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Start Over Repository Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College Subject Lay ministry -- Society of Friends Year 1850 to 1899

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Howland-Kirby Family Papers, circa 1790-circa 1973 (inclusive)

Extent:
1.5 linear ft. (3 boxes)
Abstract:
Howland and Kirby families were Quakers of Dartmouth, Fairhaven, and New Bedford, Mass. The collection contains primarily transcripts and photocopies of their papers. Of particular interest are dairies of Weston Howland, Jr., with notes on the arrival of whaling ships in New Bedford and details of a controversy over the New Bedford-Fairhaven bridge; those of Abby S., and Rachel, which describe a trip taken by Abby to New York, N.Y., and Washington, D.C. (1888) and women preaching at Friends meetings; and papers of George Kirby including town records (1827-1849) of Dartmouth, Mass., particularly relating to his duties as town treasurer; and genealogical materials.

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

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Ann Paschall Jackson Family Papers, 1776-1856 [bulk 1814-1874] (inclusive) 1814-1874 (bulk)

Extent:
1.25 linear ft. (3 boxes)
Abstract:
The collection contains diaries of Ann Price Gibson Paschall Jackson (1792-1874) who served as a Quaker minister for over forty years. Ann P. Paschall (later Ann P. Jackson) was recorded as a minister of Darby Monthly Meeting (Hicksite) in 1831. In 1849, she moved to Birmingham Monthly Meeting where her children were members. The collection contains her manuscript diaries, 1814 to 1874, and a manuscript copy of extracts from her journals, 1813-1856, compiled by her daughter-in-law, Ann P. (Sharples) Paschall. The diaries concern religious and practical matters. The collection also includes a daily memo book kept by her father, Samuel Gibson; a brickyard account of Nathan H. Sharples of West Chester, Pa.; a daily farm diary of Nicholas W. Townsend of Birmingham Monthly Meeting, and some miscellaneous papers.

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

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Purdy Family Papers, 1801-2004 (inclusive)

Extent:
1 linear ft. (3 boxes)
Abstract:
The collection contains account books, financial papers, family correspondence, and miscellaneous papers of William Purdy, a New York Quaker preacher, and his family. He was a member of Amawalk Monthly Meeting, attending Croton preparative and worship meetings, and traveled in the ministry, leaving an undated record of the Friends and meetings that he visited. Purdy was donated money, land, and labor towards building a new bridge and school house in Cortlandt. Collection also includes genealogical information compiled by Elliott Baldwin Hunt and Arthur M. Tingue.

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

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Grellet-Gurney correspondence, 1799-1859 (inclusive)

Extent:
.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (17 folders.))
Abstract:
This collection includes correspondence of members of the Grellet and Gurney families. Letters between Stephen and Rebecca Collins Grellet to her Collins and Longstreth relations relate primarily family news. Also included are letters of the Gurneys, Joseph John and his wife, Elizabeth Paul, from William Forster, and from Stephan Grellet. These letters share news of traveling ministers and discussions of spiritual issues. Also of interest are a letter of Edward Pease, a letter from Mary Anna Longstreth to John Pease, a copy of the testimony of Stephen Grellet at Burlington Monthly Meeting of Friends in 1829, and the manuscript copy of a letter from Daniel Wheeler.

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

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Collection of papers concerning John Jackson, 1840-1900 (inclusive)

Extent:
.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (4 folders.))
Abstract:
This is an artificial collection of papers concerning John Jackson, his spiritual teachings, and his religious mission to the West Indies. Included are essays by an unknown author, regarding John Jackson's views on Quaker ministry and doctrine as presented in his work"A Dissertation.. on Christian Ministry." An eight part manuscript entitled "Some account of the life and labors of John Jackson" is also unsigned. Also included is a bound volume of copies of letters written by John Jackson to his wife, Rachel, while he travelled on a religious mission in the West Indies with George Truman in 1840 and 1841. These letters describe the West Indies in detail and relate John Jackson's views on slavery and the difficulties they experienced as Hicksites. The original of one of these letters is also included.

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

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Arthur Lyon Mitchell family papers, 1786-1989-1815-1861 (bulk)

Extent:
.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (17 items (4 folders)))
Abstract:
Includes: Letters written by or to family members, including Peter Lyon, 1815 and 1849; John Lyon, 1849; Asahel Lyon (d. 1830), n.d.; Amelia Coffin, 1864 (2); and Mary Lyon, 1827. Also: Hannah Lyon's notes on Quaker meetings, n.d.; death notice of Joseph Mitchell, 1786; statement of Charles Coffin's inability to serve in the military, 1837; Amelia Coffin's teacher certificate, 1861; program for Nine Partners School, 1861; grant of property, Mary Lyon to Peter Lyon, 1833; grant of property, Richard Mitchell to David L. Mitchell, 1865; "Society of Friends in Seoul, Korea-Early History" and "The Establishment of a Quaker Meeting in Seoul, Korea", n.d., and an obituary of Ham Sok Hon, 1989. Topics of interest are: Quaker women, pacifism, celibacy, and Select meetings.

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

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Parrish family papers, 1662-1873 (inclusive)

Extent:
.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (21 items (in 8 folders)))
Abstract:
Collection of family papers includes letters received by Abraham Scott, 1700-1704, a volume containing copies of letters written by George Dillwyn in relation to his wife's inheritance of part of the estate of Richard Hill, Hannah Moore, and Henry Hill, including a house in Madeira, 1799-1816, and an almanac with notations by Captain John Hollitt. Of particular interest is John Parrish's diary of his journey in the ministry from Philadelphia to Virginia in 1782. Also included are copies of letters to and from William Penn, a copy of a marriage certificate in a Quaker style between William Boin and Dido, a "negro woman" 1763, and other miscellaneous manuscripts.

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

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Jane Johnson papers, 1868-1909 (inclusive)

Extent:
.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (3 folders.))
Abstract:
This collection of miscellaneous papers includes Johnson's personal letters to fellow members of Green Street Monthly Meeting, minutes of a reading group, and copies of Quaker manuscripts: 8 ALsS, 1870-1879, to Ann Reeves; minutes of a reading circle, ca. 1870-1874 which include topics and discussions; ms copy of a vision described by Mary Levis at a Women's Yearly Meeting in 1843; ms copy by Harrison Streeter, 1868, of Joseph Hoag's 1803 vision; 2 ALsS, 1884, from Johnson to H. and K.S.; brief message from Johnson to John Dickinson[1884]; copy of the removal certificate for Letitia Penn; ALS from Joseph Livezey to Harrison Streeter, 1909.

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

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Quaker Disciplines, 1689-2018 (inclusive)

Extent:
9 linear ft.
Abstract:
The Society of Friends or Quakers (the terms are synonymous) was founded in the middle of the seventeenth century in England by George Fox and others. The Friends Historical Library has collected Quaker disciplines since its founding in 1871. FHL is also the official repository for the records of seven American yearly meetings.

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

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Sharpless Family Papers, 1792-1892 (inclusive)

Extent:
2 linear ft. (4 boxes)
Abstract:
The collection represents two branches of the Sharpless family of Pennsylvania descended from Joseph and Lydia (Lewis) Sharpless). It contains correspondence between extended Sharpless family relations including Sharpless, Hunn, Jones, Drinker families and journals of Joshua Sharpless, a Quaker minister who worked with Native Americans and visited Quaker meetings in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Canada. Correspondence covers various topics including the travels of women ministers, yellow fever, and contemporary events. The second series contains primarily nineteenth century correspondence of the extended family of Townsend and Mary Brinton (Jones) Sharpless. It includes letters written by Henry H. G. Sharpless during his European tour and extensive correspondence received by Ezekiel Hunn who served briefly in the Union Army during the Civil War.

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

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Gidley and Carter family papers, 1843-1938 (inclusive) 1892-1938 (bulk)

Extent:
.25 linear ft. (1 slim legal sized box)
Abstract:
Contains correspondence of Job Scott Gidley, Wilburite minister, of New England Yearly Meeting, (2) notebooks of notes taken by Jessie Gidley Carter during London Yearly Meeting and Friends Service Council in 1938, and miscellaneous Carter property records and family papers.

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

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Collection of Bringhurst Family Correspondence, 1780-1811 (bulk) 1780-1941 (inclusive)

Extent:
6 linear ft.
Abstract:
Contains the collected correspondence of the Bringhurst family, largely compiled by C. Marshall Taylor. It includes correspondence, 1780-1806, of Philadelphia Quaker businessman James Bringhurst and his letters received from John Murray of New York City. Bringhurst corresponded with family and prominent friends including John Dickinson, Job Scott, Nathan Hunt, James Pemberton, Jesse Kersey, Lindley Murray and Moses Brown. Of particular interest are descriptions of life in Philadelphia and the conditions of free blacks, as well as Quaker religious and social concerns and visits from traveling ministers. A second group of letters contains primarily letters from Joseph Bringhurst, the brother of James, to his niece, Elizabeth Foulke while she was traveling in the ministry.

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

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Public Friends manuscripts collection, 1656-1899 (inclusive)

Extent:
.3 linear ft. (1 document box)
Abstract:
While the Society of Friends is a "ministry of all believers," historically certain members have been recognized for their spiritual gifts. Those who undertake to travel and preach with the approbation of their home meeting are known as Public Friends. Especially in the 17th, 18th, and 19th century, traveling ministers served a key role in forming Quaker social and theological networks, fostering unity within the Society of Friends, and providing spiritual enrichment to Quakers across the world. Ministers who felt a spiritual opening directing them to travel would tell their Monthly Meeting, and if approved, the meeting would write a minute for the minister to carry on their journey and present to the Meeting(s) they visited. Quaker Meetings would often keep records of the Public Friends who visited them. This collection consists of lists of Public Friends, as well as minutes from Quaker meetings approving ministers to travel. Items were written by various Quaker meetings or...(see more)

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

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Friends Historical Library collection of memorials, 1760-1920 (inclusive)

Extent:
.1 linear ft.
Abstract:
Memorials are brief biographical essays which testify to the spiritual values of a Quaker's life. Early meetings only wrote memorials for ministers, but today some meetings continue the practice to memorialize all deceased members. In the 19th century, in particular, some Yearly Meetings periodically published compilations of memorials. This collection consists of miscellaneous memorials, from various meetings and regarding various Friends, collected by the Friends Historical Library over time.

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

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Smedley Family Papers, 1751-1996 (inclusive) 1821-1950 (bulk)

Extent:
12 linear ft. (23 boxes plus photographs)
Abstract:
The collection contains correspondence, journals and other writings, business and legal papers, and miscellaneous items of the Smedley family, a large and prominent Quaker family of Penncrest Farm, Middletown Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The family was related to the Kite and Sharples/Sharpless families of Chester and Delaware Counties. The papers include significant correspondence of the Kite family, especially Thomas Kite (1785-1845) and Mary Kite (1792-1861), both prominent Quaker ministers, and Thomas's daughter, Susanna Kite (1809-1844) who married Aaron Sharpless. Their daughter, Elizabeth S. Sharpless married Edward G. Smedley of Middletown, thus merging the Smedley-Sharples-Kite families. In the 20th century, the property became the home of Edward Smedley's nephew, Walter Smedley (1862-1939), a Philadelphia architect, and his wife, Ida Wilkins Roberts Smedley (1896-1993). She married second C. Canby Balderston. The papers cover a wide range of subjects...(see more)

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

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Hunn-Karsner Family Papers, 1809-1985 (inclusive) 1947-1974 (bulk)

Extent:
4.75 linear ft. (10 boxes)
Abstract:
The collection contains correspondence, writings, and other papers of the family of Ezekiel Hunn and Lydia Jones Sharpless Hunn, Philadelphia and Delaware Quakers. The papers were compiled by their granddaughter Katherine Hunn Karsner (1899-1993). She was a Philadelphia Quaker minister and married Joseph Reed Karsner in 1930 under the care of Philadelphia Monthly Meeting (Hicksite). The bulk of the collection is composed of correspondence from their daughter, Mary Ann Karsner Kegler (1932-1983) who moved to Alaska in 1950 and was one of the founders of Chena Ridge Monthly Meeting. The collection also contains earlier family correspondence between Ezekiel and Lydia Jenkins Hunn and other members of the Hunn family. The writings include diaries and writings by Katherine Hunn Karsner, her sister Lydia Hunn Williamson, Joseph Karsner, and Mary Ann Karsner Kegler.

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

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Sharpless-Reeve family papers, 1852-1957 (inclusive)

Extent:
2.5 linear ft. (5 boxes)
Abstract:
The collected papers of the Sharpless and Reeve family of New Jersey and Philadelphia. Much of the correspondence is between Edward Sharpless (1831-1894), a New Jersey Quaker minister, and his sister, Anna N. Sharpless, who married John Newbold Reeve in 1857. Their daughter, Mary Offley Reeve, worked as a school teacher when young and became involved in temperance and evangelical Christianity. She shared these interests, reflected in diaries and other writings, with Annie Way Smith, a long-time friend and member of Fishertown Monthly Meeting. The collection illustrates Quaker responses to early twentieth century social and religious trends.

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

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Edwin L. Peirce carbon paper letter book, circa 1885-1891 (inclusive)

Extent:
1 folders
Abstract:
This carbon paper letter book was written by Edwin L. Peirce, a convinced Friend and acknowledged minister of Green Street Monthly Meeting. It contains his correspondence with prominent Friends including Rufus P, King, Rebecca Janney and Nathaniel Richardson. Of special interest is the report he made representing a committee of Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting circa 1885-1886 concerning visits to meetings under its care. Also, his comments on Quaker schools, especially Swarthmore College which he recommended be under the care of the Yearly Meeting rather than embracing progressive ideals.

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

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Emlen Family Papers, 1740-1886 (inclusive) 1817-1849 (bulk)

Extent:
0.75 linear ft. (2 boxes)
Abstract:
Contains papers relating to the Emlen family, residents of Middletown and West Chester, Pennsylvania. Chiefly correspondence (1817-1849) of Sarah Foulke Farquhar Emlen (1787-1849), Quaker minister, relating to her travels to visit Friends' meetings in England, Ireland, New England, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Virginia. Also correspondence of Quaker ministers 1740-1790, copybooks, and memorabilia. Includes material relating to Westtown School, a Quaker boarding school in Chester County, Pa., where both Emlens taught; the Hicksite-Orthodox separation; slavery, the free produce movement and other Quaker concersn. Correspondents include Moses Brown, John Churchman, Samuel Emlen (ca. 1765-1837), Josiah Forster, Samuel Fothergill, Isaac Hadwen, Thomas Kite, Thomas Shillitoe, Esther Tuke, Joseph Whitall, and John Wilbur.

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

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