Manuscript Database
Creator/Title
Jesup-Sitgreaves family. Papers, 1846-1919 (bulk 1883-1902). 1 cubic foot
Call No.
Mss. A J58 1-4,6-8, 13,16,23
Content
1900-1902 correspondence from sisters Lucy Jesup Sitgreaves (8), Mary Jesup Blair (2-3), Jane Jesup Nicholson (7), and Julia Clark Jesup (6) discusses Mammoth Cave business throughout; the sisters all inherited a portion of the Mammoth Cave estate from their uncle, Dr. John Croghan. The letters of May's children Jesup Blair (1) and Violet Blair Janin (4), also discuss Cave matters. Lucy's daughter Mary Jesup Sitgreaves discusses the Cave in letters of 12 Feb 1891 and 21 Dec 1900 (13, 16). The beneficiaries primarily discuss the controversy centering around H.C. Ganter, manager of the Cave property and of the Mammoth Cave Hotel; the beneficiaries argued over the quality of Ganter's work, and whether or not to retain him at the cave. The three sisters Lucy, Mary, and Julia along with their children, were on one side of the fight; the fourth sister Jane, her husband Major Augustus S. Nicholson, and William Wyatt, probably the son of a cousin of the sisters, were on the other side. According to the other beneficiaries, Nicholson and Wyatt planted spies at the Cave and conspired to take control of Cave matters. The letters frequently mention the amount of money received as a monthly payment from Ganter for their ownership in the estate. Mary Jesup Blair's letters of 18 June, 2 August, and 6 August 1902 mention that the Kentucky Militia is camping at the cave that summer (3). Violet Blair Janin's letter of 3 November 1900 contains information on the ocst of long and short cave tours, as well as the hotel and food (4). In addition to the correspondence of the above named individuals, collection includes financial reports, legal petititions, and copies of letters regarding Mammoth Cave (23). See also cards for Mammoth Cave Mushroom Company; Mammoth Cave Railroad Company; Louisville and Nashville Railroad; Illinois Central Railroad Company; Ganter, H. C.; Green River (Ky.)
