Creator
Chauncey A. Goodrich
Title
Undated lists of spellings to be approved by William Chauncey Fowler (both sons-in-law of Noah Webster)
Date
Ca. 1845
Description
In the mid-1840s, Goodrich sent Fowler lists of spellings in the hope of reaching a consensus. Backed by the Merriams, Goodrich knew all about Lyman Cobb’s criticisms of Webster’s inconsistencies. The envious Fowler sought word-by-word votes of the whole family, which was torn asunder by spelling disputes. This correspondence is about more than family turmoil: it’s a watershed in settling how words should be spelled in America. In the end, Goodrich prevailed and Fowler was squelched.
Source
Ex coll. Karolyne & Bryan A. Garner. HHD no. 73