Guide to the Willers family papers, 1820-1908. (original) (raw)
Willers family papers, 1820-1908.
Letters and other material relating to patronage and machine politics of the Democratic Party in Seneca County.
Willers family.
2.8 cubic feet.
1 folders.
Diedrich Willers Sr. was born in Germany and came to the United States after having served with the Hanoverian forces at the Battle of Waterloo. Diedrich Willers Jr. (1833-1908) was secretary of New York State (1878), and a Democratic assemblyman from Seneca County.
Letters and other material relating to patronage and machine politics of the Democratic Party in Seneca County; other topics include draft exemptions, laws relating to the hiring of substitutes in the Civil War, pardons, Poor House investigations, canals and canal appointments, letters concerning Governor Tilden's policies, Horatio Seymour's stand on the subject of bounties, and actions taken by the Romulus Convention (1875). Also, papers relating to the German Reformed Church at Bearytown, Seneca County, New York.
Willers family papers, #652. Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library.
Willers, Diedrich, 1798-1883.
Willers, Diedrich, 1833-1908.
Seymour, Horatio, 1810-1886.
Tilden, Samuel J. (Samuel Jones), 1814-1886.
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Recruiting.
Seneca County (N.Y.) -- Religious life and customs.
Seneca County (N.Y.) -- Politics and government.
New York (State) -- Politics and government.
Politicians.
Draft -- United States.
Politics, Practical -- New York (State) -- Seneca County.
Patronage, Political -- New York (State) -- Seneca County.
Bounties, Military.
Container
Description
Date
Scope and Contents
All the material in the collection may not be covered by this guide.
Box 1
Road Construction
1813-04-02
Scope and Contents
Copy of resolution made between the towns of Romulus and Fayette, N.Y. to build a connecting road, April 2, 1813
Box 1
Indentures
1820-02-12-1856-04-02
Scope and Contents
Contract of indenture between Catherine Stahl and Amy Stahl Turbot township, Northumberland County, Penna. February 12, 1820. Contract of indenture whereby Margaret Bowers became the indentured servant of Isaac Gambers, April 2, 1856.
Box 1
Statement of Character
1820-04-05
Scope and Contents
Affidavit made by Daniel Philip Lange of York County, Penna. Stating that Diedrich K. Willers Sr. of good character etc., it also relates briefly Willers life history, April 5, 1820.
Box 1
State New York Courts
1822-03-29
Scope and Contents
Copy of an act of the N. Y. Assembly, passed March 29, 1822 authorizing courts to meet in Ovid and Junius, although both towns were located in Seneca County.
Box 1
Certificate of Church Membership
1826-03-24
Scope and Contents
Issued to William Deppen by Diedrich Willers, Pastor of the Fayette German Reformed Church, March 24, 1826.
Box 1
Citizenship
1830-10-1839-10-08
Scope and Contents
Sworn statement made by Diedrich Willers in the Seneca County Common Pleas Court that he wishes to become a citizen of the united States, October term, 1830. This repeated in October term, 1834; see statement sworn on October 8, 1839.
Box 1
German Reformed Church
1832-03-16-1837-07-27
Scope and Contents
Letter from the Executive Committee of the Missionary Society of the Church to Diedrich Willers stating that he will receive Missionary Society pamphlets in both English and German, March 16, 1832. See letter from A. Wagner to Willers, July 3, 1832. Minutes of a meeting of the elders of the Church at Fayette, Seneca County, July 27, 1837.
Box 1
Church Disputes
1838-01-09-1838-11-05
Scope and Contents
Series of documents, primarily legal, relating to the suit for libel brought against Michael Brown Jr. by Diedrich Willers, and the problems Willers had in collecting the damages awarded him, January 9, 1838 - November 5, 1838.
Box 1
Broadside
1838-01-09
Scope and Contents
Broadside # 2889 filed under data of January 9, 1838 in Willers Papers, identical to Br. 977 in Broadside Collection. N. Dean January 1977
Box 1
Diedrich Willers to Rev. Benjamin Schneider
1838-11-07-1940-11-07
Scope and Contents
Of the German Reformed Church. Letter from Diedrich Willers to Rev. Benjamin Schneider concerning a foreign mission in Turkey. See also letter date Nov. 7, 1838 from Willers to the American Board of Foreign Missions; see letter from Willers to F. Hoffheintz January 7, 1840.
Box 1
H.E.W. Evans to Diedrich Willers
Scope and Contents
Letter from H.E.W. Evans to Diedrich Willers explaining why Evans, an Ohioan, supports Harrison in the current presidential campaign; Harrison is a man who has had a " ….long life of moral and political honesty". August 15, 1840; se also letter from Mattias S. Weaver to Willers, November 16, 1842.
Box 1
Education
1846-11-04-1854-03-02
Scope and Contents
A number of compositions written as school assignments by Diedrich Willers Jr. on various topics (e.g. On Music, John Calvin, The Government of Passion, Ulrich Zwingli, The Magnetic Telegraph, Education, The Town of Varid, On the Negro, Their Treatment compared with that of the Indians), November 4, 1846 - March 2, 1854; also, there are a large number of undated notes, exercises, and speeches used in school, c. 1845-1855. School rules written by Diedrich Willers Jr., October 11, 1852. Report of the school district librarian Diedrich Willers, Jr., 1855.
Box 1
Diedrich Willers Jr. to Messrs. I and L. H. Parker
1848-09-19-1856-05-24
Scope and Contents
Letter from Diedrich Willers Jr. to Messrs. I and L. H. Parker discussing recent political events in the town of Varick, September 19, 1848; see letter from D. Willer Jr. to A. Sears requesting support for his candidacy for School Commissioner of Seneca County - Willers mentions his qualifications which include loyal support to the Democratic Party, May 24, 1856
Box 1
Diedrich Willers Jr. to Messrs I and J. H. Parker
1848-09-19
Scope and Contents
Letter from Diedrich Willers Jr. to Messrs I, and J. H. Parker describing the landing of a balloon not far from his home which had previously ascended from Geneva Sept 19, 1848.
Box 1
Diedrich Willers Jr. to Seneca Observer Editor
1850-02-13
Scope and Contents
Letter from Diedrich Willers Jr. to the editor of the Seneca Observer describing the "Sabbath School Celebration" at Bearytown, N.Y. July 4, 1848; the description was used for a composition on February 13, 1850. (see under education)
Box 1
Koussouth, Louis
1852-05-29
Scope and Contents
Description by Diedrich Willers Jr. of Koussouth's visit to Auburn, N.Y. May 29, 1852
Box 1
Diedrich Willers to American Home Missionary Society
1853-05-02-1853-08-01
Scope and Contents
Letter from Diedrich Willers to the American Home Missionary Society discussing his activities as a missionary to the foreign born populace of Waterloo, N.Y., August 1, 1853. Also, see letter of the elders of the German Evangelical Protestant Church in Waterloo, N.Y. to the Home Missionary Board May 2, 1853
Box 1
Inauguration Of Buchanan
1857-03-18
Scope and Contents
Description of trip made to Washington, D. C. by Diedrich Willers Jr. to see inaugural of Buchanan, also to make contacts with political leaders, March 18, 1857.
Box 1
Diedrich Willers Jr. to A. Sears
1857-05-24
Scope and Contents
Letter from Diedrich, Jr. to A. Sears requesting Sears help in securing the election as school commissioner in Seneca County, May 24, 1857
Box 1
Diedrich Willers Jr. to W. Drake Parsons
1857-09-1875-02-02
Scope and Contents
Letter from Diedrich Willers Jr. to W. Drake Parsons concerning the filling of certain postmasterships in N.Y. and the position of the Democratic party in the state, September 1857; see draft of letter from Willers to G. J. Tucker concerning the appointment of Willers to a clerkship in the State Department at Albany, December 7, 1857; see letter from Willers to Calvin Willers regarding the appointment of Calvin as a Notary Public in Seneca County, March 16, 1864. Letter from Wilson S. Hunt to Willers Jr. requesting the appointment of a mutual friend as a Notary Public, Janurary30, 1875.; letter from Elliot Evans to Willers concerning census appointments, February 2, 1875; letter from M. P. Williams to Willers concerning the proposed appointment of a certain person as a deputy in Hudson, N. Y. who has "jeopardized" the entire party, April 17, 1874; see also letter from Henry Stowell to Willers, November 28 and December 8, 1874.
Box 1
Government Investigations
1859-04-11
Scope and Contents
Subpoena issued to Diedrich Willers Jr. to appear before a N. Y. State Assembly committee desiring information from certain state officers April 11, 1859.
Box 1
Horatio Seymour to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1862-12-15
Scope and Contents
Letter from Horatio Seymour to Diedrich Willers, Jr., stating that he intends to place before the state legislature a measure relating to bounties, December 15, 1862
Box 1
Civil War Draft
1863-08-18-1864-12-14
Scope and Contents
Receipt for $50.00 paid by Diedrich Willers in order to exempt his son, Calvin Willers, from the draft; see also letters from Diedrich Willers Jr. to Calvin Willers, Aug. 18, Sept. 1 and Sept. 26. See letter from the District Provost Marshal to Diedrich Willers, December 8, 1863. Also, letters Dec. 8 and 14, 1864.
Box 1
Diedrich Willers Jr. to Calvin Willers
1864-09-25
Scope and Contents
Letter from Diedrich Willers Jr. to Calvin Willers (his brother) discussing the County (Seneca) Democratic ticket and possible results for Calvin if the Democrats are successful in the state and local campaign, September 25, 1864. See also letter of September 1, 1864 concerned with the Presidential Campaign, McClellan's qualifications, and the possibility Horatio Seymour had of securing the Democratic nomination.
Box 1
D. D. Lefler to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1873-01-14
Scope and Contents
Letter from D. D. Lefler to Diedrich Willers, Jr. requesting his help in securing the promotion of a friend of Lefler's on the N. Y. Police Force, January 14, 1873.
Box 1
Robert Finrel to Diedrich Willers Jr.
1873-12-24-1873-12-25
Scope and Contents
Letter from Robert Finrel to D. Willers Jr. stating that he supported Willers in the last State Convention and helped him secure the nomination of Secretary of State but that, in return, Willers has not rewarded his loyal King's County supporters; thus, Finrel says he will not make the same "mistake" in the next convention; but see letter from Josiah T. Miller to Willers, December 25, 1873, and from G. M. Ridler, December 24, 1873.
Box 1
Horatio Seymour to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1873-12-26
Scope and Contents
Letter from Horatio Seymour to Diedrich Willers, Jr. asking him not to publish the name of a certain Henry J. Miller in his list of appointees, December 26, 1873.
Box 1
Stephen Taber to Diedrich Willers Jr.
1873-12-29
Scope and Contents
Letter from Stephen Taber to Diedrich Willers, Jr. requesting that part of the printing of the official canvases of the 1873 state election be bestowed upon the Hempstead Inquirer December 29, 1873; see also letter from D. A. Lamont to Willers December 29, 1873
Box 1
H. A. Reeves to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1874
Scope and Contents
Letter from H. A. Reeves to Diedrich Willers, Jr. concerning the forthcoming congressional canvass in New York.
Box 1
Gideon J. Tucker to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
Scope and Contents
Letter from Gideon J. Tucker to D. Willers Jr. concerning the position of Superintendent of Canals, January 31, 1875; see also letter from William W. Van D Mach to Willers, January 2, 1874; concerning appointment Canal Superintendent at Seneca Falls, see letter from James Plunkett to Willers, January 9, 1874, D. E. Slawson to Willers January 10, 1874, and G. J. Magee to Willers January 10, 1874; see letter from J. R. Wheeler to Willers concerning appointment to a clerkship in the canal department, on canal elections and patronage - see letters from Clarence Opdyke to Calvin Willers, January 24, 1874, and Henry Stowell to Diedrich Willers Jr., February 23, 1874; see also letter from James Lynch to Diedrich Willers Jr., February 9, 1874.
Box 1
C. M. Ridler to Diedrich Willers Jr.
1874-01-14
Scope and Contents
C. M. Ridler to Diedrich Willers Jr., discussing the advisability of securing the cooperation and support of the liberals, December 24, 1873; see also letter of G. Benjamin to Willers, January 14, 1874.
Box 1
B. D. Naxon to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1874-03-02-1875-01-31
Scope and Contents
Letter from B. D. Naxon to Diedrich Willers Jr. concerning the loss which he feels many lumbermen in Oswego County have suffered since 1863 when the Oneida Lake Canal was closed, March 2, 1874; see also letter of Gideon J. Tucker to Willers, Jan 31, 1875.
Box 1
William D. Van Buren to D. Willers, Jr.
1874-04-30
Scope and Contents
Letter from William D. Van Buren to D. Willers Jr. warning him to be careful of Alonzo Cornell - "He is very cunning and shameless". April 30, 1874
Box 1
H. P. Nichols to Diedrich Willers Jr.
1874-08-22-1874-09-20
Scope and Contents
Letter from H. P. Nichols to Diedrich Willers, Jr. concerning the approaching state convention of the Democratic Party, August 22, 1874; see also letter of D. Theodore Mierson to Willers, August 23, 1874; and from Calvin Willers to Diedrich Willers, Sr. explaining why Diedrich Willers Jr. did not attend the Democratic State Convention, September 20, 1874.
Box 1
John Kelly to Diedrich Willers Jr.
1874-11-13-1875-01-12
Scope and Contents
John Kelly to Diedrich Willers Jr. discussing the candidates who are being considered by the state legislature for the position of U.S. Senator from New York, January 12, 1875; see also letter from S. M. Shaw to Willers, November 13, 1874.
Box 1
S. A. Bostwick to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1874-12-02
Scope and Contents
Letter from S. A. Bostwick to Willers Jr. stating that as near as he could discover, a certain Mr. Hough "…voted for Tilden and a part of our county ticket". December 2, 1874.
Box 1
Diedrich Willers to J. F. Crampton
date unknown
Scope and Contents
Letter from Diedrich Willers to J. F. Crampton, British Minister to the U. S., requesting Crampton's aid in securing a larger pension for Willers because of his action at the Battle of Waterloo with respect to the death of a French Colonel.
Volume 1
Volume
1833
Scope and Contents
Register of Baptisms, Confirmations, Communicants of the Reformed German Churches of Fayette Township, Seneca County, New York. Partially written in German. NOTE: Pre-1833 volume in Seneca Falls Historical Society, Seneca Falls, New York. Per researcher, Larry C. Porter, 8/71. Waterloo is correct - see # 6050. Also, see reference to DW Papers at Seneca Falls HS in D. Bakken's letter of June 10, 1969 to Mrs. George E. Patterson, Director. (See NYHRC, #SN821-720-0085)
Box 2
John Kelly to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1875-01-12
Scope and Contents
Letter dated January 12, 1875 from John Kelly of N. Y. C. to Diedrich Willers Jr. (now N.Y.S. Secretary of State), Kelly will not come to Albany during the senatorial race, it might hurt their chance of electing their candidate (Keenan), he does not want Murphy elected, Murphy took the lead in the state legislature of those who brought disgrace to us and to my mind was the cause of our defeat in 1871 and 1872.
Box 2
J. B. Wheeler to Diedrich Willers Jr.
1875-01-18
Scope and Contents
J. B. Wheeler of Seneca County to Diedrich Willers Jr., January 18, 1875, Wheeler wishes to be appointed to clerkship of Canal Superintendent; support from Willers would bring appointment.
Box 2
Rueben Saegar to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1875-01-25
Scope and Contents
Rueben Saegar (of Fayette) to Diedrich Willers Jr. asking for clerkship for his son, a grad of Rochester Business University. January 25, 1875
Box 2
John to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1875-02-24
Scope and Contents
John to Diedrich Willers Jr. - discusses appointments and strategy. February 24, 1875.
Box 2
Troutman to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1875-03-09
Scope and Contents
Troutman (of Fayette) to Diedrich Willers Jr., upset over their election losses at Fayette. "As you see we lost our supervisor." March 9, 1875.
Box 2
George Pontius to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1875-04-15
Scope and Contents
George Pontius of Syracuse to Diedrich Willers Jr. requests appointment as a clerk. He is financially hard up. April 15, 1875.
Box 2
T. D. Krum to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1875-04-15
Scope and Contents
T. D. Krum to Diedrich Willers, Jr. requests appointment for a friend to take the census in Arcadia in Wayne County, the friend has been a lifelong democrat. (There are several letters in the collection during this period relating to patronage.) April 15, 1875.
Box 2
Diedrich Willers, Jr. to unknown
1875-04-26-1875-05-20
Scope and Contents
Diedrich Willers Jr. to unknown, April 26, 1875. Willers is annoyed because the census appointments seem difficult to settle, especially in Fayette; see also a letter from William Caldwell of the Sunday Mercury April 29, 1875 to Diedrich Willers Jr. concerning an article in the Sunday Mercury critical of the census appointments. See also a letter from Gideon J. Tucker to Diedrich Willers Jr. on N.Y.S. politics, May 20, 1875, discusses census appointments and enumeration.
Box 2
H. B. Stanton to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1875-07-20
Scope and Contents
H. B. Stanton to Diedrich Willers Jr. "The Republicans will fight desperately to save the Senate - and thus force a compromise on the apportionment." July 20, 1875. Newspaper clipping attached.
Box 2
Henry C. Lisk to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1875-07-26-1875-08-23
Scope and Contents
Henry C. Lisk to Diedrich Willers, Jr. discusses forthcoming Democratic Ticket, July 26, 1875. (Other letters on similar subject) See a draft of a letter by Diedrich Willers Jr., August 23, 1875.
Box 2
Diedrich Willers, Jr. to Henry Stowell
1875-08-31
Scope and Contents
Draft of letter from Diedrich Willers, Jr. to Henry Stowell, August 31, 1875, concerning delegation (from Seneca County) to State Democratic Convention, "the sentiment is strongly with Mr. Tilden." Also concerns various state appointments. Cross reference: Samuel J. Tilden
Box 2
Lewis Post to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1875-10-25
Scope and Contents
Lewis Post to Diedrich Willers, Jr. October 25, 1875. Discusses forthcoming elections to legislature; problems of defeating Republicans in Seneca County; A republican Customs House official "is now in Ovid…" They are swarming throughout the state with money in hand. It will be too bad to tie Tilden up with a Republican Legislature."
Box 2
Philo White to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1875-11-06
Scope and Contents
Philo White to Diedrich Willers, Jr. November 6, 1875. Discusses election to legislature in Utica; deplores success of the Canal Thieves; but believes the incorruptible Tilden will force them to dis-gorge some of their ill-gotten plunder.
Box 2
George Pontius to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1876-11-13-1876-11-23
Scope and Contents
George Pontius to Diedrich Willers, Jr. November 13, 1876, wants Willers to help him be reinstated to the census bureau. Feels he has done good work; but he did not praise the superintendent or play up to his vanity. See also a letter from Pontius to Willers, November 30, 1876, and a draft from Willers to C. B. Benedict, November 23, 1876.
Box 2
Daniel S. Lamont to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1876-11-30
Scope and Contents
Daniel S. Lamont (from Albany) to Diedrich Willers, Jr., November 30, 1876, "The Greenback, Temperance and Anti-Masonic Tickets gave us much trouble at the canvass. We are very busy on the canvass for state officers and the amendments."
Box 2
William Terrell to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1876-12-11-1877-01-23
Scope and Contents
William Terrell to Diedrich Willers, Jr. December 11, 1876, wants Willers help in securing appointment as Military Secretary. "Governor Robinson does not look entirely upon a man's political influence, but character and ability." Willers is highly regarded by Governor Robinson. See also a letter from Terrell to Diedrich Willers, Jr. January 23, 1877. Cross reference: Lucius Robinson
Box 2
A. C. Niven to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1877-01-22
Scope and Contents
A. C. Niven to Diedrich Willers, Jr. January 22, 1877. Discusses scandals in administration of the state prisons. It isn't easy to unearth such "rascality, but the effort should be made….."
Box 2
D. C. Robinson to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1877-05-30
Scope and Contents
D. C. Robinson (son of Governor Robinson and his personal secretary) to Diedrich Willers, Jr., May 30, 1877, refers to pre-arranged plan by legislature to defeat re-apportionment; this defrauds larger counties of their just rights.
Box 2
Wilkens to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1877-06-26
Scope and Contents
Wilkens ( editor of the Whitehall Times) to Diedrich Willers, Jr., mentions possibility of a new ticket in the forthcoming canvass; see also letter of June 26, 1877 from Wilkens to Willers, Jr., also draft of letter, June 1877, by Diedrich Willers, Jr., in this he mentions the desire of Democrats in Seneca and adjacent counties for a new state ticket.
Box 2
Ira Aliny to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1877-07-20
Scope and Contents
Ira Aliny to Diedrich Willers, Jr., July 20, 1877, concerns political developments in Farmer Village (Interlaken) and Ovid.
Box 2
J. B. Thomas to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1877-08-02
Scope and Contents
J. B. Thomas to Diedrich Willers, Jr., August 2, 1877, mentions that Willers is being talked of as candidate for Assembly in the fall elections.
Box 2
P. W. Rhodes to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1877-08-08
Scope and Contents
P. W. Rhodes of N. Y. C. to Diedrich Willers, Jr., August 8, 1877, desires to retain a representative from Seneca County in the Assembly who is sympathetic to N.Y.C.; praises the incumbent.
Box 2
Political Speeches
1877-10-20-1877-11-07
Scope and Contents
Speech made by Diedrich Willers, Jr., to Seneca Falls Democratic Convention after his nomination by acclamation for position in the assembly, October 20, 1877. Also, several copies of speeches and letters used in the campaign. Diedrich Willers, Jr. was elected, see letter of John J. Coleman to Diedrich Willers, Jr., November 7, 1877
Box 2
Horatio Seymour, Jr. to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1877-11-16
Scope and Contents
Horatio Seymour Jr. to Diedrich Willers, Jr., November 16, 1877, thanks him for his work in the recent election; wants his advice concerning the office of state engineer in so far as it relates to the canal board.
Box 2
To Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1877-12-03
Scope and Contents
To Diedrich Willers, Jr. (from Ovid) December 3, 1877, discusses local politics and election in Seneca County; disturbed that so many Democrats left the fold.
Box 2
D. Davenport to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1878-02
Scope and Contents
D. Davenport (of Trumansburg Landing) to Diedrich Willers, Jr., February 1878, asks him not to alter law concerning licensing of places selling alcoholic beverages: "We don't want rum shops granted licenses in this section."
Box 2
R. A. Sherman to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1878-02-08
Scope and Contents
R. A. Sherman to Diedrich Willers, Jr., February 8, 1878, concerning proposed changes in Canal Administration.
Box 2
J. J. Marlette to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1878-04-13
Scope and Contents
J. J. Marlette to Diedrich Willers, Jr., April 13, 1878, discusses schemes for payment of repairs on the canals in N. Y. S.
Box 2
Diedrich Willers, Jr. to D. S. Lamont
1878-08-15-1878-08-25
Scope and Contents
Diedrich Willers, Jr. to D. S. Lamont, August 15, 1878, is angered that his wishes have not been followed in appointments to canal superintendent in his own county; see also a letter of August 25, 1878 from Lamont to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
Box 2
James Jones to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1878-10-14
Scope and Contents
James Jones (of Waterloo, N.Y.) to Diedrich Willers, Jr., October 14, 1878, discusses recent county convention and underhanded methods used by the victorious group.
Box 2
William Terrell to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1878-11-28
Scope and Contents
William Terrell to Diedrich Willers, Jr., November 28, 1878, comments on bleak outlook for Democrats in Albany County.
Box 3
Gubernatorial Election 1879
1879
Scope and Contents
Various printed matter on the Gubernatorial election of 1879 between L. C. Robinson and Alonzo B. Cornell
Box 3
Diedrich Willers, Jr. to William Reed
1879-01-25
Scope and Contents
Diedrich Willers, Jr. to William Reed, January 25, 1879, concerns repairs needed on the Cayuga and Seneca Canal.
Box 3
Samuel Earl to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1879-05-30
Scope and Contents
Samuel Earl to Diedrich Willers, Jr., May 30, 1879, concerning celebration of centennial of Sullivan's campaign in Seneca County; several other letters on this.
Box 3
M. S. Gould to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1879-11-03
Scope and Contents
M. S. Gould to Diedrich Willers, Jr., November 3, 1879, feels that the Democrats will carry the Town of Covert, Seneca County, in the election.
Box 3
S. R. Wells to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1880-02-25
Scope and Contents
S. R. Wells to Diedrich Willers, Jr., February 25, 1880, discusses development in Democratic Party in Waterloo.
Box 3
Daniel S. Lamont to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1880-11-26
Scope and Contents
Daniel S. Lamont to Diedrich Willers, Jr., November 26, 1880, discusses causes for defeat of Hancock and English in N. Y. C., also comments on future tactics of Democrats on county level.
Box 3
Diedrich Willers, Jr. to J. S. Stover
1881-07-21-1881-07-28
Scope and Contents
A series of letters between Diedrich Willers, Jr. and J. S. Stover, Navarre, Ohio, concerning securing a minister for Diedrich Willers church (German Reformed in Fayette: his father's church). Willers is prepared to offer $400.00 per annum and no parsonage, July 21, 25, and 28, 1881. Several letters to other clergymen of the same subject.
Box 3
Daniel S. Lamont to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1881-08-15
Scope and Contents
Daniel S. Lamont to Diedrich Willers, Jr., August 15, 1881, concerning candidates in the coming elections.
Box 3
S. R. Wells to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1882-09-14
Scope and Contents
S. R. Wells (of Waterloo, N.Y.) to Diedrich Willers, Jr., September 14, 1882, discusses political development in Waterloo.
Box 3
Obituary of Diedrich Willers, Sr.
1883-05
Scope and Contents
Draft summary of the life of Diedrich Willers, Sr. (d. May 1883), notes his participation at Battle of Waterloo; his early years in the U.S.: his pastorate; and contains an account of his funeral. (Probably written by Diedrich Willers, Jr.)
Box 3
H. A. Nelson to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1885-12-18
Scope and Contents
H. A. Nelson to Diedrich Willers, Jr., December 18, 1885, informs Willers Jr. that he is to be the Deputy Secretary of State.
Box 4
Diedrich Willers, Jr. to Col. D. S. Lamont
1894-08-14-1894-12-15
Scope and Contents
Draft of letter from Diedrich Willers, Jr. to Col. D. S. Lamont, March 24, 1893. Addressee is a member of Cleveland's cabinet, Willers is asking that Samuel R. Wells be appointed to postmastership at Waterloo, N.Y. Several drafts of letters concerning this; one is a draft to Cleveland; all by Willers, Jr. See also a letter from Willers, Jr. to Lamont, August 14, 1894 and from Henry Stowell to Willers, Jr., December 7 and Dec. 15, 1894. These refer to the appointment of Stowell to be post-master at Seneca Falls.
Box 4
Genealogy
1890-1899
Scope and Contents
Many letters in the collection are devoted to local history and to genealogy; Diedrich Willers, Jr. was interested in both subjects.
Box 4
Daniel S. Lamont to Diedrich Willers, Jr.
1890-09-07
Scope and Contents
Daniel S. Lamont to Diedrich Willers, Jr.. September 7, 1890, mentions Cleveland, "who always counted you as one of his friends…" Cleveland doesn't want Democratic nomination, but probably will be nominated. The Democrats ought to carry the N.Y.S. Assembly, but their organization is so poor that they will very likely loose it.
Box 4
Phrenological Report
1891-04-04
Scope and Contents
Phrenological report of Diedrich Willers, Jr. April 4, 1891, by Fowler and Wells contains a typewritten description of Willers, Jr.'s phrenological characteristics and an analysis of their meanings. Cross reference: Fowler and Wells
Box 4
Diedrich Willers, Jr. to Val Fleckenstein
1893-05-22
Scope and Contents
Draft of letter from Diedrich Willers, Jr. to Val Fleckenstein, May 22, 1893, concerns appointment of postmaster at Fayette. In small towns post offices are located in stores; there is rivalry between storekeepers for the privilege of having post offices; one Edmund C. Rowe of Rochester is to open a store at Fayette; what are his political views? is he a good Cleveland Democrat???
Box 4
Draft of Letter
1893-09-04
Scope and Contents
Draft of letter of Diedrich Willers, Jr. to unknown, September 4, 1893.
Box 4
Draft of Letter
1894-01-17
Scope and Contents
Long Draft by Diedrich Willers, Jr., January 17, 1894, justifying Henry Stowell as candidate for Seneca Falls postmastership.
Box 5
German letters and miscellaneous material
date unknown
Scope and Contents
Sermons and German, Latin, Greek, Hebrew vocabulary; photo of Diedrich Willers, D. D. and undated material
Box 6
Newspapers
date unknown
Scope and Contents
Box 7
Newspapers and clippings
1894-06-13
Scope and Contents
Photos; book of psalms and Hymns; bound Volume containing Centennial Historical Sketch of the Town of Fayette (ca. 1900); and Centennial Celebration of the Official Organization of the Town of Romulus, Seneca County, New York