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Hopkinson family papers

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Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]3420 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6206

This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.

Overview and metadata sections

Call Number:
Ms. Coll. 1542
Repository:
University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts
Extent:
2.25 linear feet (3 boxes)
Language:
English
Preferred Citation:
Hopkinson family papers, 1700-1971, Ms. Coll. 1542, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania.
Date:
circa 1700s-1970s (inclusive) and 1905-1971 (bulk)
Creator:
Hopkinson, Francis, 1737-1791
Form:
Family papers
Abstract:
The Hopkinson family was a prominent political family of Philadelphia and Bordentown. Descendants include: merchants, lawyers, diplomats, authors, musicians, soldiers, congressmen and a signer to the Declaration of Independence. The Hopkinson family papers comprise original documents as well as reproductions of: biographical and genealogical research, clippings, certificates, correspondence, diaries, indexes, wills and estate documents, photographs, sheet music, school and birth records, and report cards. Orignal materials primarily document the life and career of Edward Hopkinson Jr. (1885-1966).

Francis Hopkinson (1737-1791) was "a signer of the Declaration of Independence; a jurist; an inventor; an artist; an essayist; a scholar; a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania's first class (1757); an organist; a psalmodist; and a harpsichordist." (Library of Congress). Hopkinson is credited with designing the American flag of 1777, designing currency, and having composed the earliest surviving American secular composition, "My Days have been so Wondrous Free."

Joseph Hopkinson (1770-1842) was a US Congressman. Elected as a Federalist to represented Pennsylvania's 1st District in the United States House of Representatives, he served from 1815 to 1819. In 1798 he wrote the lyrics to the song "Hail Columbia!", which served as the unofficial anthem of the United States until the "Star Spangled Banner" was officially adopted in 1931.

Oliver Hopkinson (1812-1905), son of Joseph, served in the Union Army during the Civil War as a Lieutenant Colonel of the 1st Delaware Volunteer Infantry. He commissioned on October 15, 1861 and was wounded at the Battle of Antietam, 1862. On July 10, 1863 he was commissioned as Colonel and commander of the 51st Pennsylvania Militia, which was raised to counter the Confederate Invasion of Pennsylvania in June 1863.

Edward Hopkinson (1850-1935), son of Oliver Hopkinson, was an attorney and president of the Philadelphia and Gray's Ferry Passenger railroad Company. His son, Edward Hopkinson Jr. (1885-1966) was a Philadelphia investment broker. He succeeded the late E.T. Stolesbury as the senior partner in Drexel & Co. Hopkinson was a significant leader in civic affairs and served as the first chairman of the City Planning Commission, established in 1942. The commission was credited with physical improvements to the city of Philadelphia.

This collection of Hopkinson family papers contains original documents as well as reproductions of: biographical and genealogical research, clippings, certificates, correspondence, diaries, indexes, wills and estate documents, photographs, sheet music, school and birth records, and report cards. The collection all originates from a sale of Hopkinson family property in 2020 and as such is fragmentary and based on those lots which the university was able to acquire.

The collection is divided into five series. The first, "Hopkinson family letters and documents" contains historical material and original documents from the 18th and 19th centuries relating to the early Hopkinson family. These include a numbed of transcriptions and excerpts from original correspondence. The second, "Research materials and correspondence related to the music of Francis and Joseph Hopkinson" contains copies of manuscript and printed music in the hands of Hopkinson family members as well as correspondence and material related to the revival of Francis and Joseph Hopkinson's compositions in the early 20th century. The third, "Hopkinson family heirlooms and property" contains lists and inventories of letters, documents, furniture, and other heirlooms which belonged to the Hopkinson family. Included in this series is an extensive 14 volume catalog and index of the Hopkinson papers as well as lists of that correspondence donated to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. The fourth, "Hopkinson family genealogy" contains photographs, family trees, and other documents related to family history and includes copies of many Hopkinson family wills. The fifth, "Edward Hopkinson Jr. general papers" contains a variety of correspondence and documents related to the life and career of Edward Hopkinson Jr.

Sold by William Bunch auctions, 23 June 2020, lots 145,247, and 365.

Accessioned as 2020.000024. Samantha Dodd and Mitch Fraas processed, wrote and encoded the finding aid, 2023-2024. The bulk of materials come from lot 247 in the 23 June 2020 William Bunch sale which was a large trunk suitcase of miscellaneous material, with no existing order or arrangement. One manuscript music item from lot 365 was also added to this collection as well as the entirety of lot 145 which was purchased after the sale from Schubertiade Music in 2023.

Rather than a cohesive representation of the Hopkinson family, the documents within this collection represent an assorted selection of individual items. Duplicate materials removed from collection. Photostatic copies of diplomas transferred to the University of Pennsylvania archives. Printed books which were once part of lots 247 and 365 are cataloged separately. Materials rehoused in acid free folders and boxes.

At Historical Society of Pennsylvania: Hopkinson family papers, 1736-1941, Collection 1978.

At University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts: Hopkinson and Dale family collection, 1779-1870, Ms.Coll. 1503, https://findingaids.library.upenn.edu/records/UPENN_RBML_PUSP.MS.COLL.1503.

At University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts: Hopkinson collection of music, https://franklin.library.upenn.edu/catalog/FRANKLIN_9922677353503681.

At University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts: Ann Borden Hopkinson Collection, 1770-1775, UPT 50 H797, https://findingaids.library.upenn.edu/records/UPENN_ARCHIVES_PU-AR.UPT50H797.

At University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts: Hopkinson family Bible: Folio BS185 1846 .N43

Subject

Publisher
University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts
Finding Aid Author
Samantha Dodd and Mitch Fraas
Finding Aid Date
2023 August 18
Access Restrictions

This collection is open for research use.

Use Restrictions

Copyright restrictions may exist. For most library holdings, the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania do not hold copyright. It is the responsibility of the requester to seek permission from the holder of the copyright to reproduce material from the Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts.

Collection Inventory

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Copies of letters to Mrs. Mary Morgan, letters date 1780-1820 [copies], undated.
Box 1 Folder 1-6
General

Typescript copies of letters to and from Mary Hopkinson Morgan (1742-1785). Includes correspondence with her husband Dr. John Morgan, Benjamin Franklin, Charles Inglis, and members of the Duche family. A note on the first page states that the originals of these letters were in the possession of Mrs. Francis Tazewell Redwood of Baltimore.

Letter, Mrs. Mary Morgan to her mother Mrs. Hopkinson (later ms. copy), 1776 November 16.
Box 1 Folder 7
Letters from Francis Hopkinson to his mother (Mary Johnson Hopkinson) and Samuel Stringer Coale. Later ms. copies in a small notebook., 1776-1785.
Box 1 Folder 8
Notebook, Emily Mifflin Hopkinson [covers only, no contents], 1791.
Box 1 Folder 9
Correspondence and notes, 1762-1900s.
Box 1 Folder 10
General

A variety of clipped signatures, notes, letters, and fragments relating to members of the Hopkinson family with the earliest dated to 1762 and the latest circa 1900.

Letter from Isabella Mease to Mrs. Hopkinson, undated.
Box 1 Folder 11
General

Undated letter from Isabella Mease (1776-1853) at Washington, D.C. addressed to Mrs. Hopkinson in Philadelphia. The letter discusses diplomatic affairs and travel, from the names mentioned it seems likely to date from the 1810s or 20s.

Copyright correspondence to Key, Mielke & Biddle in Philadelphia relating to Maddock's Chancery Reports, 1832-1833.
Box 1 Folder 12
Copy of fragments of diary of Mrs. Judge Joseph Hopkinson [Emily Mifflin Hopkinson, 1774-1850], 1836.
Box 1 Folder 13
Copied extracts from the diaries of Oliver and Elisa Hopkinson, 1844-1857, 1920.
Box 1 Folder 14
General

Handwritten copies of the diaries of Oliver Hopkinson (1812-1905) and Elisa Hopkinson covering the years 1844-1857. A note at the beggining states that the extracts were made in 1920 by Edward Hopkinson and the original diaries destroyed.

Letter to Samuel Cuthbert from Mary and Elizabeth, 1849-04-08.
Box 1 Folder 15
General

Letter from Mary and Elizabeth ("Lizzie") in Philadelphia to Cuthbert in St. Louis.

Deed, Francis Hopkinson and Ann Biddle Hopkinson to Michael Kales, 1850.
Box 1 Folder 16
Manuscript music for songs entitled "Echo" and "Absence", undated.
Box 2 Folder 17
General

These two pieces of music were part of lot 365 in the 2020 Hopkinson sale.

Correspondence from Oscar Sonneck to Edward Hopkinson, 1919-07-03.
Box 1 Folder 18
General

Letter from the musicologist Oscar Sonneck about the Francis Hopkinson manuscripts in Edward Hopkinson's possession and Sonneck's use of them. This letter was part of lot 145 in the 2020 Hopkinson sale.

Correspondence from Oscar Sonneck to Edward Hopkinson Jr., 1927-01-11.
Box 1 Folder 18
General

Letter from Sonneck related to scholarship on Francis Hopkinson and the revived performance of his music. Formerly pasted into Edward Hopkinson Jr.'s copy of Hastings' "The Life and Works of Francis Hopkinson" (1926)

Correspondence to Edward Hopkinson about the Hopkinson Memorial Concert, 1919.
Box 1 Folder 19
General

Letters to Edward Hopkinson from Philip Berolzheimer and Harold Vincent Milligan related to the June 1919 Francis Hopkinson Memorial Concert in Prospect Park.

Programs and music related to revival of Joseph and Francis Hopkinson's music., 1917-1920.
Box 1 Folder 19
General

Program for the Prospect Park Concert honoring Francis Hopkinson, 11 June 1919; Program for a concert at the HSP honoring the music of Francis Hopkinson, 12 November 1919; Schirmer edition of Hail Columbia (1917), Schmidt's edition of Colonial Love Lyrics (1919), and Schirmer edition of Ode from Ossian's Poems (1920),

Photostatic copies of Hopkinson music sent to Yella Pessl (1906-1991), 1948 April 1.
Box 1 Folder 20
General

A collection of photostats of manuscript Francis Hopkinson music with a 1948 note to Edward Hopkinson Jr. mentioning that Pessl was interested in viewing the Hopkinson manuscripts in his possession. Also included is one photostat of a 26 December 1780 printed bill signed by Francis Hopkinson.

Photostatic copies of Francis Hopkinson music, 1929.
Box 1 Folder 21
General
Song adapted to the President's march [photostat], composed by Joseph Hopkinson, undated.
Box 1 Folder 21
The Life and Works of Francis Hopkinson, George E. Hastings, 1926.
Box 1 Folder 22
Frances Hopkinson: Musician, Poet, and Patriot 1737-1937, Dr. Otto E. Albrecht [reprint], 1938 March.
Box 1 Folder 23
Francis Hopkinson and the American Flag, George E. Hastings [reprint], 1939 July.
Box 1 Folder 24
"So wondrous free: a story of Francis Hopkinson and his times," Hazel Gertrude Kinscella , undated.
Box 1 Folder 25
General

An 86 pp. unpublished typescript.

Postcard house at Bordentown, New Jersey, home of Francis Hopkinson, undated.
Box 1 Folder 26
Photostatic copies, various documents , undated.
Box 3 Folder 22

Hopkinson documents index, undated.
Box 1 Folder 27
Catalog of old letters, index of the Hopkinson papers volume 1-14, 1736-1882.
Box 1 Folder 28-42
Index, "Contents of the Hopkinson papers;" contains copy of gift agreement with the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, undated.
Box 1 Folder 43
Correspondence, re: Hopkinson collection at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1878-1938.
Box 1 Folder 44
Notebook listing Hopkinson family silver and furniture, 1891.
Box 1 Folder 45
Appraisement of contents of house, 1424 Spruce St., Elsa Hopkinson Estate, 1911-1912.
Box 1 Folder 46
General

Two documents related to the estate of Elisa (Swaim) Hopkinson. The first is a 1911 summary of her estate, the second is a substantial inventory of the household possessions and Hopkinson family heirlooms at the 1424 Spruce house. Dated 18 April 1912.

Correspondence, re: gifts to Philadelphia Museum of Art, Edward Hopkinson Jr., 1950-1951.
Box 1 Folder 47
Pictures hanging in Mr. Hopkinson's office property of Mr. Hopkinson, 1961 June.
Box 1 Folder 48
Correspondence, re: Francis Hopkinson (signer) portraits, 1971.
Box 1 Folder 49
Photostatic copies of books with Hopkinson family provenance.
Box 3 Folder 22

Biographical, Hopkinson, undated.
Box 2 Folder 1
Clippings, Joseph Hopkinson, 1919, undated.
Box 2 Folder 2
Clippings, Joan Hopkinson, 1944.
Box 2 Folder 3
Clippings, Martha Hopkinson, 1946.
Box 2 Folder 4
Coat of arms, Hopkinson, undated.
Box 3 Folder 3
Coat of arms, various, undated.
Box 3 Folder 4-6
Correspondence related to Hopkinson genealogy , 1909-1961.
Box 2 Folder 16
Family of James Johnson: Successively Bishop of Gloucester and Worchester, Walter Money, F.S.A., undated.
Box 2 Folder 5
Family record marriages.
Box 2 Folder 6
Genealogy, undated.
Box 2 Folder 7
Newspaper tributes to the memory of Oliver Hopkinson, 1905 March.
Box 2 Folder 8
Painting [lithograph] of Judge Hopkinson; artist T. Sully (P.A.); Childs and Inman Lithographers, undated.
Box 3 Folder 21
Photographs, Francis Hopkinson, undated.
Box 3 Folder 14
Photographs, Joseph Hopkinson, undated.
Box 3 Folder 15
Photographs, O. Hopkinson, undated.
Box 3 Folder 16
Photographs, Thomas Hopkinson, undated.
Box 3 Folder 17
William Swaim copper plate, image, undated.
Box 2 Folder 9
Last will and testament, Ann Hopkinson, 1827 February 10.
Box 2 Folder 10
Last will and testament, Elizabeth Borden, 1803 September 13.
Box 2 Folder 11
Last will and testament, Emily Hopkinson, 1848 November 24.
Box 2 Folder 12
Last will and testament, Joseph Bordens, 1787 April 19.
Box 2 Folder 13
Last will and testament, Francis Hopkinson [copy], 1791.
Box 2 Folder 14
Last will and testament, Thomas Hopkinson [copy], 1751.
Box 2 Folder 15

Affidavit, Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution, Edward Hopkinson Jr., 1926.
Box 2 Folder 17
Biographical material, Edward Hopkinson Jr. (1885-1966), 1967 June 15.
Box 2 Folder 18
Birth certificate, Martha Hopkinson, 1921 December 19.
Box 2 Folder 19
Certificate, The Athletic Association, University of Pennsylvania, Edward Hopkinson Jr., 1906.
Box 3 Folder 1
Certificate, Greater Philadelphia Magazine, Edward Hopkinson Jr., 1957 June.
Box 3 Folder 2
Chestnut Hill house documents, 1925-1952.
Box 2 Folder 20-22
General

Documents related to Edward Hopkinson's home in Chestnut Hill. These include a set of appraisals of the contents of the house, proposals for construction work, and bills for furnishings etc.

Citation, retirement of Edward Hopkinson Jr., 1944 March.
Box 2 Folder 23
Colonial Society of Pennsylvania certificate of membership, Edward Hopkinson Jr., 1951 January 5.
Box 2 Folder 24
Committee of stockholders of the Insurance Company of America, Edward Hopkinson Jr., 1887 January 15.
Box 2 Folder 25
Correspondence, Edward Hopkinson Jr., 1929-1960.
Box 2 Folder 26
Correspondence, Edward Hopkinson Jr. re; illness abroad, 1956 April-August.
Box 2 Folder 27-31
Correspondence, re: city planning commission, Edward Hopkinson Jr., 1951-1956.
Box 2 Folder 32
Correspondence, re: Doctor of Law degree, University of Pennsylvania, Edward Hopkinson Jr., 1953 June.
Box 2 Folder 33
Correspondence, re: St. Joseph's College, Edward Hopkinson Jr. [includes program and bio notes], 1960.
Box 2 Folder 34
Franklin Fire Insurance, Adam Iseminger and Edward Hopkinson, 1858-1912.
Box 2 Folder 35
"Increasing problems of rate of return," address by Edward Hopkinson Jr. at the Maryland Utilities Association fall conference, 1952 September 5.
Box 2 Folder 36
Insurance Company of North America, directors inspection trip, Edward Hopkinson Jr., 1956 April.
Box 2 Folder 37
Letters regarding death of Edward Hopkinson [copy], undated.
Box 3 Folder 7-8
List of guests to be present at the Roland Holst-Franco Mendes tea in Amsterdam, 1956 April 16.
Box 2 Folder 38
Memorial monument design for Edward Hopkinson [copy], undated.
Box 3 Folder 9
Moore Institute of Art, Science, and Industry, 1951.
Box 2 Folder 39-41
National Cyclopedia material, Edward Hopkinson Jr. [biographical], 1966-1967.
Box 2 Folder 42
Netherlands Trading Society, Amsterdam, annual reports, 1954.
Box 2 Folder 43
Official debutant list, Dreka, 1936-1937.
Box 2 Folder 44
Official record of remarks upon the passing of John J. Sullivan, 1958 May 1.
Box 2 Folder 45
Passports, 1937.
Box 2 Folder 46
Penn Charter alumni society award of merit dinner, Edward Hopkinson Jr., 1965 May 4.
Box 2 Folder 47
Pennsylvania Bar Association certificate, Edward Hopkinson Jr., 1966 January 21.
Box 2 Folder 48
The Pennsylvania Society 66th annual dinner, award, Edward Hopkinson Jr., 1964.
Box 2 Folder 49-50
Philadelphia Saving Fund Society, 1966.
Box 2 Folder 51
Plaques, Edward Hopkinson Jr., 1951-1954, 1957.
Box 2 Folder 52
Photographs, dinners, 1940s-1950s.
Box 2 Folder 53
Photographs, family, 1958 August.
Box 2 Folder 54
Photographs, Edward Hopkinson, undated.
Box 3 Folder 10
Photographs, Edward Hopkinson Jr., undated.
Box 3 Folder 11-13
Photographs, Edward Hopkinson Jr., fishing, undated.
Box 2 Folder 55
Photographs, Edward Hopkinson Jr., friends, colleagues, family, undated.
Box 2 Folder 56
Photographs, Edward Hopkinson Jr., portraits, undated.
Box 2 Folder 57
Photographs, Edward Hopkinson Jr. posing with group of men and trains, undated.
Box 2 Folder 58
Photographs, meetings, undated.
Box 2 Folder 59
Photographs, unidentified portrait of man, undated.
Box 2 Folder 60
Photographs, unidentified men, undated.
Box 3 Folder 18-19
Photographs, unidentified woman, undated.
Box 3 Folder 20
Program Republican National Convention, 1940 June 24.
Box 2 Folder 61
Scarborough and Pomfract Castle [copy of letter from pamphlet collection at British Museum], undated.
Box 2 Folder 62
Springside report cards, Joan Hopkinson, 1926-1932.
Box 2 Folder 63
Springside report cards, Martha Hopkinson, 1929-1932.
Box 2 Folder 64
University of Pennsylvania, commencement, 1953 June 10.
Box 2 Folder 65
U.S. Government thrift cards, war-savings certificates, 1918-1919.
Box 2 Folder 66
"Walk Proudly Here, Americans: Independence Hall," Raymond Pitcairn, 1940.
Box 2 Folder 67
William Penn Charter School report book, Edward Hopkinson Jr., 1896-1897.
Box 2 Folder 68

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