New England Yearly Meeting Quaker History Collection

1691-1950
2 boxes (1.0 linear feet)
Call no.: MS 926
rotating decorative images from SCUA collections

During the early twentieth century, the library at the Moses Brown School (formerly the Friends Boarding School) became an informal repository for Quaker manuscripts reflecting the history and work of the Society of Friends. Most of these materials were later transferred for custody to the school's governing body, the New England Yearly Meeting of Friends.



This miscellaneous assortment of letters was apparently set aside by the staff at the Moses Brown School due to their historical content and preserved in the "vault." Many of the letters appear to have been retained as good examples of Quaker expression of family and friendly bonds or as documentation about significant periods in Quaker history, particularly the Gurneyite-Wilburite controversy of the 1840s, and several touch on Quaker involvement in the antislavery and peace movements. Of special note are four interesting letters from the Quaker minister and social reformer, Elizabeth Comstock, written during and just after the Civil War; a series of nine lengthy letters from a visiting English minister Isaac Stephenson, traveling through New England meetings; a substantial series of letters from prominent Friend Samuel Boyd Tobey; and three letters from Harriet Beecher Stowe to Sarah F. Tobey regarding attempts to connect Stowe with Alexander T. Stewart in hopes of raising funds for her plans for the education of women.

See similar SCUA collections:

Background on New England Yearly Meeting of Friends

During the early twentieth century, the library at the Moses Brown School (formerly the Friends Boarding School) became an informal repository for Quaker manuscripts reflecting the history and work of the Society of Friends. Most of these materials were later transferred for custody to the school's governing body, the New England Yearly Meeting of Friends.

Scope of collection

This miscellaneous assortment of letters was apparently set aside by the staff at the Moses Brown School due to their historical content and preserved in the "vault." Many of the letters appear to have been retained as good examples of Quaker expression of family and friendly bonds or as documentation about significant periods in Quaker history, particularly the Gurneyite-Wilburite controversy of the 1840s, and several touch on Quaker involvement in the antislavery and peace movements. Of special note are four interesting letters from the Quaker minister and social reformer, Elizabeth Comstock, written during and just after the Civil War; a series of nine lengthy letters from a visiting English minister Isaac Stephenson, traveling through New England meetings; a substantial series of letters from prominent Friend Samuel Boyd Tobey; and three letters from Harriet Beecher Stowe to Sarah F. Tobey regarding attempts to connect Stowe with Alexander T. Stewart in hopes of raising funds for her plans for the education of women.

The collection includes a bound, hand-written index to the collection prepared while at the Moses Brown School. Most, but not all items listed in the index are present in the collection.

Inventory

1793 Mar. 8
1p.
Box 1: 1

Almy's sister Carr and daughter Sukey intend to open a school for "young misses" where they will teach "all kinds of nice needed work -- tambour -- open work embroidery in contours on muslin for gowns and shawls and instruct them in every thing proper for young ladys who wishes to make a figure in life..." Inquires whether Sterry has a daughter who might wish to attend.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Babcock family: Correspondence from Providence Seminary, Westerly, Ferrisburgh, Vt., and Monckton, N.S. (photocopies of transcripts)
1783-1825
Box 1: 2

Regarding an incident in the Revolutionary War; family letters. Location of originals unknown.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Bowerman, Elihu: Letter to Jonathan and Abigail Nichols (Fairfield, Me.)
1848 Mar.
5p. (transcript)
Box 1: 3

Memoir of homesteading in Fairfield, Maine, beginning 1777 (also Vassalboro, Kennebec County). Original at Maine State Library.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Cadbury, Henry
1942-1949
4 items
Cadbury, Henry J.: Postcard to Ethyn Williams Kirby (Cambridge, Mass.)
1942 Nov. 11
1p.
Box 1: 4

Inquiring about the souce of her claim that George Keith visited Barbadoes, 1648.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Cadbury, Henry J.: Letter to Mrs. Ethyn Williams Kirby (Cambridge, Mass.)
1942 Oct. 16
2p.
Box 1: 4

Inquiries about her book on George Keith.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Cadbury, Henry J.: Letter to Mrs. Ethyn Williams Kirby (Cambridge, Mass.)
1949 July 31
1p.
Box 1: 4

Relaying information on George Keith and refusal to take oath

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Kirby, Ethyn Williams: Notes
ca.1942
1p.
Box 1: 4

Also includes letter of transmittal from David J. Martz, Brown University, stating the Cadbury letters were laid into a copy of Kirby's book on George Keith and had no value to Brown.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

A call from death to life, being an account of the sufferings of Marmaduke Burroughs, William Robison, and Mary Dyer in New England. Providence : Privately printed
1865
47 p.
Box 2: 1

Report of London edition of 1660.

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

Casey, John: Letter to Lois Mowry (East Greenwich, R.I.)
1799 Jan. 28
3p.
Box 1: 5

Letter of support in times of affliction.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Catalog of the ministry Friends that have visited Nantucket
1848
1 item
Box 2: 2

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

Chase, Thomas: Composition (examination) on the powers of intellect and morality
1841
1 item

Examination, presumably from the Friends' Boarding School.

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

Clark, Edwin L.
1919-1948
4 items
Hoover, Herbert: Letter to Edwin L. Clark
1936 May 22
1p.
Box 1: 6

"I greatly appreciate such devotion."

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Dewey, Thomas E.: Letter to Edwin L. Clark (Albany, N.Y.)
1948 July 1
1p.
Box 1: 6

"...I deeply appreciate the good things you say and your good wishes."

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Roosevelt, Franklin D.: Certificate of appreciation for participation in the Navy's Eyes for the Navy program (Washington, D.C.)
1919
1p.
Box 1: 6

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Clark, Edwin L.: Letter to Mr. Thomas (Providence, R.I.)
undated
1p.
Box 1: 6

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Clark, John M.: Letter to Dear Friend
ca.1830
4p.
Box 1: 7

Letter of courtship to a young woman professing his admiration for her character.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Chase, Thomas: Composition (examination) of the powers of intellect
1841
1 item
Box 2: 3

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

Comstock, Elizabeth L.
1864-1865
4 items
1864 Nov. 15
4p.
Box 1: 8

Have recently toured the colored schools in Portsmouth. Meeting with Edwin M. Stanton: "I was something to this effect, that I stood in the presence of the Secy of War as an Ambassador of the Prince of Peace. I referred to the heavy burden he had resting upon him & the arduous labors, & wearyness, reminding him of the gracious tender language of imitation 'come unto me all ye that labor & are heavy laden &c.'"

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

1864 Dec. 30
4p.
Box 1: 8

Her two prisoners are freed, praying for the release of the other 13 "who still remain in the convict cells in Baltimore penitentiary upon charges of harboring fugitive slaves or aiding them in their escape from slavery. One a poor grey headed negro, who helped his wife to get away, another who aided his children..."

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

1865 Mar. 9
4p.
Box 1: 8

Enjoying her time at home though the call to attend to the world's troubles remains. "I have been trying to cook, but alas my skill is very small in this line & after an hour over the cookstove, the result is a head ache, a burned hand, some grease on my dress, & some burnt meat & smoked potatoes, & heavy pancakes. I have no faculty for the cookstove & my neighbors look down upon me, for my lack of culinary skill, & I smile to myself & rejoice that notwithstanding my insufficiency at the cookstone, wash tub & churn, I have meat to eat that they know not of, a peace & a joy that they understand not..."

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

1865 Apr. 26
4p.
Box 1: 8

Reaction to the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Visit by a young mother and young children.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Earle, Pliny: Letter to Augustin Jones (Northampton, Mass.)
1888 June 22
1p.
Box 1: 9

Letter transmitting autograph note of Elizabeth Fry, 1837, inviting him to breakfast (both pasted on a board).

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Edwards, William: Inventory of the estate of William Edwards (Newport, R.I.)
1709
1 item
Box 2: 4

Detailed inventory and appraisal.

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

Emerson, Amelia F.
1935
3 items
Emerson, Amelia F.: Letter to James B. Conant (Concord, Mass.)
1935 Dec. 5
2p.
Box 1: 10

Request for Conant to have Harvard support the faculty men who refuse to take the Teacher's Oath.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Emerson, Amelia F.: Letter to James M. Curley (Concord, Mass.)
1935 Dec. 27
2p.
Box 1: 10

Request for support of the faculty men who refuse to take the Teacher's Oath: "These Quakers have no Bolshevic spirit and are most loyal citizens of their State and Country..."

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Morison, Samuel Eliot: Letter to Amelia F. Emerson (Cambridge, Mass.)
1935 Jan. 3
1p.
Box 1: 10

Supports her objections to the Oath Bill, though he has no qualms for himself, and does not like the "ugly spirit" behind it.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Folsom, Alvira
1844-1847
2 items
Folsom, Alvira M.: Letter to Abby P. Folsom (North Berwick, Me.)
1844 Mar. 10
3p.
Box 1: 11

Enjoys keeping school much; has thought about going into the factory.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Folsom, Alvira M.: Letter to Abby P. Folsom (Epping, N.H.)
1847 Feb. 27
2p.
Box 1: 11

Visitor (young man) came by on Abby's 16th birthday. Family news.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

George Fox's epistles (extracts by unidentified author)
ca.1820
1 item
Box 2: 5

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

Gifford, Dorothy W.: Letter to Thomas Battey
ca.1950
7p.
Box 1: 12

Re: Apponegansett Meetinghouse; was the place where the movie Down to the Sea in Ships was filmed, with Quakers wearing old clothing.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Goerke, Oscar: A brief essay on the doctrines and principles of the Society of Friends, written for the present time
1958
1 item
Box 2: 6

Original written in May 1870 and reproduced by the West Falmouth Preparative Meeting in 1958.

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

Greene, Rowland
1835-1837
5 items
Greene, Rowland: Letter to Albert Rowland Greene (Cranston, R.I.)
1854 Mar. 20
1 p.
Box 1: 13

Letter to grandson that he is glad to learn of their return to Apponaug (Warwick), R.I. Offers to help set him up with two pullets and a leader to start him in his poultry raising.

Greene, Rowland: Letter to Freelove Greene (Philadelphia, Pa.)
1835 May 30
3p.
Box 1: 13

Visit to meetings, Westtown School and Haverford School.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Greene, Freelove: Letter to Rowland Greene (Providence, R.I.)
1837 July 17
3p.
Box 1: 13

Witnessing the departure of the boat Narragansett for the south: "P[erez] Peck expects to be absent about five weeks. He seems to entertain no fears with regard to Lynch laws, but really the governors of the South are exercising their authority as appears from report and also from Wm Bassett's letter in the Liberator..."

Freelove Greene was a child of Rowland and Susannah (Harris) Greene.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Society of Friends: List of the names of Friends that composed the committee of Conference appointed by the several Yearly Meetings on the American Continent
1829 July
1 p.
Box 1: 13

Rowland Greene's name is added in manuscript to the delegation from New England Yearly Meeting with note: 'Rowland Green having furnished the manuscript list, from which these were printed, omitted the insertion of his own name, which must apologize for the omission in type. He was in useful attendance at the time of declaration was framed; and also at the meeting of the Committee in Ohio, the year previous."

Ticker, E. Amiah: Letter to Mrs. Greene (East Greenwich, R.I.)
1918 Apr. 30
3p.
Box 1: 13

Thanks for lending books to read.

Griscom, John
1817-1839
2 items
Griscom, John: Letter to William Dillinger (New York, N.Y.)
1817 Sept. 28
4p.
Box 1: 14

Ill health prevents his visiting Europe.Visit to Philadelphia; visit to Silliman at New Haven; Yearly Meeting. Boarding School and gift of land by Moses Brown. Boston: "The hospitality of Boston is of rather a peculiar kind. It is either the effect of a very rarified politeness or of a kindness & warmth of feeling which strangers too seldom meet with. In the place where, half a century ago, a plan coat was an object of contempt, derision & persecution, I met with a degree of attention which banished reserve & a kindness which made me feel almost at home..." Visit to Burlington.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Griscom, John: Letter to Samuel Austin (West Haverford, Pa.)
1839 Nov. 3
2p.
Box 1: 14

Estimating value of his mineral collection for sale to the Moses Brown School.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Gurney, Joseph John: A few select extracts from the journal of Joseph John Gurney. London : W. and F. G. Cash
1854
1 printed vol.
Box 2: 7

Includes facsimiles of Gurney's writing.

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

1783 Sept. 9
2p.
Box 1: 15

Urging Davis, a Friends minister, who had separated from his meeting, to return.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

History of the English Bible, with reflections. New York : American Tract Society
ca.1830
1 printed vol.
Box 2: 8

With typical ATS woodcuts.

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

Holder, Christopher: ephemera
1908
3 items
Box 1: 16

Photographic reproduction of "warnings from the Spirit of ye Lord," 1659; facsimile signature; brochure "A brief account of the sufferings and services of Christopher Holder for the faith of Friends" (1908).

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Hoxsie, Peter et al.: Proposal for the support of Peter Davis and wife (Newport, R.I.)
1808
1 item
Box 2: 9

Poor support arranged through an unidentified monthly meeting.

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

Hunt, Thomas T.: Letter to Perez Peck (Franklinsville, N.C.)
1850 Feb. 22
8p.
Box 1: 17

School; discussion of unease raised at Yearly Meeting over Peck renting his house to a company of showmen, whom he insists acted well, resulting in the demand they cease affiliation with the boarding school (thought likely from a long-standing dispute).

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Jones, Augustine
1909-1913
2 items
Jones, Augustine: Letter to Mary H. Gifford (Newton Highlands, Mass.)
1909 Dec. 10
7p.
Box 1: 18

Rush Hawkins visited the School and said he had a better portrait of Moses Brown; background on the portrait.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Jones, Augustine: Letter to Thomas J. Battey (Newton Highlands, Mass.)
1913 Dec. 10
2p.
Box 1: 18

Knows nothing of the records mentioned.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Jones, Emily M.: Letter to Thomas J. Battey (Limington, Me.)
1928 Jan. 26
2p.
Box 1: 19
Jones, Rufus M.
1885-1922
3 items
Jones, Rufus M.: Letter to Dear Friend (Haverford, Pa.)
1922 May 22
1p.
Box 1: 20

Recommends Elihu Grant for Bible talks, or Elbert Russell.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Jones, Rufus M.: Letter to Dear Friend (Haverford, Pa.)
1922 June 17
2p.
Box 1: 20

Can do the talks if needed, but advises Charles Woodman if he can be reached.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Jones, Rufus M.: Copies of letters to Edward L. Farr
1881 Sept. 11-1884 Apr. 8
16p.
Box 1: 20

Regarding teaching; friendship.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Kempton, Aaron: Photocopies of letters
1827-1858
Box 1: 21

From originals at the William L. Clements Library.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Knowles, Robert: Request for release from agreement to purchase a farm (Richmond, N.H.)
1766
1 item
Box 2: 10

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

The late Nicholas Brown. Providence, R.I. : Knowles and Vose
1841
1 printed vol.
Box 2: 11

Memorial pamphlet on Nicholas Brown, Jr.

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

Miscellaneous materials
undated
6 items
Miscellaneous clipped signatures
undated
6 items
Box 1: 22

Includes Edward Buffington, Charles W. Earle, Resolved Harvey, E. E. Hazard, Christopher Holder (facsimile), Clarence E. Pickett.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Miscellaneous printed and manuscript materials relating to Quakers and the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection
1893-1929
1 folder
Box 2: 12

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

Mott, Marion: Letter to Mr. Gifford (Radnor, Pa.)
1925 Dec. 27
2p.
Box 1: 23

Regarding donation of marble bust of Lucretia Mott.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Morton, Mary R.: Typescripts of correspondence with Abigail Robinson
1817-1824
Box 1: 24

Regarding tensions and schisms within the meetings. Donated by Arthur Worrall, 1967; originals in possession of Henry A. Wood.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

New England Yearly Meeting. Ministers and Elders: Report (Providence, R.I.)
1770
1 item
Box 2: 13

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

Olney, Thomas, Jr.: Considerations on George Fox's Instruction. See Philadelphia Friend, vol. 7
ca.1870?
1 item
Box 2: 14

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

Paul's Travels, designed to accompany a map
ca.1870?
1 broadside
Box 2: 15

Poetical broadside with decorative border.

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

Providence (R.I.): guides to historic sites
1916-1962
5 items
Box 2: 16

Miscellaneous touristic and other guides to sites, most with Quaker connections.

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

Rathbun, Joshua: On his disownment and reinstatement for purchase of slaves (Richmond, N.H.)
1765-1800
4 items
Box 2: 17

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

Register of all the Publick Friends that have visited New England [titles vary somewhat
1786-1860
4 items

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

Register of all the Publick Friends that have visited New England
1786
1 item
Box 2: 18

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

Register of all the Publick Friends that visited New England
1817
1 item
Box 2: 19

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

Register of Public Friends that have visited New England
1819
1 item
Box 2: 20

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

Register of the names of the Public Friends that have visited New England
1834
1 item
Box 2: 21

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

Register of Public Traveling Friends
1845
1 item
Box 2: 22

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

Register of all the Public Friends that have visited New England, by Ann B. Buffum
1855
1 item
Box 2: 23

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

Register of the names of Friends who have visited New England
ca.1860
1 item
Box 2: 24

Through 1815, but evidently copied later based on paper.

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

Rodman, Benjamin: Request for return to meeting after disownment for slaveholding (South Kingston, R.I.)
1807
1 item
Box 2: 25

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

Rotch, William: Letter to Charles and Mary Bunker (New Bedford, Mass.)
1808 Jan.
2p.
Box 1: 25

Consolation on death of a son lost at sea.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Sharpless, Isaac: Friends and war. New York : s.n.
ca.1917
1 printed pamphlet
Box 2: 26

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

Smith, Richard: Explanation of reasons for manumitting an enslaved woman (New London, Conn.)
ca.1770
1 item
Box 2: 27

Lengthy justification for opposition to slavery.

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

Smith, William et al.: Dispute over a hogshead of molasses and defamation (Dartmouth, Mass.)
1772-1775
43 items
Box 2: 28

Testimonies and motions in dispute over molasses and ensuing defamation; case was heard at Dartmouth Monthly, Rhode Island Quarterly, and New England Yearly Meeting, and involved David Smith, Humphrey Smith, Daniel Cornell, and Jabez Barker among others.

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

South Kingston Monthly Meeting: Report of visitors on the state of the meeting (South Kingston, R.I.)
1754
1 item
Box 2: 29

Detailed inventory and appraisal.

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

Spawn, Willman and Carol M. Spawn: "Francis Skinner: bookbinder of Newport," Winterthus Portfolio, vol. 2 (offprint)
1965
1 item
Box 2: 30

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

Stephenson, Isaac
1823-1824
10 items
Stephenson, Isaac: Letter to Hannah Stephenson (Swansea, R.I.)
1823 Nov. 4
4p.
Box 1: 26

Ministerial travels in Rhode Island meetings, visit to Moses Brown School.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Stephenson, Isaac: Letter to Hannah Stephenson (Henniker, N.H.)
1823 Nov. 19
4p.
Box 1: 26

Ministerial travels in New Hampshire (Pelham, Keene, Ackworth, etc.).

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Stephenson, Isaac: Letter to Hannah Stephenson Gorham, Me.)
1823 Dec. 1
4p.
Box 1: 26

Ministerial travels in Maine, including meeting at a Presbyterian church.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Stephenson, Isaac: Diary of ministerial travels
1823 Dec. 6/1824 Nov. 9
42p.
Box 1: 26

Ministerial travels in Maine, New England, New York; state of meetings.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Stephenson, Isaac: Letter to Hannah Stephenson (Bristol, Me.)
1823 Dec. 26
4p.
Box 1: 26

Ministerial travels in Maine.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Stephenson, Isaac: Letter to Hannah Stephenson (Portland, Me.)
1824 Jan. 7
4p.
Box 1: 26

Ministerial travels in Maine.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Stephenson, Isaac: Letter to Hannah Stephenson (Yarmouth, Mass.)
1824 Feb. 13
4p.
Box 1: 26

Ministerial travels in New England.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Stephenson, Isaac: Letter to Hannah Stephenson (Richmond, R.I.)
1824 Mar. 17
4p.
Box 1: 26

Ministerial travels in Rhode Island.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Stephenson, Isaac: Letter to Hannah Stephenson (New Bedford, Mass.)
1824 June 18
3p.
Box 1: 26

Ministerial travels in Rhode Island, Massachusetts; Yearly Meeting.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Stephenson, Isaac: Letter to Hannah Stephenson (Nantucket, Mass.)
1824 June 26
4p.
Box 1: 26

Ministerials travels on Nantucket.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Sturge, Joseph: Printed circular letter to Friends in the United States (New York, N.Y.)
1841 July 17
3p.
Box 1: 27

Regarding his trip to the United States to promote the abolition of slavery in compliance with the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society; urging Friends individually and collectively toward acting on abolitionism. Letter sent to Abraham Shearman, Jr.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Taber, William C.: Letter to his son
ca.1869
2p.
Box 1: 28

Accounting of school's finances and contract with Albert Smiley.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Tobey, Samuel Boyd
1802-1838
52 items

A prominent physician from Providence, Samuel Boyd Tobey was a widely respected member of the Society of Friends in New England during the mid-nineteenth century. An approved minister affiliated with the Providence Monthly Meeting, he served in several capacities in the Yearly Meeting with a strong focus on education. He was also a trustee and chancellor of Brown University.

Gove, Daniel: Letter to Samuel Boyd Tobey (Weare, N.H.)
1802 Jan. 13
2p.
Box 1: 29
Greene, Rowland: Letter to Samuel Boyd Tobey (Plainfield, Conn.)
1819 Apr. 13
1p.
Box 1: 29

Recommendation for Tobey, who "lived in my family about eighteen months as a scholar."

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Tobey, Samuel Boyd: Letter to Benjamin Greene (Providence, R.I.)
1822 May 2
3p.
Box 1: 29

Describes his school (Friends Boarding School) and friends.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Peace Society of Windham County: Thanks to Obadiah Brown Benevolent Fund for gift of 150 copies of Rev. Kellogg's sermons and 60 copies of Hancock's Peace exemplified...
1830 Feb. 10
1p.
Box 1: 29

Signed by Samuel J. May as Recording Secretary.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Gummere, John: Letter to Samuel Boyd Tobey (Burlington, N.J.)
1831 Nov. 28
3p.
Box 1: 29

Delayed in completing his order for (scientific) instruments by poor quality of the work.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Bates, Elisha: Letter to Thomas Evans (Providence, R.I.)
1833 July 13
1p.
Box 1: 29

Order for stereotype plates of the Donctrines of Friends.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Gummere, John: Letter to Samuel Boyd Tobey (Haverford, Pa.)
1835 Mar. 19
1p.
Box 1: 29

Accepts his invitation to visit.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Tobey, Samuel Boyd: Letter to Abraham Shearman, Jr. (Providence, R.I.)
1838 Jan. 3
3p.
Box 1: 29

Requests Shearman's attention to the School Committee's plan for dividing the year into two terms. The state penal code in RI is under revision and the question of abolishing the death penalty is being considered; proposes putting a copy of Edward Livingston's pamphlet against the death penalty into every legislator's hands. Thomas Howland is very unwell; Elisha Bates has been ordaineed a minister in the Methodist Society.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

1838 July 19
2p.
Box 1: 29

Alfred Cope of Philadelphia ia visiting, "a very clever & highly respectable young man."

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

1838 Oct. 4
4p.
Box 1: 29

Response to visit of J.J. Gurney to the city: "He is no ordinary man; -- especially as a Quaker preacher. . . . I agree with thee in considering JJG as opposed to all 'modern ultraism.' He is an enlightened man, & brings the doctrines of the gospel to bear... But I am not so clear with regard to his opposition to ancient ultraism; for such it appears to me was the character of much of the practice of the founders of our society..."

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Tobey, Sarah F.: Letter to Samuel Boyd Tobey (Weare, N.H.)
1842 Asug. 1
3p.
Box 1: 30

News of their son. Much talk about the war in Rhode Island (Dorr Rebellion) and the part Friends have played in it, saying they supplied soldiers when their goods may have been pressed.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

1844 May 31
3p.
Box 1: 30
1845 Sept. 12
4p.
Box 1: 30

No secession has taken place in North Carolina over the Gurneyite-Wilburite controversy, though the men ministers are nearly all identified with the Wilburites and abou two thirds of the elders too.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

1845 Oct. 3
2p.
Box 1: 30

Indiana Yearly does not accept the epistle from separating New England Yearly Meeting.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Jones, Eli: Letter to Samuel Boyd Tobey (New Garden, N.C.)
1845 Nov. 19
4p.
Box 1: 30

News of Friends; "held a metting at N. Garden for the colored people, between 50 & 60 were present."

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Tobey, Samuel Boyd: Letter to Abraham Shearman, Jr. (Providence, R.I.)
1846 June 21
1p.
Box 1: 30

Remitting a letter.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Hawkhurst, Sarah C.: Letter to Samuel Boyd Tobey (New York, N.Y.)
1846 July 16
3p.
Box 1: 30

Re: distribution of good books with assistance of Obadiah Brown Benevolent Fund, etc.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

1846 Oct. 10
2p.
Box 1: 30

Indiana Yearly Meeting. Wilburites sent an epistle that was ignored.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

1847 Apr. 17
4p.
Box 1: 30

Confined by lameness. Death of JJ Gurney. Distressing news of treatment of English Friends Bejamin Seebohm and Robert Lindsay in Philadelphia.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Chase, Stephen A.: Letter to Samuel Boyd Tobey (Salem, Mass.)
1847 July 6
1p.
Box 1: 30

Seeks meeting on contract for railroad iron.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Creston, Galloway: Letter to Samuel Boyd Tobey (Baltimore, Md.)
1847 Sept. 29
1p.
Box 1: 30

Sending a portrait of the late JJ Gurney.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Day, Mahlon: Letter to Samuel Boyd Toby (New York, N.Y.)
1847 Dec. 28
2p.
Box 1: 30

Re: subscription to the London Friend. Abraham Shearman is gone. Hoag and Wood are opening a "Free Produce" store nearly opposite Day's bookstore on Pearl Street.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Howland, Thomas: Letter to Samuel Boyd Tobey (East Greenwich, R.I.)
1848 Jan. 3
4p.
Box 1: 30

Sturge's letter in the Liberator on Dr. Wayland is regretable. Believes that in the school "the dismission of disorderly young men, say from 14 years and upwards is the best remedy that has been practiced for the preservation of the school -- I have not as yet become so much of a Nogovernment man as to rely solely on moral suasion when dealing with obstinate boys."

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Boyce, Samuel: Letter to Samuel Boyd Tobey (Salem, Mass.)
1848 Mar. 15
2p.
Box 1: 30

Militia Bill is being considered with no exemption for Friends; wishes Meeting for Sufferings take up the matter.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

1858 May 8
4p.
Box 1: 30

Perspective on the Wilburite separation in the Society.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Crewdson, Wilson: Letter to Samuel B. Tobey
1848 Nov. 15
1p.
Box 1: 30
1848 Aug. 12
2p.
Box 1: 30
1848 Aug. 30
1p.
Box 1: 30
1849 Dec. 11
4p.
Box 1: 30
Mott, Richard: Letter to Samuel Boyd Tobey (Burlington, N.J.)
1849 Dec. 14
3p.
Box 1: 30

On the tragic loss of Anna A. Jenkins and daughter.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Thomas, Richard H.: Letter to Sarah F. Tobey (Baltimore, Md.)
1853 Mar. 15
1p.
Box 1: 31

Has heard Samuel is in Charleston. Whooping cough in family.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

1854 Feb. 13
4p.
Box 1: 31

Does not believe John Wilbur can get up a separate organization and that it will die away. Death of W.F., who left instructions that his coffin should be very plain and simple, etc.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

1854 Feb. 21
4p.
Box 1: 31

Wife's illness; death of William Forster. John Wilbur at meeting.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Forster, Josiah, John Candler, and William Holmes: Printed circular letter (Philadelphia, Pa.)
1854 Mar. 11
1p.
Box 1: 31

Statement that the delegation from the London Yearly will continuing to spread the address against slavery after the death of one of its members, William Forster.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Pease, Henry: Letter to Samuel Boyd Tobey (Pierremont, Mo.)
1856 Aug. 21
4p.
Box 1: 31

Dr. Thomas has left; presidential election excitement and hopes for Fremont.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Bettle, Samuel: Letter to Samuel Boyd Tobey (Philadelphia, Pa.)
1857 May 31
4p.
Box 1: 31

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Hadwen, Joseph: Letter to Samuel Boyd Tobey (Manchester, England)
1858 Aug. 6
4p.
Box 1: 31

Death of Edwin Pease. News that the Atlantic cable has been laid down successfully despite his doubts it could happen. . . "What may we not live to see? Preparations are actively going forward for laying down a cable in the Red Sea, which will be continued to Calcutta & then New York or even the Pacific states may have news from India..."

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Ashworth, Henry: Letter to Samuel Boyd Tobey (Bolton, England)
1859 June 10
4p.
Box 1: 31

Remitting publications. Changes in rules for marriage (allowing exogamy); support of the poor in meeting, and other changes in Queries and Advices. Distressing news of war in Europe.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Braithwaite, J. B.: Letter to Samuel Boyd Tobey
1859 July 23
4p.
Box 1: 31

Letter of introduction for William Gillett.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Cortland, Moses A.: Letter to Samuel Boyd Tobey (North Weare, N.H.)
1860 July 8
4p.
Box 1: 31

Change of life in his family (after death of wife?); almost embarrassed that Tobey is a subscriber to his paper.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Coffin, C. F.: Letter to Samuel Boyd Tobey (Lynn, Mass.)
1860 Nov. 25
2p. with encl.
Box 1: 31

On the death of their beloved Theo, with 3p printed memorial by Hannah L. Neall, containing an excerpt of a letter and poem.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Lang, J. D.: Letter to Samuel Boyd Tobey (Vassalboro, Me.)
1862 Aug. 25
2p.
Box 1: 31

Letter of condolence.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Unidentified author: Letter to Samuel Boyd Tobey (Lewes, England)
1862 June 3
4p. (incomplete)
Box 1: 31

Concern in the Yearly Meeting over the situation in America; true peace principal.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Beede, M. H.: Letter to Samuel Boyd Tobey (Pawtucket, R.I.)
1865 Mar. 21
1p.
Box 1: 31

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Andrew, John Albion: Letter to Sarah F. Tobey (Boston, Mass.)
1865 Aug. 26
3p. with clippings
Box 1: 31

Schedule of forthcoming trip.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Beede, M. H.: Letter to Samuel Boyd Tobey (Pawtucket, R.I.)
1865 Dec. 20
1p.
Box 1: 31

Submitting an article fo the Review.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Beede, M. H.: Letter to Samuel Boyd Tobey (Pawtucket, R.I.)
1866 Dec. 5
1p.
Box 1: 31

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Shearman, Abraham, Jr.: Letter to Samuel Boyd Tobey
undated
3p.
Box 1: 31

Requesting background on the Friends as a preface to a memorial he is publishing.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Gould, John Stanton: Extract of letter to Samuel Boyd Tobey
ca.1860
3p.
Box 1: 31

Statement regarding their visitation to every jail in the state; women prisoners: "fully one half of the commitments are women. Men have almost entirely ceased to seduce women -- the seduction is now almost wholly done by their own sex. There are organized bands of women roving the state who are far more deeply versed in certain branches of medicine than most physicians who carry on their trades -- 1st poisoning.. 2nd they procure abortion... 3rd they seduce pretty girls in factories, farm houses and wherever they are found..."

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Wayland, F.: Letter to Samuel Boyd Tobey
undated
1p.
Box 1: 31

Offers a set of Lizar's anatomical plates as a "token of grateful remembrance."

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Howard, C.: Letter to Samuel Boyd Tobey (Providence, R.I.)
undated
3p.
Box 1: 31

Sending verses , including on Joseph John Gurney, Samuel Tuke, James Backhouse, Friend Fortster, Isaac Crewdson, Betsey Fry, Like Howard, and Joel Leam.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Howland, Thomas: Letter to Samuel Boyd Tobey (East Greenwich, R.I.)
undated
4p. (incomplete)
Box 1: 31

Lengthy discourse on civil government.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Tobey, Sarah F. (correspondence with and about Harriet Beecher Stowe and Alexander T. Stewart)
1865-1867
5 items
1865 Nov. 22
4p.
Box 1: 32

Introducing Harriet Beecher Stowe, who will be visiting Brooklyn and who wishes to explain her views on education.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

1865 Dec. 9
3p.
Box 1: 32

Commends "the program proposed by the Ladies of Hartford, for the mental & physical improvement and advancement of women." Agrees to meet Harriet Beecher Stowe, but not necessarily to promise aid.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

1866 May 31
2p.
Box 1: 32

Wishes she would use her gentle influence over A. T. Stewart to support her plans for education of women.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

1867 July 29
2p.
Box 1: 32

Condolences.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

1867 Jan.
2p.
Box 1: 32

Note on associated envelope: "Letter from Mrs. Stowe on a rough draft of a poem of hers -- given Sarah F. Tobey, by Catherine Beecher, 1st mo. 1867."

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Trueblood, D. Elton: Letter to Willis H. White (Boston, Mass.)
1824 Nov. 18
1p.
Box 1: 33

Knows Ralph Boring.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

1803 Nov. 5
3p.
Box 1: 34

Travel from Baltimore to North Carolina over unpleasant roads and few Friends. Meeting in North Carolina.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Winslow, Henry: Letter to Eunice Winslow (Providence, R.I.)
1838 Mar. 30
1p.
Box 1: 35

Health has improved, though Benjamin has now taken ill.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Unidentified author: Letter to unidentified recipient (Concord, N.H.)
1910 Oct. 16
4p. (incomplete)
Box 1: 36

Letter, possibly to Dorothy Flint, stating she is a descendant of both Roger Williams and Mary Dyer.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Unidentified Friend: Journal
1786-1789
1 item
Box 2: 31

Original diary of Friend visiting Newport and Nantucket. Purchased by LRT for the Book Committee of the Obadiah Brown Benevolent Fund, Apr. 4, 1938.

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

Unidentified author: Memorandum of my journey with B. Mitchel
1817 June
1p.
Box 1: 37

Narrative of ministerial journey with Benjamin Mitchell to meetings in southern New England.

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Unidentified Friend: Sermon (Like 22:19)
1774
1 item
Box 2: 32

Original diary of Friend visiting Newport and Nantucket. Purchased by LRT for the Book Committee of the Obadiah Brown Benevolent Fund, Apr. 4, 1938.

Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.

Poetry
undated
2 items
Unidentified author: Poem: On the death of James R. Rhodes
undated
3p.
Box 1: 38

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Unidentified author: Poem: 'Four-score today as by the olden rule...'
1887 Mar. 9
2p.
Box 1: 38

Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.

Administrative information

Access

The collection is open for research.

Provenance

Part of the New England Yearly Meeting of Friends Collection, received 2016.

The Quaker Collection consists of individual manuscripts and small groups of manuscripts that were part of the New England Yearly Meeting of Friends Records. These included several small artificial assemblages of manuscripts previously known as the Friends Autograph Collection (assembled at the Moses Brown School), supplemented by miscellaneous material held elsewhere. When known, we have recorded the provenance.

Digitized content

Selected materials in the autograph collection have been digitized and are available online through our digital repository Credo.

Processing Information

Processed by I. Eliot Wentworth, July 2015.

Language:

English

Copyright and Use (More information )

Cite as: New England Yearly Meeting Quaker History Collection (MS 926). Special Collections and University Archives, University of Massachusetts Amherst Libraries.

Search terms

Subjects

  • Antislavery movements--United States
  • Gurney, Joseph John, 1788-1847
  • United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
  • Wilbur, John, 1774-1856

Contributors

  • New England Yearly Meeting of Friends [main entry]
  • Comstock, Elizabeth L.
  • Hicks, Elias, 1748-1830
  • Stewart, Alexander Turney, 1803-1876
  • Stowe, Harriet Beecher, 1811-1896
  • Tobey, Samuel Boyd, 1805-1867
  • Society of Friends--History

Genres and formats

  • Correspondence

Link to similar SCUA collections