Lot of 40 19th century handwritten Letters to Elizabeth B. Turner Phelps of Lewistown, Illinois. Also known as Lizzy or Bessie, the letters include around 150 pages of correspondence sent by relatives, friends and her future husband, Henry Willis Phelps. Most of the letters have envelopes, and most all of the envelopes have stamps. The letters are housed in a wooden box with sliding cover. Box measures 13” x 4.75” x 275”. *************** Included with the letters is a handwritten wedding invitation with light blue cloth trim stating that “Mr. & Mrs. M. Turner announce the marriage of their daughter Elizabeth B. to H.W. Phelps Tuesday October Twentieth (1885).” However, the wedding does not take place until June of 1886. The longest letters she receives are from her future husband Willis (Henry Willis Phelps). Phelps is well educated, having studied at Williams College in Massachusetts from 1882 to 1885. Includes a variety of content, including an interesting letter from a friend who attends a lecture given by a lady who “was a perfect curiosity only 40 inches tall and weighs a 140 lbs.” While most of the correspondence that “Lizzy” receives is from friends and relatives in Illinois, there are also those from Fort Dodge (Iowa), Boston (Mass.), Mankato (Minn.), and Lincoln (Nebraska). Lizzy and Willis will be married in June 1886, but their union will last only for a short while, as Lizzy dies on November 19, 1890 at just 25 years of age.

Box with chips, letters mostly Good. Sold as-is.