New England Yearly Meeting of Friends Quaker History Collection
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This miscellaneous assortment of letters was apparently set aside by the staff at the Moses Brown School due to their historical content and preserved in the “vault.”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.
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This miscellaneous assortment of letters was apparently set aside by the staff at the Moses Brown School due to their historical content and preserved in the “vault.”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.
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.
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.
Regarding an incident in the Revolutionary War; family letters. Location of originals unknown.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Memoir of homesteading in Fairfield, Maine, beginning 1777 (also Vassalboro, Kennebec County). Original at Maine State Library.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Inquiring about the souce of her claim that George Keith visited Barbadoes, 1648.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Inquiries about her book on George Keith.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Relaying information on George Keith and refusal to take oath
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
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.
Report of London edition of 1660.
Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.
Letter of support in times of affliction.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.
Examination, presumably from the Friends’ Boarding School.
Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.
“I greatly appreciate such devotion.”
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
“…I deeply appreciate the good things you say and your good wishes.”
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Letter of courtship to a young woman professing his admiration for her character.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.
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.
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.
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.
Reaction to the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Visit by a young mother and young children.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Letter transmitting autograph note of Elizabeth Fry, 1837, inviting him to breakfast (both pasted on a board).
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Detailed inventory and appraisal.
Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.
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.
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.
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.
Enjoys keeping school much; has thought about going into the factory.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Visitor (young man) came by on Abby’s 16th birthday. Family news.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.
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.
Original written in May 1870 and reproduced by the West Falmouth Preparative Meeting in 1958.
Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.
Visit to meetings, Westtown School and Haverford School.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
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 aslo from Wm Bassett’s letter in the Liberator…”
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
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.
Estimating value of his mineral collection for sale to the Moses Brown School.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Includes facsimiles of Gurney’s writing.
Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.
Urging Davis, a Friends minister, who had separated from his meeting, to return.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
With typical ATS woodcuts.
Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.
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.
Poor support arranged through an unidentified monthly meeting.
Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.
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.
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.
Knows nothing of the records mentioned.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Recommends Elihu Grant for Bible talks, or Elbert Russell.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Can do the talks if needed, but advises Charles Woodman if he can be reached.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Regarding teaching; friendship.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
From originals at the William L. Clements Library.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.
Memorial pamphlet on Nicholas Brown, Jr.
Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.
Includes Edward Buffington, Charles W. Earle, Resolved Harvey, E. E. Hazard, Christopher Holder (facsimile), Clarence E. Pickett.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.
Regarding donation of marble bust of Lucretia Mott.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
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.
Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.
Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.
Poetical broadside with decorative border.
Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.
Miscellaneous touristic and other guides to sites, most with Quaker connections.
Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.
On his disownment and reinstatement for purchase of slaves (Richmond, N.H.)
Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.
Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.
Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.
Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.
Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.
Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.
Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.
Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.
Through 1815, but evidently copied later based on paper.
Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.
Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.
Consolation on death of a son lost at sea.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.
Lengthy justification for opposition to slavery.
Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.
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.
Detailed inventory and appraisal.
Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.
Originally part of the NEYM Miscellaneous Collection.
Ministerial travels in Rhode Island meetings, visit to Moses Brown School.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Ministerial travels in New Hampshire (Pelham, Keene, Ackworth, etc.).
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Ministerial travels in Maine, including meeting at a Presbyterian church.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Ministerial travels in Maine, New England, New York; state of meetings.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Ministerial travels in Maine.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Ministerial travels in Maine.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Ministerial travels in New England.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Ministerial travels in Rhode Island.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Ministerial travels in Rhode Island, Massachusetts; Yearly Meeting.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Ministerials travels on Nantucket.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
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.
Accounting of school’s finances and contract with Albert Smiley.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
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.
Recommendation for Tobey, who “lived in my family about eighteen months as a scholar.”
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Describes his school (Friends Boarding School) and friends.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Signed by Samuel J. May as Recording Secretary.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Delayed in completing his order for (scientific) instruments by poor quality of the work.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Order for stereotype plates of the Donctrines of Friends.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Accepts his invitation to visit.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
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.
Alfred Cope of Philadelphia ia visiting, “a very clever & highly respectable young man.”
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
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.
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.
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.
Indiana Yearly does not accept the epistle from separating New England Yearly Meeting.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
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.
Remitting a letter.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Re: distribution of good books with assistance of Obadiah Brown Benevolent Fund, etc.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Indiana Yearly Meeting. Wilburites sent an epistle that was ignored.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
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.
Seeks meeting on contract for railroad iron.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Sending a portrait of the late JJ Gurney.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
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.
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.
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.
Perspective on the Wilburite separation in the Society.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
On the tragic loss of Anna A. Jenkins and daughter.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Has heard Samuel is in Charleston. Whooping cough in family.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
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.
Wife’s illness; death of William Forster. John Wilbur at meeting.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
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.
Dr. Thomas has left; presidential election excitement and hopes for Fremont.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
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.
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.
Letter of introduction for William Gillett.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
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.
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.
Letter of condolence.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Concern in the Yearly Meeting over the situation in America; true peace principal.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Schedule of forthcoming trip.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Submitting an article fo the Review.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Requesting background on the Friends as a preface to a memorial he is publishing.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
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.
Offers a set of Lizar’s anatomical plates as a “token of grateful remembrance.”
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
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.
Lengthy discourse on civil government.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
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.
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.
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.
Condolences.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
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.
Knows Ralph Boring.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Travel from Baltimore to North Carolina over unpleasant roads and few Friends. Meeting in North Carolina.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Health has improved, though Benjamin has now taken ill.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Letter, possibly to Dorothy Flint, stating she is a descendant of both Roger Williams and Mary Dyer.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
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.
Narrative of ministerial journey with Benjamin Mitchell to meetings in southern New England.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
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.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
Originally part of the NEYM Autograph Collection.
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.
Selected materials in the autograph collection have been digitized and are available online through our digital repository Credo.
Processed by I. Eliot Wentworth, July 2015.
)Cite as: New England Yearly Meeting Quaker History Collection (MS 926). Special Collections and University Archives, University of Massachusetts Amherst Libraries.