6, 1806

      MSS 828, Ship’s Log Book Collection, George and Mary Sept. 17-25 1809, Dec. 15 1809-Feb. 20 1810 (in book with Rebecca)

      MSS 828, Ship’s Log Book Collection, Matilda, Sept. 29, 1804-Jan 7, 1805

      MSS 828, Ship’s Log Book Collection, Patterson, July 19, 1803-January 22, 1804, Mar. 14-Aug. 22, 1804

 

Carter, Edward

      MSS 9003, RIHSM v.11, p.54

 

Carter, Elizabeth

      MSS 9003, RIHSM v.11, p.24

 

Carter, Huldah M.

      MSS 9006, Shepley v.8, p.116

 

Carter, John

      MSS 9005, Peck Collection, v.3, p.24

      MSS 9006, Shepley Collection, v.7, p.141

      MSS 9006, Shepley Collection, v.8, pp.119, 120, 138

 

Carter, Rebecca

      MSS 9006, Shepley Collection, v.8, pp.115, 117, 119, 120, 123

 

Carter, Robert

      MSS 9005 PeckCollection, v.8, p.4

      MSS 9006, Shepley Collection, v.11, pp.52-53

 

Carter & Wilkinson

      MSS 9003, RIHSM v.14, p.193

 

Carter, William

      MSS 9006, Shepley Collection, v.8, pp.124, 123, 138, 144

 

Carter, W.H.

      MSS 9006, Shepley Collection, v.8, p.35

 

Danforth, E.A.

      MSS 9006, Shepley Collection, v.8, p.122

 

Danforth, Job

      MSS 9006, Shepley Collection, v.8, p. 140, 142

 

Danforth, Leon E.

      Mss 6, SG 24 Pawtucket Granolitic Construction Co.

 

Danforth, Ozias

      MSS 9006, Shepley Collection,  v.8, p.133

 

Danforth, Samuel

      MSS 9006, Shepley Collection, v. 8, p.142

 

Danforth, Walter R.

      Mss 28 Custom House Papers

      MSS 9006, Shepley Collection, v.6, pp.73-74, 117

      MSS 9006, Shepley Collection, v.8, pp.122, 131-137, 138-140, 143-144

 

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Subjects:

 

Ann & Hope

Brown family

*Cabinetmakers - Rhode Island - Providence

Carter, Benjamin B. (1771-1835)

*Carter, John (1745-1814)

*Carter, William (1785-1821)

China - Commerce - United States

*Crawford family

Cuba - Commerce - United States

Customs administration

*Danforth, Job (1745-1830)

Danforth, Walter R. (1787-1861)

Danforth family

*Diaries - 1794

*Diaries - 1814-1817

*Diaries - 1828

East Indies - Commerce - United States

Furniture making

Jenckes family

*Jenckes, Rebecca (Carter) (1778-1837)

Jones, Rebecca

Olney, George

Providence, R.I. - Social life and customs

*Sanders, Ebenezer

*Textile industry - Rhode Island

Updike, John

 

*Subject headings added in 1999 and 2000

 

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RIHS1822