Student Scholarship

Document Type

Capstone Paper

Abstract

In 1840, George C. Sibley, a Missouri resident best known for his time as an Indian agent and one of the founders of what is now Lindenwood University, received a letter from his cousin Origen Sibley the contents of which discussed family matters, politics, and lastly a peek into what Origen believed was a budding industry in America1. The industry in question, silk production. In the letter, Origen opens a hooking discussion about the requirements of silk production, primarily regarding the food supply of the silkworm and the profitability that he estimates will come from it. This is the kind of letter that catches the eye of an individual to engross their interest in a money-making scheme which would require not only the material (the silk) but also the places for which to sell it. This discussion would certainly pique the interest of George Sibley and his wife Mary Easton Sibley, as they would send a letter to Origen that inquired further about how they could also get involved in the silk production industry at their own home. However, the letter they received from Origen in 1841 as a response had a very different tone regarding silk production. “...I am truly glad that you wrote me before engaging in the silk culture, because, although its culture on a mall seale will afford you much gratification, I am free to say that I believe now it will yield but little profit, unless a __ be established in your neighborhood, to which you can dispose of your cocoons as soon as they are gathered.” The rest of letter details the loss of profitability that Origen faced in his venture with silk production under his own hand, listing countless difficulties and setbacks in detail which set his project to failure. Within the span of one year Origen Sibley had a complete 180 stance on him getting involved in sericulture. Essentially, what these two letters represent is the entire history of the silk production industry in the United States during the 19th century, i.e., it was a complete failure. However, there are essential things in these two letters regarding sericulture and the spread of information about it. Origen Sibley could hardly have been the only person who was swayed by information regarding creating silk production an industry in the United States. How did he come across this information regarding sericulture? How was the information spread? How was he and the rest of the Sibley’s motivated to take on this endeavor only for it to end in failure? These lines of questions after looking over these letters is what prompted a closer look at the motivations of those promoting sericulture and how they motivated others to get involved as well.

Publication Date

4-16-2023

Faculty Sponsor

Marcus Smith

Download

Share

COinS