Call Number:

MC.975.01.016

Repository:

Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections

Extent:

0.039 linear ft. (1 volume)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Samuel C. Davis diary (HC.MC.975.01.016), Quaker & Special Collections, Haverford College, Haverford, PA.

Date:

1807-1809 (inclusive)

Creator:

Davis, Samuel C.

Form:

Diaries

Abstract:

Samuel Cole Davis's diary details his illness with "cancer of the lip," as transcribed by Steven E. Kagle. Davis's diary entries include the particulars of his medical condition and the treatments that various doctors attempted to cure the cancer or alleviate pain. Later entries especially focus on his attempt to atone for his sins and seek salvation as he approaches his death.

Samuel Cole Davis (1764-1809) was born October 26, 1764, to a Quaker family living near Pilesgrove, New Jersey. Davis married outside of the faith, and according to his own reflection, lived a life of sin for many years. Towards the end of his life, after being diagnosed with cancer of the lip, Davis returned to the Quaker faith. Davis died of cancer on July 31, 1809.

This collection includes a bound typed transcript of Samuel Cole Davis's diary detailing his illness with "cancer of the lip," as transcribed by Steven E. Kagle. The diary was written during the last months of Davis's life. Entries begin on April 1st of 1808, and continue until July 18, 1809, just a few days before Davis's death. Davis's diary entries detail the particulars of his medical condition and the treatments that various doctors attempted to cure the cancer or alleviate pain. Later entries especially focus on his attempt to atone for his sins and seek salvation as he approaches his death.