George and Sarah Solley papers
Scope and Contents
Collection of documents concerning George W. and Sarah J. E. Solley consisting primarily of correspondence, some financial papers and a few original documents. Sarah's interest in chemistry is represented by a couple of documents including a typescript formula for Multi-Calorium and a signed statement of ownership of a formula for treating gasoline fuels. In addition to the documents related to George and Sarah's marriage in Ireland, there is an 1814 receipt, 1864 letter by a Civil War soldier, an autograph book, and photographs that were presumably passed down from family ancestors. There is an 1942 diary with no indication of authorship and just a few very brief entries. Most of the correspondence to Sarah is from Webb, Scott & Seymour Solicitors of Dublin concerning dividends or interest from various funds. The correspondence by Arthur R. Bedient concerns his work, spiritual matters, and his joining the U.S. Naval Reserves. George also received a single letter from P.F.C. Melvin Bill, a U.S. soldier in Italy during World War II.
Dates
- 1814-1943
- Majority of material found within (: 1928-1943)
Conditions Governing Access
R. Stanton Avery Special Collections material is non-circulating, requires staff retrieval, and is available to NEHGS members (Research level and above) during normal library hours.
Biographical / Historical
George Willis Solley, the son of David Treat and Sarah August (Wood) Solley, was born 20 April 1864 in Bethel, Conn. George W. Solley married Sarah Josephine Elizabeth Dickson on June 23, 1890 in Stillorgan, Ireland. Sarah, the daughter of Reverend Benjamin and Margaret Frances (Hudson) Dickson, was born 24 March 1855 in Dublin, Ireland. At the time of their marriage, Mr. Solley was teaching in Springfield, Massachusetts at what is now Springfield College. Sarah Solley specialized in languages, philosophy, religion, and later on she became interested in chemistry. George and Sarah Solley had only one child, David Treat Solley who died on March 31, 1901 aged 7 years. Sarah died on 17 September 1940.
Extent
0.42 linear feet (1 box)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
George Willis Solley (b. 1864) was a professor at what is now Springfield College (Springfield, Mass.). His wife, Sarah Josephine Elizabeth (Dickson) Solley (1855-1940), specialized in languages, philosophy, religion, and chemistry.
Collection includes correspondence by Arthur R. Bedient, a letter by a Civil War soldier, a letter from a U.S. soldier in Italy during World War II, financial papers, an autograph book, and photographs. Sarah’s interest in chemistry is represented by a few documents concerning gasoline.
Arrangement
- Sub-group I. George and Sarah (Dickson) Solley
- Sub-group II. Miscellaneous items
- Sub-group III. Graphics
Other Finding Aids
The finding aid for this collection is available online in American Ancestors Digital Collections; folder level control.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift
Separated Materials
The Goodwill: A Journal of Reconstructive Philanthropy, Constructive Social Service and Practical Christianity, vol. 21, no. 4, September/October/November 1943 China News, Fall issue 1943 The Boston Herald, Tuesday, July 5, 1938, pages 11-12. The Boston Herald, Monday, July 11, 1938, pages 9-10. The Dickensian, Autumn 1943 Annual Report of the Penn Normal, Industrial, and Agricultural School, 1942-1943.
- Autograph albums.
- Autographs -- Collections.
- Diaries.
- Gasoline -- Anti-knock and anti-knock mixtures.
- Marriage records -- Ireland -- Stillorgan.
- Photographs
- Power of attorney -- Massachusetts.
- Receipts (Acknowledgments)
- Tintypes (prints)
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives
- Women chemists -- Massachusetts -- Rockport.
- World War, 1939-1945 -- Personal narratives, American.
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
Repository Details
Part of the R. Stanton Avery Special Collections Repository
R. Stanton Avery Special Collections
New England Historic Genealogical Society
99-101 Newbury Street
Boston MA 02116-3007 United States
617-536-5740
617-536-7307 (Fax)
judy.lucey@americanancestors.org
