Call Number:

AC320

Repository:

Princeton University Library: University Archives

Extent:

1 box

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); William R. Weeks Papers, Box and Folder Number; University Archives, Special Collections, Princeton University Library.

Date:

1746-1897 (inclusive)

Creator:

Weeks, William R.

Form:

Papers. and Correspondence.

Abstract:

The Papers of William R. Weeks, Esq., consist of three folders of material researched and correspondence written for the furtherance of a book on Princeton University's early history Weeks planned to write. The title of the book was to be, "History of the First Endowment of the College of New Jersey, now Princeton University." It is highly doubtful that the book was ever written; there is no copy of it on record.

William R. Weeks was a lawyer who planned to write a book on the early history of Princeton University. Born in 1848 in Newark, New Jersey, Weeks practiced law in New Jersey, New York, and West Virginia. While the manuscript on Princeton's history was never published, Weeks did publish several books on local history and numismatics.

The files contain research Weeks did on the earliest beginnings of the College of New Jersey, now known as Princeton University, with particular attention to the College's first endowment. This research includes typewritten copies of New Jersey Archives relating to the College, typewritten reprints of various editions of The First History of the College (published in 1752-4) and The Diary of Samuel Davies (1753-5), Records of the Presbyterian Church, and Princeton Board of Trustees meeting minutes along with papers belonging to Jonathan Belcher (governor of New Jersey), and Nathan Fitzrandolph. Also part of the files is Weeks' general correspondence with numerous university and public libraries concerning materials he requested. Although the bulk of these letters are dated 1896-1897, Weeks apparently sent subsequent correspondence since one letter is dated 1901.