Call Number:

MC.975.01.089

Repository:

Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections

Extent:

0.42 linear ft. (5 volumes)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Thomas Wistar journals (HC.MC.975.01.089), Quaker & Special Collections, Haverford College, Haverford, PA.

Date:

1841-1875 (inclusive)

Creator:

Wistar, Thomas

Form:

Diaries

Abstract:

Thomas Wistar's journal entries largely describe his work as an Indian Commissioner, including visits to Washington D.C., the Seneca Nation, the Wichita Indian Agency, and other Native American Reservations. In addition to his work as a commissioner, entries detail social calls with family and friends, descriptions of Quaker meetings, and religious reflection and prayers.

Thomas Wistar (1798-1876) was born June 23, 1798, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Thomas Sr. and Mary (Waln) Wistar. Wistar was active in Native American affairs beginning in 1838, and was appointed as an Indian Commissioner in 1841. Thomas Wistar married twice. His first wife was Elizabeth Buckley Morris, whom he married in 1822. The couple had two children, and Elizabeth died in 1863. In 1867, Wistar married Mary Richardson, his second wife. Thomas Wistar died on January 16, 1876, in Philadelphia, at the age of 78.

Sources: Dictionary of Quaker Biography, Obituary in the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin.

This collection is composed of five bound, handwritten journals by Thomas Wistar. Each volume includes daily entries interspersed with correspondence. Journal entries largely describe Wistar's work as an Indian Commissioner, including visits to Washington D.C., the Seneca Nation, the Wichita Indian Agency, and other Native American Reservations. In addition to his work as a commissioner, entries detail social calls with family and friends, descriptions of Quaker meetings, and religious reflection and prayers.