Letters Packet 6: Samuel's death

Amerikan Bord Heyeti (American Board)

The packet opens with a handwritten note: “Samuel was born in Argos, Greece on the 31st of August 1836, and died in Smyrna Dec. 24th 1844. His death was in consequence of a fall.” Includes a charming letter written in clear printed script from Elias (in Constantinople) to his son (in Bournabal), age seven: “My dear son, I wish to write at least a line for you which you can read. I have many thoughts about you every day, and about your dear sisters, and I try to pray that God will bless you all. You must be very kind to one another and very obedient to mamma especially now that papa is away. Be kind also to Zoe and Elene. I hope they are good girls. Tell Kyra Floro also and Barba Demetri that I remember them too. I think I will write a little letter to Elizabeth next week. Farewell my dear Samuel. Your affectionate papa.” A letter from a [J or L] Lee with a note of blessing for Samuel, then a series of condolence letters upon his death. From W. Goodell: “To think of that beautiful form, first so mangled by the fall, and then put into the ground to be in a short time indistinguished from common dust.” As with the letters related to the deaths of Elizabeth and Emma, all of the condolence letters contain religious explanations or justifications, and assurances that the departed is with God. A particularly thoughtful and introspective letter from M.G. Benjamin expresses condolences upon just having heard the news, but is dated Dec. 6th 1845 (which would be almost an entire year after Samuel’s death on Dec. 24 1844. Likely this is an error, and Benjamin composed the letter on Jan. 6th).

A collection of papers and letters specific to Samuel prior to and after his death. Handwritten in ink there is a great variety in the kinds/qualities of paper used - many are quite clean and legible, while others have intense bleeding and smudging of ink. Several still have remnants of seals, or seal impressions.

1843
1845

English

Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey), Pera, Bournabal, Smyrna (İzmir, Turkey), Trebizond (Trabzon, Turkey), Beirut, Syria (Beirut, Lebanon)

Missions, Missionaries

SALT Research

https://archives.saltresearch.org/handle/123456789/44870

Correspondence

Letter

Print, Handwriting

77

ABARPC006

Open Access

United Church of Christ (UCC), American Research Institute in Turkey (ARIT), SALT Research

On deposit at SALT Research from UCC and ARIT