Call Number:

SC.062

Repository:

Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College

Extent:

.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (17 folders.))

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College, Hannah Hurnard Family Correspondence, 1804-1836.

Date:

1804-1836 (inclusive)

Creator:

Hurnard, Hannah, 1778?-1835, Bringhurst, Deborah, 1773-1844, Hurnard, Robert, b.1774, and Fennell, George, b.1787

Abstract:

This collection includes the correspondence of Hannah Hurnard and her family, written between Essex, England, and Wilmington, Delaware. The letters document the family's emigration to America, their struggles adapting to life there, and finally their return to England. Letters between Hannah and her sister, Elizabeth Clark, share family and local news. Letters from Mary Thresher relate the activities of Quaker ministers, including Stephen Grellet, Jesse Kersey, and Nathan Hunt. The letters reflect opinions on contemporary events in English politics. Letters from American friends relate the growing division in the Society sparked by the teachings of Elias Hicks. Deborah Bringhurst, a Wilmington Hicksite, gives a detailed account of events surrounding the Separation. Robert Hurnard condemns her position. Letters from George Fennell to his family in England, relate details of his emigration to North Carolina, and his observations on the American south.

Hannah Hurnard was an English Quaker. Born around 1778, she was the daughter of John and Hannah Clark. She was married to Robert Hurnard at Coggeshall Monthly Meeting in 1800. They emigrated to Wilmington, De., with their children, but eventually returned to England. Hannah Hurnard died in Essex, England, in 1835.