Call Number:

001.038

Repository:

Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections

Extent:

0.01 linear ft. (1 folder )

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Joseph Gibbons Harlan letters and biographical information (HCS.001.038) Quaker and Special Collections, Haverford College, Haverford, PA.

Date:

1853-1947 (inclusive)

Form:

letters (correspondence)

Abstract:

This collection contains three letters from Joseph Harlan, genealogical records related to Harlan and his family, a Haverford College faculty testimonial, and correspondence between John Dickenson and a descendent of Joseph Harlan.

Joseph Gibbons Harlan (1825-1857) was born in West Fallowfield Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, to Enoch and Sarah (Walton) Harlan. Harlan enrolled in the Westtown, PA, school in 1841 and joined the faculty in 1843. On October 21, 1847, Harlan was married to Anna Amelia, and the couple had four children: Anna Brick, William Brick, Josephine G. Harlan and Joseph G. Harlan. He remained at Westtown School until 1853, when he became a teacher of mathematics at Haverford College. Harlan was made a Professor of Mathematics and President of the College in 1856, as well as director of the observatory in 1857. He died on November 12, 1857 in Haverford, PA.

This collection contains three letters from Joseph Harlan, genealogical records related to Harlan and his family, a Haverford College faculty testimonial, and a correspondence between John Dickenson and a descendent of Joseph Harlan. The letters, dated 1853 and 1854 respectively, discuss suitable replacements for faculty leaving the college and Harlan's reservations about accepting a full-time position. The genealogical records outline Harlan's early life and achievements, as well as his untimely death. Similarly, the faculty testimonial discusses his character. The final correspondence covers possible descendents of Harlan who are still living in the Haverford area.

The materials are arranged chronologically.