Call Number:

MC.975.01.092

Repository:

Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections

Extent:

0.0080 linear ft. (1 volume)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

John Woolman diary (HC.MC.975.01.092), Quaker & Special Collections, Haverford College, Haverford, PA.

Date:

1772

Creator:

Woolman, John, 1720-1772

Form:

travel literature and Diaries

Abstract:

John Woolman's diary from his voyage to England in 1772, the original manuscript of which is held at the Mount School, York, United Kingdom. Entries discuss Woolman's travel with Samuel Emlen, including preparations for the voyage, description of weather conditions, conditions on board, religious reflection, and reflection on the slave trade.

John Woolman (1720-1772), a Quaker by birth, was born near Mount Holly, New Jersey, the son of Samuel Woolman and Elizabeth Burr. Woolman was a Quaker minister and abolitionist. Woolman was the fourth of 13 children. His father was a farmer, and the family was of middling status. Woolman received about ten years of schooling and for the rest of his life read voraciously and pursued his own education. He worked as a teacher and did legal work writing wills and contracts. Woolman also worked as a tailor. At age 36, he withdrew from business altogether, devoting his energies to religious work. Woolman died on October 7, 1772, in Yorkshire, England.

This collection is comprised of a single photocopy of John Woolman's diary from his voyage to England in 1772, the original manuscript of which is held at the Mount School, York, United Kingdom. Entries discuss Woolman's travel with Samuel Emlen, including preparations for the voyage, description of weather conditions, conditions on board, religious reflection, and reflection on the slave trade.