Catalog of Manuscript Collections

Creator: John Warner Barber (1798-1885) Extent: 80 items Description: Barber was an engraver and historian in New Haven. His papers include his diary (1813-83) in which he referred to Abner Reed, the engraver of Hartford, Conn., to whom he was apprenticed, and also to other with whom he came in contact; accounts; correspondence; drawings and proofs of banknotes and of the Amistad captives; and examples of Barber's work. In the collection are drawings submitted for the seal of the NHCHS, including Barber's designs, which were rejected, and L.C. Punderson's, which was accepted. There are also woodblocks for many of Barber's engravings for his books. Research Topics: Development of popular history; history of engraving; woodblocks used by Barber; drawings for the seal of the New Haven Colony Historical Society; daily life and business of a 19th century engraver