1894-1900 Manuscript Minute Book of the Bartlett, New Hampshire Chapter of the Order of the King’s Daughters and Sons Charitable Organization

On offer is a neat piece of New Hampshire history, being the first minute book of Bartlett, New Hampshire’s newly formed Order of the King’s Daughters and Sons Chapter.

The book opens to handwritten details of what appear to be four affiliated chapters of the Order, but the remainder of the minute book makes it clear that only Chapter No. 1 became operational. The date of organization for Chapter No. 1, whose circle name is the “Union Helpers”, is Dec 10, 1894. The Union Helpers inaugural leader is A.L. Russell, Vice leaders is Mrs. Frank Burbank (Jane A. Burbank b. 1857), Secretary is Mrs. Lydia Freeman, Treasurer is Reverend A.M. Freeman and their line of work is set to be “furnishing the church”. 

Following the information on the chapters begins the Secretary’s report of the first Union Helpers meeting, written by Lydia Freeman, who was elected at the meeting. This entry is undated but it was likely Dec 10, 1894. Following that are minutes of the Union Helpers meetings, which begin in January of 1895 and continue intermittently through 1900. While the chapter meets almost weekly (with the exception of summer) in 1895, the meetings taper off significantly in 1896 and beyond. It is clear by the 1900 minutes that the group is having a difficult time keeping up interest and membership. 

In total there are 33 numbered pages of minutes, ending with the final recorded meeting on March 15, 1900, signed by the treasurer at the time, Rebecca Allan. Beginning on page 44 of the book is the Treasurer’s Report which is a ledger of money spent and received, and provides even more insight into the activities of the King’s Daughters and the people involved. Again, this ledger was kept consistently in the first year and then intermittently. 

One entry from the minute book is transcribed here: 

“Circle met with Mrs. Allen. Leader being present read a Chapter from the Bible and Prayer was offered by Mr. Allen. Members present were Mrs. Russell, Mrs. Adelaide Mead, Mrs. Merry, Mrs. Allen, Mrs Burbank and one associate member Mrs. Martha Mead. Three new members were accepted and given the obligation by the Leader. They were Mr. Archibald Allen, Mrs. Abbie Hall, Mrs. Sarah Mead. Work was worsted and print patchwork and fancy work. Circle was invited to meet on the following Thursday with Mrs. John Eastman - Mrs. F.E. Burbank, Secretary” [April 11, 1895].

This minute book is a treasure trove of genealogical information for the Bartlett, New Hampshire region, as well as an intimate look into the charitable work women took on in the 19th century. The organization is technically called the Order of the King’s Daughters and Sons, and therefore the men are often named and involved as they attend meetings and contribute funds. This helps draw conclusions about relationships within Bartlett at the time. 

Note: There are dozens of Bartlett names contained within the minute book. Some of these include Frank E Burbank (b. Sept 1853), Jane A Burbank (b. March 1857), Adelaide Gray Mead (1840-1929), Rebecca J Allan (b. 1847), Archibald Allan, Arvesta S. Deering (b. 1860), Abigail Drown Nute (b. 1847), Daniel Nute (b. 1843), Joseph Mead (b. 1838), Gertrude (Mead) Merry (b. 1871), Daniel Merry (b. 1861), Walter Perkins, R.W. Chandler, Sarah Mead, Abbie Hall, Rufus Hall, Delora Hanscom, Flora Hall....and so many more!!

Minute book measures 8.5x6.5 inches. The hard covers are in fair condition, with loosening and some ripping and significant signs of age and wear. The pages have loosened from the spine but remain intact. The book contains 91 lined pages in good condition. There 33 pages of handwritten minutes and 17 pages of ledger notes. Handwriting is legible. Overall Fair. 

BIO NOTES: Established in 1886 as a Protestant non-denominational group consisting primarily of women, the Order of the King's Daughters and Sons distributed aid to the poor while raising awareness of their plight. The group experienced tremendous growth through the early part of the 20th Century, inspiring the formation of numerous other women's charity groups.he group met in member's homes and the parsonage of the local church.