Tyler papers

Collection

Identifier: MS 0643

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Melissa (Usher) Tyler Papers contain 56 letters written to her family from October 1852 to July 1856. The letters concern life, illnesses and academics at Mount Holyoke Female Seminary and also include questions to her mother regarding sewing and altering clothing. Later letters also include home news and comments about friends. The collection also comprises academic notebooks dating from 1852-1856, primarily containing notes on religion.

Dates

Creation: 1852-1856

Conditions Governing Access

Unrestricted

Biographical Note

Melissa Usher grew up in Higganum, Connecticut, and entered Mount Holyoke Female Seminary in 1852. She remained for that academic year, returned in 1854, and graduated with the Class of 1856. After graduation she took care of her ill mother, married Alpheus Williams Tyler and had three children. Her sister Jerusha (Jessie) Usher also attended Mount Holyoke Female Seminary and graduated in 1857. Melissa Usher Tyler died in Tylerville, Connecticut in 1906.

Extent

1 boxes (1856 Usher)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Tyler, Melissa Usher, d.1906; Housewife. Mount Holyoke Female Seminary graduate, 1856. Papers consist of fifty-six letters to her family and notebooks on religion. Primarily describing her daily activities and academic career at Mount Holyoke.