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Richard Reeve Wood and Nancy Morris Wood family papers

 Collection
Identifier: HC.MC-1254

Scope and Contents

This collection contains the materials of several generations of Quaker families in the United States. Prominently featured are Richard Reeve Wood and Nancy Morris Wood; Edward S. Wood, Richard's father; and Alexander Cooper and Mary Emma Stokes Wood, Richard's grandfather and grandmother. Also represented in the collection are the Acton, Carpenter, Clark, Ellicott, and Evans Quaker families.

Dates

  • Creation: 1820-1988

Creator

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research use.

Use Restrictions

Standard Federal Copyright Laws Apply (U.S. Title 17).

Biographical note

Richard Reeve Wood (1897-1982)

Richard Reeve Wood graduated from Haverford College in 1920 with a degree in mathematics; he received an honorary degree of letters from his alma mater in 1971. After graduation, he worked with the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) in reconstruction work in France before teaching at Friends Select School in Philadelphia and for a short time at Whittier College in California. Richard also did graduate work at Harvard University, but decided that his interests lay in the peace movement. He became secretary of the Friends Peace Committee of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting (PYM) and also the editor of The Friend. As the Committee's secretary, he became president of the National Peace Conference which led him to be a consultant in the meetings leading to the formation of the United Nations in 1945. He was a member of Moorestown Friends Meeting, served as a clerk of PYM, and was on the boards of the William Charter School, Friends Select School, and Haverford College. In 1923, Richard married Nancy Morris and they had three children: Rebecca, Anne, and Richard Jr. (Philadelphia Inquirer obituary)

Nancy Morris Wood (1898-1988)

Nancy Morris Wood, wife of Richard Reeve Wood, was educated at Westtown School and at Drexel Institute of Technology (now Drexel University) in Philadelphia. She was active on numerous social action and education committees as well as being a board member and volunteer worker for the Moorestown Visiting Nurse Association, the Moorestown Free Library, and the Cinnaminson Home in Cinnaminson, New Jersey. Nancy was also a trustee of the Female Association of Philadelphia and worked with the American Friends Service Committee. During World War II, she took two English evacuee children into her family for five years. (obituaries)

Edward S. Wood (b. 1868)

Edward S. Wood was the father of Richard Reeve Wood. Edward succeeded his father, Alexander Cooper Wood, as Treasurer of the Board of the Esterbrook Steel Pen Manufacturing Company.

Alexander Cooper Wood (1841-1919)

Alexander Cooper Wood, father of Edward S. Wood and grandfather of Richard Reeve Wood, was a prominent banker, manufacturer, and member of the Society of Friends. He entered the Esterbrook Steel Pen Manufacturing Company in 1873 and was associated with its activities for 46 years, serving as treasurer or president during most of this time. In 1891, Alexander was elected a director of the Camden Trust & Safe Deposit Company and in 1902 was elected its president. Upon retiring in 1917, he was chosen as the chairman of its board and held this position until his death. His other activities included being a member of the Board of Trustees of Bryn Mawr College for over 20 years; president of the board of Friends Hospital; vice president of the Board of Trustees of the Cooper Hospital; and serving as treasurer of the Mohonk Arbitration Conference for fifteen years. In 1866, he married Mary Emma Stokes and they had three children: Edward S., Alexander Cooper, Jr., and Anna. (obituaries and memorial)

Mary Emma Stokes Wood (1842-1920)

Mary Emma Stokes Wood was the wife of Alexander Cooper Wood and the mother of Edward S. Wood.

Extent

2.5 Linear Feet (6 boxes)

Language

English

Overview

This collection contains the materials of several generations of Quaker families in the United States. Prominently featured are Richard Reeve Wood and Nancy Morris Wood; Edward S. Wood, Richard's father; and Alexander Cooper and Mary Emma Stokes Wood, Richard's grandfather and grandmother. Richard attended several sessions of the League of Nations and participated in meetings leading to the formation of the United Nations in 1945.

Arrangement

This collection is divided into five series:

Series I: Richard Reeve Wood and Nancy Wood papers

Series II: Edward S. Wood papers

Series III: Alexander Cooper Wood and Mary Emma Stokes Wood papers

Series IV: Extended family papers

Series V: Miscellaneous

Materials within each series are arranged by type

Acquisition

The Richard Reeve Wood and Nancy Morris Wood family papers were donated to Special Collections, Haverford College in November, 2007 and April, 2014 by Anne Wood.

Processing Information

Processed by Sandra Glascock; completed October, 2014.

Title
Richard Reeve Wood and Nancy Morris Wood family papers, 1820-1988
Author
Sandra Glascock
Date
October, 2014
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Find It at the Library

Most of the materials in this catalog are not digitized and can only be accessed in person. Please see our website for more information about visiting or requesting reproductions from Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections Library

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Haverford PA 19041 USA US