Guide to the Papers of the Linton Family, 1838-1909

Repository
Heinz History Center
Title
Papers of the Linton Family
Creator
Linton family
Collection Number
MSS#136
Extent
.25 cubic feet (1 box)
Date
1838-1909
Abstract
The Linton Family was a prominent East Bethlehem (Washington County) family that settled in the township during the mid-nineteenth century. The papers in this collection include correspondence, deeds, surveys, financial materials, Cleveland and Pittsburgh Railroad Company documents, and other sundry items.
Language
The material in this collection is in English.
Author
This guide to the collection was originally prepared by Historical Society Staff in 1975. The collection was rearranged and inventory rewritten by Alexis Morgan on July 26, 1994. Revisions occurred to the finding aid as a part of the encoding process in Summer 2000.
Sponsor
This finding aid has been encoded as a part of the Historic Pittsburgh project a joint effort of the University of Pittsburgh and the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania. Funding for this portion of the project has been donated by the Hillman Foundation.
Publisher
Heinz History Center
Address
1212 Smallman St.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222
library@heinzhistorycenter.org
URL: https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org

Biographical Sketch of the Linton Family

The Linton Family was a prominent East Bethlehem (Washington County) family that settled in the township during the mid- nineteenth century. Mahlon Linton and his wife Ann had eight children -- four boys and four girls. Three of the sons, Isaiah, Joseph, and Samuel Linton and their families, are whom most of these papers address. Joseph Linton (1813-1882) was a school teacher for a short time and then became a civil engineer and surveyor, primarily working on railroad construction for the Cleveland and Pittsburgh Railroad Company. After his retirement from the railroad, Joseph continued with surveying work within East Bethlehem Township until his death in 1888. He also served as county auditor for Washington County for twelve years. On December 30, 1843 Joseph married Naomi Harry, daughter of Lewis Harry of Chester County, Pennsylvania. They had three children: Mahlon Linton (1844-?), Edwin Linton (1855-?), and Melinda Linton. Mahlon married Elizabeth Cleaver, daughter of Amos Cleaver, and had four children; Laurena Linton, Gertrude Linton, Naomi Linton, and Edith Linton. Samuel Linton (1809-1864) worked as a civil engineer and was elected Washington County commissioner in 1840. In 1858, Samuel was appointed clerk of commissioners and served there until his death. Samuel married Eliza Deems and they had three children: Anna Linton, Charles L. Linton, and Eli Linton. Isaiah Linton (1817-1891) was also a civil engineer and worked as a chief engineer of the Cleveland and Pittsburgh Railroad from its early days until the time of his death (a span of approximately forty years). After his retirement from the railroad, Isaiah Linton was kept on as a consulting engineer. Isaiah married Mary Riley and had two children: William H. Linton and Edith Linton.

Similar to many other Western Pennsylvania families during the Civil War, the Linton family sent several young men off to serve in the Union Army. Charles L. Linton (son of Samuel Linton) served in Company C of the 140th Regiment of Pennsylvania Infantry. Charles was promoted during the war to second lieutenant. Charles' brother, Eli Linton also served in Company C of the 140th Regiment. Charles and Eli's cousin, Malhon Linton (son of Joseph Linton), served in Company H of the 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry, also known as the 80th Regiment of the Pennsylvania Volunteers. Three members of the Cleaver Family, in-laws of Mahlon Linton, served in Company C of the 140th Regiment. Lewis M. Cleaver was wounded in Virginia on May 31, 1864, Issac Cleaver died June 20, 1864 and Walter D. Cleaver served without injury.

Scope and Content Notes

These papers include correspondence, deeds, surveys, financial materials, Cleveland and Pittsburgh Railroad Company documents, and other sundry items. Though limited in size, these papers document the lives and activities of Washington County citizens during the 19th century. The wealth of these papers is found in the correspondence, written between family members, primarily documenting routine news of family members and friends, living conditions in the region and other personal concerns. The family members who contributed the most to these letters are Joseph, Isaiah, Naomi, Mahlon, Lizzie, and Melinda Linton. Of note is extensive correspondence between Joseph and Isaiah Linton regarding routine business affairs and family news. Many of these letters were written prior to the Civil War from their work site on the railroad, including Ravenna and Steubenville, Ohio. One letter written from the family home in Washington County to Naomi Linton (August 6, 1848) describes the spotted fever and its symptoms. Also included are letters from family members serving with the Union Army during the Civil War. Several letters from Mahlon Linton and others document troop movements, daily activities, and observations during the latter years of the war. Also included are letters from Lewis Cleaver to his sister, Elizabeth Cleaver, documenting the daily life of a soldier. These Civil War letters primarily focus on camp life and news of friends and family home and in the service, but provide little information on the battles these soldiers participated in. The majority of undated letters were written to Melinda Linton from childhood friends and cousins regarding schoolwork, descriptions of a house (possibly in Ohio), and news of relatives and friends.

Deeds and other land-related documents include family deeds in East Bethlehem Township and other citizens deeds in East Bethlehem Township, as well as deeds witnessed by Samuel. The surveys were drawn by Joseph Linton primarily within East Bethlehem Township. Some of these surveys include descriptions of his calculations and the sites. Financial materials include an account book, property list and several bills. Materials concerning the Cleveland and Pittsburgh Railroad Company include an account sheet, monthly payment record, ride tickets, and an agreement for the transfer of land. Writing and penmanship materials include examples from Melinda and Eli Linton. Other items found within these papers include poetry, 1849 minutes for the Centre School sub-district of the East Bethlehem School District, a jury summons, the 1866 annual report of the surveyor general of Pennsylvania, a report concerning the liquor traffic in East Bethlehem, engagement announcements for Gertrude, certificates, and business cards.

Arrangement

The Linton Family Papers are housed in one archival box and are arranged alphabetically by folder title with miscellaneous materials arranged to the rear.

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

These materials came in one accession in 1975.

ACC# 1975.125 Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Graydon Smith, (Papers)

Preferred Citation

Papers of the Linton Family, 1838-1909, MSS #136, Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania

Processing Information

This collection was processed by Historical Society Staff in 1975. The collection was rearranged and inventory rewritten by Alexis Morgan on July 26, 1994.

Revision and rearrangement for the encoded version of the finding aid provided by Anna Maria Mihalega on July 31, 2000.

Conditions Governing Use

Property rights reside with the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania. Literary rights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. For permissions to reproduce or publish, please contact the curator of the Archives.

Subjects

    Corporate Names

    • United States. -- Army. -- Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment, 7th (1861-1865)
    • United States. -- Army. -- Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 140th (1862-1865)
    • Cleveland and Pittsburgh Railroad Company.

    Personal Names

    • Cleaver, Lewis.
    • Linton, Charles.
    • Linton, Elizabeth Cleaver
    • Linton, Isaiah, -- 1817-1891.
    • Linton, Joseph, -- 1813-1882.
    • Linton, Mahlon, -- 1844-
    • Linton, Naomi Harry
    • Linton, Samuel, -- 1809-1864.

    Geographic Names

    • East Bethlehem (Pa. : Township) -- Education.
    • East Bethlehem (Pa. : Township) -- Social life and customs.
    • United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865
    • Washington County (Pa.) -- Education.
    • Washington County (Pa.) -- Politics and government.
    • Washington County (Pa.) -- Social life and customs.
    • Ohio -- Social life and customs.

    Other Subjects

    • Alcoholic beverage industry -- Pennsylvania -- Washington County.
    • Education -- Pennsylvania -- Washington County.
    • Engineers -- Pennsylvania -- Washington County.
    • Medicine -- Pennsylvania -- Washington County.
    • Railroads -- Ohio.
    • Railroads -- Pennsylvania

Container List

Deeds,, c1840-1870
Containers
Box 1, Folder 3
Financial Materials,, c1840-1860
Containers
Box 1, Folder 4
Railroad Records,, 1855-1856
Containers
Box 1, Folder 5
Surveys,, c1840-1890
Containers
Box 1, Folder 6
Miscellaneous Materials,, c1840-1897
Containers
Box 1, Folder 7