Silver family papers

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: Col-1037

Content Description

The Silver family papers consists of two account books from the Red Lion Inn's store dated 1874-1876 and 1887-1891; a cash book dated 1879-1880 which include several trade cards set in to it, advertising various businesses and goods; and "statements of farm account" detailing expenses around a farm, including labor, funeral expenses, and supplies such as nails and glass. These farm accounts may be related to the estate of Samuel W. Stewart, a relative of Jane E. Stewart who married Henry M. Silver.

Also incuded is the diary of William H. Dawson of Smyrna, Delaware. It is unclear how Dawson is connected to the Silver family. Entries in the diary are mainly concerned with farming and business activities.

Dates

Creation: 1874-1891

Creator

Stewart, Samuel W. (Associated name, Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection open for research.

Biographical / Historical

The Silver family of Red Lion, Delaware, were long-time landowners in the area, and proprietors of of the the Red Lion Inn and a general store. According to W. Frank Silver in his memoir and history of Red Lion Memories of Red Lion, prior to the American Revolution, the original Red Lion Inn was located in an area of the "Pidgeon Run Tract," and gave name to the area due to the imagery on its sign - a red lion rampant. The second Red Lion Inn and general store was inherited by the Silver family though the marraige of William Silver and Elisse Roussie around 1800. In 1823, William Silver, Jr. (1795-1867) built a new inn and store at a new location in Red Lion. The inn was subsiquently inherited and run by Henry M. Silver (1835-1910) and William F. Silver (1861-1947). In 1946, the facade of the inn, as well as the sign, were aquired by Henry F. du Pont for the nacent Winterthur Museum.

Full Extent

5 item(s) ; Store account book, 1874-1876: 7.25 x 12 in. Store account book, 1887-1891: 5 x 12 in. Cash book: 4 x 6.5 in. William H. Dawson diary: 4 x 6.5 in.