Accession No. RARE.2026.0021: Purchased, 2022 November
[identification of item], Correspondence from Benjamin Nieukirk and Ruth P. Nieukirk of Xenia, Ohio to Ephraim E. Sheppard of Bridgetown, New Jersey, SPEC.RARE.MMS.0434, Rare Books and Manuscript Library, Ohio State University
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Processed by: Sierra Sales, 2026 February; Finding aid written by: Sierra Sales, 2026 February
Benjamin and Ruth Nieukirk were a married couple from New Jersey who moved to Xenia, Ohio in 1827. Benjamin worked as a shopkeeper and was interested in procuring popular fashion styles for his store. Ruth spent her time writing letters to family and friends after moving. The couple had four daughters: Cadelia, Lorinda, Laura, and Atillia. Benjamin supported John Quincy Adams in the 1828 United States presidential election.
Ephraim E. Sheppard was a resident of Bridgetown, New Jersey and friends with Benjamin and Ruth Nieukirk. Sheppard supported Andrew Jackson in the 1828 United States presidential election and preferred reading newspapers that wrote favorably on the Jackson administration.
The Correspondence from Benjamin Nieukirk and Ruth P. Nieukirk of Xenia, Ohio to Ephraim E. Sheppard of Bridgetown, New Jersey is a three page letter dated February 24, 1828. The letter contains separate correspondence from Benjamin and Ruth Nieukirk. The first page of the letter is written by Benjamin, and he writes about why he supports John Quincy Adams for president of the United States over Andrew Jackson. Benjamin also updates Ephraim on the prices of different fur in Ohio and makes inquiries into the price of dresses in Philadelphia. The second and third pages of the letter are written by Ruth Nieukirk. Ruth describes Xenia and that people from various backgrounds have settled in the area. Ruth also gives an update on how their four daughters are doing and asks Ephraim to write them often and give friends in New Jersey their greetings.