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Biddle family Papers, 1793-1951 (inclusive)

Extent:
4 linear ft. (8 boxes)
Abstract:
This collection contains the papers of Philadelphia Quaker Owen Biddle (1737-1799), his son, Clement Biddle (1778-1856), and numerous descendants. Owen Biddle, a scientist and merchant, was a member of Philadelphia Monthly Meeting and helped in the establishment of Westtown School (1799). Owen Biddle's papers, 1772-1793, (Series 1) include correspondence, and journals, some of which relate to his Revolutionary War activities. Three of his letterbooks, 1778-1779, have been microfilmed. The collection contains correspondence, journals, letterbooks, and account books, together with other manuscript material reflecting the social and cultural life and religious activities of a prominent Quaker family of Pennsylvania and Delaware. Papers of Lucy Biddle Lewis (1861-1941) are important for association with the women's suffrage movement and for early activities of the American Friends Service Committee. Other names represented in the collection are Jane Addams, Emily Greene Balch, Clement...(see more)

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

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Charles and Priscilla Townsend Family Papers, 1811-1858 (bulk) 1793-2020 (inclusive)

Extent:
1 linear ft. (2 boxes)
Abstract:
Members of the Charles and Priscilla Townsend family were active in the Society of Friends in Philadelphia and in Quaker concerns, especially penal reform, abolition, and the natural sciences. The collection includes journals, correspondence, and writings in addition to transcripts and reference material on family members. Much of the material is available in published form.

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

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Branson-Jackson Family Papers, 1794-1962 (inclusive)

Extent:
4 linear ft. (8 boxes)
Abstract:
Anna M. Jackson and her daughter, Anna M. (Jackson Branson) Theiss, were Quaker activists in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Anna M. Jackson was very involved in reform activities in New York City. She served as Chairman of the Women's Prison Reform Committee, and was also involved in the Women's Municipal League and the Political Study Club. Her daughter, Anna Morris Jackson ("Pansy"), attended Swarthmore College for two years, and in 1909 earned a B.S. in Education from Columbia University. Anna was involved in Green Street Monthly Meeting, Friends General Conference, and helped to organize the Inter-Racial Committee of Philadelphia. The collection contains correspondence, journals, and memorabilia. It also includes related materials of the Davis, Price, Jackson, and Fox families, as well as some correspondence. There are significant materials relating to prison reform, women's suffrage, peace, and equal rights for African-Americans in New York City in the late 19th century,...(see more)

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

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Moses Sheppard Papers, 1794-1927 (inclusive)

Extent:
5 linear ft. (10 boxes)
Abstract:
Moses Sheppard (1775-1857) was a Quaker humanitarian and businessman of Baltimore, Maryland. He was the son of Nathan and Sarah Shoemaker Sheppard, born outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After their property was confiscated during the Revolutionary War, the family settled in Maryland. Sheppard never married and devoted most of his life to a number of social reforms, including the treatment of the insane and the colonization movement. As a member of Baltimore Monthly Meeting, he was active in a number of committees, including that of Indian Affairs of Baltimore Yearly Meeting. He was also involved in the Maryland State and American Colonization Societies and believed strongly in colonization as a means of eliminating slavery in the U.S. At his death, his bequest established the Sheppard Asylum. The collection includes correspondence on the subjects of antislavery and colonization in Liberia, plans for a mental hospital, and on personal affairs. Also includes manuscripts relating...(see more)

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

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Byberry Library Company Records, 1794-1930 (inclusive)

Extent:
1 linear ft. (2 boxes)
Abstract:
Byberry Library Company was founded in 1794 and incorporated in 1799. Located in the Byberry section of Philadelphia, Pa., the Library was generally under Quaker management. The collection includes the minutes of the director's meetings; constitution and by-laws, financial and property records, and miscellaneous papers.

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

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Collection of Quaker Poetry, 1794-1922 (inclusive)

Extent:
.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (2 folders.))
Abstract:
Collection of original poetry written by and/or about Quakers, their beliefs, and their places of worship. Included are poems by Rebeca Smedley, Elizabeth Biddle Conrow, and Joseph Conrow, a biography in verse of Thomas and Elizabeth Robson by their grandson Joseph J. Green, a meditation on Spruce St. Monthly Meeting by Joseph Wharton, and an account of the 1843 Women's New York Yearly Meeting by Amanda K. Clark. Also included are poems concerning J.J. Gurney, Elias Hicks, and Robert Barclay's Apology.

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

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Alsop Family Papers, 1795-1830 (inclusive)

Extent:
.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (1 folder.))
Abstract:
This collection contains the correspondence of the Alsop and Brown families, particularly Othniel Alsop, Hannah Brown Alsop, and Othneil's English siblings, Ann and Robert Alsop. Other correspondents include Alice Jackson, Mary Coffin, and Ann Douglas. Also included are Othniel's naturalization documents, various wills, and calling cards from friends. Of particular interest is a letter dated 1799 from Othniel Alsop to sister in England, describing the "contagious fever" (yellow fever), a letter dated 1803 from John Ives describing sickness in Philadelphia, and one dated 1815 from R. Redman writing to his cousin Hannah Brown Alsop"a good account of Quakers helping one another in time of need." Also included is a letter dated 1828 from Othniel Alsop to wife Sarah, describing travels as a Quaker minister, a letter dated in 1829 from Othniel to his brother Robert, describing religious journeys and societies in New Jersey, Ohio, Indiana, and N.Y., and an undated letter from Othniel Alsop...(see more)

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

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Amos Bacon Papers, 1795-1902 (inclusive)

Extent:
.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (3 folders.))
Abstract:
Correspondence includes letters written by Amos W. Bacon of Philadelphia to his children, to Samuel W. Bacon from his father and brother while he was at Westtown School, and a love letter from Thomas Bacon to his future wife, Elizabeth Hall. Also contains the probate copy of the will of Charles West, Elizabeth Hall's copy book, the journal of Jane Wilson Bacon, and genealogical material on the entire family.

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

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Hannah Wilson papers, 1836-1860 (bulk) 1795-1920 (inclusive)

Extent:
1.25 linear ft. (2 boxes)
Abstract:
Primarily manuscript letters addressed to Hannah Wilson of Plymouth Meeting, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, a member of Gwynedd Monthly Meeting. Most of the correspondents were family and friends of the Wilson, Schofield, and Williams families. The letters contain family news with reference to social and political concerns including slavery and abolition. The letters were transcribed and published with annotations. The collection also contains photographs of the Mills family (Hannah's sister-in-law's family}, a commonplace book of Jane Maris, and some related papers.

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

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Ash-Schofield Family Papers, 1796-1933 (inclusive) 1833-1912 (bulk)

Extent:
1.5 linear ft. (3 boxes)
Abstract:
Samuel Shinn Ash and his wife, Sarah Jane Schofield Ash, were prominent Quakers, active in a variety of philanthropic activities, including anti-slavery, peace, temperance, women's rights, and education. Samuel Shinn Ash was apprenticed as an engineer and machinist and worked in manufacturing. This collection consists of family papers, manuscript letters and memorabilia, largely of a domestic nature. Includes some descriptions of Meetings and religious journeys, of the early struggles of Samuel S. Ash in engineering and business, and references to the Schofield Normal and Industrial School in Aiken, S.C. of which Martha Schofield, one of the correspondents, was Manager. The exchange of letters between Mary S. Ash and her mother, Sarah Ash, describes student life at Swarthmore College in the 1890's.

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

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Townsend Cooper family papers, 1796-1954 (inclusive)

Extent:
.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (9 folders.))
Abstract:
Includes Townsend Cooper's receipt book, 1870-74, and miscellaneous receipts, the disownments of Elizabeth and Mary Cooper, a printed invitation to a quilting party, 1831, and other miscellaneous materials. Also includes genealogical notes on the Cooper and Hibberd families.

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

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Dixon - Seeds Family Papers, 1796-1916 (inclusive)

Extent:
0.5 linear ft. (1 box)
Abstract:
Dixon and Seed families were Quakers living near Wilmington, Delaware. Collection includes correspondence, albums, school work, and other family papers.

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

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Swift family papers, ca. 1796-1900 (inclusive)

Extent:
.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (4 folders.))
Abstract:
The collection contains legal papers and business papers including indentures concerning property transferred to Lemuel Swift by Abraham Swift and his second wife, Peggy, the 1842 will of Lemuel Swift and a property deed of Swift and his wife Mercy (Wing) Swift, and their marriage. Also some miscellaneous writings including a commonplace book, ca. 1796.

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

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Abel Minshall family papers, 1797-1826 (inclusive)

Extent:
.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (1 folder.))
Abstract:
This collection includes photocopies of the legal and financial papers of Abel Minshall and his father Thomas. Included are land surveys, wills, and genealogical information.

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

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Anna Pettit Broomell Papers, 1797-1919 (inclusive)

Extent:
2 linear ft. (2 boxes)
Abstract:
This collection contains papers and relics collected by Anna Pettit Broomell concerning Quaker families of Columbiana County, Ohio, and Salem County, New Jersey. It includes family correspondence, accounts, albums, school copybooks, notebooks, piece book, almanacs, clippings, printed material, and memorabilia of the Pettit, Hussey, Griffith, and related families. Includes letters from Hannah G. Pettit of Columbiana County, Ohio, to her sister, Hester G. Hussey, from David Pettit to his family in 1873 while on a tour of Indian reservations in Nebraska, as well as a letter from James Baldwin to Anna Pettit Broomell concerning the book, In My Youth.

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

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Coffin Family Papers, 1797-1932 (inclusive)

Extent:
3 linear ft. (6 boxes)
Abstract:
The Coffin family were Quakers of Wayne County, Indiana. Elijah Coffin was born in 1793 in Guilford County, N.C., the son of Bethuel and Hannah Dicks Coffin. His son and daughter-in-law, Charles F. and Rhoda M. Coffin were active in the peace movement, prison reform, reform of the treatment of the insane, and the temperance movement. Father and son both served as Clerk of Indiana Yearly Meeting. The collection contains family correspondence, journals, business papers, and miscellaneous writings. Includes documents and letters pertaining to Charles F., Rhoda M., and Elijah Coffin's prison reform activities and articles concerning the treatment of the insane, Indian rights, and temperance. Also incldues manuscripts having to do with Indiana Yearly Meeting of Friends and the Cincinnati Book Association of Friends.

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

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John Alston Papers, 1797-1874 (inclusive)

Extent:
0.5 linear ft. (1 box)
Abstract:
John Alston (1794-1874) was a Quaker farmer who lived in Middletown, Delaware. This collection contains his journals (1837 (?)-1847 and n.d.), account books and business papers (1821-1874), and essays by Nathan Lord on slavery and salvation (1797).

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

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Collins Family Papers, 1797-1937 (inclusive)

Extent:
4 linear ft. (8 boxes)
Abstract:
The Collins family was a Quaker family of New England and New York City. Abel Collins (1770-1834) was a birthright Quaker and a minister recorded by Hopkinton Monthly Meeting. He married Mary A. Wilbur (d. 1858) of Hopkinton in 1790, and they had eight children. One of their sons, Abel Francis Collins, was clerk of South Kingston Monthly Meeting. He had three sons who attended Friends Boarding School in Providence, Rhode Island, and continued their studies at Brown University. The collection contains extensive family correspondence (1812-1903) which covers a variety of topics, including schools and education, Quaker concerns, topical events of the day, and family life; journals of Francis W. Collins, including descriptions of his student days at Friends Boarding School in Providence; family business and financial papers; miscellaneous papers, photographs, and genealogical material on the Collins and Burdick families.

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

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New York Female Association records, 1798-1988 (inclusive)

Extent:
1 linear ft. (16 volumes)
Abstract:
Formed in 1798 to give aid to the sick poor, the New York Female Association created the first public female school in New York in 1800. Until 1845, it worked with the Free School Society to establish and maintain public schools in New York while also continuing its efforts to help the indigent. Since 1845, the association has been a small gift-giving committee. The collection includes minutes and financial records.

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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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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Richard Tapper Cadbury Papers, 1799-1924 (inclusive)

Extent:
3 linear ft. (6 boxes)
Abstract:
Richard Tapper Cadbury (1853-1929) was a Quaker businessman, teacher, writer, and art connoisseur. His mother's brother, Earl Shinn, Jr., (1838-1886) was a well-known art critic. The collection contains correspondence and memorabilia of the Cadbury, Comfort, Haines, and Shinn families. The letters give a detailed picture of life in Philadelphia Quaker families of the mid 19th century, and of the hardships of those who participated in the California gold rush.

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Jane Stokes letterbooks, 1799-1809 (inclusive)

Extent:
.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (3 volumes.))
Abstract:
This collection includes three volumes of letters, copied by Jane Stokes. These include letters sent and received by Jane Stokes and her sister (?) Sarah, primarily among female friends and of a personal nature. Also copied are two letters of John Comly, on the subject of Quaker conduct of life.

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

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Evans family correspondence, 1799-1801 (inclusive)

Extent:
.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (1 folder.))
Abstract:
This collection includes photocopies of letters from Joseph and Hannah Evans addressed to their children William, Joseph, and Mary, while they attended Westtown Boarding School. Also included are letters from William Evans to his parents, and from Joseph Evans to his brother. These letters primarily relate family news.

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

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Elizabeth Gurney Fry collection, 1800-1845 (inclusive)

Extent:
.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (51 folders.))
Abstract:
This collection includes letters of Elizabeth Fry, both original and photocopies. The letters cover a wide range of subjects, from personal news to prison reform. Her correspondence is particularly concerned with education and religious instruction of prisoners, and the treatment of women and children prisoners. One letter describes the philosophy of Quaker marriages. Most of the recipients are unnamed. Also included are several letters of Joseph Fry, passes to visit Newgate prison, and photographs of Elizabeth Fry.

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

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Jenkins family photograph albums, 1800-1900 (inclusive)

Extent:
1.06 cubic ft. (2 boxes)
Abstract:
Walter Hallowell Jenkins was a storekeeper in Gwynedd, served as Clerk of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting and operated the Friends Book Store in Philadelphia. His wife, Esther Peterman Lukens, was the daughter of Alan R. and Mary B. (Butcher) Lukens. Of their five children, only Sarah married. The family had many connections to Swarthmore College. This collection consists of four family albums.

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

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Friends Historical Library collection of Quaker organizations' annual reports, 1800-2000 (bulk)

Extent:
45 linear ft.
Abstract:
This collection consists of annual reports (and some other publications) issued by philanthropic groups, schools and other organizations that were either started by Quakers, included many Quakers in their administration, and/or appealed to Quakers. The reports were collected at various times from various sources, and are sorted by organization.

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

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Bettle Family Papers, 1800-1955 (inclusive)

Extent:
1 linear ft. (2 boxes)
Abstract:
The Bettle family were prominent 19th century Quaker merchants in Philadelphia. Samuel Bettle, Sr., was Clerk of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting at the time of the Separation in 1827. His son, Samuel Bettle, Jr., was also a Quaker minister. They had at least five children, among whom was Samuel, Jr.; the latter married Mary Ann Jones in 1831. The collection includes correspondence, biographical clippings, business records, and other papers of Samuel Bettle and his family. Correspondents include William Savery, Jesse Kersey, Stephen Grellet, and other prominent Friends.

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

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Stephen Grellet travel papers, 1800-1813 (bulk)

Extent:
.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (1 folder.))
Abstract:
The collection contains travel minutes for Stephen Grellet's ministry in 1800-1805 in the northeastern U.S., a copy of Stephen Grellet's account of the religious conversion of a Swede who was called upon to preach to pirates, and the original and a manuscript copy of Grellet's religious epistle dated 24, 6mo, 1813, to New York Monthly Meeting, sent from Morlaix, France.

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

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Howland-Shearman Family Correspondence, 1800-1916 (inclusive) 1832-1899 (bulk)

Extent:
1 linear ft. (2 boxes)
Abstract:
The collection is composed of correspondence of the family of David Sands Shearman and his wife, Hepsa Hathaway Howland Shearman of New Bedford, Massachusetts, and Poughkeepsie, New York. The Shearman and Howlands were prominent New England Quaker merchant and whaling families, intertwined by business and marriage. Much of the correspondence is directed to Hepsa, largely from her children who pursued a range of careers. Early correspondence is with her husband Captain David Sands Shearman, her siblings, and his relations and contains business and family information from New Bedford, MA, and Poughkeepsie, NY.

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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Henry Drinker Letters to Isaac Hicks, 1801, 1817 (inclusive) 1801 (bulk) (bulk)

Extent:
.1 linear ft.
Abstract:
Henry Drinker (1734-1809) was a successful Philadelphia Quaker merchant and served as clerk of Philadelphia Monthly Meeting. A prominent New York City merchant, Isaac Hicks (1767-1820) was a cousin of the Quaker artist and minister Edward Hicks and of Quaker minister Elias Hicks. Drinker and Hicks were close friends and acted as business agents for each other, reflected in the 1801 correspondence. As prominent members of the Society of Friends, they were active in Quaker concerns, including education. A single letter from Henry Drinker's son, Henry S. Drinker, dated September 3, 1817, acknowledges Hicks's receipt of funds forwarded to support the education of the children of Thomas Potts, a English merchant in Honduras.

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

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New York Yearly Meeting album collection, 1801-1976 (inclusive)

Extent:
1 cubic ft. (4 boxes)
Abstract:
Nine albums, collected by New York Yearly Meeting from various sources, include photographs, notes, poems/letters, and a few maps, as well as portrait albums featuring several prominent New York Quakers.

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

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Vipont-Brown-Crowley Family Papers, 1802-1993 (inclusive)

Extent:
.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (14 items (10 folders)))
Abstract:
The Vipont, Brown, and Crowley families were active Quakers in England and were particularly involved in Mount Street Monthly Meeting.

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Moore-Tyson family photographs, 1803-1986 (inclusive)

Extent:
.3 cubic ft. (1 box, stored with pa152: biddle family swarthmore college photographs)
Abstract:
The Moores and Tysons were Maryland Quaker families. Prominent family members include abolitionist Elisha Tyson, George Ellicott of Ellicott City, Maryland, and Swarthmore College founder Martha Ellicott Tyson.

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Gove-Meader Family Papers, 1803-1927 (inclusive)

Extent:
0.25 linear ft. (1 box)
Abstract:
This collection contains letters and miscellaneous papers of members of the Gove and Meader family, New England Wilburite Quakers.

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Moore-Tyson Family Papers, 1803-1986 (inclusive)

Extent:
0.5 linear ft. (1 box)
Abstract:
The Moore and Tysons were Maryland Quaker families. Robert Rowland Moore (1863-1934) was married in 1886 to Margaret Gittings Tyson (1859-1937). The collection contains secondary and genealogical information, photographs, diaries, and some miscellaneous papers descending in the Moore, Townsend, Ellicott, and Tyson families. It includes writings about Elisha Tyson and the Tyson family, a copybook and other material concerning Joseph Townsend, Mary Ellicott’s diary of a journey to State of Ohio (1819) with secondary material on Ellicott City and the Ellicott family, and Tabitha B. Rowland Moore’s diary and copybook (1805-1815).

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Stackhouse Family Papers, 1804-1951 (inclusive) 1820-1916 (bulk) (bulk)

Extent:
3.5 linear ft. (5 hollinger boxes and 1 carton)
Abstract:
The Stackhouse family was a Pennsylvania and New Jersey Quaker family with roots in the earliest settlement of America. The papers include diaries, ledgers, correspondence and other family papers and voluminous genealogical research conducted by Powell Stackhouse, Jr. They were united by the descendants of two sons of Amos and Mary (Powell) Stackhouse who shared an interest in family history. Powell Stackhouse, Jr., (1827-1900) was a real estate lawyer and conveyancer who pursued a "scientific" method of genealogical research in the 1890s. His cousin, Dr. Asa Matlack Stackhouse (1845-1916) also was interested in publishing a family genealogy, a project that was assumed but not completed by his son, William R. Stackhouse. Of special interest are family letters including a group which concerns Sharon Boarding School in Darby, Pennsylvania, and a small number of account books and diaries.

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Hannah Hurnard family letters, 1804-1836 (inclusive)

Extent:
.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (17 folders.))
Abstract:
This collection includes the correspondence of Hannah Hurnard and her family, written between Essex, England, and Wilmington, Delaware. The letters document the family's emigration to America, their struggles adapting to life there, and finally their return to England. Letters between Hannah and her sister, Elizabeth Clark, share family and local news. Letters from Mary Thresher relate the activities of Quaker ministers, including Stephen Grellet, Jesse Kersey, and Nathan Hunt. The letters reflect opinions on contemporary events in English politics. Letters from American friends relate the growing division in the Society sparked by the teachings of Elias Hicks. Deborah Bringhurst, a Wilmington Hicksite, gives a detailed account of events surrounding the Separation. Robert Hurnard condemns her position. Letters from George Fennell to his family in England, relate details of his emigration to North Carolina, and his observations on the American south.

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Atkinson family scrapbook, 1804, 1835-ca. 1935 (inclusive)

Extent:
.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (3 folders.))
Abstract:
Includes Westtown mensuration book, 1835, with newspaper clippings glued in, 1889-1893 & n.d. Also assorted newspaper clippings concerning the Twining, Atkinson, and Smith families, the Carlisle Indian School, Quakers in Bucks County (Pa.), Bucks County history, the Molloy family, and Friends' schools. Obituaries of note in this folder are Isaiah Quinby, 1716-1807; Eleanor Mabel Malloy, 1883-1908; Miranda Doan Baker, d. 1900; Mary B. Stradling, d. 1899; Abram R. Vail, d. 1899; Marcie A. Warner, d. 1914; Sarah Heston, b. 1800. The third folder contains a collection of poems clipped from newspapers, 1872-1916 and n.d., and a letter from Benjamin Smith to Esther Smith, 1804.

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Williams family papers, 1804-1863 (inclusive)

Extent:
.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (4 folders.))
Abstract:
Contains family correspondence and some other papers of the extended Williams family, primarily from Esther and Benjamin Williams who were Philadelphia Quakers and from their nephew, Charles B. Williams, the son of Thomas Williams. Correspondents include Lippincotts, Warner, Roberts, and Dubre family members. Of special interest is a letter from Charles B. Williams, 1853, describing the vacationing habits of Philadelphians at mid-century. Also, a 1856 letter from Isaac Williams concerning the prevailing interest in spiritualism.

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

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Samuel Parsons correspondence, 1805-1831 (inclusive)

Extent:
.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (1 folder ; 11 items.))
Abstract:
The collection contains correspondence received by Samuel Parsons of New York Monthly Meeting. Correspondents include William and Hannah Jackson, ministers of New Garden Monthly Meeting, Pa.; London Friends writing to James Mott, Parsons, and Richard R. Lawrence in response to their report of Friends' activities with native Americans; Samuel Bettle of Philadelphia concerning the Separation, offering advice for New York Yearly Meeting; Daniel Comstock describing the program of study at the Rensselaer School in Troy, NY; and Ann Shipley of Wilmington, Ohio, describing visits from Quaker ministers including John and Elizabeth Meader.

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

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Aaron White Family Papers, 1805-1966 (inclusive)

Extent:
2 linear ft. (4 boxes)
Abstract:
Contains the papers of Aaron White (1793-1863) and his family. He was a birthright member of Pasquotank Monthly Meeting, N.C., and transferred to Milford Monthly Meeting, Indiana, in 1829. The Whites were active in Quaker affairs and concerns, including abolition and controversies within Indiana Yearly Meeting. Aaron, as the oldest son in his family, played a central role in the family both in business and personal matters. The bulk of the collection is the correspondence of Aaron and Margaret White, letters sent and received. Their extended family and concerns include relatives in Indiana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. The letters chronicle the migration of Quakers to the mid-West as well as touch on Quaker activities and issues, slavery in North Carolina, and personal concerns through three generations. Prominent Quaker correspondents include Thomas Shillitoe, Thomas Edgerton, Josiah Forster, and Elijah Coffin. Also of interest are business papers and some family...(see more)

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Perry and Rebecca John Papers, 1805-1873 (inclusive)

Extent:
0.25 linear ft. (1 box)
Abstract:
Rebecca (Underwood) John and her husband, Perry John, were ministers in the Society of Friends, members of Roaring Creek Monthly Meeting, and worshipped in the Quaker meeting house at Bear Gap (Shamokin), Pennsylvania. The bulk of this collection is correspondence, primarily from the 1840s through the 1850s. It includes some letters between Rebecca and Perry John, but the collection also includes letters received by the couple from relatives and friends. Many of the letters relate to Rebecca’s life as a traveling Quaker minister, including the period of time when her children were young. Much of the correspondence describes local events and family news. Of particular interest are letters from her nieces who were students at Sharon Female Academy, Darby, Pa.

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

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