Call Number:

MC.975.02.017

Repository:

Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections

Extent:

0.12 linear ft. (1 volume)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Sharpless family letterbook (HC.MC.975.02.017), Quaker & Special Collections, Haverford College, Haverford, PA.

Date:

1883

Creator:

Sharpless, Isaac, 1848-1920, Sharpless family, Sharpless, William P., 1808-1879, Sharpless, Thomas, Sharpless, Edith, Sharpless, Susanna Forsythe, Smedley, Elizabeth Sharpless, 1842-1924, and Sharpless, Ann

Form:

Correspondence

Abstract:

The personal correspondence included in the Sharpless family letterbook acted as a circulating "family letter," and was added to by each family member with the goal of assembling the letters at the end of the year and binding them together for the use of future generations. Letters generally provide news of each letter writer, as well as comments on past letters. Letter writers include Susanna F. Sharpless, Edith Sharpless, Thomas Sharpless, Elizabeth S. Smedley, Ann Sharpless, William Sharpless, and Susanna Sharpless.

Susanna Forsythe Sharpless (1815-1907) was born May 1, 1815, the daughter of James Forsythe and Ann Truman. She married Aaron Sharpless and died October 8, 1907.

Isaac Sharpless (1848-­1920) was the president of Haverford College from 1887 until his resignation in 1917. He was the son of Aaron and Susanna (Forsythe) Sharpless and was born in Birmingham Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania. In 1876, he married Lydia Trimble Cope. Sharpless taught at Westtown Boarding School from 1867­ to 1868 and 1873­ to 1875. He taught mathematics and astronomy at Haverford College from 1875 to 18­84. In 1884, he was named Dean of the faculty and in 1887, president of the College. During his tenure as president, the College saw improvements in the areas of enrollment, academic standards, endowments, and facilities.

This collection is comprised of a single volume letterbook of Sharpless family letters. The personal correspondence included acted as a circulating "family letter," and was added to by each family member with the goal of assembling the letters at the end of the year and binding them together for the use of future generations. Letters generally provide news of each letter writer, as well as comments on past letters. The family letters often discuss the state of religion in Colorado, where Thomas Sharpless resided, and how Thomas should strive to maintain his Quaker principles and beliefs in the west. Letter writers include Susanna F. Sharpless, Edith Sharpless, Thomas Sharpless, Elizabeth S. Smedley, Ann Sharpless, William Sharpless, and Susanna Sharpless.