Papers of Charles Russell Codman (1784-1852)

Description

The papers of Charles Russell Codman pertain largely to three areas: the Ogden family, founders of Ogdensburg, New York; the Lincoln estate; and the William Vans case involving his uncle Richard Codman. The family of Charles’ second wife, Sarah Ogden, lived in New York. There are letters in this series which Charles received from his in-laws during the 1840s. His brother-in-law, William Roebuck, husband of Susan W. Ogden (1810-1892), wrote from Ogdensburg about his steam engine, noting his intention to use it for "the cording of wood and making country cloth." His sister-in-law, Mary E. (Ogden) Newbold (1805-1853) wrote from Newbold Lodge in Westchester on the always important topic of family health and the impending visits of the Codman children. Key times in the history of the Lincoln estate are covered here. A small notebook outlines the ownership of the land from 1671 and describes its confiscation during the turmoil of the Revolution. A copybook of "Letters relating to the Lincoln estate copied from an old account book marked estate of Chambers Russell... and letters of John Codman" includes a letter of John Codman III, dated 29 December 1797, stating that he was "determined to settle the estate myself according to my own ideas of rectitude." John Codman III thus made decisive moves to straighten out the confusion of its status following the death of Chambers Russell in 1790. Unlike his father, Charles Russell Codman was not determined to retain the estate. In October 1807, he wrote to his brother, John, chastising him for lack of communication and enclosing "a letter from my mother which no doubt contains all the news that will interest you. I know of none myself. You no doubt heard that I have sold the Lincoln farm. I found that instead of bringing in an income it would cost considerable [sic] for repairs... and tho' sold much under its real value... the increase of my expenses made it necessary that I should raise money." His dedication to business may be questioned, as the sale most likely served to support his sojourn in Europe during the next four years.

Along with his brothers John and Francis (1797-1859), Charles Russell Codman had been involved in the lawsuit brought against their family by William Vans. Van's pursuit of the Codmans had spanned over three decades. Included in Charles Russell Codman's papers are legislative reports of the Massachusetts House of Representatives on the case. Supplementing this is a copy of a letter in the Massachusetts Historical Society from Charles Russell Codman to William H. Gardiner, the family's lawyer in the suit. It is dated 25 February 1836 and summarizes many aspects of the case. There are also copies of selected pages from his Notes and Reminiscences reflecting on this case. Other material in the legal series includes estate papers of his aunt, Abigail Codman (1756-1832). Related material may be found in Box #118 (transcripts of correspondence, Charles Russell Codman).