Mary Brinton Hopkins diary, circa 1860-1883

Mary Brinton (1831-1926), younger sister of Joseph Brinton, married Joseph J. Hopkins in 1861. Her diary is rich with family detail, Quaker meetings and ministers. In entries before 6 month 1864, the ink is badly faded and difficult to decipher. Beginning 1864, visits to family and friends, Quaker meetings. 7 mo. 1864, funeral of Uncle Joseph in the meeting house at East Sadsbury with large meetings of people from various denominations. Thomas Whitson and Horatio Cooper spoke. Entry of 7 mo. 29, tax collectors came to collect military fine. Joseph Hopkins refused and was threatened with prison. A mare and colt were confiscated. Attending worship, monthly (mostly Fallowfield) and quarterly meetings, visits from Ohio and New England Friends. Attended General Meeting in Philadelphia in December. 1865 Quaker notes, including preaching by her husband, brother Joseph, visit of James Kite and others. After a long gap, she wrote that she had stayed with Mary H. Brinton for final weeks of her life. Before her death, Mary asked her sister Anna to care for her children. Anna became Joseph Brinton's second wife.o Mary and Joseph Hopkins lived near Gap, Lancaster County. The family practiced as Wilburite/Conservative Quakers, and the family worshipped in their home several times a week where Joseph would lead worship.