Hoyt family papers, 1855-1924

Collection context

Creator:
Hoyt family
Abstract:
A collection of the personal papers, including personal correspondence and financial documents, of the family of James Otis Hoyt (1842-1896), a prominent New York Lawyer.
Extent:
2.5 linear feet (5 document boxes)
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

The Hoyt Family collection is comprised primarily of the papers of James Otis Hoyt, his wife, Emily (née Fellows), and two of their three daughters, Emily and Mary Fellows Hoyt. These papers include personal correspondence, financial documents, and printed materials.

Biographical / historical:

James Otis Hoyt (1842-1896) was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts. He attended Phillips Exeter Academy and Harvard University, from which he graduated in 1865. Upon graduation, he spent a year as a teacher at Saint Mark's School in Southborough, Massachusetts. He returned to Harvard to pursue a degree in Law, which he received in 1868; while there, he was a proctor and teacher of history. He then moved to New York, where he worked briefly in several law firms before founding his own firm with Richard Christian (R.C.) Fellows in 1871. The firm would later become Fellows, Hoyt, and Schell (with Edward H. Schell), and finally Hoyt and Schell. Hoyt was a director and general counsel to the Manhattan Life Insurance Company, and general counsel to the National Butchers' and Drovers' bank and the Manhattan Savings Bank. In 1876 he married Fellows's sister, Emily Fellows (1847-1909), and the two had three daughters: Mary (1877-19??), Harriet (1880-19??), and Emily (1883-1919). Hoyt died unexpectedly of an illness in 1896. Mary attended Bryn Mawr from 1895-1898. From 1916-1917 she studied nursing and wireless signal work and from 1917-1919 she worked as an Auxiliary Nurse for the American Red Cross in France.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.

This collection has no restrictions.

Terms of access:

Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Hoyt Family Papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:
Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
Contact:
rbml@library.columbia.edu