Papers (1802-1910) consisting of correspondence, deeds, tax records, legal documents, financial records, and church records.
The Meyer and Martin families of Yadkin County, N.C., were related through marriage and were the ancestors of the donor. Frederick Meyer emigrated from Germany to North Carolina in 1832 and his daughter, Sue, married John Martin.
Correspondence (1832-1875) is addressed to Mr. Frederick Meyer and is generally of a personal nature. Several letters from friends and relatives in Germany are written in German. They contain news of Meyer's brother and friends in Germany; a recommendation of Meyer from his former employer; references to deaths, illnesses, and marriages; and a comment on the Franco-Prussian War and the successes of Bismarck. Of particular interest are letters addressed in 1875 from Kingsville, Johnson County, Missouri, from F. A. Meyer to his parents. These contain comments on farm life, rural health conditions, crops, and prices. The writer complains of being unable to purchase enough cheap land and expresses the desire to return to North Carolina.
Deeds and land sales (1802-1888) cover purchases in Yadkin County by Frederick Meyer and by the Martin family during the nineteenth century.
Tax records (1830-1910) contain receipts for payment of state and county taxes and an 1863 assessment of taxes on crops to pay Confederate war expenses. Statements for 1861 and 1862 divide payments into state, county, and war taxes.
Legal documents (1827-1902) include a bound German passport (1827), an application for United States' citizenship (1839), an oath of allegiance to the United States government and the emancipation laws (1865), and a certificate of permanent voting registration (1902).
Financial records contain various receipts, accounts of general merchandise listing amounts and prices of commodities purchased, and receipts of payment of tuition fees (1891-1893). Statements (1898-1902) from the Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Association require members to pay pro-rated shares for losses sustained by the company.
Church records (1887-1893) include membership rolls and subscription lists for payment of the pastor's salary of the East Bend Baptist Church, Yadkin County, N.C.
Gift of Mrs. Vernie Wilder Saieed
Processed by M. Mitchell, August 1977
Encoded by Apex Data Services
Literary rights to specific documents are retained by the authors or their descendants in accordance with U.S. copyright law.