Guide to the Colvocoresses Family Collection, 1872-2021
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Guide to the Colvocoresses Family Collection, 1872-2021 Norwich University Archives Kreitzberg Library Norwich University 158 Harmon Drive Northfield, VT 05663 Phone: (802) 485-2947 Fax: (802) 485-2173 Email: [email protected] Summary Title Colvocoresses Family Collection Dates 1872-2021 Extent 1 Box (.50 linear feet) About the Collection The collection consists primarily of biographical papers and records compiled by Norwich University on the lives of George Musalas Colvocoresses (1816-1872) and George Partridge Colvocoresses (1847-1932) and their families. Additional information on the life (and mysterious death) of George Musalas Colvocoresses is also included in the collection. In addition, there is a file of correspondence documenting Harold Colvocoresses (son of George P. Colvocoresses) and others' attempts to vindicate the reputation of Alden Partridge, whom he felt had been slighted in past histories of West Point. There is also a small file of biographical information on Alden Partridge Colvocoresses (born ca.1919), grandson of George Partridge Colvocoresses. Family photographs in the collection primarily document members of the related Phelps and Haddock families, including Edward Arah Phelps (1808-1885), Edward Arah Phelps, Jr. (1840- 1884), Carrington Phelps (1846-1936), Charlotte Phelps (likely Charlotte Greene Swasey Phelps, died 1891), and Charlie Haddock (likely Charles Colvocoresses Haddock, 1896-1959). Information is included about photographs of George Musalas Colvocoresses and George Partridge Colvocoresses in private hands. Digital Content View items from this collection available digitally. A response to a questionnaire about service in World War I by George Partridge Colvocoresses is digitized. All other records within the collection are only available by visiting us onsite or contacting archives staff to discuss the possibility of remote access options for specific documents. About the Colvocoresses Family The Colvocoresses Family maintained a multi-generational relationship with Norwich University and Alden Partridge beginning with George Musalas Colvocoresses in the 1820s. George M. Colvocoresses was born on the island of Scio in Greece but came to the United States as a refugee during his childhood. William Arba Ellis’s records young George’s circumstances in his History of Norwich University: “At the massacre of the inhabitants of the islands by the Turks, in 1822, he [George] was ransomed by his father and, with nine other Greek boys, was placed on board the brig Margareta, of Baltimore, then at Smyrna, and sent to seek asylum in the United States.” (v.2, pp.84-84) George Colvocoresses was taken under the wing of Alden Partridge and educated at his academy in Norwich, VT, completing his studies in 1831. Following his time at Norwich, he served a long and illustrious career in the U.S. Navy, retiring in 1867. He lived in Litchfield, CT, until his mysterious death in Bridgeport, CT, in 1872. He married first Eliza Halsey and the couple had three sons and a daughter. He married second Adeline Swasey, a sister of Mrs. Alden Partridge. No children were born to this couple. (For more information about Adeline Swasey and the Swasey family, see the Alden Partridge Records.) George Partridge Colvocoresses (1847-1932) was the son of George M, Colvocoresses. He attended Norwich University as a member of the class of 1866 but did not graduate and left after his freshman year, deciding instead to pursue a naval career. George P. Colvocoresses graduated from the Naval Academy in Annapolis in 1869 and served a long and distinguished career in the Navy through both the Civil War and the Spanish American War. He retired after 45 years of service. He married Mary Baldwin of New York and the couple had two sons and a daughter, making their home in Litchfield, CT. Access Restrictions The collection is open. Preferred Citation Many items in the University Archives are one-of-a-kind resources that are not likely to be available anywhere but here. For this reason, forming citations for archival sources is a little different than for books and periodicals. If you need to cite anything from this collection, follow the format below: Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Colvocoresses Family Collection, Box and/or Folder and/or Item Identification; Norwich University Archives, Kreitzberg Library, Northfield, VT. Here’s an example from the collection: Unpublished biography of George M. Colvocoresses by Katrine Colvocoresses, “The Life and Times of George M. Colvocoresses.” Colvocoresses Family Collection, George M. Colvocoresses biographical file, Norwich University Archives, Kreitzberg Library, Northfield, VT. Additional Information Extent: 1 Box (.50 linear feet) Collection Location: Archives 501 Language(s) of Material: English Repository: Norwich University Archives, Kreitzberg Library, 158 Harmon Dr., Northfield, VT 05663 USA, Phone: 802.485.2947, Fax: 802.485.2173, [email protected] Content Listing Alden Partridge Colvocoresses: Biographical, 1983-2006 George Musalas Colvocoresses: Biographical, 1911-2021 Death of, 1872 George Partridge Colvocoresses: Biographical, 1896-2018 Correspondence, 1897-1932 World War I record of service survey, 1922 Writings and addresses, 1904-1919 Harold Colvocoresses: Correspondence, 1956-1958, 1984 Writings, 1956 and undated General: Clippings, 1935 Family photographs, 1874-1930 .