Philadelphia Area Archives

Start Over Year 1683

Other Certificates, 1682-1933 (inclusive)

Extent:: .2 linear ft. (2 folders)
Abstract:

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

"Epistles and Sermons of George Fox", 1683 (inclusive)

Extent:: 0.13 linear ft. (1 volume)
Abstract:: This collection is comprised of the single, handwritten volume of the epistles and sermons of George Fox, ca. 1683. The inside cover of a later binding attributes the volume to Thomas Richardson, dated 1714. However, it has been speculated that the volume may have been written originally by one of George Fox's secretaries.

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

Comly family Bible, 1676-1812

Extent:: 0.271 linear ft. (1 volume)
Abstract:

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

Marriage Certificates, 1600s-1898, undated (inclusive)

Extent:: .25 linear ft. (1 box, 1 oversize box, 1 flat file drawer)
Abstract:: This collection is comprised of Quaker marriage certificates from various Quaker families.

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

Certificates of Removal, 1667-1845 (inclusive)

Extent:: .1 linear ft. (8 folders)
Abstract:: This collection is comprised of original and photocopied Quaker certificates of removal.

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

Guide to miscellaneous Quaker series, 1683-ongoing

Extent:: 100 linear ft.
Abstract:

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

Francis Campbell Macauley autograph collection and vocabulary notebooks, 1479-1896 (inclusive)

Extent:: 0.6 linear feet (2 boxes)
Abstract:: This is an autograph collection compiled by Francis Campbell Macaulay. The collection is composed of letters by scientists, politicians, and men of letters, and fragments with signatures. The collection reflects Macaulay's interest in Italian literature, and includes letters from Ludovico Ariosto, Fortunato Cavazzeni Pederzini, and Alessandro Torri. Other notable autographs in the collection are those of Alexandre Dumas, Robert Morris, and Millard Fillmore. The collection also includes several letters to Macaulay regarding the Dante Society, and five volumes of Macaulay's notes for a vocabulary of the dialect of Nice.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

New Jersey Documents Collection, 1750-1890 (bulk) 1601-1983 (inclusive)

Extent:: 4 boxes and 1.5 linear feet
Abstract:: Westfield, New Jersey, was part of Elizabethtown from the time it was settled in late 1664 until 1794, when the Township of Westfield was created. The New Jersey Documents Collections, 1601 to 1983, consists of New Jersey legal documents, the bulk of which are from the town of Westfield, Union County, and include land records, financial records, estate records, and court records, many of which were created by various members of the Baker, Downer, Hetfield, Johnson, Miller, Pierson, Ripley, Ross, and Woodruff families. The majority of the collection material dates from 1750 to 1890.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Princeton Collection of Syriac Manuscripts, 1239-1900 (inclusive) 1600s-1700s (bulk)

Extent:: 7 volumes and 1.5 linear feet
Abstract:: Consists of an open collection of manuscripts written in the Syriac alphabet.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Lampersdorf Lutheran Congregation Registers, 1677-1822 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1 box and 0.4 linear feet
Abstract:: Consists of six bound volumes kept by the Lutheran Congregation in Lampersdorf, Silesia (now Zaborow, Poland).

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Albert T. Reyburn Collection of German Legal Documents, 1510-1719 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1 box and 0.5 linear feet
Abstract:: The Albert T. Reyburn Collection of German Legal Documents consists of nine 16th-, 17th-, and 18th-century German legal documents collected by Albert T. Reyburn (Princeton Class of 1931). All the documents are in German, some with wax seals in wood cases attached, and with notes in English made by Reyburn.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

John Ingram and John Godfrey Collection, 1557-1839 (inclusive) 1819-1834 (bulk)

Extent:: 2 boxes and 1.4 linear feet
Abstract:: Little is known of the nineteenth-century lives of John Ingram and his son-in-law, John Godfrey, other than that Ingram spent much of his time traveling in Italy and was a patron of Francesco Guardi. The collection includes letters to Ingram as well as notes, maps, and building plans by Ingram and Godfrey, and travel documents collected by Ingram.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Gilbert Chinard Collection of French Historical Material, 1494-1905 (inclusive) 1761-1885 (bulk)

Extent:: 4 boxes and 1.7 linear feet
Abstract:: Contains historical and literary manuscripts collected by Gilbert Chinard (1881-1972), a Franco-American scholar who was associated with the Institut Français de Washington from 1928 and was Pyne Professor of French at Princeton University, 1937-50. His published work was on French literature and the history of Franco-American relations.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Junius Spencer Morgan Collection of Seals, circa 1294-1824 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1 box and 1.4 linear feet
Abstract:: Contains seven Royal and Papal seals spanning the 13th to the 19th century and including Louis XVIII of France, Pope Leo X, and Pope Boniface VIII.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Thomas Shields Clarke Collection of German Legal Documents, 1572-1802 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1 box and 0.5 linear feet
Abstract:: The Thomas Shields Clarke Collection of German Legal Documents consists of eight German and Italian legal documents, in German and Latin, collected by American sculptor and painter Thomas Shields Clarke (Princeton Class of 1882). The documents range in date from 1572 to 1802.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

R. D. Blackmore Collection, 1630-1956 (inclusive) 1873-1899 (bulk)

Extent:: 1 box and 0.45 linear feet
Abstract:: The collection contains 120 letters, which is mostly personal correspondence, by English novelist and poet R. D. Blackmore.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Collected Correspondence of Elizabeth Montagu, 1660-1903 (inclusive) 1740-1810 (bulk)

Extent:: 2 boxes and 0.6 linear feet
Abstract:: Contains correspondence of Elizabeth Montagu, known as "queen of the Bluestockings," an informal group of 18th-century English literary figures and intellectuals that gathered frequently at her home.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Records of Colonial Tlalpujahua (Michoacán, Mexico), 1562-1903 (inclusive) 1720-1830s (bulk)

Extent:: 11 boxes and 4.20 linear feet
Abstract:: The Records of Colonial Tlalpujahua (Michoacán, Mexico) consists of papers pertaining to the Convento de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, as well as miscellaneous papers that document matrimonial and criminal legal cases, land transactions in Tlalpujahua and Toluca, and genealogical information compiled by Austacio Rulfo. Additional papers to the collection include documents, accounts, religious petitions, assorted documents, and correspondence, many pertaining to the Benavides family.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Bruce C. Willsie Collection of British Sigillography, 0100-1900 (inclusive)

Extent:: 126 boxes
Abstract:: An open collection of examples of British sigillography (matrices, royal charters with seals, seal impressions, and related material), collected by Bruce C. Willsie, Class of 1986.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

John Hinsdale Scheide Collection, 1007-1873 (inclusive) 1200-1650 (bulk)

Extent:: 253 boxes and 229 items
Abstract:: Consists of 7,935 Western European documents and other manuscript materials collected by William T. Scheide (1847-1907) and his son, American businessman John Hinsdale Scheide (Princeton Class of 1896).

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

General Manuscripts Miscellaneous Collection, 1502-2012 (inclusive)

Extent:: 120 boxes and 67.8 linear feet
Abstract:: Consists of over 3000 miscellaneous items of primarily American literary, historical, and political figures, including business and personal letters, manuscripts, drawings, photographs, and official documents.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Andre De Coppet Collection Concerning United States History, 1566-1942 (inclusive) 1770-1865 (bulk)

Extent:: 48 boxes and 27 items
Abstract:: The Andre De Coppet Collection represents the American history-related collecting activities of American broker and collector Andre De Coppet (Princeton Class of 1915). There are numerous manuscripts, personal letters, documents, and printed material from three main periods: the Revolutionary War, the Federal Period, and the Civil War.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Rush Family Papers, 1675-1885 (inclusive) 1817-1849 (bulk)

Extent:: 61 boxes, 55 items, 11 volumes, and 26.55 linear feet
Abstract:: The collection documents the career of Richard Rush (Princeton Class of 1797) as lawyer, statesman, and diplomat, emphasizing diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Great Britain while he was minister to Great Britain (1817-1825) and between the United States and France when he was minister to France (1847-1849), as well as his successful efforts (1836-1838) in securing the Smithsonian bequest, which was used to establish the Smithsonian Institution. The papers of Richard Rush constitute the larger part of the collection; letters of his father, Benjamin Rush, M.D. (Princeton Class of 1760), and papers of his son, Benjamin Rush (Princeton Class of 1829, constitute the other major groups of papers in this family archive.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Edward Livingston Papers, 1683-1877 (inclusive) 1764-1836 (bulk)

Extent:: 178 boxes and 120 linear feet
Abstract:: The Edward Livingston Papers document the career of American lawyer, diplomat, statesman, and legal theorist Edward Livingston. The collection also contains domestic, financial, and property records of some three dozen others, mostly members of the Livingston/Beekman branch of the Hudson River Valley Livingstons and the Montgomery, Davezac, Barton, and Hunt families; the family surveyor/agent John Cox, Jr.; and an Albany-area merchant Benjamin French, whose forfeited estate ended up in Edward Livingston's hands for debt collection.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Letters and Documents Collection, majority from the 19th into the mid-20th century. (inclusive)

Extent:: ongoing linear ft.
Abstract:

Held at: Bryn Mawr College [Contact Us]

Seymour Adelman Letters and Documents Collection, 1667-1984 (inclusive)

Extent:: 21 linear ft. (27 boxes)
Abstract:

Held at: Bryn Mawr College [Contact Us]

Ferdinand J. Dreer autograph collection, 1492-1925 (inclusive)

Extent:: 105.0 linear feet (; 330 boxes, 133 volumes, 2 flat files)
Abstract:: Ferdinand Julian Dreer’s chief hobby was collecting autographs. He started with two documents and over time he was able to amass more than 15,000 items from some of the world’s most prominent and intriguing public figures. Owing to this interest, Dreer became acquainted with many people in the world of arts and letters, politics, education, clergy, business, and international affairs. As he was aware of such a collection’s potential impact on scholarship and society, Dreer donated all of his holdings to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, with which he had been associated for many years as the institution’s vice president.

Held at: Historical Society of Pennsylvania [Contact Us]

Penn family papers, 1629-1834 (bulk) 1592-1960 (bulk 1629-1834) (inclusive)

Extent:: 56.0 linear feet (51 boxes; 222 volumes)
Abstract:: The British colony of Pennsylvania was given to William Penn (1644-1718) in 1681 by Charles II of England in repayment of a debt owed his father, Sir Admiral William Penn (1621-1670). Under Penn's directive, Pennsylvania was settled by Quakers escaping religious torment in England and other European nations. Three generations of Penn descendents held proprietorship of the colony until the American Revolution, when the family was stripped of all but its privately held shares of land. The Penn family papers house the personal and governmental records of William Penn, the proprietor of Pennsylvania, and his family. This collection, which dates from 1592 to 1960 (bulk of materials dating 1629 to 1834), consists primarily of correspondence, legal records, governmental records, surveys, deeds, grants, receipts, and account books; there are also 19th and 20th century auction catalogs and other secondary materials. This collection documents the creation of the Pennsylvania colony through...(see more)

Held at: Historical Society of Pennsylvania [Contact Us]

Abraham H. Cassel collection, 1680-1893 (inclusive)

Extent:: 4.75 linear feet (48 volumes)
Abstract:: This collection contains printed material from the library of Abraham Harley Cassel, a book collector and historian who acquired over 50,000 books, pamphlets, and documents about early Pennsylvania history. Cassel was a member of the Dunkard Brethren who wrote about and collected books on early Pennsylvania German religious history. His library attracted scholars and historians of Pennsylvania and German American history, and at his death was divided among archives, libraries, and private collectors. The portion of Cassel’s collection that is housed at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania contains forty-seven items which range in date from 1680 to 1893. Items are arranged in alphabetical order, with volumes relating to the Ephrata religious community and the Schwenkfelder Church grouped together. This collection includes hymn books, religious tracts and catechism, diaries, letters, genealogical records, and examples of Pennsylvania German folk art and fraktur.

Held at: Historical Society of Pennsylvania [Contact Us]

Morris family papers, 1676-1930 (inclusive)

Extent:: 2.2 linear feet (; 6 boxes)
Abstract:: The Morris family papers (Collection 2000E) contain the genealogical and estate records of the Morris family of Philadelphia, prominent Quaker businessmen, brewers, and later iron manufacturers, who were also active in the political and civic life of the city. The collection follows several generations beginning with Anthony Morris (1654-1721) and his descendants through Anthony Saunders Morris (1803-1885) and Henry Morris (1802-1881). Included are early original documents pertaining to Anthony Morris and his immediate descendants, including marriage certificates, deeds, wills, and various business and personal papers. The collection also contains significant genealogical correspondence and documentation, including a manuscript of the Morris family history.

Held at: Historical Society of Pennsylvania [Contact Us]

Jane W. T. Brey Collection of Family Findings, 1682-1894 (inclusive)

Extent:: 0.21 linear ft. (1 box)
Abstract:: Jane W. T. Brey (Jane Watson Taylor Brey, 1895-1982) was a genealogist. This collection chiefly contains photoprints of deeds, wills, marriage certificates and genealogical charts and pictures, relating to the Taylor, Wildman, and Watson families, Quakers of Bucks County, Pa.

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

Foulke Family Papers, ca. 1654-1999 (bulk ca. 1750-1860) (inclusive)

Extent:: 5 linear ft. (10 boxes)
Abstract:: The Foulke family was a prominent Quaker family of Richland, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, descended from Edward (1651-1741) and Eleanor (Hugh) Foulke (d. 1733) who emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1698. Their descendents married into the Roberts, Mather, Morris, and other Quaker families and were active in Quaker and Bucks County affairs. The Foulke Family Papers contain correspondence, business and legal papers, surveys, genealogical notes, and memorabilia of the Foulke, Roberts, and Mather, and related families. Of particular interest is a letter from Reubens Peale to Jane Roberts concerning silhouettes and correspondence between Joseph Foulke and George Hatton, a cousin in Indiana, between Joseph Foulke and George Hatton, a cousin in Indiana, about the Hicksite controversy.

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

Thornton Family Research Papers (copies), 1673-1963 (inclusive)

Extent:: 0.25 linear ft. (1 box)
Abstract:: This group of papers relating to the Thornton family, all copies, were made available to Harriet Frorer Durham, a Quaker writer who was working on a biography of Dr. William Thornton (1759-1828) of Philadelphia. William Thornton of England, Dr. Thorton's descendent, provided the papers. The collection contains genealogical material compiled for Dr. William Thornton and photocopies of business and legal papers (1673-1802).

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

John Dickinson papers, 1753-1808 (bulk) 1676-1885 (inclusive)

Extent:: 5.2 linear feet and 13 containers, 5 volumes
Abstract:: John Dickinson (1732-1808), a Philadelphia lawyer and politician, was a major figure in colonial Delaware and Pennsylvania governments and during the early national period. He was an active presence and prolific writer during the American Revolution and early Republic from the passage of the Sugar Act (1764) until the Jefferson presidency (1801 to 1809). He also served in the military as colonel, private, and brigadier general. He married Mary Norris in 1770. John Dickinson died in Delaware in 1808. The John Dickinson papers contains incoming and outgoing correspondence; drafts and original manuscript documents from the revolutionary and early national government, Revolutionary War, Delaware and Pennsylvania government; land papers; legal papers; bills and receipts; collected essays, notes and commonplace books; and estate material. The papers provide a clear picture of the way in which colonists envisioned their new country and how these new Americans worked, compromised and...(see more)

Held at: Library Company of Philadelphia [Contact Us]

Pierre Eugène du Simitière collection, 1492-1784 (inclusive)

Extent:: 3.8 linear feet and 12 containers, 4 volumes
Abstract:: Pierre Eugène Du Simitière (1737-1784) was a collector, artist, and historian, who opened the first public museum, the American Museum, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At the American Musuem, Du Simitière presented his many materials collected during his travels and from his collections. The Library Company of Philadelphia purchased many of the manuscript materials at an auction in 1785 following Du Simitière’s death and the closing of the American Museum. The following collection is Du Simitière’s manuscript collection purchased at this auction. The collection reflects his interests and his lifestyle and includes poetry, sketches, watercolors, newspaper excerpts and clippings, treatise, correspondence, lists of nature, historical chronologies, bibliographies, and copies and originals of historical documents. The collection includes compiled information on places such as the West Indies, Pennsylvania, New England, New York, and the Carolinas in the form of historical chronologies,...(see more)

Held at: Library Company of Philadelphia [Contact Us]

Free Library of Philadelphia Collection of Literary Manuscripts, 1666-1990 (inclusive)

Extent:: 23.0 linear feet
Abstract:: This collection contains letters, manuscript fragments, autographs, and other documents by famous authors. The material dates from 1666 to 1990 with the bulk of the collection consisting of letters written by the authors to various friends with some letters to editors or critics.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Rare Book Department [Contact Us]

Greenwich Monthly Meeting Records, 1677-1998 (inclusive)

Extent:: 5 linear ft.
Abstract:

Held at: Quaker Meeting Records at Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections and Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

Kennett Monthly Meeting Records, 1650-2022 (inclusive)

Extent:: 36 linear ft. and 0.1 gb
Abstract:

Held at: Quaker Meeting Records at Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections and Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting Records, 1682-1996 (inclusive)

Extent:: 51.25 linear ft.
Abstract:

Held at: Quaker Meeting Records at Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections and Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia (Arch Street Friends) Records, 1664-2000 (inclusive)

Extent:: 118.25 linear ft. (at haverford: 182 boxes, approx 250 volumes and 12 tubes [110.14 linear feet])
Abstract:

Held at: Quaker Meeting Records at Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections and Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

Radnor Monthly Meetings Records, 1680-2012 (inclusive)

Extent:: 57.75 linear ft.
Abstract:

Held at: Quaker Meeting Records at Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections and Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

Salem Monthly Meeting Records, 1623-2015 (inclusive)

Extent:: 20.75 linear ft. and 0.1 gb
Abstract:

Held at: Quaker Meeting Records at Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections and Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

Baltimore Yearly Meeting Records, 1677-2020 (inclusive)

Extent:: 54 linear ft. and 6.5 gb
Abstract:

Held at: Quaker Meeting Records at Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections and Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

New York Yearly Meeting Records: Ministry and Counsel and its Predecessors, 1656-2000 (inclusive)

Extent:: 46 linear ft.
Abstract:

Held at: Quaker Meeting Records at Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections and Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

New York Yearly Meeting Records: Religious Education, Education, and Other Nurture Committees, 1672 - 2006 (inclusive)

Extent:: 11 linear ft.
Abstract:

Held at: Quaker Meeting Records at Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections and Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

Philadelphia Yearly Meeting Records: Miscellaneous Records, 1662-1968 (inclusive)

Extent:: 9.5 linear ft.
Abstract:

Held at: Quaker Meeting Records at Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections and Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

New York Yearly Meeting Records: Trustees, Financial and Property Records, and General Services, 1672-2011 (inclusive)

Extent:: 36 linear ft.
Abstract:

Held at: Quaker Meeting Records at Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections and Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

Amelia Mott Gummere papers, 1681-1961 (inclusive) 1899-1937 (bulk)

Extent:: 2.5 linear ft. (5 document boxes)
Abstract:: Amelia Mott Gummere (1859-1937) was a noted writer on Quaker subjects. Her published works include The Quaker: a Study in Costume, 1901; The Journal and Essays of John Woolman, 1922; Witchcraft and Quakerism, 1908; and several other works. She was editor of the Bulletin of the Friends Historical Association and President of the John Woolman Association.

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

Roberts-Hunt family papers, 1677-1829 (inclusive)

Extent:: .1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (17 folders.))
Abstract:: This collection includes papers relating to Rachel H. Roberts and her family. Included is correspondence between Esther Hunt Collins and her first husband, Joshua Hunt, his brother John, her children Elisha, Caleb and Rachel, her second husband, John Collins, and Hannah Yarnall. Also included is correspondence between Rachel H. Roberts and her husband, David. The collection includes genealogical information on the Roberts, Hooton, and other related families, along with wills and account books of Joseph and Susanna Roberts. Letters relate family news, impressions of Redstone Monthly Meeting of Friends, and discussions of Quaker discipline.

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

Tyler Arboretum papers relating to Quakers, 1656-1828 (inclusive)

Extent:: .1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (3 folders.))
Abstract:: This collection includes photocopies of papers in the Tyler Arboretum Library that relate to Quakers. Included is a list of public Friends, verses of Job Scott, and minutes from Chester Monthly Meeting of Friends.

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