Greenville Journal: Perry letter from 1847 comes home: Glimpses of Greenville with John Nolan

Last year, a remarkable discovery was made in the historic city of Greenville, South Carolina. An envelope postmarked from Greenville in 1847, addressed to Ira Foster Esq. in Cumming, Georgia, surfaced for sale online. What started as a simple auction for an envelope turned into a treasure trove of local history.

The envelope, listed only as a historic postal artifact, caught the eye of a keen history enthusiast, John Nolan. Upon closer inspection, Nolan realized that the envelope contained an original letter dated 1847, signed by none other than Benjamin F. Perry.

John Nolan, the successful bidder of the envelope containing Perry’s letter, was ecstatic to have stumbled upon this piece of Greenville’s past. With Perry being a prominent Greenville attorney, the letter undoubtedly held significant historical value.

Nolan’s journey to acquire this piece of history was nothing short of exciting. Starting with a modest bid of $6, the auction quickly escalated with two other bidders vying for the prized envelope. Despite the competition, Nolan’s determination and passion for local history drove him to secure the item.

As the auction drew to a close, Nolan strategically placed a winning bid of $30, sealing his ownership of the 1847 letter penned by Benjamin F. Perry. The thrill of the chase and the ultimate victory added to the excitement of unearthing a valuable piece of Greenville’s past.

Benjamin F. Perry, a prominent figure in Greenville’s history, served as a South Carolina state senator around the time of penning the letter. The recipient, Ira Foster, a multifaceted individual, combined roles as a doctor, businessman, politician, and military officer in Georgia.

The contents of the letter shed light on Perry’s request for Foster’s signature in a property transfer, hinting at legal matters that intertwined the lives of these two historical figures. Perry’s influence extended beyond his legal endeavors, eventually culminating in his gubernatorial role during Reconstruction.

John Nolan’s acquisition of the 1847 letter by Benjamin F. Perry symbolizes a timeless connection to Greenville’s rich heritage. By delving into the past and unearthing such valuable relics, historians like Nolan play a crucial role in preserving and sharing the stories that define a community.

As the proud owner of this historical artifact, Nolan exemplifies a deep-rooted passion for Greenville’s history. Through his efforts, the legacy of figures like Perry and Foster continues to resonate with present-day audiences, bridging the gap between the past and the present.

In a city steeped in history, each artifact, letter, and document holds a piece of the narrative that shaped Greenville into the vibrant community it is today. John Nolan’s discovery and acquisition of Benjamin F. Perry’s letter serve as a testament to the enduring allure of Greenville’s past.

As Greenville continues to evolve and grow, it is essential to honor and celebrate the stories of those who came before, laying the foundation for the city’s enduring legacy. Through endeavors like Nolan’s, the essence of Greenville’s history remains alive and cherished by all who call this city home.