Martha Bradstreet Legal papers

File — Multiple Containers

Identifier: SCA-0687

Staff Only

Content Description

Legal documents and correspondence of Martha Bradstreet from her litigation relating to land ownership around Utica and her subsequent attempt to impeach Judge Alfred Conkling.

Papers of Martha Bradstreet, descendent of General John Bradstreet and self-taught litigant. The collection consists primarily of legal documents and correspondence related to Martha Bradstreet's efforts to reclaim family land in upstate New York. The colleciton is arranged in two series: litigation and correspondence.

Dates

1795 - 1861

Language of Materials

English

Biographical / Historical

Martha Bradstreet, born April 10, 1780 on the island of Antigua, British West Indies, to Major Samuel Broadstreet, of the 40th Regiment of the English Infantry, who was the son of General John Bradstreet. She married Matthew Codd in Ireland in 1799, and in the fall of that same year, they emigrated to the United States of America, settling in Utica, New York. They eventually divorced and Martha Bradstreet obtained an act from the Legislature authorizing her to assume her maiden name.

Following her divorce from Matthew Codd, Martha Bradstreet began legal proceedings to reclaim land she felt she was entitled to as a descendent of Major General John Bradstreet. Martha Bradstreet was a sedulous advisor and advocate for her cause; however, she also enlisted the service of many notable and eminent counsel, including Aaron Burr, John P. Van Ness, John Wells, David B. Ogden, and Daniel Webster. The majority of Martha's suits were filed in the District Court of the United States for the Northern District of New York before Judge Alfred Conkling. Judge Conkling consistently ruled against Martha Bradstreet, which ultimately led to her efforts to have Conkling impeached. Martha Bradstreet's efforts to reclaim family land and impeach Judge Conkling were unsuccessful.

Martha Bradstreet died in 1872 (?).

Extent

0.98 Cubic Feet

2 Boxes

1 Folder (Broadside purchased in 2016.)

Subjects

Law and legal documents Subject Source: Ny Heritage K 12
New York (State) -- History -- 1775-1865 Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Women Subject Source: Union Tentative
Women Subject Source: Library Of Congress Subject Headings