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Comly-White Family Papers, 1771-1961 (inclusive)

Extent:

3 linear ft. (6 boxes)

Abstract:

John Comly, a Quaker minister and school master, was born in 1773. He married Rebecca Budd, a fellow teacher at the Westtown School, in 1803. They operated the Pleasant Hill Boarding School on their Byberry farm from 1804-1815. The collection includes family correspondence, the journal of John Comly's brother, Isaac, other manuscript writings, financial and legal papers, and miscellaneous papers. Also includes the ledger and memorabilia of Pleasant Hill Boarding School and papers of Helen Comly White relating to her student years at Swarthmore College from 1870-75.

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

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George M. Justice papers, 1818-1853 (inclusive)

Extent:

.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (4 folders.))

Abstract:

This collection includes various business correspondence, including a letter and testimony by John Comly encouraging changes in the Quaker discipline regarding marriage. Also contained are extracts of minutes from Abington Quarterly Meeting discussing marriage, a letter from George M. Justice to his sons, and a hymn printed in raised type for the Pennsylvania Institution for the Instruction of the Blind. Also included are unsigned writings on the subjects of a possible war between the U.S. and France and public education.

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

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David Seaman correspondence, 1808-1843 (inclusive)

Extent:

.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (5 folders.))

Abstract:

This collection includes the correspondence of David Seaman, primarily relating to the Hicksite controversy. Correspondents include Edward Hicks, Samuel Mott, Halliday Jackson, and John Comly.

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

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"John Comly and Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, 1827-1828", Undated.

Extent:

0.04 linear ft. (1 volume)

Abstract:

This collection is comprised of the single typed volume entitled "John Comly and Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, 1827-1828." The manuscript was copied from the original by one of Comly's grandsons. The original manuscript was written for "Rupp's History of the Religious Denominations of the United States" in Byberry Friends' Library.

Held at: Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections [Contact Us]

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Samuel M. Janney Papers, 1815-1880 (inclusive)

Extent:

4 linear ft. (8 boxes)

Abstract:

Samuel McPherson Janney was a Virginia Quaker minister, author, educator, and reformer. In 1839 he opened a boarding school for girls in Loudoun County. He traveled widely in the ministry, meeting with other denominations as well as being immersed in the contemporary issues facing the Society of Friends. Among his activities were establishing schools for African Americans and women, creating public schools in Virginia, and the abolition of slavery. In 1869 he was appointed Superintendent of Indian Affairs in Nebraska. The collection contains primarily correspondence of Samuel M. Janney with family and with friends such as John Comly, Joseph Dugdale, Benjamin Ferris, William Dudley Foulke, Isaac T. Hopper, Halliday Jackson, Dillwyn Parrish, Edward Parrish, Moses Sheppard, John Jackson, Deborah Wharton, Halliday Jackson, Barclay White, William Dorsey, and George M. Truman. Also letters of members of his family to one another, his manuscript journal (published 1881 as Memoirs),...(see more)

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

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Isaac Hicks Family Papers, 1798-ca. 1956 (bulk 1798-1818) (inclusive)

Extent:

0.21 linear ft. (1 box (approx 100 items))

Abstract:

Isaac Hicks (1767-1820) was a New York Quaker merchant. He established a large fleet of international trading vessels and financially helped to support his cousin, Edward Hicks (1780-1849), the Pennsylvania Quaker folk artist. Isaac Hicks traveled extensively with his cousin, Elias Hicks (1748-1830), the New York Quaker minister. The collection contains primarily the correspondence of Isaac Hicks, including letters from Isaac Hicks to his wife describing religious journeys taken with Elias Hicks; some letters concerning the Separation of 1827-28; and business letters. Correspondents include: John Comly (letters about Edward Hicks, the primitive painter), Elias Hicks, John Murray, Jr., Thomas Rotch, William Rotch, Thomas Sturge. The letters provide insight into Quaker family life on Long Island and the travels of a Quaker minister. Also of interest is a letter concerning the disownments of Isaac T. Hopper, James Gibbons, and Charles Marriott, as well as an anecdote conveying the...(see more)

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

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Mary Bradway correspondence, 1829-1886 (inclusive)

Extent:

.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (8 folders.))

Abstract:

This collection includes the personal correspondence of Mary S. Bradway with John Comly, John and Judith Cornell, and John Hallowell. The letters are personal in content, with some discussion of the nature of contemporary Quaker spirituality.

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

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John Comly Separation papers, 1827-1908 (inclusive)

Extent:

.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (1 folder.))

Abstract:

The papers relate to the Hicksite Separation of 1827. Included are copies of the published Orthodox declaration of 1828, a letter from John Comly (1773-1850) in defense of his own actions in the Separation, a copy of the address by John Comly to Green Street Monthly Meeting, and a refutation of Orthodox charges against Hicksites by William Gibbons.

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

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Alice Ford research notes for the biography of Edward Hicks, c. 1952

Extent:

.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (11 folders.))

Abstract:

This collection contains the research notes made by Alice Ford for her book, Edward Hicks Painter of the Peaceable Kingdom. These notes include genealogical information on the Hicks family and on several of his correspondents. Also included are typescripts of letters of Edward Hicks and his family. Among the correspondents are Emmor Kimber, John Comly, Elias Hicks, Benjamin and Richard Price, Elias Hicks, and Thomas McClintock. Topics include family news, issues of Quaker Spirituality, and the 1827 Hicksite separation in the Society of Friends.

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

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John Comly papers, 1830-1884 (inclusive)

Extent:

.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (9 folders (22 items)))

Abstract:

This collection includes printed and manuscript materials concerning the publication and sale of Comly's books, his probate records, and other papers relating to John Comly and his family. Also includes records of the Byberry & Andalusia (Turnpike) Road Company.

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]