Call Number:

SC.300

Repository:

Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College

Extent:

1 folders

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Edwin L. Peirce carbon paper letter book, SC 300, Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College.

Date:

circa 1885-1891 (inclusive)

Creator:

Peirce, Edwin L. (Edwin Leedom Peirce), 1858-1904

Form:

letter books

Abstract:

This carbon paper letter book was written by Edwin L. Peirce, a convinced Friend and acknowledged minister of Green Street Monthly Meeting. It contains his correspondence with prominent Friends including Rufus P, King, Rebecca Janney and Nathaniel Richardson. Of special interest is the report he made representing a committee of Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting circa 1885-1886 concerning visits to meetings under its care. Also, his comments on Quaker schools, especially Swarthmore College which he recommended be under the care of the Yearly Meeting rather than embracing progressive ideals.

Edwin Leedom Peirce (1858-1904), son of Maurice and Elizabeth Peirce, joined Philadelphia Monthly Meeting of the Society of Friends in 1880. In 1882, he transferred his membership to Green Street Monthly Meeting. An enthusiastic convinced Friend, he was active in the Society, serving as clerk and on committees. In 1888 he was acknowledged as a minister by Green Street Monthly Meeting and traveled widely, visiting meetings and schools. In 1889, he married Sarah D. Lippincott, daughter of Jesse and Elizabeth Lippincott of Moorestown, New Jersey. In 1890 he was reported for unpaid debts and acknowledged errors of mismanagement, and his apology was accepted by the Meeting.

He died at the age of 45, and his funeral was attended by many prominent Friends including Joseph S. Elkinton and Samuel Ash. In his letter book, his correspondents included the Quaker minister Rufus P. King, Rebecca Janney, Nathaniel Richardson, and other prominent Friends.

This carbon paper letter book was written by Edwin L. Peirce, a convinced Friend and acknowledged minister of Green Street Monthly Meeting. It contains his correspondence with prominent Friends including Rufus P, King, Rebecca Janney and Nathaniel Richardson. Of special interest is the report he made representing a committee of Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting circa 1885-1886 concerning visits to meetings under its care. Also, his comments on Quaker schools, especially Swarthmore College which he recommended be under the care of the Yearly Meeting rather than embracing progressive ideals.