Will, 1887-1888

This collection contains the papers of William Tell Steiger (1801-1888) and his wife, Hannah Van Patten Steiger (fl. 1865-1900), both of Brightwood Farm near Laurel in Howard County, Maryland. This collection well documents the agrarian lifestyle that characterized pre-industrial America.

William Steiger's papers include three pieces of incoming correspondence (1824-1883), a diary for Brightwood Farm (1865-1893), a property agreement (1887), and a will (1887-1888) as well as several miscellaneous papers. Hannah Van Patten Steiger's papers consist entirely of newspaper articles and essays written by her and appearing in "The American Farmer" and "The Free Quill." The latter newspaper was also edited by Mrs. Steiger. Other Steiger family material includes: Jacob Steiger's record book (1807-1810) of the First Volunteer Company of the 39th Regiment; genealogical notes; an obituary notice; and an unidentified poem.