Mary Helen Rifenburgh Corbett (1861-1938) is the mother of Lillian May Corbett Wilson (1889-1986) She got this autograph book when she was about 21 years old, before she was married. She inscribed her name on the first page. The first entry was from her future husband Sidney Corbett in 1882, and signed in Providence, Rhode Island, where they met.
There are several inscriptions from relatives, which are transcribed under the page.
An uncle, and several cousins do not have their own categories, as their full names and relationship is unknown at this point.
August 10, 1882, Newport, R.I.
Passing through life’s field of action
Lest we part before its end
Take within your modest volume
This memento from a friend
Passing through it may we ever
Friends continue as begun
And till death shall part us
Never may our friendship cease to burn
Yours sincerely,
Sidney Corbett
Comac L.I. June 8th, 1884
Some friends may wish you free from care
And others wish you wealth
My wish to you is better far
Contentment blessed with health
from you Affectionate Mother
Ann Corbett
[This would have been her mother-in-law, Ann Henry Corbett]
Dear Sister Mary,
When years and months have glided by,
and on this page you cast your eye,
Remember twas a friend sincere
that left this kind remembrance hear
with best wishes for your future cheer
Wm. H. Corbett, [her brother-in-law]
Feb. 7th 1884
May the God of Heaven
watch over you both and bless you
and may we all meet in Heaven
from your Affectionate Father
Thomas Corbett
Comac L.I. June 8th 1884
Dec. 11th, 1912
Dear Mrs. Corbett
A little wealth
Good health
Friends galore
And room for more.
Will S. Wilson
[her son-in-law and husband of Lillian Corbett Wilson]
To Mary
May thy voyage
through live be
as happy and
free as the dancing
waves on the deep
blue sea, in
fond remembrance
of your uncle
Bill
Jan 1, 88
Dear Sister Mary
I wish you health happiness and prosperity
And a long long life of love
And I hope that we may
at some future day
all meet up in Heaven above
Thomas Corbett (her brother-in-law)
Jan 15th 1884 Comac Suffolk Co. L.I.
May Heaven’s choicest blessing
Ever attend you
Is the sincere wish
of your cousin
Jos. M. Chamberlain
New York City
Nov 8/85
Sister Mary,
May the hinges of our
Friendship never rust.
Lena
Feb 9/84
(She signed two days after Mary’s brother-in-law William. Possible she is his wife, and therefore the reference to “Sister Mary?”)
Dear Sister Mary
When the Long Rool is Called
May your name be found among
Those With there Lamps trimed and burning
Is the Wish of your Brother (Her brother-in-law)
Charles B. Corbett
Comac, L.I.
June 8th 1884
(He signed the same day as his parents Thomas Corbett, and Ann Henry Corbett)
Dear Mollie,
Round went the autograph;
Hither it came,
For me to write in; so here’s my name.
From your loving cousin,
Emma
Feb 8, 1884
(She signed the same day as Lena, and two days after William Corbett. Possible she is a daughter and Mary’s neice)
Cousin Mary
May your joys be as deep as the ocean
And your sorrows as light as its foam
Cousin Hattie
Feb 8/84
(She signed the same day as Lena, and two days after William Corbett. Possible she is a daughter and Mary’s neice)
Chilton Wilson Archives 