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Joseph H. Webb Papers, 1848-1884, undated

 Collection
Identifier: MSS 339

Scope and Content Note

The Joseph H. Webb Papers consists of the papers of Joseph H. Webb of Salem, Massachusetts, and documents his brief service in the Union Army during the American Civil War as well as his participation in the civic and social affairs of Salem.

There are letters from Joseph Webb to his wife, Sarah, during his service as a lieutenant in the 40th regiment of the Massachusetts Volunteers in 1862. These letters give some details of camp life, including description of illnesses endemic in the camps, and the financial problems caused by delays in the soldiers' pay from the federal government. Webb's military papers are in folder 8. There are also letters from Joseph's brother, Frank, who was living in Zanzibar. In addition, there are several letters from acquaintances and friends of Joseph Webb's, many from Salem or who were somehow involved in Joseph's business. Joseph's worked in banking and had a business that did residential construction around Salem and its environs.

Dates

  • Creation: 1848-1884, undated

Creator

Restrictions on Access

This collection is open for research use.

Biographical Sketch

Joseph H. Webb was born in Salem, Massachusetts, on July 16, 1831. Information on his parentage and siblings is not readily available; however, he had at least two brothers, Frank and Augustine. The latter died in the Civil War. Joseph graduated Salem English High School in 1844 and became a clerk first at Essex Marine Insurance, then at Salem Falls Manufacturing Company and finally, at the Exchange Bank of Salem. He married Sarah (nee unknown) around 1856. In 1862 he enlisted as a Lieutenant in the 40th Massachusetts Volunteers Regiment but returned home in 1863 due to ill health. Upon his return, he became Cashier of the National Exchange Bank in which he remained employed until his death on July 8, 1889.

Extent

0.5 Linear feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The Joseph H. Webb Papers consists of the papers of Joseph H. Webb of Salem, Massachusetts, and documents his brief service in the Union Army during the American Civil War as well as his participation in the civic and social affairs of Salem.

Physical Location

Phillips Library Stacks

Provenance

The provenance of the collection is not known.

Bibliography

Biographical Clippings at the Phillips Library, Vol. 44, pgs. 17-20, 24, 25.

Processing Information

Collection processed by Frances Malamy, May 2004. Updated by Nicholas Long, May 2015.

Title
JOSEPH H. WEBB PAPERS, 1848-1884, undated
Author
Processed by: Frances Malamy; Updated by: Nicholas Long; machine-readable finding aid created by: Rajkumar Natarajan.
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Phillips Library Repository

Contact:
Peabody Essex Museum
306 Newburyport Turnpike
Rowley MA 01969 USA