Whittier, John Greenleaf, 1807-1892

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.

A collection relating to the work of anti-slavery advocate and worker, Nathaniel Peabody Rogers, and the circle of others involved, including John Greenleaf Whittier, William Lloyd Garrison and Susan B. Anthony. There are a number of issues of the Herald of Freedom of which Rogers was the editor.

This collection traces several generations of the Quaker Taylor family, but centers on Francis R. Taylor (1884-1947) and George Washington Taylor (1803-1891). The former was an attorney and collector of information about his own and related families, as well as local historical information. The latter, who ran a free produce store in Philadelphia in the period before the American Civil War, was connected through his interests in free labor to many correspondents.

John Greenleaf Whittier was an American Quaker poet and editor, as well as an involved abolitionist. He was a delegate to the Anti-Slavery Society in 1833, a member of the State Legislature in 1835, founded the antislavery Liberty party in 1840, and ran for Congress in 1842. Topics covered in Whittier's letterbook include news of health and family, as well as discussions of contributions to "The Non-Slaveholder" and discussions of English Friends.