1841 USA letter NH Representative Wheeler to Boston merchant Pierce

1841 letter from Sumner Wheeler, manufacturer and Representative in the New Hampshire legislature, from Keene NH to Silas Pierce, Boston merchant in the early 19th century, operating successful wholesale grocery on Elm Street. In regards to an outstanding invoice

Red postmark ‘KEENE DEC 9 N.H.’

Handwritten ‘Paid 10’ along with red ‘PAID’ 

Addressed to:

Mesrs Silas Pierce & Co
Merchant  Elm St Boston Mass

- Box 55 --

Text on lined paper:

Keene Decr 8, 1841 
Mr Silas Pierce Co.
Gent,,

Your note against the sum 204 dollars, due Dec 13/14 please let remain in your hands until  -- in Boston which will be previous to 10th jan 1842 when I will pay it.  If not agreeable to do so, please answer this -- and send it down in time.

Yours --- Sumner Wheeler

Written on back  Sumner Wheeler Dec 8/42

In 1841, Sumner Wheeler (1807–1861) of Keene, New Hampshire was serving as a Representative from Keene in the New Hampshire legislature, reflecting his role in local politics and civic life.

Civic Role in 1841

• Sumner Wheeler was Representative from Keene in 1841, 1845, and 1849 in the New Hampshire legislature.
• His service indicates he was trusted by the community and actively engaged in shaping local governance during a period of growth in Keene.
• The 1840s were a time of expansion in Cheshire County, with Keene developing as a regional hub for trade, manufacturing, and civic institutions.

Local Context: Keene, NH in 1841

• Keene was transitioning from a small agricultural town into a growing industrial center.
• The town had established mills, a rising population, and was becoming a focal point for Cheshire County politics.

·       Representatives like Wheeler would have been involved in issues such as infrastructure, education, and state-level debates on commerce and taxation

Silas Peirce was a prominent Boston merchant in the early 19th century, operating from Elm Street and founding the wholesale grocery firm Silas Peirce & Co. in 1815. By 1841, his company was well established and central to Boston’s commercial life.

-Occupation: Grocer and politician. He founded Silas Peirce & Co., a wholesale grocery business that lasted 111 years.

- Political Role: Served as chairman of the Boston Board of Aldermen in the 1850s–1860s.

- Military Service: Member of the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia and the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company.

Silas Peirce & Co. on Elm Street

- Founded in April 1815, the firm specialized in wholesale groceries, including luxury items like cigars, candy, nuts, spices, and imported goods.

- By 1841, Elm Street in Boston was a hub of mercantile activity, and Peirce’s firm was a key player in provisioning households and businesses.