MGJ Postal History

Full but light postmark and large numeral five in red on this letter to Leavitt & McDaniel, Concord NH hardware company. The note is from R. Booth and he is placing a order of $23 for four saws.

Brief note addressed to John P. Knowlton, Wendell Harbor, NH, postmaster regarding a debt of $1,000. A representative of Knowlton apparently tried to collect the money from the writer, Peter Sargent, but to no avail and Sargent is writing to say he hopes to have money soon and "you can have it". Light but full Newport NH postmark along with large red numeral 5. Very good condition.  Wendell Harbor is an rare and interesting address since it was an early name for what is now Sunapee Harbor. According to historical records: "Like many other towns, Sunapee one went through name changes before its incorporation in 1781: Saville in 1768, Corey's Town, and then Wendell, for one of the Masonian Proprietors, John Wendell. The marsh near Sunapee Middle High School still bears Wendell's name. The name Sunapee was substituted for Wendell by the legislature in 1850."  Captain John P. Knowlton, a retired merchant of Sunapee, was born in that town, October 10, 1821, son of Samuel and Betsey (Pike) Knowlton. The grandfather, Robert Knowlton, was one of the pioneer settlers of New London, N.H. Samuel Knowlton was a farmer in Sunapee. He was also engaged in hewing lumber.  John P. Knowlton, at six feet, six inches, was one of the tallest men in the area. He received his education in town schools and took up farming. Subsequently he became interested in a mercantile business, and entered into partnership with his brother in 1844. He bought out his brother’s interest, and went on as sole proprietor. In 1862, he retired. In 1870, he erected Knowlton Block. He was a Director of the First National Bank of Newport, N.H., for several years. He was first Postmaster of Sunapee and held the office for 11 years. On January 4, 1848, Governor Jared B. Williams created him Captain of the militia company called the Sunapee Guards. For four years he was Town Clerk, and for one year Town Treasurer. In 1856-57 he served as State Representative, and he was a Justice of the Peace. Captain Knowlton was married October 23, 1848, to Abby S. Morgan.

Circa 1850 Washington DC 5cts black postmark on this cover to Mr. Sanford, Derby, Connecticut.  Note manuscript steamer designation at top.

1846 letter from John Mills, Lancaster, New Hampshire, to General Sullivan Hutchins in Bath, NH, states: “I have got in my timber. There is 60 or 70 thousand of excellent quality. I wish to sell it as soon as possible. Should be glad to sell it to you if you will give me its value. It lays on my meadow & should finish downing tomorrow.  Light Lancaster January 29 red postmark. Letter in excellent condition.