Scope and Contents From the Collection: Letters written to J. Dorr Waterman (1835-1883) make up most of this collection. The letters were written by five different young women between 1851 and 1860. The letters reveal that Waterman had close relationships with these women. They often express how they miss him, wish to see him, and enjoy his company. It is also clear from these letters that Waterman traveled back and forth between his birthplace in Le Roy, Genesee County, New York, and Kalamazoo many times before and after...

Abstract

This collection consists of papers and materials relating mostly to Joseph Dorr Waterman and his mother, Mary C. Waterman (later Simonds). The collection contains the correspondence and financial records of these individuals. There are also items not related to the Waterman/Simonds family, including a wallet, Civil War era letters and keepsakes, and advertisements for Kalamazoo businesses. J. Dorr Waterman was a resident of Kalamazoo from 1857-1883.