Catalog of Manuscript Collections

Creator: Hezekiah Howe (1775-1838) Extent: 6 in. (680 items) Description: Born in New Haven, Howe's father died before his birth. He was brought up by Isaac Beers, his maternal uncle, whom he joined in partnership in the bookselling business. In 1812, when Beers sold out his share of the business, Howe became a senior partner, adding printing and publishing to his bookselling. In 1812 he printed the first edition of Webster's Dictionary. He also served as lieutenant-colonel in the War of 1812. Much of the collection is made up of business letters from scholars, authors, churchmen, suppliers, and other publishers; personal correspondence; proceedings and other military papers relating to the court-martial of Capt. Caleb Thompson (1814-15) ordered by Gen Howe; and other materials. Research Topics: Bookselling and publishing in New Haven; rise of popular history; War of 1812