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Roger D. Branigin-Kenneth Dale Owen Collection, 1825-1896, (bulk 1825-1859)

A Guide to the Roger D. Branigin-Kenneth Dale Owen Manuscripts in the Working Men's Institute, New Harmony, Indiana

Finding aid prepared under the direction of Arthur E. Bester, Jr. by I.C.C. Graham and Josephine M. Elliott

Overview of the Collection

Working Men's Institute of New Harmony, Indiana
New Harmony, Indiana
http://www.workingmensinstitute.org/

Creator
Owen family

Title
Roger D. Branigin-Kenneth Dale Owen Collection, 1825-1896,  (bulk 1825-1859)

Collection ID:
VAA9110

Extent
12 folders

Language
Materials are in English, Italian, and French.

Administrative Information

Access Restrictions
This collection is open to researchers.
Usage Restrictions
1. Use of materials in our special collections is reserved for serious scholars, and access to these items is determined by the director of the Working Men's Institute (WMI) and its board of trustees.

2. After reviewing finding aids and determining that secondary sources are inadequate or unavailable, researchers may request items from the archives

3. Requested items will be brought to the researcher in the public reading room where all work must take place. Notes may be taken. However, all photographing, scanning, transcribing or in any way copying of an item must be cleared by the director.

4. Any materials reproduced or quoted in papers or publications must give credit to the WMI as their source. Requests to use materials in papers or publications must be submitted in writing for approval by the board of trustees of the WMI.

Provenance
Purchased from the Baroness Eleanor Stone Perenyi, great great granddaughter of Robert Owen (the Robert Dale Owen branch) of Stonington, Connecticut. Bill of Sale dated October 24, 1967. This collection is a gift from Governor Roger D. Branigin and Kenneth Dale Owen, who jointly bought and presented these manuscripts to the New Harmony Workingmen's Institute.

Negotiations for purchase of the Branigin-Owen Collection were conducted from August, 1965 to October, 1967. Acquisition, processing, and cataloguing were performed by Josephine M. Elliott whose services were contributed as her part of this gift to the Workingmen's Institute.

Scope and Content Note

The Roger D. Branigin-Kenneth Dale Owen Manuscripts consist of correspondence, personal papers, and a journal of Robert Dale Owen; business and legal papers of the Owen family; correspondence and a journal of Mary Jane Robinson Owen; and papers relating to the sale of Harmonie to Robert Owen.

Biographical Histories of Robert Owen, Robert Dale Owen, and Mary Jane Robinson Owen

Robert Owen, 1771-1858. Born in Wales. "Philanthropist" by his own designation, mill owner, idealist and social dreamer, educational and labor reformer. Bought the town of Harmonie from George Rapp and the Harmony Society in 1824; set up the Preliminary Society which lasted from May to November of 1825, and then the Community of Equality which was dissolved in May, 1827. He abandoned his attempts at social reform in this country after the failure at New Harmony; but he continued promulgating his ideas until his death.

Robert Dale Owen, 1801-1877. Oldest son of Robert Owen, one of the leaders of the Owen Community, co-editor with Frances Wright of the New Harmony Gazette and the Free Enquirer, philosopher, social reformer, member of the Indiana Legislature and of Congress, U. S. Minister to the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies at Naples (1853-1858), spiritualist.

Mary Jane Robinson Owen (Mrs. Robert Dale), 1813-1871. Married Robert Dale Owen April 12, 1832. A lady of breeding and education, who spent most of her married life as a devoted mother and wife. Accompanied her husband to Europe during his ministry to Naples and spent some time at Stuttgart, Germany, in company of her sister-in-law, Jane Owen Fauntleroy, where they both looked after the welfare and education of the various Robert Owen grandchildren.

Arrangement

The collection is organized into four series. Series I. Robert Dale Owen Correspondence and Personal Papers, consists of six folders and includes correspondence, two journals, and other personal papers of Robert Dale Owen. Series II. Owen Family Business and Legal Papers, consists of one folder and includes various business and legal papers of the Owen family. Series III. Mary Jane Robinson Owen Correspondence and Journal, consists of four folders and includes correspondence and a journal of Mary Jane Robinson Owen. Series IV. Papers Concerned with Sale of Harmonie to Robert Owen, consists of one folder and includes papers related to the sale of Harmonie to Robert Owen by the Harmony Society.


Series: Robert Dale Owen Correspondence and Personal Papers, 1825-1896 

Subseries: Correspondence, 1832-1896 

Folder 3 Owen, Robert Dale. On board the Lord Melville, Sept. 7, 1832;  London, September 8, 1832.  To Mary Jane Owen. Passy, France. c/o M. Phiquepal d' Arusmont.

(2 pp.)

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Mary was to remain with Frances (Wright) and Phiquepal for a winter while Robert went first to England and was then to return to America to settle business affairs.

His unhappiness and loneliness without Mary; description of sister Jane's state of spirit over recent deaths of mother and two sisters; his and father's differing views.


Owen, Robert Dale. London. September 12-15, 1832.  To Mary Jane Owen. Passy, France. c/o M. Phiquepal d' Arusmont.

(11 pp. on one 60 x 45 cm. sheet)

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Recounts for Mary Jane the news from America; David Dale's broken-off romance with Mary Pickersgill; description of a lecture meeting; his and the family's daily routine; a note from Jane Dale Owen to Mary Jane; his love and respect for his young wife; neither Frances nor Phiquepal needs go to America regarding their business affairs since Robert can attend to the matter for them.


Owen, Robert Dale. London. September 16-20, 1832.  To Mary Jane Owen. Passy, France. c/o M. Phiquepal d' Arusmont.

(9 pp. on one 60 x 45 cm. sheet)

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Immortality should be bestowed on he who first taught mankind to transmit his thoughts and feelings to paper! Francis Place, the political economist, expressed great approval of Moral Physiology and desired to have a 3000 edition printed there. Father warned of risks to his good name.

Supplies he is gathering together and purchases he is making for their new home; urges her to look after her health; great success of his father's Exchange Baazer which he would like Robert Dale to stay and help direct; Robert Dale feels he is honor-bound to both William and the d'Arusmonts to return to America.

Pages B 1, 2, 3 are "physiological facts" intended to increase Mary Jane's knowledge of the mental, emotional and physical facts of a marital relationship.


Owen, Robert Dale. London. September 26-27, 1832.  To Mary Jane Owen. Passy, France. c/o M. Phiquepal d' Arusmont.

(4 pp.)

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Expressions of love to his wife on the eve of departure for America.

On board the steamer for Gravesend. "My father is a good man... Just before I embarked he presented me & Dale with a deed making over to us unreservedly the whole of his American property, in trust for ourselves & William & Richard, requiring us only to pay $500 dollars yearly to some poor relations of ours...;" Comments on Eliza (Mary Jane's sister); Sylva, Alexis.


Owen, Robert Dale. Crescent Place, London. September 29, 1832.  To Mary Jane Owen. Passy, France. c/o M. Phiquepal d' Arusmont.

(4 pp.)

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Rode back to London with Jane to attend to some forgotten business & left again at 8 A.M.

Remainder of letter is from Jane describing her continuing sadness over the loss of her three dear ones, and her love & regard for Mary Jane.


Owen, Robert Dale. A second time on board a Gravesend boat; on board the American ship Washington. September 29, 1832.  To Mary Jane Owen. Passy, France. c/o M. Phiquepal d' Arusmont

(4 pp.)

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His feelings for other women, especially Margaret, as compared with those for Mary Jane; last goodbyes.


Owen, Robert Dale. Going down the Thames; September 29, 1832.  Off Margate; September 30, 1832.  In the Downs; October 1, 1832.  To Mary Jane Owen. Passy, France. c/o M. Phiquepal d' Arusmont.

(4 pp.)

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Shipboard people and incidents; in re-reading a packet of old letters he contrasts the increased strength and depth of his love and passion for his wife.


Owen, Robert Dale. Off Dover; October 2, 1832.  Off Dungeness; October 3.  On shore at Deal; October 9.  Off Beachy Head; October 6.  Anchored in the Downs, off Deal; October 9. Endorsed October 15, 1832.  To Mary Jane Owen. Passy, France. c/o M. Phiquepal d' Arusmont. [image]View item(s)

Reviews the development of their love and physical relationship. Pros and cons of their deciding to stay in London as father wishes Robert Dale to do; his feelings of obligation to Frances and others "of our friends from the country who settle in Harmony on the faith of my return hither."

Possible itinerary for Mary's return to America. Bad storms in the Channel delays boat for several days more. Personal longings not to leave wife for long months, but duties and obligation to others, as well as probable advantages to himself override his heart.

How well liked Mary is by the members of his family - father, Jane, Dale. He urges further education of sister-in-law Eliza there in France because he would like to match-make for brother William.


Owen, Robert Dale. Off Dungeness (or Denge Ness); October 11, 1832.  Off Beachy Head; October 12, midday. Deal; October 13.  To Mary Jane Owen. Passy, France. c/o M. Phiquepal d' Arusmont.

(4 pp.)

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Still delayed by unfavorable winds plus an accident to the Captain. Much longer delay will preclude attempting the journey at all since it will soon be too late in the season in America to reach Harmony before the Ohio freezes.

Admiration and love for Mary's person and habits of physical cleanliness - a fit mother for their children-to-be.


Owen, Robert Dale. Margate. On board steamboat going to London, 11 o'clock; October 16, 1832.  To Mary Jane Owen. Passy, France. c/o M. Phiquepal d' Arusmont.

(4 pp.)

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The Washington sailed without him, & he is to remain in London during the winter working as secretary of Association of the Industrious Classes & editor of The Crisis. Mary Jane is to come as quickly as she can arrange it, depending on her desires regarding further perusal of her studies.

Bring along to London several items of housekeeping interest & particularly a French servant who will be useful for their life in Harmony.

Details of how to make trip from Paris, through Calais, to London.


Owen, Robert Dale. London. October 18, 1832.  To Mary Jane Owen. Passy, France. c/o M. Phiquepal d' Arusmont.

(4 pp.)

In French.

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Includes a letter written as part of Robert's by Mrs. Catherine Steer to friends in Calais by way of introduction for Mary should she need it on the trip.


Folder 4 Owen, Robert Dale. Baltimore; July 15, 1833.   Wheeling; July 18.  On board the Lady Washington below Marietta; July 19.  Cincinnati; July 22.  To Mary Jane Owen. c/o Samuel Robinson, New York.

(8 pp. on 1 sheet 29 x 54 cm. plus one more.)

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Describes his trip & the fellow passengers. Mentions the Pollocks & Flash, a West Indian, who may be interested in joining the community of New Harmony. Observations on effect of marriage on a woman's life. This letter is entrusted to Thomas Say, "an original, but of sterling goodness," who will deliver it to Mary Jane in New York.


Owen, Robert Dale. On board the Warsaw Steamboat between Cincinnati & Louisville. July 25, 1833.  To Mary Jane Owen. c/o Samuel Robinson, New York. Endorsed by Robert Dale as "an important letter."

(11 pp.)

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Recapitulates on instructions for her stays at Wheeling & Cincinnati; Jane's investments to be placed in hands of Frances Wright's former agent, J. W. Gaslay.

Candid, though tender, analyses of the quality of their love for each other, since his has given his wife pain. "Oh believe, that should I even love others more, I shall love none better than you."


Owen, Robert Dale. On board Steam Boat Warsaw, near Louisville; July 27, 1833.  New Harmony; August 1.  To Mary Jane Owen. c/o Samuel Robinson, New York.

(11 pp. on 1 sheet 42 x 54 cm.)

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Observations about young married couples aboard steamboat; arrival at N. H. & comments about Richard & Martha & their home Rosebank begun 18 months ago. Description of N. H. where the comforts "have to be created" but whose natural beauties strike him each time he returns. A page of "Commissions for Dale."


Owen, Robert Dale. Rosebank, New Harmony; August 7-8, 1833.  To Mary Jane Owen. c/o Samuel Robinson, New York.

(11 pp. in one sheet 42 x 54.)

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Anticipation of their new home & life in New Harmony; household needs; mention of Martha's serious illness.


Owen, Robert Dale. New Harmony. August 18-29, 1833.  To Mary Jane Owen. c/o Thomas Pollock, Wheeling, Va.

(12 pp. in one sheet 42 x 54 cm.)

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Life in N. H. good, & one which appeals to him; value of land increasing, difficulties of getting anything built here; Martha's health slightly improved; comments on health of all family members; preparations for her arrival; "For Dale. Commissions."


Owen, Robert Dale. New Harmony. August 21-22, 1833.  To Mary Jane Owen. c/o Isaac S. Smith, Buffalo, New York.

(4 pp.)

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Great relief he experienced over her reaction to his "confessional" letter. Special note to the "Little Struggle" (baby they are expecting). Thoughts about starting a school. Phiquepal in N. H. & affairs are being arranged amiably.


Owen, Robert Dale. New Harmony. September 1-5, 1833.  To Mary Jane Owen. c/o Thomas Pollock, Wheeling, Virginia.

(12 pp. in one sheet 43 x 54 cm.)

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Describes his daily routine - meals at Rosebank with Richard, business rounds, making preparations for wife's arrival.

Discussion about manners & possibility of his writing a book on subject anonymously - "By an American Citizen." Activities in getting house ready - a "Dutch" house - hopes to have a house out in the country in a year or so. "For Dale - Business" - some special kitchen items for Martha.


Owen, Robert Dale. New Harmony. September 13-19, 1833.  To Mary Jane Owen. c/o Dr. William Price, Cincinnati, Ohio.

(4 pp.)

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William & Richard planning to meet her & Jane at Cincinnati; mare he has purchased for Jane; Martha's & Richard's plans for trips. Purchases for Dale to make - much of it horseman's equipment so needed in this Western country.

September 19th - William & Richard have returned due to Richard's indisposition.

Mary's & Jane's departure has been postponed numerous times because of Jane's illness; anxious weeks for both Mary & Robert Dale who awaits them with great impatience.


Folder 5 Owen, Robert Dale. Naples. May 8, 1855.  To Julian Dale Owen. Germany.

(8 pp., signature cut)

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Vivid description of the erruption of Mt. Vesuvius; fatherly advice to his young son.


Owen, Robert Dale. Naples. August 11, 1855.  To Mary Jane Owen. Germany.

(8 pp.)

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Family news; Jane's imprudent expenditures and incurring of debts; pecuniary embarrassment of U. S. diplomats in matter of salaries and when paid; however, a raise seems likely; family financial set-up, especially as concerning Jane; Cuba to be had only by purchase and even then the slaves would not be liberated.


Owen, Robert Dale. New York. August 1, 1859.  To Mary Jane Owen.

(12 pp.)

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Description of his visits to various publishers regarding the publication of his book, Footfalls on the Bounday of Another World, published January, 1860 by Lippincott. Concerns about Julian and getting him placed in a proper position. Friends and relatives he has visited.


Owen, Robert Dale. New York. March 12, 1864.  To Mary Jane Owen. New Harmony?

(4 pp.)

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Money matters, investments; his employment, or lack of it. Proposed title for a new book - The Debateable Land between this world and the next. His work on the American Freedmen's Inquiry Commission drags on; "We sent yesterday, at Mr. Sumner's request, a Bill we had prepared, to organize a Freedman's Bureau. I hope it will become a law."


Owen, Robert Dale. Philadelphia. June 6, 1864.  To Mary Jane Owen. New Harmony?

(6 pp.)

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Informs her of details regarding publication of Debateable Land, to be out within 5 or 6 weeks; War Department very satisfied with Report of Freedman's Commission; excitement in town over opening of Sanitary Fair. Requests news of Julian who is in Arkansas in the Army; engagement to Helen Shepard - "...very different person from that dear, good Mollie; but yet, perhaps, for the active, practical life he is likely to lead, she may prove a more suitable helpmate.-seems likely."


Owen, Robert Dale. Philadelphia. June 18, 1864.  To Mary Jane Owen. New Harmony.

(4 pp.)

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Delayed in connection with American Freedman's Inquiry Commission business and the matter of his book; deep regrets over being away from home and family for so long; happy for Julian over his approaching marriage to Helen Shepard.


Owen, Robert Dale. New York. May 11, 1867.  To Mary Jane Owen. New Harmony.

(4 pp.)

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Has sold the statue of Eve brought back from Italy and intended for Julian, to a wealthy New York merchant in order to clear himself of certain debts; he is sending check for $950 home to Mary. Asks if a portrait of Lincoln he sent home has ever arrived.


Owen, Robert Dale. Cambridge. January 25, 1869.  To Col. Julian Dale Owen. New Harmony, Indiana.

(4 pp., envelope)

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Family affairs; land and rental arrangements with Richard and sons.


Owen, Robert Dale. Dansville, New York. March 26, 1875.  To Mrs. Annie Cooper. New Harmony, Indiana.

(6 pp.)

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A welcoming-into-the-family for Julian's intended third wife.


Owen, Robert Dale. New York. April 2, 1877.  To Julian Dale Owen. New Harmony, Indiana.

(4 pp.)

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Enumeration of what is being given to Julian of the personal property from the old family "Mansion."


Owen, Robert Dale. Crosby Side, Lake George. June 20, 1877.  To Julian Dale Owen. New Harmony, Indiana.

(4 pp.)

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Dictated to and largely written by second wife, Lottie, who describes his illness in a personal note of her own.


Langley, S. R. Smithsonian Institution, Washington U.S.A. November 6, 1896.  To the family of the Honorable R. D. Owen.

(1 p.)

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Request for any papers in their possession concerning establishment of the Smithsonian.


Subseries: Personal Papers, 1825-1876 

Papers Regarding Estates, 1857-1876 .

Folder 6 Owen, Robert Dale. New Harmony, Indiana. March 6, 1876. 

(31 pp.)

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"Report of my proceedings as Trustee of my Grandfathers [sic] Estate and Of my action in settling up that of my Father: with accompanying documents including letters 1 to 20; and As Current showing every item of moneys received and disbursed, in connection with that settlement." Made to Professor Richard Owen, February 1876.

Robert Dale Owen included in his report a number of letters to document his management of Robert Owen's Estate and that of his grandfather - David Dale, called the Scotch Estate or "Scotch business" by the family. These will be listed chronologically and kept as were intended by him. Not all of them are in this collection.


Owen, Robert Dale. Legation of the United States, Naples. January 13, 1857.  To Robert Owen.

(16 pp., copy)

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Declined to authorize an advance of £500 to his father from the funds of the Scotch Estate. Endorsement only in R. D. Owen's hand.


Owen, Robert Dale. Legation of the United States, Naples. January 13, 1857.  To John Archibald Campbell

(4 pp., copy)

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Declining to authorize advance of £500 sterling to his father. Endorsement and note in R. D. Owen's hand; copied by Mrs. R. D. Owen.


Owen, Robert. Seven Oaks Park. January 21, 1857.   To Robert Dale.

(12 pp.)

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Robert Dale copies out portions of letter.


Campbell, James Archibald. 2 Allyn Place, Edinburgh. June 12, 1857.  To Robert Dale Owen. Naples.

(3 pp.)

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Had advanced Robert Owen £100 and asked whether to advance him £100 more. Endorsed by R. D. Owen.


Owen, Robert Dale. Naples. June 28, 1857.  To James Archibald Campbell. Edinburgh.

(4 pp.)

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Reply to above authorizing Campbell to advance Robert Owen a second hundred pounds. Endorsement and note date later.


Owen, Robert Dale. Cox's Hotel, Jermyn St. London. December 4-21, 1858.  To sister, wife, and brothers.

(32 pp., copy no. 1)

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Particulars of his father's death.


Owen, Robert. January 22, 1859. 

(2 pp.)

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Funeral expenses; paid to And. Thomas. Newtown. Endorsed by R. D. Owen.


Owen, Robert Dale. Cox's Hotel, Jermyn St. London. March 12, 1859.  To wife, sister, and brothers.

(22 pp., copy no. 2.)

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Regarding recovery of debt due by the late Duke of Kent; also regarding estate of David Dale.


Statement of Account; Estate of Robert Owen deceased. September 17, 1859. 

(4 pp.)

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Endorsement, note, memorandum in February 1876 written by Robert Dale Owen.


Journals, 1825-1856 .

Folder 1 Owen, Robert Dale. Journal. May 30, 1825 - January 23, 1826.   Scotland, England, Holland, shipboard "The New York", New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, on board the keel boat "Philanthropist" down the Ohio River to Mt. Vernon, Indiana and New Harmony, Indiana.

(177 pp., 25 x 19 cm.)

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Journal of two trips taken by Robert Dale - the first to Holland where his purpose was to study some cooperative colonies; the second his first journey to the United States in company of his father, with a detailed account of their first few months in this country.

The most significant portion of this journal is the second, a description of the "Philanthropist's" journey down the Ohio River from Pittsburgh to Mt. Vernon, Indiana, the famous "Boatload of Knowledge."


Folder 2 Owen, Robert Dale. Journal. 1854-1856.   Naples.

(pp. 1-116; pp. 1-146. 23 x 23 cm.)

Pages numbered according to manner in which book was used.

Autograph of Owen Armstrong, September 22, 1927, on flyleaf.


Part I

Part I includes:

  • List of bed and table linen. (p. 4)
  • List of furniture and house furnishings, bought at Naples; April, 1854. (pp. 5-14)
  • Horses, carriage and stable; Spring of 1855. (p. 15)
  • Wines ordered; February, 7, 1855. (p. 16)
  • List of wines; July 1, 1854. (p. 17)
  • Imperative list of payments to menials. (pp. 18-21)
  • List of wines consigned to Andrea Guerrero; April 21, 1855; June 25, 1856. (p. 23)
  • pp. 24-116 blank; section stops here.
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Part II

Materials are in English and Italian.

Part II includes:

  • Idiomatic phrases, Italian. (pp. 1-2)
  • Vocabulary, Italian. (pp. 15-16)
  • Quotations from Dante's Divine Comedy, Italian. (pp. 21-23)
  • Truth in Naples. (pp. 24-25)
  • Phrases in common use, Italian. (pp. 35-37)
  • pp. 38-86 blank
  • Salient points in Italian history; arranged not chronologically. (pp. 87-146) This section includes some passages referring to the Naples of 1854-1855; section ends here.
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Series: Owen Family Business and Legal Papers, 1828-1833 

Folder 7 Owen, Robert. New Harmony, Indiana. June 6, 1828.  Deed to Robert Dale and William Owen: Factory Square; Tavern and Tavern-lot; Store and Warehouse. $4000.

(3 pp.)

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Signed by Robert Owen; witnessed by John Schnee and James M. Dorsey; recorded by James P. Drake, Sept. 20, 1828. Endorsement by R. D. Owen.


Owen, Robert. New Harmony, Indiana. June 6, 1828.  Deed to Robert Dale and William Owen: Printing Office & lot; & Tobacco Factory. $2000.

(3 pp.)

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Signed by Robert Owen; witnessed by John Schnee and James M. Dorsey; recorded by James P. Drake, Sept. 20, 1828. Endorsement by R. D. Owen.


Owen, Robert. New Harmony, Indiana. June 6, 1828.  Deed to Robert Dale and William Owen: Tanyard & lot; South Orchard & adjoining field. $1000.

(3 pp.)

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Signed by Robert Owen; witnessed by John Schnee and James M. Dorsey; recorded by James P. Drake, Sept. 20, 1828. Endorsement by R. D. Owen.


Owen, Robert. New Harmony, Indiana. June 6, 1828.  Deed to Robert Dale and William Owen: Lot south of South St. $1000.

(3 pp.)

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Signed by Robert Owen; witnessed by John Schnee and James M. Dorsey; recorded by James P. Drake, Sept. 20, 1828. Endorsement by R. D. Owen.


Owen, Robert. New Harmony, Indiana. June 6, 1828.  Deed to Robert Dale and William Owen: Tract of land, including Cut-off, Grist & Saw-mills & containing 1500 Acres. Also Labyrinth. $10,000.

(3 pp.)

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Signed by Robert Owen; witnessed by John Schnee and James M. Dorsey; recorded by James P. Drake, Sept. 20, 1828. Endorsement by R. D. Owen.


Owen, Robert. New Harmony, Indiana. June 6, 1828.  Deed to Robert Dale and William Owen: Tract of Land on the Wabash River and adjoining the 1500 Acre Tract. (Containing about 1760 Acres.) $3000.

(3 pp.)

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Signed by Robert Owen; witnessed by John Schnee and James M. Dorsey; recorded by James P. Drake, Sept. 20, 1828. Endorsement by R. D. Owen.


Extract of Bond by Robert Owen & Coy. To John Wright, Alexander McGrigor, and Alexander McGrigor Junior as Trustees for Mrs. Owen and her daughters. £6000. Dated October 29, 1828,  registered July 23, 1832.  John Archibald Campbell, C. L.

(8 pp.)

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New Harmony Estate in Account with Robert Owen. Statement of yearly income, from R. Owen's portion of the Harmony estate, estimated by James M. Dorsey & R. D. Owen; expenses stated by William Owen. January 1832.  Accounts side probably written by James M. Dorsey; endorsement, February 1832  figures and notes written by R. D. Owen; added note by William Owen.

(2 pp.)

See next item.

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New Harmony Estate in Account with Robert Owen. January, 1832. 

(1 p.)

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Accounts side similar to preceding items (with exception of R. D. Owen's note). Remainder is missing. Probably written by James M. Dorsey.


Stewart, W. E. Mt. Vernon, Indiana. December 19, 1833. To Robert D. Owen. New Harmony, Indiana.

(3 pp.)

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Statement containing Maclure's boundaries; also stating in what book & pages Rapp's deed is recorded. Notes written by R. D. Owen, January 1834.


Series: Mary Jane Owen Correspondence and Journal, 1832-1865 

Subseries: Correspondence, 1832-1865 

Folder 8 Owen, Mary Jane. Passy, France. September 6-9, 1832  (?). To Robert Dale Owen. Crescent Place, London.

(12 pp. in one sheet 44 x 56 cm.)

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Written a few hours and over a period of several days after Robert Dale left Passy, and dreading the long separation from her husband. A few household details regarding Frances (Wright) and Phiquepal d'Arusmont, and their daughter Sylva. A note from Fanny (Frances) is included.


Owen, Mary Jane. Passy, France. September 13-14, 1832.  To Robert Dale Owen. Crescent Place, London.

(4 pp.)

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Daily tasks, continued sorrow and pain at absence from husband; urges him to have Jane (sister-in-law) come to stay in France for a while.


Owen, Mary Jane. Passy, France. September 14-18, 1832.  To Robert Dale Owen. London (?).

(12 pp. in one sheet 43 x 56 cm.)

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Her deep love in all its aspects for her husband. "...let us consummate our union by providing a witness and a testimony as soon as is convenient." Description of the fête at St. Cloud. Health of both Fanny and Phiquepal not of best. Refers to Martha Chase whom Richard had married.


Owen, Mary Jane. Passy, France. September 19-25, 1832.  To Robert Dale Owen. Crescent Place, London.

(12 pp. in one sheet 45 x 56 cm.)

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Her joy at receiving letter from husband. Small and unimportant difficulties in the d'Arusmont ménage for Mary. Has bought a few items of Parisian wear, including corsets! Great admiration for Moral Physiology.

Expression of love; happiness that hers is reciprocated by him. Daily doings: walks in the Bois de Bologne, studying French; pursuing a course of studies which will develop her knowledge for the role of mother and teacher.

Brief note to Robert from Phiquepal d'Arusmont informing him that Frances and he will come to America next spring to attend to the matter of Nashoba.


Owen, Mary Jane. Passy, France. September 26-27 (?), 1832.  To Robert Dale Owen.

(4 pp.)

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Recounts small episode with kind young Frenchman. Vows to become an individual again and "resume her own identity." Emancipation from her own feelings. Plans for partial "independence in pecuniary matters" when they get to Harmony.

"Morning 18th" entry is questionable.


Owen, Mary Jane. Passy, France. October 8-18, 1832.  To Robert Dale Owen.

(12 p. in one sheet 44 x 56 cm.)

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She practices writing in French; describes daily schedule of work, study, use of leisure time. Decision to become a rational human being and not one led by emotional impulses - the motto Self Control.

"People are not married until they become parents, that is real marriage." Her love for the child Sylva. Difficulties of living with the d' Arusmonts who though kind, treat her like a child. They speak constantly in French and in enigmas to each other. "One may just as well inhabit a house alone as with a couple who are so much attached to each other and who love other people so little."


Folder 9 Owen, Mary Jane. New York. August 4-6, 1833.  To Robert Dale Owen. New Harmony.

(12 pp. on one sheet 48 x 54 cm.)

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Reply to R. D.'s "important" letter of July 25 with assessment of their feelings and relations. Jane is quite unwell. She and Jane have plans for a school in N. H. She feels well despite advancing pregnancy.


Owen, Mary Jane. New York. August 8-15, 1833.  To Robert Dale Owen. New Harmony, Indiana.

(12 pp. on one sheet 49 x 59 cm.)

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Effect of his letter on her feelings and resolve to act more "rationally;" Jane's illness - may delay their departure for Harmony; law concerning confiscation of private property for public use; receipt of a letter from Robert Owen; Mary Jane cuts her hair; thoughts about her pregnancy and coming confinement.


Owen, Mary Jane. New York. August 15-19, 1833.  To Robert Dale Owen. New Harmony, Indiana.

(12 pp. on one sheet 50 x 58 cm.)

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Jane is improving in health; arrival of Mr. Ryder, with letters of introduction to all his sons from Robert Owen, who might come to N. H. to set up a school for advancing the New System; Mary's opinions of people with this type of character; decision that they should function as Kershaw's brother and sister and write to him at Cartagena in Colombia; the would-be meeting of Martha's father and Robert Owen. Their suitability and compatibility to each other- "I have made up my mind to be useful rather than agreable [sic] to you... I think, with you, that we had better never expect perfect happiness, for I am sure I can never meet your beau-ideal of one you could really love." Dale thinks "Dalia would be a very pretty name for Monkey. What do you think? provided it suits here."


Owen, Mary Jane. At the public house, Lockport; 9 o'clock in the evening of Monday September 16, 1833.   Wheeling; Sunday evening September 22.  To Robert Dale Owen. New Harmony, Indiana.

(4 pp.)

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Misfortunes and contre-temps besetting their travels down the canal.

Expressions of affection and love for her husband- "I hope to make you the happiest as well as the best husband in the world."


Folder 10 Owen, Mary Jane. New Harmony, Indiana. November 6, 1834.  To Robert Dale Owen. c/o Dr. William Price, Cincinnati, Ohio.

(12 p. on one sheet 48 x 56 cm.)

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Vexed with husband for not writing; gives doings of townsfolk and their friends; business remarks; her lectures; R. F. [Robert Fauntleroy?] and his interest in Jane.


Owen, Mary Jane. New Harmony. January 31, 1865 (?). To Robert Dale Owen. New York (?).

(4 pp.)

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Some delays in arrival of his letters, also fear that some of hers have not reached him. She thinks abandoned plantations should be let out immediately by War Department so that crops can be put out. There are some very fine ones in Julian's neighborhood (near Little Rock, Arkansas.) Prefers to wait on the building of a house for a number of good reasons, among them an opportunity to spend the winter in New York. ".. in short it is a good chance to break myself loose from some responsibilities here that it would be wrong for me to bear any longer." Illness and deaths in town; oyster party without the oysters.

Dated from internal evidence - "Next winter Rose will be eighteen..." Rosamond born December 13, 1848.


Subseries: Journal, 1833-1858 .

Folder 11 Owen, Mary Jane (Robinson). Journal. England; aboard "Hannibal"; New Harmony; Naples; "Zephyr. " April, 1833-August 16, 1858 .

(108 pp., 17 x 20 cm.)

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  • pp. 1-17 concerned with the return trip to the U. S. The party left London April 20th accompanied by Robert Dale's youngest sister Jane, Dale (David Dale), Mr. Phiquepal (d'Arusmont). Descriptions of country-side with sketches of flora. Sea trip.
  • pp. 21-26 "The Nursery Journal" December 3-12, 1833. The birth of Florence Dale (first daughter by that name who died in the summer of 1834)
  • pp. 47-54 "Florence's Journal" begun January 18, 1837. (Mary Jane wrote "Thirty-six", an obvious error made at the start of a new year.) Early months of the second Florence Dale, born Sept. 22, 1836.
  • pp. 61-73 one entry August 12, 1853 on board "Devonshire" from New York to London. Remainder of section April 5, 1858 - August 16, 1858 concerned with return ocean voyage from Naples to U. S. Reference to seances.
  • pp. 75-109 blank

Series: Papers Concerned with Sale of Harmonie to Robert Owen, 1825 .

Folder 12 Rapp, Frederick. Harmonie, Indiana, U. S. January 3, 1825.  Memorandum - terms of offer "to sell to Robert Owen of New Lanark the Estate & Settlement of Harmonie."

(3 pp.)

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Written and signed by Frederick Rapp Attorny [sic] in fact for George Rapp and Society. Statement written and signed by Robert Owen: "I accept the above offer on the conditions stated."

(W. M. I. has identical "memorandum of agreement of terms" written by Robert Owen and signed by Frederick Rapp. Series IV, Owen folder 1.)


Rapp, Frederick. Harmony, Indiana. April 25, 1825.  Bond of $250,000, for himself, George Rapp, and Associates to Robert Owen. (To convey the Harmony Estate.)

(8 pp.)

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Written and witnessed by Isaac Blackford, also witnessed by Donald Macdonald. Endorsement written by R. D. Owen: "(Containing complete specifications according to Sections and No. of Acres in each, of Robert Owen's original portion of the Harmony Estate.) Total 20,097 13/100 Acres." "(The deed bears date December 10, 1825.)"


Rapp, Frederick. Harmonie, Indiana. April 26, 1825.  Articles of agreement between Frederick Rapp for himself, and attorney in fact for George Rapp and associates, and Robert Owen. Written and signed by Frederick Rapp, Robert Owen, and R. L. Baker.

(4 pp.)

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Note by Robert Dale Owen to effect that "Rbt Owen did not avail himself of this Agreement, but Willm Maclure purchased the whole of the within mentioned lands." "Total Maclure's Purchase of Rapp - 7400 Acres."


Rapp, Frederick. Harmonie, Indiana. April 1825.  Statement regarding The Produce of Out Farms, The Amt of Taxes, and the Health of Harmony during the 5 last years before his Society left it.

(2 pp.)

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Endorsement written by Robert Dale Owen in which he states that this statement is in handwriting of Frederick Rapp.


Specification of parcels of land conveyed by G Rapp to Robert Owen. Deed of December 10, 1825.  Posey County, Indiana.

(2 pp.)

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(See W. M. I., Series VI, folder 15)


List of Sections and their contents, purchased by Robert Owen. December 10, 1825.   Posey County land and "County of White State of Illinois." Endorsement by R. D. Owen.

(2 pp.)

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Specification of Lands Conveyed to Robert Owen and William Maclure by Rapp & Associates. December 10, 1825. 

(2 pp.)

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May be written by Frederick Rapp. Endorsement by R. D. Owen.


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