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Leon Gardiner collection of American Negro Historical Society records, 1860-1890 (bulk) 1715-1962, undated (inclusive)

Extent:
8.5 linear feet (, 15 boxes, 35 volumes)
Abstract:
The American Negro Historical Society was founded in 1897 by a group of Philadelphia blacks to study and preserve materials documenting the American black experience. Among the founders and early members were Robert Adger, W.M. Dorsey and Jacob C. White, Jr., who donated materials to the society, some of which are present in the collection. The collection is composed of administrative records of the society and materials collected by some of its members, including correspondence, minutes, reports, financial documents, membership lists, records of lectures and debates, library catalogues, baseball lineup and scorecards, speeches, printed matter, and portraits of distinguished black leaders and abolitionists.

Held at: Historical Society of Pennsylvania [Contact Us]

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Simon Gratz autograph collection, 1343-1928

Extent:
190.0 linear feet (; 633 boxes (18 volumes in boxes))
Abstract:
The collection was assembled by Simon Gratz, Philadelphia lawyer, school board member, and trustee of the Free Library. He began collecting at age 17 and, by the time he died, amassed about 175,000 manuscripts and portrait engravings and lithographs. Many of the latter he personally commissioned. In 1916 he became a vice-president of the Historical Society. Gratz continued until the end of his life to deal with such notable American collectors as George Brinley, Louis J. Cist, Adrien Joline, Charles J. Jones, E.H. Leffingwell, and Joseph J. Mickley. The dealers with whom he dealt included Charavay in Paris, Naylor and Maggs in London, Cohn in Berlin, Benjamin in New York, and A.S.W. Rosenbach in Philadelphia. The records of his transactions survive from 1861 to 1925 in his "Autograph Journals." On January 1, 1925, Gratz noted that his collection had, because of astute sales and exchanges, "cost less than nothing." Gratz acquired his collection by exchange with and purchase from a...(see more)

Held at: Historical Society of Pennsylvania [Contact Us]

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Simon Gratz autograph collection, 1517-1925 (inclusive)

Extent:
130.4 linear feet (; 326 boxes)
Abstract:
This autograph collection was created by Simon Gratz, starting in his late teens. A myriad of documents are included and represent Gratz’s philosophy of collecting and the many relationships he formed with other collectors in the United States and abroad. Contained here are autographed letters, legal documents, and artifacts from many prominent and well known figures and personalities in the arts, religion, government, education, and military. While there are some non-substantive letters written to Gratz much of the collection includes correspondence between prominent women and men across classes, professions, and nationalities. The collection dates from the sixteenth century to the early twentieth century. Besides date range, this collection differs slightly from the Simon Gratz collection (#250A) in its alphabetical arrangement, compared to the arrangement by categories/subjects (Case) in #250A. One other distinction in this collection are the personal letters and papers of Simon...(see more)

Held at: Historical Society of Pennsylvania [Contact Us]

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Andrew Atkinson Humphreys papers, 1850-1879 (bulk) 1708-1930, undated (inclusive)

Extent:
69.0 linear feet (120 boxes, 76 volumes, 15 flat files)
Abstract:
The papers of Andrew Atkinson Humphreys span the course of Humphreys's career, including his service in the Second Seminole War, his work as a civil engineer on surveys along the U.S. coast and the Mississippi River, as chief of staff for General George Meade; and as head of the United States Corps of Topographical Engineers. The collection consists of correspondence, orders, reports, payment vouchers, ephemera, maps, survey data, drafts and published works. The most significant groups of materials in this collection are documents from the Civil War, including muster rolls, reports, orders, and payment vouchers, which may have been collected when Humphreys served in the Army of the Potomac; and papers related to the survey of the Mississippi River in the 1850s and 1860s. Also of interest are Humphreys's later reflections on the Civil War in his notes and manuscripts for Gettysburg to the Rapidan and The Virginia Campaign. Also included in this...(see more)

Held at: Historical Society of Pennsylvania [Contact Us]

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Robert Proud collection, 1681-1811 (bulk) 1681-1903 (inclusive)

Extent:
2.8 linear feet (; 7 boxes and 1 flat file)
Abstract:
Robert Proud was born on May 10, 1728 in Yorkshire England, and was trained formally in a Quaker school in classical studies. He moved to Philadelphia in 1759, and by 1761 was teaching Latin at the Friends School. Proud was a staunch Loyalist. From 1775 to 1780, Proud left his teaching post and went into seclusion, where he began writing on various subjects. Most of his writings were never published. Also during these years, he worked extensively on what became his most best-known work, The History of Pennsylvania in North America. The book was highly unsuccessful, due to its Loyalist leanings, and some very strong inaccuracies. Robert Proud died in 1813 at the age of 85. The collection is arranged into two series, the first consisting mostly of handwritten copies and drafts of The History of Pennsylvania in North America, and primary source materials used in the book. The second series consists of memoranda, poetry, and other personal papers.

Held at: Historical Society of Pennsylvania [Contact Us]

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Read family letters, 1716-1872 (inclusive)

Extent:
0.4 linear feet (; 1 box)
Abstract:
The Read manuscripts collection contains information on the many facets of George Read’s far-reaching lifework, and includes significant material on the development of Delaware. The correspondence dates from April 23, 1716 (predating George Read’s life) to March 9, 1872. Read’s varied career encompassed, but was not limited to, participation in the Continental Congress as a representative from Delaware (1774-1777), President of Delaware (1777-1778), and membership in the United States Senate (1789-1793). The collection gives the reader insight into Read’s participation at the 1787 Constitution Convention as a representative from Delaware. Some day-to-day details of a personal nature are also reflected in letters to friends and family.

Held at: Historical Society of Pennsylvania [Contact Us]

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Conrad Weiser papers, 1741-1783 (inclusive)

Extent:
1.33 linear feet (2 boxes, 4 volumes)
Abstract:
This collection contains the papers of Conrad Weiser (November 2, 1696 – July 13, 1760), a German immigrant who settled in Pennsylvania and became an Indian affairs agent and lieutenant colonel for the British forces in the French and Indian War. Weiser was responsible for negotiating many treaties with the Iroquois which transfered land ownership from the Native Americans to the colony of Pennsylvania and ensured the support of the Iroquois for the British during the war. His papers consist of correspondence, financial records, muster rolls, legal documents, a bound ledger, and a journal of a 1750 trip to Onondaga. The manuscripts in this collection were originally bound into two volumes, and their folders retain their volume and page numbers. The order of items in the volumes was loosely chronological and this arrangement has been kept.

Held at: Historical Society of Pennsylvania [Contact Us]

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Parrish and Pemberton families papers, 1614-1880

Extent:
1.0 linear feet (; 2 boxes, 3 volumes, 1 flat file)
Abstract:
The Parrish and Pemberton families were wealthy Quaker merchants living in Philadelphia during the 18th century. They shared a dedication to several benevolent causes, among them the abolition of slavery, improvement of relations with the Indians, penal reform, and the poor. This collection contains a selection of documents from and pertaining to both families. The Parrish documents focus on several noted family members, principally John Parrish (1728/29-1807), who was a Quaker minister active in promoting good relations with the Indians, and his nephew Dr. Joseph Parrish (1779-1840), a noted Philadelphia physician who was an outspoken abolitionist and crusader for penal reform. The Parrish family documents then follow Joseph Parrish’s sons Dillwyn Parrish (1809-1886), a prominent Philadelphia pharmacist who was also a dedicated abolitionist and crusader for racial equality, and his brother Samuel Parrish (1822-1872), who appears to be largely responsible for gathering much of the...(see more)

Held at: Historical Society of Pennsylvania [Contact Us]

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John Meredith Read papers, 1818-1873 (bulk) 1746-1917 (bulk 1818-1873) (inclusive)

Extent:
11.0 linear feet (; 28 boxes)
Abstract:
John Meredith Read (1794-1874) was a Philadelphia lawyer, jurist, and politician. He served on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and was a founding member of both the Free Soil and Republican parties. This collection of John Meredith Read's papers deals mostly with his legal career and covers his political career to a lesser extent. The collection spans Read life and includes some papers from his ancestors as well as his children. There is both business and personal correspondence, legal papers, financial records, estate papers, papers on the Masons, miscellaneous ephemera and printed matter, and volumes.

Held at: Historical Society of Pennsylvania [Contact Us]

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Logan family papers, 1731-1838 (bulk) 1704-1842 (inclusive)

Extent:
1.0 linear feet (; 1 box, 3 volumes)
Abstract:
The Logan family of Philadelphia, beginning with James Logan (1674-1751), secretary to William Penn, became one of the most prosperous and influential families in the region. This small collection contains in three volumes and one box a miscellaneous assortment of documents and letters, most of which revolve around James Logan; his son William (1717-1776), William's son George (1753-1821); and George Logan's wife, Deborah Norris Logan (1761-1839). William Logan's papers make up the bulk of the collection, and they primarily relate to business, horticulture, and estate settlement. Notably, the collection also contains an undated memorandum, initialed by William Penn, of Colonel Robery Quary's complaints against the administration of Governor William Markham.

Held at: Historical Society of Pennsylvania [Contact Us]

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"The Making of Modern Law: Trials, 1600-1926 Digital Archive" Tapes, 1600-1926 (inclusive)

Extent:
1 box
Abstract:
The Making of Modern Law is a three part series that contains a vast array of information on legal history. This collection consists of the backfiles of the The Making of Modern Law: Trials, 1600-1926, which is the third series. The bulk of the collection consists of 10 Super DLT Tapes which contain files on unofficially published accounts of trials; official trial documents, briefs and arguments; and official records of legislative proceedings, administrative proceedings and arbitrations. The collection also has a complete file list which is included on the CD disc.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Biddle Law Library [Contact Us]

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John Frederick Lewis collection of autographs of engravers, 1775-1850 (bulk) 1721-1914 (inclusive)

Extent:
3.43 linear feet
Abstract:
John Frederick Lewis was a Philadelphia lawyer, philanthropist, and collector of writing samples. This collection contains letters, receipts, and other documents by British engravers. Most of the material was written in England between 1775 and 1850. Many of the letters discuss artistic matters and contain references to well-known engravings.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Rare Book Department [Contact Us]

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History of the Book and Illustrations collection, circa 1250-2000 (inclusive)

Extent:
1.46 linear feet
Abstract:
This collection contains material that shows the history of the book. The majority of the examples of manuscripts are illustrations but there are a few letters and other documents. The printed material in this collection spans the 13th to the late 16th centuries and contains examples of different printing techniques.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Rare Book Department [Contact Us]

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Historical manuscripts collection, 1775-1885 (bulk) 1347-1969 (inclusive)

Extent:
1.5 linear feet
Abstract:
This is a varied collection of historical manuscripts obtained by the Free Library of Philadelphia over the course of its history. The collection dates from 1347 to 1969 and is primarily an autograph collection. The collection includes American, British, and European materials; the majority of the items are American. There are typewritten transcriptions of some of the letters in the collection.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Rare Book Department [Contact Us]

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Hatfield and Hibernia Park records, 1743-1975 (inclusive)

Extent:
7.0 linear feet
Abstract:
The County of Chester owns the Hatfield and Hibernia estates, both of which played parts in the early iron industry in Pennsylvania. The families who lived on those estates (the Hatfields, Downings, Brookes and Swaynes, to name only a few) were involved with other ventures such as a general store and a convalescence home. The Hatfield and Hibernia Park records document the families, businesses, and property transfers of the families living in the Hatfield and Hibernia homes from the 1700s to the 1900s. Researchers interested in land and property records, iron works, 19th century general stores, and rest homes will find this collection to be extremely valuable.

Held at: Chester County Archives [Contact Us]

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Logan family papers, 1684-1925 (inclusive)

Extent:
11.0 linear feet and 10 containers, 62 volumes
Abstract:
The Logan family was prominent in Philadelphia from the start of the province, serving the people in many capacities, including political, medical and literary. This is a collection of manuscripts obtained by the Library Company of Philadelphia that relates to the Logan family. The collection includes papers of the Logan family members Albanus Charles, Algernon Sydney, Deborah Norris, William Jr., and James as well as family materials collected by Frances A. Logan and William Logan Fox. The collection dates from 1684 to 1925 and consists of family papers, correspondence, diaries, writings, medical texts, lecture notes, financial records, poetry, visiting cards, and invitations.

Held at: Library Company of Philadelphia [Contact Us]

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Gerard van Swieten dictata in materia medica, 1733-1756 (inclusive)

Extent:
8.0 volumes
Abstract:
Gerard van Swieten (1770-1772) was a Dutch-Austrian physician who served as the personal physician to Austrian Empress Maria Theresa in 1745 and transformed the Austrian health services as well as medical university education. This collection consists of eight volumes of medical writings in Latin concerning nutrition, pharmacy, and surgery. Several pages at the beginning of Volume I, and a few pages elsewhere, are translated into English on the facing pages.

Held at: Library Company of Philadelphia [Contact Us]

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Christ Church records, 1695-2016 (inclusive)

Extent:
200.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Christ Church is an Episcopal church located in the Old City section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was established in 1695 as a condition of King Charles II of England's 1681 Charter to William Penn, which allowed for the formation of Church of England congregations in Pennsylvania. Several notable Philadelphians attended services at Christ Church including Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross, and members of the Continental Congress. Christ Church records, 1695-2016, document Christ Church and its parish and congregation. The records consist of vestry minutes, parish records, accounting and financial records, deeds, architectural drawings, photographs, and audiovisual materials. In addition, there are materials from parish organizations and affiliated institutions such as Christ Church Hospital, Episcopal School, Christ Church Burial Ground, and Christ Church Preservation Trust. A detailed finding aid is available on-site.

Held at: Christ Church Archives [Contact Us]

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Philadelphia Yearly Meeting Records: Annual Sessions, 1662-2022 (inclusive)

Extent:
60 linear ft. and 0.1 gb
Abstract:
A general meeting for Friends in the Delaware Valley area was first convened at Burlington in 1681. The first general meeting held in Philadelphia was in 1683, and in 1685, it was agreed that the meetings in New Jersey and Pennsylvania should be combined into one yearly meeting with alternate sessions at Philadelphia and at Burlington. The great Separation among Philadelphia Friends into Orthodox and Hicksite branches occurred at the Yearly Meeting of 1827. Through the course of the early 20th century, the PYMs began to draw back together until 1955 when organic union was formally approved, and a reunited PYM, the present organization, was created. Records of the annual sessions of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting include minutes and other records such as epistles sent and recieved which pertain to those annual sessions. Also included are the records of those committees charged with the preparations for the annual sessions.

Held at: Quaker Meeting Records at Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections and Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

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Lippincott-Dillwyn papers, 1738-1824 (inclusive)

Extent:
.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (4 folders.))
Abstract:
This collection includes a daily journal and spiritual essays by William Lippincott and extracts on theological themes by George Dillwyn. Also included is the copy book of Edward Randolph, dated 1822, and a bound manuscript entitled The Experiences of Margret Bispham, of Mount Holly, 1769. This manuscript reflects the influence of Quakerism and spirituality on the choices of an 18th century Quaker woman.

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

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Jacob Decou family papers, 1724-1830 (inclusive)

Extent:
.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (11 folders.))
Abstract:
This collection includes miscellaneous papers of the Decow family, including wills, financial papers, personal correspondence, and legal documents. Notable among these is the daily journal of Isaac Decow, the son of Jacob Decou.

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

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Samuel Smith papers, 1740-1817 (inclusive)

Extent:
.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (8 folders.))
Abstract:
This collection includes 10 memorandum books of Samuel Smith, recounting his experiences as a travelling Quaker minister on his journeys in the eastern United States, Liverpool, London and Scotland. Also included is the copy book of a certain "S.B." of Darby Monthly Meeting, dated 1740-1746. This book contains tables of climates and distances, home remedies, and personal financial records. Notable are a list of the holdings of the Philadelphia library in 1741, an elegy to John Chalkley (1741), and an elegy to Robert Jordan.

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

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Francis Daniel Pastorius Frankfort Land Company papers, 1683-1721 (inclusive)

Extent:
.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (15 folders.))
Abstract:
This collection includes photocopies of papers relating to Francis Daniel Pastorius in his role as agent for the Frankfort Land Company. In particular they refer to the legal dispute over the ownership of the land in 1708.

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

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Post family papers, 1742-1908 (inclusive)

Extent:
.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (25 folders.))
Abstract:
Correspondence received by Mary and Joseph Post from 1833 to 1882. Also includes a letter from Elias Hicks to Willet Robbins, a letter received from the English Quaker minister, Martha Routh (1782), and a number of family deeds and other papers. Correspondents of Joseph and Mary Post include Anna Greene, John Ketcham, Amy (Kirby) and Isaac Post, Joseph Dugdale, James and Lucretia Mott, and Cyrus Peirce. Topics include the illness of Priscilla Cadwallader"modern" abolitionism, spiritualism and the "Rochester rappings," freedom seekers in Rochester, the Pennsylvania Yearly Meeting of Progressive Friends, Rowland Johnson, the ministry of Lucretia Mott, Susan B. Anthony, and related topics.

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

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Parrish family papers, 1662-1873 (inclusive)

Extent:
.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (21 items (in 8 folders)))
Abstract:
Collection of family papers includes letters received by Abraham Scott, 1700-1704, a volume containing copies of letters written by George Dillwyn in relation to his wife's inheritance of part of the estate of Richard Hill, Hannah Moore, and Henry Hill, including a house in Madeira, 1799-1816, and an almanac with notations by Captain John Hollitt. Of particular interest is John Parrish's diary of his journey in the ministry from Philadelphia to Virginia in 1782. Also included are copies of letters to and from William Penn, a copy of a marriage certificate in a Quaker style between William Boin and Dido, a "negro woman" 1763, and other miscellaneous manuscripts.

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

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Balderston Collected Manuscripts, 1735-1822 (inclusive)

Extent:
.1 linear ft. ((19 items.))
Abstract:
Most of the correspondence in this collection is addressed to Henry Drinker concerning trivial and more substantive matters of his business and that of the Society of Friends, including a letter from William Savery in 1794 from Canadagua describing a visit to the Oneidas. Also included are a document from the Philadelphia Committee to Joseph Elkinton in Tunesassah (1822) and a subscription list (1831) for J.J. Foster's publication on the New Jersey Crosswicks trial, signed by Roberts Vaux and others.

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

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Rumford estate papers, 1705-1809 (inclusive)

Extent:
.1 linear ft. (.1 linear feet (1 folder.))
Abstract:
Estate papers of the Rumford family of Delaware, 1705-1809. Includes: will and witness affirmation, Feb. 3, 1730, revised will, Nov. 26, 1738, and inventory, Dec. 5, 1738, of John Rumford; will, March 10, 1784, and witness affirmation , May 2, 1772, of Francis Way, as well as a statement of repeal of Francis Way's will by John Rumford, Oct. 25, 1784; the will of Jonathan Rumford, Jan. 24, 1772; the will of Sarah (Rumford) Shipley, Dec. 2, 1805; the will of Jonathan Rumford, Sept. 1790; Samuel Hollingsworth's account of Jonathan Rumford's estate, 1809.

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

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Quaker Disciplines, 1689-2018 (inclusive)

Extent:
9 linear ft.
Abstract:
The Society of Friends or Quakers (the terms are synonymous) was founded in the middle of the seventeenth century in England by George Fox and others. The Friends Historical Library has collected Quaker disciplines since its founding in 1871. FHL is also the official repository for the records of seven American yearly meetings.

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

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Gathered Leaves: Miscellaneous Papers from New York Yearly Meeting, 1694-1871 (inclusive)

Extent:
.75 linear ft. (3 boxes)
Abstract:
The bulk of the collection is epistles, sorted roughly by topic. William Wood, the Clerk of New York Yearly Meeting who arranged the collection, was particularly interested in the issues of slavery, freedmen, peace testimony, and religious education. Also included are correspondence, Quaker documents, and miscellaneous papers. Correspondents include Moses Brown, William Rickman, John Pemberton.

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

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John Greenleaf Whittier Manuscript Collection, 1708-1896 (inclusive)

Extent:
6 linear ft. (11 boxes)
Abstract:
John Greenleaf Whittier was a New England Quaker poet, journalist, and abolitionist. His poetry, inspired by his religious and moral beliefs, was well regarded during his lifetime, and he was respected by both Orthodox and Hicksite Quakers. The collection contains Whittier correspondence, manuscript poetry, books, photographs and miscellaneous material.

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

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Friends Historical Library account book collection, 1729-1946 (inclusive)

Extent:
7 linear ft.
Abstract:
Account books are ledgers in which commercial and personal financial accounts are recorded. This collection consists of individual account books that were given to the Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College as single accessions.

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

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Smedley Family Scrapbook, 1700-1833 (inclusive)

Extent:
.25 linear ft. (1 volume)
Abstract:
These manuscripts of the Smedley family, Quakers of Chester County, Pennsylvania, were collected by Mary (Green) Smedley in the early 20th century. The scrapbook contains primarily 18th century legal and property documents concerning Thomas Smedley (1688?-1758) of Willistown, Chester County, a member of Goshen Monthly Meeting, and his descendants, particularly George Smedley (d. 1783) and family. The scrapbook includes records relating to a property dispute between George Smedley and George Albridg(e) which was taken up by Goshen Monthly Meeting and led to Smedley's disownment by the Meeting on 1766 12 month 5. His appeal to the Yearly Meeting was rejected the following year. Of particular interest is a 1759 manumission document for James Thompson, signed by George, Francis, John, and Thomas Smedley, as willed by their father Thomas Smedley. The collection also includes family wills, distribution of the estate of George Smedley by the executor, his wife Patience (1731-1812), and...(see more)

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

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Public Friends manuscripts collection, 1656-1899 (inclusive)

Extent:
.3 linear ft. (1 document box)
Abstract:
While the Society of Friends is a "ministry of all believers," historically certain members have been recognized for their spiritual gifts. Those who undertake to travel and preach with the approbation of their home meeting are known as Public Friends. Especially in the 17th, 18th, and 19th century, traveling ministers served a key role in forming Quaker social and theological networks, fostering unity within the Society of Friends, and providing spiritual enrichment to Quakers across the world. Ministers who felt a spiritual opening directing them to travel would tell their Monthly Meeting, and if approved, the meeting would write a minute for the minister to carry on their journey and present to the Meeting(s) they visited. Quaker Meetings would often keep records of the Public Friends who visited them. This collection consists of lists of Public Friends, as well as minutes from Quaker meetings approving ministers to travel. Items were written by various Quaker meetings or...(see more)

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

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Friends Historical Library collection of certificates of removal, 1685-1850 (inclusive)

Extent:
.1 linear ft.
Abstract:
A certificate of removal is a document given to persons who are transferring their membership from one monthly meeting to another. Their removal testifies that they are members in good standing with the meeting they are leaving. This collection consists of miscellaneous certificates of removal, from various meetings and regarding various Friends, collected by the Friends Historical Library over time. It contains a mix of original documents and copies.

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

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