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Naomi and Rayner Kelsey papers

 Collection
Identifier: HC.MC-950-130

Scope and Contents

The papers include the correspondence of Rayner and Naomi Kelsey and letters to Wilfred and Sherma Kelsey. Correspondents include: John B. Garrett, Rayner W. Kelsey, Elizabeth B. Jones, Rufus M. Jones, J. Usang Ly, Roderick Scott, Isaac Sharpless, and Albert H. Wilson. There is a diary kept by Naomi Kelsey, probably in 1936, during a leg of a world cruise, recording events in China, Japan, Hong Kong, and Hawaii, and discussing people with whom she visits. There are sermons and talks of Rayner Kelsey that span several topics and decades. Finally, there are a number of miscellaneous objects including a badge created during Henry Clay’s run for the presidency.

Dates

  • Creation: 1842, 1900-1952, undated

Creator

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research use.

Use Restrictions

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

Biographical Note

Rayner Wickersham Kelsey (1879-1935), a graduate of Earlham College, received a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of California in 1909. From 1901 to 1904, he was professor of German and public speaking at Pacific College (now George Fox University) in Oregon and then at Whittier College in California until 1909. In 1909, he was appointed professor of American history at Haverford College and curator of its Quaker Collection. Kelsey was an authority on Quakers and Native Americans; he authored the book "Friends and the Indians" in 1917. He was also author of the "Centennial History of Moses Brown School" and a short biography of William Penn. He married Naomi Binford in 1901. He was a member of Haverford Monthly Meeting and a Quaker minister.

Naomi Kelsey (1875/6-1967) was a member of Haverford Monthly Meeting and president of the Haverford College Women’s Faculty Club.

Extent

0.44 linear ft.

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The papers include the correspondence of Rayner and Naomi Kelsey, a diary kept by Naomi Kelsey, sermons and talks of Rayner Kelsey, and a number of miscellaneous objects.

Acquisition

The Naomi and Rayner Kelsey papers were donated to Special Collections, Haverford College over six accessions during 1990-1992 by Sherma Kelsey. Accession #5417, #5568, #5531, #5468, #6913, #6981.

Related Materials

  • HC.MC.1108 R.W. Kelsey's notes on American and agricultural history
  • HC.MC.950.110 Kelsey family papers

Processing Information

Processed by Mary A. Crauderueff; completed March, 2016.

Title
Naomi and Rayner Kelsey papers, 1842, 1900-1952, undated
Author
Mary A. Crauderueff
Date
March, 2016
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 repoductions from Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections Library

Contact:
370 Lancaster Ave
Haverford PA 19041 USA US