Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research use.

Preferred Citation

MSS 16321, Eliza Grout letter to Levi Holbrook, Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia

Immediate Source of Acquisition

This collection was purchased from Crown Collectibles by the Small Special Collections Library at the University of Virginia on August 12, 2016.

Biographical / Historical

Eliza Grout and Levi Holbrook were dating in 1825, married in 1826 and settled in Danville, Virginia. Eliza was born in 1807 and Levi in about 1797. They were both from Massachusetts and their families were of financial means and influence. Holbrook was a teacher and founded Danville Male Academy in 1817.

During Eliza's pregnancy in 1836, she experienced health difficulties but had a son, Levi, Jr. She continued to have health problems from the birth and died in 1837. Levi, Jr. eventually went to live with Eliza's sister, Susan in Westborough, Massachusetts. He attended Worcester Academy, Yale, and Harvard. He passed away in 1922.

Scope and Contents

Eliza Grout letter to Levi Holbrook, 1825 September 24, 0.03 cubic feet is a romantic letter handwritten to her boyfriend who is studying in Providence, Rhode Island. The letter is written during their courtship and reveals two well educated people.