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William Baxter Family Papers

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Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania 19081

This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College. 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:
RG5.011
Repository:
Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College
Extent:
5 linear ft. (10 boxes)
Language:
English
Preferred Citation:
[Indicate the cited item or series here], William Baxter Papers, RG5/011, Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College
Date:
1840-1942 (inclusive)
Creator:
Baxter, William, 1824-1886, Wayne County (Ind.), Westtown Boarding School, and Baxter, Mary, 1830-1918
Abstract:
William Baxter (1824-1886) was a Quaker businessman who lived in Wayne County, Indiana, and was active in social reform, particularly in the temperance movement. The collection includes correspondence of William and his wife, Mary Baxter (1830-1918), business papers, essays and speeches on temperance and other social reforms, family memorabilia, and miscellaneous materials.

William Baxter (1824-1886)was a Quaker Philadelphia-area wool merchant who later settled in Richmond, Wayne County, Indiana, and was active in social reform, particularly in the temperance movement.

He was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1824, the son of John and Mary Baxter. He married first Mary Wickett in 1847. She and her infant son died shortly after the family emigrated to Philadelphia. William Baxter married second Mary Ellen Barker in 1856 at Whitewater Monthly Meeting in Wayne County, Indiana. She had attended Westtown Boarding School in Pennsylvania. Their daughter, Lucy V. Baxter, married Percival Brooks Coffin.

Contains the papers of William Baxter (1824-1886), Quaker businessman who lived in Wayne County, Indiana, and was active in social reform, particularly in the temperance movement. Includes correspondence of William and his wife, Mary Baxter (1830-1918), business papers, essays and speeches on temperance and other social reforms, family memorabilia, and miscellaneous materials including a manuscript account of the early life of William Baxter in Yorkshire, England, in the 1830s and 1840s.

The collection is divided into seven series:

  1. Biographical and genealogical
  2. Photographs
  3. Correspondence
  4. Business papers
  5. Essays and speeches
  6. Memorabilia
  7. Reference material

Donor: Mrs. Bennett Cooper, 1961-1969

Lucy Vincent Baxter (born 1868) was a daughter of William Baxter and his second wife, Mary Ellen. She married Percival Brooks Coffin. The donor, Mrs. Bennett Cooper (Emily Fletcher Cooper), was their niece.

Previously cited as: Coffin-Baxter Papers

See also:

  1. RG 5/ 029: Coffin Family Papers. Both collections were given to Friends Historical Library by Mrs. Bennett Cooper (Emily Fletcher Cooper) whose aunt, Lucy V. Baxter (her mother's sister), was married to Percival Brooks Coffin.

The following material has been removed from the collection and recatalogued:

See Chart Case for marriage certificates:

  1. Baxter, Wm. to Mary Wickett, 6/23/1847
  2. Baxter, Wm. to Barker, Mary, 12/3/1856
  3. Evans, Charles to Morgan, Mary, 3/12/1833
  4. Price, Charles Coale to Albertson, Alice Maulsby, 12/8/1896
  5. Price, Charles Coale to Evans, Mary, 10/2/1894
  1. See Chart Case for Whaley-Goffe (Gough) genealogical chart. Includes Underhill-Sutton. Attached: Sutton-Underhill pedigree.
  1. See Misc. MSS ++ for pass for Edward B. Fletcher and wife, 7/30/1888
  1. Christianity As Friends See It, by Edward B. Rawson, n.d., BX 7733.R3C5

William Baxter Family Photographs (4 boxes) removed to PA 144. Inventory in repository.

People
Subject

Publisher
Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College
Finding Aid Author
FHL staff
Finding Aid Date
1969, revised 2000
Sponsor
Encoding made possible by a grant by the Gladys Kriebel Delmas Foundation to the Philadelphia Consortium of Special Collections Libraries
Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

Use Restrictions

Friends Historical Library believes all of the items in this collection to be in the Public Domain in the United States, and is not aware of any restrictions on their use. However, the user is responsible for making a final determination of copyright status before reproducing. See http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/.

Collection Inventory

Baxter, Albert: biographical sketch, 11 mo 6, 1893.
Box 1 Folder 1
Scope and Contents

Albert Baxter was the brother of Wm. Baxter.

Baxter Emily: journal,, 1887, 1888.
Box 1 Folder 2
Scope and Contents

Journal written under the pseudonym Hepatica Rushmoren.

Baxter, Emily: Memorial meeting, n.d.
Box 1 Folder 3
Baxter, Maria: (1862-1928), memorials.
Box 1 Folder 4
Physical Description

2 memorials

Baxter, Mary: "Lines on the Death of" by "H. R.".
Box 1 Folder 5
Scope and Contents

"Composed and presented to E. Wickett, Mother of the Deceased, by a young woman Friend"

Physical Description

printed

Journal with some business accounts, recipes and cures., 1848, 1849.
Box 1 Folder 6
Temperance journal, 1867.
Box 1 Folder 7
Scope and Contents

Contains record of places where lecture were delivered.

"A Short Sketch of the early life of the late William Baxter," by Alfred Baxter.
Box 1 Folder 8
Naturalization paper, 3-12-1855.
Box 1 Folder 9
Clippings re. his death, 1886.
Box 1 Folder 10
Coffin, Lucy V. Baxter: Memorials re. he and her husband, Percival Brooks Coffin, 1935, 1936, 1937.
Box 1 Folder 11
Cooper, Benjamin W: will, 1861.
Box 1 Folder 12
Physical Description

typed copy

Cooper, Benjamin W.: quit claim, relating to will, 1904.
Box 1 Folder 13
Physical Description

typed carbon

Cooper, Bennett Smedley: birth certificate, 3-28-1896.
Box 1 Folder 14
Cooper, William B.: will, incomplete, n.d.
Box 1 Folder 15
Fletcher, Esther (later Richards): birth certificate, 9-8-1888.
Box 1 Folder 16
Moffitt: "On the Golden Wedding Day of Hugh and Sarah Moffitt, 12mo 3 1878".
Box 1 Folder 17
Scope and Contents

Handwriting appears to be that of Wm. Baxter.

Physical Description

ms. verses

Sutton, Anne H.: funeral service, 5/3/1900.
Box 1 Folder 18
Physical Description

printed

Sutton, Mary E. B.: will and codicil, 11-27-1886.
Box 1 Folder 19
Sutton-Chase genealogical chart, and Sutton Underhill pedigree.
Box 1 Folder 20
Physical Description

printed

Genealogical data: Baxter, and related families - Wickett, Barker, Davis, Pickett, etc.
Box 1 Folder 21
Physical Description

notebook

Genealogical data: Zacariah Fletcher and descendants.
Box 1 Folder 22
Miscellaneous memorials.
Box 1 Folder 23

Photographs: PA 144.
Scope and Contents

Includes pictures of Mary Barker Baxter, Wm. Baxter and members of their family and related families such as Coffin, Cooper, Fletcher, etc.; Hugh and Sarah Moffitt; Friends; residences, etc. See lists following checklist.

Also see FHL pictures files for S. W. view of West town Boarding School, drawn by John Collins, 1858; and Yearly Meeting, Devonshire House.

General correspondence, 1850-1920.
Box 5
Scope and Contents

By various authors, including Wm. and Mary Baxter, who are the main recipients.

Wm. Baxter to Mary Barker, 1854-1856.
Box 5
Various, to Wm. Baxter, 1864-1868.
Box 6
Various, to Wm. Baxter, 1868-1870.
Box 6
Henry Vincent to Wm. Baxter, Lucy Vincent to Wm. Baxter, 1870-1878.
Box 6
Scope and Contents

Also includes facsimile of letter from John Bright to Henry Vincent, 1873-1879

Physical Description

15 ALsS, 2 from Lucy

Various authors to William and Mary Bayles, 1868-1920.
Box 6

Notebook, "Memoranda, 1864, William Baxter.", 1864.
Box 7
Scope and Contents

Contains notes on credit rating of businessman.

Miscellaneous: including Wm. Baxter's accounts with Albert Baxter Co., 1873-1879, 1869-1907.
Box 7
Business Correspondence, 1870-1878.
Box 7
Opinion: A. Browning for Clayton Cooper, 1870, 8-9.
Box 7
Business correspondence, 1870-1872, 1873, 1874.
Box 7
Physical Description

2 vols, bound

2 deeds for lots at Earlton-in-the-Pines with related papers, Hallinger to Cooper,, 1894.
Box 7
Lease, Lucy V. Baxter Coffin to Edward Quigley, 3-9, 1907.
Box 7
Scope and Contents

Also includes leaflet: Wm.B. Coopers estate, announcing executor sale

Scope and Contents

Ms. and printed. Arranged alphabetically by subject or first line.

"An act to provide against the evils resulting from the sale of intoxicating liquors..." incomplete, n.d.
Box 8
"Alcoholic Medication," incomplete, n.d.
Box 8
"Capital Punishment", 1873.
Box 8
"Children's Temperance Speech", n.d.
Box 8
"Civilization and Christianity", 1-5-1864.
Box 8
Scope and Contents

Read before Camden Literary and Chess Club

"Does Phrenology Afford a Correct and Reliable Estimate of Mental and Moral Character?", 1/12/1863.
Box 8
Scope and Contents

The article is a negative argument.

"Down With Liquor Traffic", 11-13-1885.
Box 8
"The Duty of the Government and State in Relation to the Liquor Traffic", n.d.
Box 8
"Extent of Traffic in U.S., Evils of Intemperance, Etc.", n.d.
Box 8
"Extracts from Senator Daggy's Speech Before the Senate", n.d.
Box 8
"France", 3-1-1852.
Box 8
Scope and Contents

Read before the Literary and Philosophical Club of Phila.

At Earlham College, paper on Temperance, 12-5-1874.
Box 8
"Free Trade and Protection", n.d.
Box 8
"History", 1863.
Box 8
"How to Read and What to Read", n.d.
Box 8
Physical Description

2 versions

"If a rumor---", n.d.
Box 8
"Important Suggestions and Facts for Christian Professors", 10/29/1878.
Box 8
Scope and Contents

Part of copy of an address in connection with Indiana YM, Richmond

To Indiana Yearly Meeting at Indianapolis, incomplete, 10-1-1875.
Box 8
"Intemperance the Great Curse - Total Abstinence the Only Sure Prevention and Cure", n.d.
Box 8
"Is Physical Force or Moral Suasion the Best Rule for Prison Discipline?", n.d.
Box 8
"Is True Civilization Making Any Real Progress in the World?", 12-2-1863.
Box 8
Scope and Contents

The paper is a negative argument. Read before the Camden Literary and Chess Club.

"John Pym and the English Commonwealth", n.d.
Box 8
"John Wycliffe", n.d.
Box 8
"Life of Elder Walter Scott", 1874.
Box 8
Notes on Life of John Bunyan, and notes for lecture on John Bunyan, n.d.
Box 8
"Ought Capital Punishment to be Abolished" Camden, 11-10-1862.
Box 8
"Prohibition and Not License..." Senate Bill No. 138., n.d.
Box 8
"Social Life and Manners in Medieval England", n.d.
Box 8
Synopsis of Wm. Baxter's speech delivered at the Temperance Meeting held at Central Church, 3/26/?.
Box 8
"A Talk About Disagreeable People", n.d.
Box 8
"The Vision", 1871.
Box 8
"We very often hear...", n.d.
Box 8
"What Is Genius?", 10/13/1863.
Box 8
Scope and Contents

Read before the Camden Literary and Chess Club.

"What is The Indiana Temperance Law,", n.d.
Box 8
"What Is the Political Duty of All Temperance Voters of Indiana...", n.d.
Box 8
"Whether There Is More To Admire Or Condemn in the Character of Wm. Penn?" Phila., 1863.
Box 8
"Which Has the More Influence Over Man, Ambition or Love?", n.d.
Box 8
"The World's Opinion...", n.d.
Box 8
Folder of portions of incomplete essays and speeches.
Box 8
Speech against Capital Punishment, Monday, March 10, 1873.
Box 8
Scope and Contents

Delivered in the Indiana Legislature.

"Bird Life at The Brooks", 4-15-1930.
Box 9
Physical Description

ms. and typewritten

"Individuality in Bird Song", June, 1923.
Box 9
Scope and Contents

Published in The Wilson Bulletin, Vol.XL, No.2. Includes reprints.

Wm. Baxter's notebook containing `Rules for my future guidance adopted 1st mo 1st 1866.".
Box 9
Two Piece books, Wm. Baxter, 1849, 1842.
Box 9
Two Piece books, unknown owners, n.d.
Box 9
Mary Baxter's Housekeeper's Book, 1857.
Box 9
Notebook, Bible notes, from Westtown Boarding School, 9mo 1853.
Box 9
Arithmetic notebook, 5mo 1855.
Box 9
"Arithmetic notebook" (no name, but Mary Barker's handwriting), n.d.
Box 9
Natural science notebook, n.d.
Box 9
Notebook, botany, arithmetic, etc., Westtown Boarding School, 1856.
Box 9
Piece book, Westtown Boarding School, 7mo 16 1855.
Box 9
Piece book (no name, but Mary Barker's handwriting), n.d.
Box 9
Copy book, 5 mo, 11 1855.
Box 9
19 compositions on variety of subjects.
Box 9
Sacred Album, 1855, 1856.
Box 9
Verses, "Do They Miss Me At Home?" anon., 10 mo 16, 1855.
Box 9
Verses, We Do Miss Thee At Home," anon., 10 mo, 17, 1855.
Box 9
Bills for Mary Barker's board and tuition at Westtown Boarding School, 10 mo 5 1855, and 4mo 11 1856.
Box 9
Scope and Contents

Includes receipts for payments, 5mo 5 1855 and llmo 2 1855.

"Register of Recitations" for Mary Barker, Westtown Boarding School, 5mo 21 1855 to 3mo 3 1856.
Box 9
Richmond High School commencement programs, 1879, 1882.
Box 9
Program of Penna. Institution for the Instruction of the Blind, 10-3-1855.
Box 9
Print of Keighley Mechanics Institute, Science, Art, and Technical Schools, 1886.
Box 9
Quilt design.
Box 9
Ms. and printed verses and article.
Box 9
Envelope and small, round box of seals.
Box 9
Bone letter opener.
Box 9
Papers relating to 250th Anniversary of Hodley, Mass., 1909.
Box 9
Scope and Contents

Includes Gough and Sutton genealogy.

Partial list of books in J.G.Sutton's library, 1902.
Box 9
Diplomas.
Box 9

"Contest of Wm. C. Jefferis against Wm. Baxter for a seat in the Senate of Indiana for Wayne County.", 1874.
Box 9
Memorial talk regarding Maria Maxter, unsigned, n.d.
Box 9
"First Day School of Whitewater, Indiana".
Box 9
Physical Description

typed

Quaker brochures: Information To Parents And Others... Westtown Boarding School, 1855?.
Box 9
A Catalogue of the Officers and Students of Westtown Boarding School., Summer session, 15; winter, 1055o.
Box 9
Instructions For The Circular Sliding Rule...by Thos. Wilkinson., 1840.
Box 9
The Spinner's, Manufacturers and Merchant's Guide, 1841.
Box 9
Clippings on a variety of topics.
Box 9
Clippings re: Henry Vincent.
Box 9
The Christian and Ministerial Life of the Rev. Richard Baxter, principally from accounts written by himself. London, Hamilton Adams, 1834.
Box 10
Rhoda M. Coffin (FHL, BX7796.C68A3), edited by Mary Coffin Johnson. N. Y., Grafton Press, 1910.
Box 10
Scope and Contents

Inscribed to Mary Ellen Baxter Sutton by Chas. F. Coffin, 2/7/1911

The Death Warrant of Charles the First.., by l. J. Thomas.. London, 1880.
Box 10
The Dying Thoughts of the Rev. Richard Baxter, abridged by Benj. Fawcett.
Box 10
My Farm of Edquewood..., by Donald G. Mitchell (?). N. Y., Charles Scribner, 1863.
Box 10
Rural Studies, with Hints for Country Places, by Donald G. Mitchell (?). N. Y., Charles Scribner Co., 1867.
Box 10
"The Indiana Temperance Law", 1873.
Box 10

Print, Suggest