Scope and Content Note
The papers of the family of Oliver Ellsworth (1745-1807) span the years 1762-1907 and contain letters and financial and legal papers documenting Ellsworth's personal life and professional career, records relating to the administration of his estate, and family papers consisting of correspondence, legal documents, and printed matter. The collection's seventeen letters written to Ellsworth and one written by him recount details of his career as a Connecticut lawyer and judge but lack information regarding his public and political life. The accounts, bills, receipts, and land deeds, which comprise the bulk of Ellsworth's papers, provide further particulars relating to his bank and real estate investments, including land interests in Connecticut's Western Reserve, his personal life and finances, and his legal career. A letter written by Ellsworth's son, William, while serving in Congress, 13 March 1830, portrays political and social life in Washington. The remainder of the family papers contains letters written by Ellsworth's children and other family members.