Proud, Robert, 1728-1813

Overview

This collection is comprised of the single folder collection of Robert Proud's manuscripts. The majority of the collection is comprised of notes on Robert Proud's life, presumably written by a descendant. The most significant item is titled "Notes & memorandums by Robert Proud of Philadelphia respecting his early turn of mind, education etc., anno 1786." There is also information in another hand about other Proud family members, a Robert Proud signature, and some fragments.

Overview Robert Proud was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1728 to Ann and William Proud. After completing his education, he immigrated to the Pennsylvania Colony. Considered a Loyalist and unsuccessful in starting several enterprises, he lived on shaky footing. However, he became a noteworty historian and writer, dubbed by some as "Pennsylvania's first historian." This collection consists of Proud's observations and memoranda, Latin and Greek translations, poetry, copies of other documents, letters,...

Overview

Papers primarily consist of those received by his forebears and collected by John Jay Smith, an entrepreneur and a founder of the Pennsylvania Gazette. Also included are manuscripts of Robert Proud, a treatise by Dr. F. Daniel Lobstein, and a document in the hand of James Dickinson.