Ahira Webster diary and papers

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: RITDSA-0078

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Ahira Webster papers includes a diary from 1849-50, with daily entries describing Webster's life at the New York Institute for the Deaf and Dumb and news of events and people in the United States during this period, particularly about abolitionism and other political issues of the time. Also included is a 3 x 5 inch index card with a brief biography of Ahira George Webster, a June 15, 1899 issue of Deaf-Mutes Journal, the 1849 Annual Report and Documents of the New York Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb, and a photocopied portrait of Webster in middle age by photographer C. O. Mason of Fredonia, N.Y.

Dates

Creation: 1849-1850, 1899

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to researchers.

Biographical / Historical

Ahira G. Webster (1829-1906), born in Fredonia, New York, was a deaf student at the New-York Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb in White Plains, NY. He married Olive Matoon in 1857 and had three children Carl, Emma, and Fay. He kept a diary while a student at the Institute from 1849-50.

Extent

1 Linear Feet (1 clam shell box)

Language

English

Additional Description

Overview

Ahira Webster papers contains a personal diary, photocopy of a portrait of Ahira Webster, a short biography, a copy of an 1899 issue of Deaf-Mutes Journal, and an 1849 annual report and documents of the New-York Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged by material type.

Physical Location

C.S. North, Shelf 234

Other Finding Aids

In addition to this finding aid, a digital copy of the diary is available. For more information, please contact the RIT Archive Collections.

Ahira Webster diary