Series III: Legal Papers, 1788-1903, inclusive
Scope and Contents note
Many papers in this series are copies of wills or affidavits of Emma Thursby's family and friends, including Sara Bull, Sarah Farmer, Erminia Rudersorff, and Hannah Thursby (Emma's grandmother). There are multiple copies of legal documents relating to the Thursby siblings' right to title to a piece of land in Brooklyn.
Singing contracts Emma Thursby made with managers or proprietors of a venue are separately foldered. These date from 1877 to 1891, the height of her singing career. Also included are contracts made between managers, such as Maurice Strakosch, and the proprietor of a venue. Documents that include the signature of Emma Thursby, the other party, or both, were considered to be contracts.
Legal documents from the Van Cott and Bennet families are included here. These include indentures, wills, deeds, and legal papers pertaining to guardianship. As with the financial papers of these families, they are records of family affairs in early Brooklyn. Some of these materials are oversized; most date from the Eighteenth century.