Stunning 19th Century Manuscript Autograph Book with Great Insight Into Social and Familial Connections in Essex County, Massachusetts

On offer is a beautiful example of a 19th century autograph book that was popular in pre-Civil War America. This book features entires that allow the reader to make interesting genealogical connections within the Essex County, Massachusetts region. 

The owner of this book was a woman named Margaret Merrill. There are multiple Margaret Merrills who were born in the 1830s-40s, and lived in Essex county, so it is not possible to determine the exact owner of this book. What we can determine, however, are the many authors of Margaret’s autographs.

The book features inscriptions and autographs of six members of the Dodge family, who were spread out around Essex county in Hamilton, Beverly and Wenham. There are entries from Sarah W. Dodge (1838-1920), daughter of George and Mary Dodge of Hamilton, Mary Abbie Dodge (1836-1879), daughter of Richard and Hannah Dodge of Beverly, and sisters mother Elizabeth C. Dodge (wife of Abraham Dodge) and her daughters Caroline, Martha and Ellen Dodge, all of Wenham. What a fascinating genealogy these entries weave. Other entries are from other Wenham, Cambridge and Boston locals, often multiple members of the same family, including two members of each of the Henderson, Curtis and Cabot families, and several others. 

Entries were written between 1859-1881. As was the style of the time, most fill an entire page with poetry and wishes for Margaret. 

It seems Margaret was married in 1863, as she received a “Marriage wish” from Caroline C. Dodge: 

“One year of joy another of comfort and all the rest of content…Let one anxious thought of thine/Rest it rapid flight on me/Nor to forgetfulness consig/ A friend who loves to think of thee”.

Another entry consists of a beautiful line drawing rendered in red and black ink of a bird surrounded by boughs and bearing the ornate signature of Charles Stanton and dated 1877.

There are two cards tipped in to the book, each with a beautiful coloured drawing and a scrolled message and printed with the names of the giver.

Another sample entry reads as follows: 

“Passing through life's field of action/Lest we past before its end;/Take within your little volume This moment from a friend/Very Sincerely - Sarah A Fall” [April 7, 1879]. 

This is a really exciting find for anyone interested in Essex County, Massachusetts. Margaret was obviously a beloved citizen of Wenham, and forged connections far and wide, allowing a modern-day reader or researcher to trace genealogy and gain insight into friendships and connections in the region. 

Autograph Books - Historical Context: An autograph book was a book used to collect the autographs of others people who were important to the book-owner’s life. Traditionally they were exchanged among friends and classmates to fill with poems, personal messages, small pieces of verse, scripture quotations and other mementos. Sometimes, tucked inside the pages would be pressed flowers, calling cards, and locks of hair. Many also contained illustrations or drawings. The tradition of keeping these books began in central Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries and came to America in the late 18th century. Their appeal peaked in the latter part of the 19th century but they were still common in 20th century. As interest in autograph books dwindled as they were replaced by yearbooks and guest books.

This small book measures 7.5 inches by 6.25 inches and contains 96 pages. It is 21% complete. The book includes 4 black and white plates with line drawings illustrating idealized and pastoral scenes. The pages themselves are gilt-edged and are printed in several alternating pastel shades. The front cover is a deeply embossed red leather with gold designs. It bears the title The Philopena (or Autograph) Album. It is worn but still intact. The binding is in good condition as are the pages. The handwriting is legible. Some of the handwriting displays very beautiful calligraphy.