Information on Ferris, Tatnall, Lea, Sharpless and other related families. Original at Delaware Historical Society. Bound photostat copy made for Matilda Ferris and given to FHL in 1947 by Frances C. Ferris. Photocopy placed in PG7 (reference). Files includes Frances Ferris's correspondence with Historical Society of Delaware concerning the gift.

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Notes by Benjamin Ferris and David Ferris, including Underwood information

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Extensive notes and some correspondence and later notations by his daughter, Frances

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Professional research

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Professional research

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Professional research

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Professional research

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Professional research

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Professional research

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Compiled information on Masters, Parvin, and Eves families. Removed from non-archival binder and placed in folders by family. Probably organized by Frances C. Ferris

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Ferris, Canby, etc.

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Note attached to title page saying that since she is moving into Friends Boarding Home (Hickman) in West Chester, Pa., she is giving her genealogical papers to Friends Historical Library. Includes some photographs and clipping about generations up to 1970.

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Canby genealogy and correspondence. Frances inherited a silver purse clasp that had descended from Sarah Marriott Morris to Fanny Ferris.

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Published journal of Zachariah Ferris's Visits to Southern Friends Meetings, 1790, in Bulletin of Friends Historical Association. Original in Delaware Public Archives (1933)

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Issue of the bulletin devoted to Benjamin Ferris

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Excerpts from her Civil War diaries, published in Delaware History. Another copy cataloged in Tripod.

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Blueprint of printed family tree, based on tree made by his grandfather, Benjamin Ferris. George A. was the son of Edward and Katherine L. (Ashmead) Ferris. Edward was the youngest of Benjamin and Fanny Ferris's ten children.

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Died 1900. Typed carbon.

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Mentions apology by John Prindle and wife to himself and others who they have wronged, including Friends on Long Island

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Words of advice to young Friends.

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ALS to his cousin by marriage, counseling against his suitability for the ministry regardless of his education and pointing out the error of his ways. Signed "thy loving uncle."

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Urging the freeing of enslaved men at age 21 and females earlier, with proper paperwork and education

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ALsS to his cousin, with a copy of a memorial for Thomas Gawthrop who railed against sins such as drunkenness and prophesized. Second ALS, expresses doubt that William Mott's writings will be published. Provides a recipe for an health elixir made from the root of skunk cabbage and honey.

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Urging her to pursue the ministry and advising on selecting a husband. Copy in his own hand. Also a binding paper that notes that sent for publication 4 mo 1855

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ALS to his sister with religious expressions and wishes to his brother, Joshua, in his undertaking. Note on address slip that Edith married Z. Ferris 7 weeks after date of letter.

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ALS addressed to Benjamin Ferris, Merchant. Continues report on sale of books and mentions that Friends in area are considering establishing a library. Repeats that John Woolman's book is not saleable.

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2 ALsS to Dear Brother and Sister with family news. Jonathan (b. 1741) was the son of Jonathan and Mary (Shenton) Zane and the brother of Lydia (Zane) Ferris, b. 1750)

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ALS, copy in his own hand, to friend, with religious exhortation. Mentions that Samuel Neal recently left for Ireland. Also an acid-free photocopy

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ALS with acid-free photocopy, with concern for his spiritual life.

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ALS (draft?) Ferris had visited him in North Carolina, with an account of his return trip to Wilmington. Comments on slavery on slavery

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ALS, a copy in his own hand, concerning money owed for books sold sent to Zebulon, monies due to the estate of his son, Benjamin. Also an acid-free copy

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ALS concerning manumission and education of the people he enslaved. Pleasants (1723-1801) freed the people he enslaved in 1782 and later founded a school for formerly enslaved people in Virginia. He was a founder of the Virginia Abolition Society. Also an acid-free copy

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ALS, message of faith in trying times

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ALS to cousin concerning wrongness of any practice of Faith except that of the Society of Friends. Damaged and repaired, very fragile. Note by B. Ferris that Israel was identified as the son of David's sister, Sarah, who married Stephen Noble. Use acid-free copy

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ALS mentioning the difficult financial times, falling land prices

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ALS to his wife; he was engaged in a land dispute

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ALS to cousin, mentions that wife plans to attend New York Yearly Meeting

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AL on religious beliefs

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AL with concern that people of Rhode Island under burden of soldiers quartered there. In Wilmington, many soldiers sick and dying with camp fever.

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12 ALsS to his sister. Note by B. Ferris on the first letter he sent after he began his apprenticeship with Thomas Parker. Charles Townsend was his fellow apprentice. Had his first taste of a dish of coffee and enjoyed "Dough Nuts." In Jan. 1795, he reports that the Delaware River was frozen, blocking travel. 7mo, he notes that he learned that his sister had a piece of music in the house, and he thought she was "principled against music." Borrows books from a Friends library

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Ms copy of ALS (initials) to her brother referring to a crisis in his life. Note by B. Ferris that written when she was 16 and her brother about 20.

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16 ALsS to his sister. Primarily family news, talk of the yellow fever epidemic, St. Anthony's Fire which afflicted C. Townsend. John Dickinson and James Logan mentioned.

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3 ALsS to his mother, Edith (Sharples) Ferris

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3 ALsS to Deborah Ferris

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5 ALsS to his sister. Yellow fever in Philadelphia, ships quarantined. Went with the "oldest man in Darby" to search out the herb Maiden's Hair which he collected for Joseph.

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ALS to brother, presumably John Ferris who was a cabinetmaker. Specific instructions for a mahogany clock.

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1 ALS and extracts from other letters written by Fanny Canby to her cousin Anna Potts

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2 ALsS, the yellow fever epidemic. John Ferris, Benjamin's brother, died in November 1802 in Wilmington, having cared for others with the disease. He left a young widow, Sarah (Sally). Also, a poem about death.

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ALS mentions a horrible fire in Philadelphia and his problem with recurring fevers

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1 ALsS

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6 ALsS to her sister. These letters are a gift from Frances Canby Ferris, 1960

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3 ALsS. Mentions Quaker ministers William Crotch, Ann Alexander, Joseph Cloud

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ALS expressing his thanks to Ferris for supporting his cause. Friedlander was the founder and first Principal of the Overbrook School for the Blind

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10 ALsS. Describes Yearly Meeting in April, Jacob Lindley was inspiring in his sermons on slavery and war. Benjamin and Fanny were married 5 mo 17 1804.

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4 ALsS. Suggests the name Ferris Harlan for Joseph's child, saying that providing a child with the certain name can influence their character and skills as in the case of C. W. Peale's naming children after artists. In September, yellow fever again a scourge, and Ferris is quarantined.

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ALsS. Most are from Fanny. More household help issues. Benjamin considers buying a property in Philadelphia, agrees to take in Joseph and allusions to a crime that James (?) committed. Much concern about health, treatments for diseases and headache

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11 ALsS. In January Benjamin comments on the recent suicide of William Crotch, the Quaker minister who visited in 1804. Family concerns, including Ziba.

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3 ALsS. In February, Fanny relates that Jesse Kersey was visiting Philadelphia; he drew a large crowd at meeting, but did not speak, much to everyone's disappointment. Visits of Quaker ministers, including T. Scattergood

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2ALsS from Sarah Norris (?) Dickinson.

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5 ALsS with family and household news. Benjamin involved with founding a school. He recommends a volume of religious poetry by Addison which he enjoys very much.

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1 ALS to her sister. Hannah and Mary were nieces of Martha and William Canby and were raised them after the death of their mother, Martha Marriott Gibbons. After their cousin Fanny Ferris died in 1833, Hannah married Benjamin Ferris in 1835.

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1 ALS with detail about son, Edward [who died a few months later, 8 mo 31, 1810.] Visiting with Friends at Mill Town.

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1 ALS to his niece with news of Quaker meetings and ministers, including Susan Horne. George Churchman (1730-1814) visiting the meeting, and Bringhurst comments on his keeping on his hat; Jacob Ridgway trying to leave France.

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9 ALsS to sisters Anna Canby, Edith Ferris, and Deborah Bringhurst. Domestic issues, including hiring a young girl of 7.

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4 ALsS. Letters from Benjamin of 3 month, 1812, indicates that Fanny was having trouble nursing and in fragile health. He also described visit of Susan Horne and plan for her, together with Thomas Scattergood and Ellis Yarnall to visit Friends in Middle District. Also Isaac Sharpless' financial problems in NYC. Both mention that Anna (born 1811) and their earlier babies (who died in infancy) were difficult infants. In 1813, Benjamin was contemplating a change of occupation.

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9 ALsS. Letter of 1 month 8, 1812, talks about her sister's namesake, Anna, who is introduced to bottle feeding [Anna would die suddenly, 9/29/1814]. Cousin Hannah Gibbons is helping with the baby. 9 month, reports that Benjamin under much stress.

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ALsS

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3 ALsS to her cousin with personal advice.

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Fragment of letter describing his two daughters, Deb and Anna.

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5 ALsS to her sister. Letters of 4 mo 1815 describe visiting ministers and reports at the Yearly Meeting in Philadelphia

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ALsS to her cousin with personal advice and family news. In 7 mo 1819 shortly after the birth of Martha, she writes of the pressures of having four children under the age of 6. Her letters reflect the household and nursing responsibilities she held. In 7 month 1821 she mentions her confinement days before the birth of her eighth child, David. Religious musings.

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2 ALsS. In 1 mo, Fanny is visiting family in Philadelphia, and Benjamin sends family news and writes on his great satisfaction with marriage. 4 mo, he is in Philadelphia for the Yearly Meeting and reports on persons, including Jesse Kersey's proposal to have a joint meeting of yearly meetings.

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9 ALsS. A letter ca. 1820 describes the painful death of Sarah (?) ALS dated 1mo(?) 28 1820 from Mary Biddle relates that Lucretia and James Mott visited with her and husband Clement. Reports that Lucretia speaking more in public to good effect.

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ALS, mentions visit of Elias Hicks.

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ALS with family news.

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3 ALsS to their daughter attending School, with family news. Letter from Fanny 9 month concerning the death of her dearly loved mother, Martha Marriott Canby, on 8 mo 18, 1826.

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Miscellaneous ALsS from A.G. Ellis, Amy Yarnall, niece Jane Gibbons, , M. Canby, and others, 1828 mo letter from M. Canby descibes the Yearly Meeting.

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ALS to "Son Benjamin." Canby died in 1830

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4 ALsS, as Benjamin travels in 5 mo 6 1831 to New York and Nantucket, stopping at William Rotch's home in New Bedford. Describes the wealth of the area and Rotch's wife, the daughter of Job Scott, not dressed plainly. Fanny, at home, notes that J. Aldrich did not attend meeting and instead stayed outside.

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ALS

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ALS to his son who is a student at Henry Pike's Boarding School, Byberry.

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ALS to her brother

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ALS. Benjamin annotates that this is the last letter he received from her.

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ALS informing his cousin on behalf of Clement and Mary Biddle that their daughter, Martha, has died. Undated ALS to Fanny.

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Cover note enclosing letters from her sister, Fanny, who died the previous year.

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ALS in form of a poem, enclosing a sour treat.

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ALS from cousin, New York, with family news

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13 ALsS. 1838, traveling to Poughkeepsie for important business, reports work of an arsonist in Wilmington. Worried about behavior of son Edward; had wished other careers for sons rather than farming, but wants the best farm for David and offers advice. 1841 visits Gallaga's farm in Harford County and is pleased. 10 month 1842 notes that the economy is difficult in Wilmington, and farming may have been a good choice.

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ALS inquiring if Benjamin's son, David, intends to return to school. David boarded with the Paxsons while at school in Byberry.

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4 ALsS. 1841, happy to hear of purchase of Gallaga's farm. David is engaged in farming in Bonair (Fallston, Maryland), 1842-1852. In 1854, he sold farm to move to Jersey.

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ALS from Wilmington to cousin Mary at Bonair, Maryland, with local news

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4 ALsS. 1852, David is considering selling his farm and moving to N.J. (where Sarah Hunt, his wife's mother would like to move)

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ALS, 3 month 29, with congratulations on birth of his son. Reservations about the name "Francis" because of gender ambiguity and suggests name Elisha in honor of Elisha Hunt.

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ALsS. In early 1852, David wants to sell Bonair farm in Harford Co., but father urges him to proceed carefully and put the property in good order before putting it on the market. In 11 month, grandson Frank is visiting, and they plan to take him to be "daguerreotyped."

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ALsS. Ferris dotes on his grandson, Frank, who visits often. In 7 month a number of Friends visited Wilmington, including Rebecca Turner and Hannah Haydock. 8th month , his happy reply and advice on the announcement of the birth of David's daughter, Matilda. He notes that his son William who moved to Brest, Michigan, has been struggling in business. 10 month he reports that son Edward has left for a journey west, with a plan to visit Nebraska Territory, and he encloses a letter from Rebecca Turner.

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Letter of introduction for Anna [Ferris?]

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4 ALsS. William Gawthorp regarding Jacob Richards accounts; Joseph Lewis concerning insurance; G. H. Burr, bookseller.

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ALsS concerning his publications, etc.

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ALS concerning Providence Preparative Meeting in Fayette County, Pa.

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ALS. Annotation that Gibbons was in Baltimore attending the Abolition Convention. Gibbons (1781-1845)was a Wilmington physician and edited the journal the Berean.

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ALS concerning books that Ferris ordered

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ALS, cover letter with copy of Indian documents published by U.S. Senate

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Ferris ALS (copy) on the topic of grave stones

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ALS with concern about efforts to change the Discipline to abolish all select meetings, etc. Also, death of Benjamin Walmsley

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ALS with thanks for Ferris's report of the Yearly Meeting, but sorrow at the divisions in Indiana, Ohio, Philadelphia, and word of problems at Centre Monthly Meeting and Michigan Friends. Refers to "this modern reform disease." Concern for books for younger Friends.

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Ferris ALS (copy) on the topic of grave stones, remarks that he wrote an essay which was published in Friends Intelligencer. Also in folder, copy of an essay on the topic dates 3 mo 29 1851.

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Correspondence concerning his writing an introduction to the Journal of John Comly. Sarah (1810-1903) was the daughter of John Comly and married James C. Haviland in 1865. A rough draft of one of Ferris's responses

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ALS concerning reports problems with a burial in the Western burial ground and other disputes of property.

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ALS in response to Ferris's letter expressing interest in the Manual Labor School proposed by New England Anti-Slavery Society.

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2 ALsS with a draft of Ferris's response in which he urges Gibbons not to move too quickly.

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4 ALsS: 1842 informing that William Wharton is expected to recover; 1842, 1852 concerning books and research. Gilpin (1776-1853) was a Quaker merchant of Philadelphia and Delaware.

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ALS with praise for Ferris's book

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ALS concerning death of George F. White. Also printed poem on his death and funeral, signed Amanda Clark

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Ferris's draft of a letter with an account of the division in the Quarterly Meeting and elsewhere. Also a fragment of a sermon?

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ALS with his copy of a letter written by his father-in-law, Robert Hicks, to Samuel Griffith concerning correspondence between Oliver Johnson and George F. White regarding abolitionists. Elias Hicks (1815-1853) was the son of Valentine and Abigail Hicks. He married his second cousin, Sarah Hicks, in 1836. She was the granddaughter of Isaac and Sarah (Doughty) Hicks. (Oversized)

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3 ALS asking him to write a memorial for her son, Abraham Hicks. In a letter she relates her difficulties in raising him; he was born during her husband's final illness. In another letter, she expresses her discouragement with getting an memorial approved with the language she wanted.

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4 ALsS. 8 mo 31, 1821, concerning his disagreements with J. E. and the hostility shown him. 11 mo 1822 relays that T. McClintock and others aware of an "infamous conspiracy" against E. H. Hicks is interrogated by the Elders.

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ALS concerning the law suit against Friends in Steubenville, Ohio.

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ALS concerning publishing Elias Hicks's letters

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8 ALsS. Description of dissention in Darby Monthly Meeting and Quarterly, with complaints written for Jackson and others for attending conference at Green Street. Halliday Jackson (1771-1835) was a Quaker minister from New Garden and Darby, Pa. In 1828, he visited meetings to promulgate the Hicksite perspective. In letter of 9 mo 9 from Mount Pleasant, Ohio, he describes the meeting of six Orthodox with Elias Hicks. Before his death in 1835, Jackson wrote an incomplete history of the Separation.

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2 ALsS: 5mo 4 concerning a meeting of the Indian Committee on which he and Benjamin serve, with dismay for the condition of the Indians. 9mo 18, plans a visit to Wilmington and Stanton and wants to invite locals who are not necessarily Friends.

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ALS concerning Indian Committee and John Ross. Part of third page of letter is missing.

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ALS asking for an update on Quaker affairs in Wilmington; word is that Dr. Gibbons has left the meeting.

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2 ALsS. Judge (1750?-1834) was a recognized minister and friend of Job Scott and Elias Hicks.

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ALS. NYC bookseller, wanting copies of his book A History of the Original Settlements on the Delaware : from its discovery by Hudson to the colonization under William Penn.

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ALS informing Ferris of his plans to visit meetings in southeast Pennsylvania and Delaware

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2 ALsS. Ketchum disseminated the contents of Ferris's recent letter to Friends at Jericho, but Friends are not all in accord in how to proceed. Orthodox are involved with disowning members. Letter of 3 mo 19 1830 asks for assistance in preparing a memorial for Elias Hicks who died 2 mo 27. Gives details on Hicks's death, how he was writing to Hugh Judge when stricken with a stroke.

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ALS. Lancaster (1778-1838) lectured on developing common schools based on the "monitorial" plan of education. He and fellow British educator Dr. Andrew Bell developed similar systems, a source of controversy.

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5 ALS: 1827 11mo 22 about Elias Hicks and his theology addressed to John Cromwell (?). He writes about Thomas Eddy's efforts to ruin Elias Hicks. Leggett was a New York Hicksite Quaker. Also included is letter from J.(?) N. Williams from Ohio to Leggett.

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ALsS regarding his son's desire to find employment after having gone astray earlier.

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ALS from "a young Swedish Nobleman" declining Ferris's invitation to visit

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3 ALsS. Lippincott was an approved minister from Moorestown, N.J. She was long-time clerk of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting Women Friends. Includes a letter to British Friend with a defense of Elias Hicks. Also, copy of a letter from Mary S. Lippincott to William and Elizabeth Widdifield

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ALS. Detailed description of tumultuous meeting in the Northern District, begun with a sermon by John Mott but followed by a long acrimonious speech by Beulah Sansom against the ideas of Elias Hicks. Finally interrupted and the members much embarrassed. Also talk about the authorship of "Amicus." Lower (1776-1841) became a member of Green Street Monthly Meeting after the Separation; Philadelphia Monthly Meeting, Northern District, affiliated with the Orthodox.

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2 ALS: 10 mo intends to attend Baltimore Yearly Meeting in a time when abolition, women's rights, temperance, and spiritual knockings are the topics; 12 mo, approves of visit by William McGirr, minister from Westland Monthly Meeting, which expressed testimony against the reform movements.

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10 ALsS with drafts of letters of response, 1850-1853, from Ferris. McGirr was a well-known Quaker minister of Westland Monthly Meeting who wrote books on religious topics which he asked Ferris to edit and review. Of interest are Ferris's comments and editing on an essay "Is God and Unchangeable Being"

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6 ALsS concerning real estate. Also ALS from Ferris, 2mo 3, 1840, informs of his decision to dispose of his property in Philadelphia. Indentures filed with Business Papers.

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ALS (copy) concerning proposed road to be laid on property that Ferris owned.

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ALS about being insulted in Independence Hall

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ALS concerning certificate of Elizabeth Burghe. Mentions burials at Chappaqua of two non-members, one the victim of murder.

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ALS. Mott (1775-1862) was the widow of Robert Mott. She recounts a letter from her nephew Henry Haydock describing a visit of Elias Hicks, New York

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Incomplete ALS with meeting matters

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ALS with copy of short note from Ferris to Pease concerning religious books.

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2 ALsS, wants Ferris to join the Pennsylvania Historical Society

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ALS. Thornton (1822-1885) was the son of Henry and Mary Pike; he transferred his membership to Philadelphia Monthly Meeting (H) in 1843 and married Elizabeth Justice, daughter of George M. Justice, in 1847.

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Notes with religious sentiments, circa 1820, 5 pp with some sections missing. [Gift of Emma C. Bancroft, 1917, added to Ferris Collection at unknown later date.]

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7 ALsS. Letter of 4 month 18 relates that he received a letter from Edward Garrigues, discouraged that matters would settle. He laments that English and Irish visitors are causing discord. Letter of 1827 concerned with revising the Discipline.

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3 ALsS. Ferris refers to Orthodox publication of Extracts as a "Creed." Letter of 7mo 19, 1833, on behalf of the Committee, asks Price, a Philadelphia attorney, to offer advise on the NJ court case. Note at bottom from Thomas M'Clintock.

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ALS concerning arrangements for visiting minister George F. White of New York

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ALS reporting that Philadelphia Yearly Meeting (Orthodox) had avoided a separation between the Gurneyite and Wilburite factions. Price was a member of Philadelphia Monthly Meeting (Hicksite).

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ALS relates his visit in the ministry to Philadelphia Yearly Meeting and elsewhere in which he attended 40 meetings and visited 107 families, traveling 1600 miles in less than two months. Quimby was a member of Rochester Monthly Meeting and died in 1858 at age 80.

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7 ALsS concerning publication of Letters of Paul and Amicus. Included are two notes to Rakestraw, one from Robert Porter who was concerned about identifying the authors and one from Joseph Delaplaine.

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2 ALsS. Religious concerns.

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ALS concerning an F. Jackson wrongly held in a Richmond, VA, jail as a freedom seeker.

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ALS forwarding information about the Jamaican Legislature allowing African-American emigration.

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ALS concerning disownment of David Buzby, birthright member of Wilmington, because of his involvement with music which Savy [name illegible] thinks is harsh.

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TL (copy) concerning British intervention in American war.

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ALS, daughter of Amos Smith

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ALS with appreciation of Ferris's letter from New York State. ALS of 1840 mentions illness of George F. White and Joseph Parrish and the tarring of Daniel Neale.

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ALS concerning History of Swedes on the Delaware, together with Ferris's draft/copy; 10mo 29, requesting genealogical information about the Springer family

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ALS (copy), Ferris re-affirms his opinion on tombstones

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ALS concerning an alley on his property in Wilmington

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2 ALS, 1833, asking for his assistance to serve on the committee for Chesterfield Friends and also information about Welcome Gray; 1 ALS, 1838, concerns prison reform, end of death penalty.

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ALS, Ohio Yearly Meeting

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ALS concerning Indian concerns and includes copy of his letter to A. H. Sevier, chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. Thomas (1776-1861) was the first president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and active in the Society of Friends.

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ALS, distressed by divisions in the Society of Friends

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ALS

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ALS wishing for a visit

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5 ALsS with ALs (copy) response from Ferris.concerning Ferris's compilation of evidence against Friends and music, published as "A Few Testimonies of the Society of Friends concerning music. . . . "

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3 ALsS, concerning Meeting for Sufferings and his reaction to Dr. Gibbons' pamphlet

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1847: 2 ALsS primarily concern for young boys used as chimney sweeps. Also mention of Indian Committee. 1850, ALS answering his inquiry for a published article.

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2 ALsS. 1851: Question posed in Quarterly Meeting, if a Quaker buys an enslaved person and manumits him, can he indenture the same? 1852 for his advice concerning sale of property in Newport, Delaware

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3 ALsS. Mentions review of Discipline, illness of John Jackson, and his years at Cattaraugus.

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2 ALsS suggesting where Ferris's sons might be placed and Ferris's desire to buy real estate in that area. 1841 describes a theft

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ALS requesting Ferris to testify in the New Jersey case, and Ferris's response of 1830 11 mo 6 with his refusal, suggesting instead Lower.

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3 ALS. White was a popular New York Quaker minister with extremely conservative views against Quakers participation reform societies, including women's rights and abolition. Two of the letters include long commentary of published religious tracts.

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ALS in which he lists the Queries used by the Nicholites. He writes that he attended a service early in his life.

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ALS with news about Friends, including note that John and Phebe Merrit are on a visit to Nantucket. Willets was a wealthy New York merchant and patron of the artist Edward Hicks, to whom was related.

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12 ALsS with ALS (copy) from Ferris. Includes the report of the death of Rachel Hicks's only surviving child, Abraham, 11 mo 1, 1854. Mentions controversy about the Abraham Hicks testimony, very approving of Ferris's publication on music. Traveling with Quaker minister Rachel Hicks in 1856 until he had to abbreviate his trip when his wife, Caroline, suffered a fall. Caroline Willets was Rachel Hicks most frequent travel companion.

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ALS notes the prospect of a Friend giving up his music.

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ALS concerning his lawsuit with the Susquehanna Canal Company

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MS account of his marriage, by David Ferris (1707/08-1779). He married Mary Massey in 1735.

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"A Testimony Concerning the working of the Spirit of God with me, from my childhood. . . ." An account of his spiritual journey and religious visits from about 1741 to 1772. Benjamin Ferris, son of Zachariah and Sarah Ferris. Manuscript ends with his memorial for his deceased wife Phebe, the daughter of Eleazer and Elizabeth Beecher, who was a Quaker minister.

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"Collected as near as could be remembered by B. Ferris"

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Note on inside cover by Benjamin Ferris: "This work is the third volume- the two former I have seen, but believe they are in the possession of some of the descendants of the author's sister Mary. I think the present volume is not in the handwriting of Benjamin Ferris. It appears more like his father's writing -who probably copied it from the original after his son's decease. Benjamin Ferris was the son of David Ferris whose Journal is in print. He was born in 1740 and died in the spring of 1771. Some notice of his funeral may be found in John Churchman's Journal. Wilmington 12 month 1836. Benjamin Ferris." A journal of his travels in the ministry; he traveled with his father.

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MS poem by Zebulon Ferris, "Father's first cousin"

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Account of last days of Abraham Gibbons, died 1797, signed by Margaret Canby

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Includes his trip 7 month to Philadelphia for the marriage of his sister, Deborah. Note by Ferris in 1826 on last page.

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Diary of a visit to Nantucket

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Short entries, including activities

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Daily entries, including weather, activities, and purchases

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Daily entries, including weather, activities

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Daily entries, including weather, activities, and purchases with notes on history research at end of volume

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Ms draft

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Ms, published in Friends Intelligencer

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Ms, published in Friends Intelligencer

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Ms translation from the French, first 40 pages of Histoire des Trembleurs by Francois Catrou, 1733.

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Ms collection of poetry from various sources, bound

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Oversize MS, ornate calligraphic hand

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Thomas Brown, for The Berean; "Account of John Steel;" Death of Eliza Robinson, 1853; Thomas Evans (published 1868)

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MS, small volume

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Published pamphlet by Jonathan Evans, Clerk. Ferris notes: "Inclosed is an Original Copy of a Creed. . . . It was got passed and printed by the Philadelphia Meeting for Suffering read in the Yearly Meeting and rejected in the 4th mo. 1823." Annotations in text.

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Published booklet. Note in preface that published without the permission of the correspondents

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Published booklet

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MS, bound volume

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MS minutes of the Committee appointed at a general meeting of Conference held at Green Street Meeting House and Published Statement "exhibiting the causes that have led to the Dissolution of the Connexion which existed between Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting and the Monthly Meeting of Friends held at Green Street.

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Rough notes on April conferences. Ferris annotation that the minutes are in the handwriting of Dr. William Gibbons

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Note in Ferris's hand that addressed to Yearly Meeting in London, but returned, unread. Subsequently published by Philadelphia yearly Meeting

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MS book with minutes of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting minutes and committee minutes

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Notes and remarks on Comly, including his response to charges that he was one of instigators of division in Society of Friends and essay for memorial after his death

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Published in NY. Handwritten additions to title has it read: "Testimony or Creek of the Orthodox Society of Friends, or Episcopalian Quakers"

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Partial drafts of epistles

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MS bound. "containing a Review of the fundamental Doctrines of Friends and also An explanation of some of the passages in the Sermons of Elias Hicks Which have been censured by is enemies"

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Two MSS drafts of essays on J. J. Gurney. Essay begins as a response to letter Gurney address to Friends of Baltimore Yearly Meeting

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"Historical Review of the Rise and Progress of the Separation. . . Prepared by a Committee of the Meeting for Sufferings." Two typed carbon copies

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MS fragment, written on reverse of an report of the account of Margaret Brookes with John Brookes, 1828

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Fragments of drafts on the Separation

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Draft of a response

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Original document and copy. Wilmington

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Receipt, list of jurors

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Opinion by Nicholas Waln on settlement of Lydia Ferris estate, etc. John Ferris (1746-1828) married Lydia Zane in 1771. She died in 1782. He married second Ann Gilpin (1762-1822), a Quaker minister.

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Photocopy of original

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Loose receipts, etc. Wilmington and then Philadelphia

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Loose receipts, etc. Accounts and receipts, Dr. John Ferris

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Surveys and drawings for properties including the division of Bonair.

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Includes a description of the windmill invented by Joseph Pope. Note on reverse: "He invented a Threshing Machine, and came to Irene DuPont to see one put up for him. He was several days at our house - a very sensible, amiable old man whose features and person strongly resembled the Bust or Statue of Dr. Franklin in Philadelphia. They were early related. 9 mo 1840 - D.B."

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Receipt, witnessed by Samuel Canby

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Indenture agreements

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Receipts, checks, etc. Ferris and Gilpin, Wilmington

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Small volume started 1800 with note made by Ferris in 1855. Second volume is expenditures, 1816-1826

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Primarily accounting of improvements to property

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Estate of Henry White Physick (1758-1821). Physick was the son of Edmund and Abigail Syng Physick of Philadelphia and the brother of prominent physician Phillip Syng Physick. His mother had become a member of the Society of Friends in 1790 (Philadelphia Monthly Meeting, N.D.) and both parents were buried at the Quaker burial ground at 4th and Arch. Henry W. Physick (1758-1821) married Adriana Haynes. He had a considerable estate, including property in Wilmington. Includes correspondence with his daughter, Hannah H. Physick, who made a complaint to Wilmington Monthly Meeting concerning Ferris's handling of the estate. Also certificate for George Physick for bounty land in Illinois, 1818.

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Notice from Pennsylvania Militia for not complying with military request. Ferris noted on notice that he already had removed to Wilmington 5 month 1813.

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Two volumes. 1815 memo book includes a note concerning agreement between Ferris and William and Martha Canby regarding their home in Wilmington, as boarders in the household. 1817-1818 volume includes sketches.

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Wilmington, accounting of legal and business jobs, charge and payment

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Property records, deeds and indentures

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Accounts. Ferris, together with William Logan Fisher, was executor and guardian for the minor children of Ann Eliza Fisher. She was the widow of James Logan Fisher of Philadelphia. Her three sons lived with Sarah Logan in Germantown, Pa., after their mother's death. File includes correspondence with Sidney George Fisher, eldest child (1809-1871) and gentleman farmer and writer, best know for his diaries.

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Estate of Mary Huggins, New Castle Co., Delaware. Property inherited by daughter, Ellen, wife of Jacob Eglee and then her sons. In later years, Ferris was in partnership with David Smyth, his brother-in-law, in handling the estate. Smyth married Fanny Canby's sister, Anna, in 1815.

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