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Pair of original autograph letters (ALS), Milford, Massachusetts, 1895, written by E. W. Whitney to Rev. George B. Titus (1849–1918), a noted Massachusetts Baptist minister and genealogist. Each is neatly handwritten in dark ink on lined paper, both signed “E. W. Whitney,” and together they reveal an engaging correspondence surrounding Rev. Elnathan Wight (1715–1761), an early colonial Baptist preacher from Bellingham, Massachusetts.
The letters discuss Wight’s rare sermons, genealogy, and the exchange of early Baptist manuscripts. They also include biographical details about Whitney’s own ancestry—the Clark family of Petersham, Massachusetts—and reference early New England ministers and family lineages.
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Full Transcriptions
Letter 1 – Milford, Mass., March 20, 1895
> Dear Bro. Titus:
Enclosed please find four sermons by that early Baptist preacher, Rev. Elnathan Wight. He was born in 1715, Dec. 29, and was educated by Rev. Mr. Graham of Southbury Ct. Preached his first sermon in 1750 May 4. Accepted call of Bellingham Baptist Church Aug. 2, and preached there till his death, Nov. 1761. His interesting history is found in T. Wight of Dedham and Descendants 1635–90, page 35. I have his autograph, and know the sermons are genuine. Please accept them with my best wishes.
If you should run upon any facts in regard to the Clark family, please tell me of them. My grandmother, Lydia Clark (Stone), was born in Petersham, Mass., Aug. 18, 1776. Her brothers and sisters were Hardin, William, David, Mary, Rachael, and perhaps others. Her father’s name may have been Nahum.
If you could tell me the first of the line in America, without any trouble, I would be glad to know. No hurry, you know. With hearty good wishes for you and yours.
Fraternally, E. W. Whitney.
(margin note in another hand: “Ans’d & sent one sermon to Mr. Wight – March 26 / 95 – Concluded by Family.”)
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Letter 2 – Milford, Mass., July 5, 1895
> Dear Bro. Titus:
Enclosed please find one of Rev. Elnathan Wight’s sermons preached in 1760. It is all that I can lay my hands on for you at present. Will try to get one or two more in future, if it be possible.
Have broken up housekeeping and am boarding at the Mansion House. My family have gone to Chesham, N.H., to spend the summer. I expect to go there the last of July.
Cordially yours, E. W. Whitney.
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About the Correspondents
Rev. George Boice Titus (1849–1918)
A Massachusetts Baptist minister, genealogist, and collector of early New England religious manuscripts. Titus corresponded widely with descendants of early clergy and frequently compiled biographical and sermon archives for Baptist history societies.
Rev. Elnathan Wight (1715–1761)
An early colonial Baptist minister educated in Connecticut, Wight first preached in 1750 and served as pastor of the Bellingham Baptist Church until his death in 1761. His life and ministry are recorded in T. Wight of Dedham and Descendants 1635–90. His sermons—such as the ones referenced in these letters—are among the earliest known examples of mid-18th-century Massachusetts Baptist preaching.
E. W. Whitney
A Massachusetts correspondent and amateur historian based in Milford, Whitney took an active interest in New England genealogy and early Baptist history. His letters to Titus often involved sharing rare sermons, autographs, and family records.
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Physical Description
Two original handwritten letters, each on lined paper, 8 × 5 inches (approx.).
Both written in black ink, each signed “E. W. Whitney.”
Excellent legibility and preservation; light toning consistent with age.
Includes marginal notation in a contemporary hand on the March 1895 letter.
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Historical & Collectible Significance
This pair of letters offers an authentic window into 19th-century antiquarian and genealogical networks—a time when early colonial sermons and clerical autographs were being rediscovered and cataloged by historians. References to Rev. Elnathan Wight, early Baptist ministry, and the Clark family genealogy make this set valuable to collectors of Massachusetts religious history, early American sermons, and Baptist genealogy.
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Value & Rarity
Correspondence between 19th-century historians exchanging 18th-century sermons is uncommon. The letters’ detailed biographical references, clear penmanship, and excellent condition enhance their desirability.
