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Daniel H. Wiggins diaries, 1816-1834, 1838-1841, 1862.
Amount:
0.50 cubic ft.
Medium Included:
Organization/Arrangement:
Chronological.
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Terms Governing Use:
Biographical/Historical:
Daniel H. Wiggins was born March 14, 1795 in Long Island, New York. He came to Florida in 1838 from Annapolis, Maryland, leaving behind his wife and children. He travelled in the company of his friend, Thomas Randall, a former Marylander who had moved to Jefferson County, Florida, in 1827. Upon arriving in Florida, Wiggins stayed with the Randall family at their plantation, Belmont. Wiggins, a millwright, plied his trade in Jefferson and Leon County. Like many other Americans, Wiggins and Randall embarked on a journey to California during the 1849 gold rush. However, Wiggins died on board a coastwise steamer and was laid to rest near Umpqua City, Oregon.
Summary:
The collection contains diaries kept by Daniel H. Wiggins that chronicle his life and journey from Maryland to Florida. Wiggins' early diaries date from 1816-1834 and document his experiences working and living in Baltimore and Annapolis. They contain general notes on the weather and his health, his travels, and events of the day. A religious man, Wiggins attended church regularly, and wrote about his observations while attending various camp meetings. His diaries from 1816 to 1820 are mostly complete, but diaries between 1820-1834 are incomplete.
The later diaries date from 1838-1841, commencing with Wiggins' trip to Florida by steamer. Once in Florida, Wiggins is prolific in detail about his life in and around Leon, Jefferson, and Gadsden counties. He relates information about Indian disturbances in and around Jefferson and Leon counties during the Second Seminole War. He describes his travels, the people he encounters, and his observations about the growing territory. His interest in machinery is apparent as he provides details and sketches of various agricultural equipment.
The collection also contains an 1862 letterbook of Mary L. Wiggins (relationship unknown) while attending the Female College Institute in Annapolis, Maryland.
Finding Aids:
Folder listing available. 0
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Ownership/Custodial History:
Donor is a direct descendent of Daniel H. Wiggins.
Publication Note:
General Note:
Electronic Records Access:
Subject Access Fields:
Randall, Thomas, Judge, b. 1792 Wiggins, Daniel H., b. 1795
Seminole Indians Wars Seminole War, 2nd, 1835-1842. Women History 19th century Florida
Diaries. aat
Annapolis (Md.) Baltimore (Md.) Florida Description and travel Gadsden County (Fla.) Jefferson County (Fla.) Leon County (Fla.)
for detailed listing.