Patent History Materials Index - Papers of Secretary Thomas Ewing

Extract of some papers of Secretary Thomas Ewing
Thomas Ewing Family papers, box 297
Library of Congress, Manuscript reading room

Note: The salaries of the Patent Office Examiners were fixed in 1848. No increase was given until 1909, at which time an increase of substantially 10% was made.

-----

Thomas Ewing papers, 1849, Apr 16 - June 28, vol 9
Thomas Ewing Family papers
Library of Congress, Manuscript Reading Room

This volume includes some papers relating to the accusations against Henry L. Ellsworth's son Henry W. Ellsworth for smuggling goods into Sweden, where he was stationed as a diplomat, alleging that they were for the use of his family.

-----

Thomas Corwin to Thomas Ewing, Sr. (Home Secretary)
9 May 1849
Thomas Ewing Family papers, 1849, Apr 16 - June 28, vol 9
Library of Congress, Manuscript Reading Room

....
Private) I have just heard that Prof. Renwick wants to be Commissioner of Patents. I happen to know that he is supposed to be complicated[?] with certain inventions and foundries, so much so that his impartiality is doubted. Would it not be well to look to this. The head of that Bureau ought to be not only pure but unsuspected. ...

-----

Edmund Burke to Thomas Ewing, Sr. (Home Secretary)
9 March 1849
Thomas Ewing Family papers, 1849, Feb 18 - April 15, vol 8
Library of Congress, Manuscript Reading Room
United States Patent Office
March 9th, 1849

The Hon. Thos. Ewing
Secy of the Home Department

Sir,
The Head of this office, together with the other Officers and Clerks, would be pleased to have the honor of an introduction and of paying in person their respects to you; will you therefore, be pleased to designate such time as will best suit your convenience for that purpose?

I have the honor to be, very respectfully

Your obt. Servant
Edmund Burke

-----

William B. Reed to Thomas Ewing, Sr. (Home Secretary)
19 March 1849
Thomas Ewing Family papers, 1849, Feb 18 - April 15, vol 8
Library of Congress, Manuscript Reading Room
Philadelphia, March 19, 1849

My dear Sir,
This letter is not to ask for an office for myself or for the bearer, but to introduce to you a gentleman who desires to confer with you in relation to the robbery of the Patent Office. Charles T. Jones, Esq., the bearer, is one of the most respectable magistrates of this County and worthy of your entire confidence.

Truly yours,
William B. Reed

Mr. Ewing

-----

James Cooper to Thomas Ewing, Sr. (Home Secretary)
20 March 1849
Thomas Ewing Family papers, 1849, Feb 18 - April 15, vol 8
Library of Congress, Manuscript Reading Room

Senate Chamber
March 20th, 1849

My dear Sir:
The bearer, C. Thompson Jones Esquire, desires to confer with you in relation to the robbery of the Patent Office. Mr. Jones is a gentleman of the highest character; and is one of the most intelligent and upright magistrates in Philadelphia. You may place the most entire confidence in any statement he may make to you.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant
James Cooper

The Hon. Thomas Ewing

-----

Extracts from finding aid for Thomas Ewing Family papers
Library of Congress, Manuscript Reading Room

Thomas Ewing, Sr. b 28 Dec 1789, Ohio Co., Va., d. 26 Oct 1871, Lancaster, Ohio. In 1830 was a Whig Senator from Ohio.; in 1841 was Secretary of the Treasury; and in 1849 was first Secretary of the Home Department (later Dept. of Interior), from which he resigned in Aug 1850.

Thomas Ewing, II, b 7 Aug 1829 in Lancaster, Ohio; d 21 Jan 1896 in New York City. In 1861-2 was chief justice of Kansas. Was Brigadier General and Brevet Major General in Civil War. Defended Dr. Mudd on charge of conspiracy to assassinate Lincoln. Was Congressman from Ohio 1877-81. Practiced law in later life in New York City.

Thomas Ewing III, b 21 May 1862 in Leavenworth, Kansas, died 7 Dec 1942 in Yonkers, NY. Assistant examiner in Patent Office in 1888-90. LL.B. Georgetown 1890. Practiced patent law in New York 1891-1913. Commissioner of Patents 1913-1917. Practiced law in New York 1917-1942.

Thomas Ewing IV (1897-8 Feb 1933). Worked for carpet company.

There are about 308 containers of material in this collection, any of which might potentially be relevant. It deserves a little more study.

-----

Thomas Ewing papers
Library of Congress

book 7 examined -- nothing relevant

box 52 Aug 1848 - Mar 1849, examined Jan-Mar 1849, nothing relevant

box 53 Apr - Dec 1849, examined Apr-Aug 1849, some copied also contains letter John Stratton to Thomas Ewing dated 12 April 1849, asking for a position in the Patent Office for Dr. John Evans

-----

William H. Seward to Thomas Ewing
2 April 1849
Manuscript papers of Thomas Ewing family
Library of Congress, Manuscript collection

New York, April 2, 1849
My dear Sir
Since my arrival here I have seen Mr. Ewbank and have made inquiries concerning him. I find him better administrative man than I had supposed. He is not a man speculating[?] nor yet a mere mechanic -- but he is a very practical successful business man.

I am quite sure that Charles M. Keller would be the most suitable Commissioner who could be appointed, supposing him out of the way I then believe that Mr. Ewbank would be the most suitable, and Mr. Keller concurs with me in this of him.

As I have instituted my inquiries with no personal view, but only per a desire to obtain information for yourself, I would prefer that this letter should not go on file.

Your humble servant and friend
William H. Seward

The Honorable
Thomas Ewing
Secretary of the Interior

-----

Edmund Burke to Thomas Ewing
10 May 1849
Manuscript papers of Thomas Ewing family
Library of Congress, Manuscript collection

Private
Patent Office
May 10, 1849
Sir
I see in the National Intelligencer of this morning the name of Thomas Ewbank, of New York, announced as Commissioner of Patents. Although I have received no official notice of the appointment I have no reason to doubt that such is the fact.

You would, therefore, oblige me by informing me whether or not it is the President's wish that I should vacate the office immediately, or to remain in it, and perform the functions of Commissioner until my successor arrives and takes possession of the Office.

An answer by the bearer is desired, if your convenience will permit.

I have the honor to be very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Edmund Burke

Hon. Thomas Ewing
Secretary of the Interior

-----

Thomas Ewing to Edmund Burke
10 May 1849
Manuscript papers of Thomas Ewing family
Library of Congress, Manuscript collection

Department of the Interior
May 10, 1849

Sir
Your successor Mr. Ewbank will arrive this evening. It is expected that you will remain and discharge the duties of the office until he shall be confirmed and qualified. He will probably see and confer with you tomorrow.
[Thomas Ewing]

[Back of paper annotated:
"Copy of note to Mr. Burke, May 12, 1849"]

 

 

<< Return to Patent History Materials Index