Jacob R. Elfreth Jr. diaries
Scope and Contents
This collection is composed of 64 volumes of the bound, handwritten diaries of Jacob R. Elfreth, Jr. Early diaries, from 1861 to 1867, focus on military movement and battles during the Civil War, reactions to President Lincoln's assassination, and the political tensions during the aftermath of the war.
The majority of entries detail day-to-day activities, family news, news of Elfreth's carpet business, attendance at Quaker meetings, social calls, accounts of weather, and births, deaths, and marriages within the Quaker community.
In later entries, beginning in 1882, Elfreth discusses his work as the School Director for Darby Borough's schools.
Dates
- Creation: 1861-1924
Creator
- Elfreth, Jacob R. Jr., 1837-1924 (Person)
Access Restrictions
The collection is open for research use.
Use Restrictions
Standard Federal Copyright Laws Apply (U.S. Title 17).
Biographical Note
Jacob R. Elfreth Jr. (1837-1924), the son of Jacob R. Elfreth Sr. and Abigail Pierce Elfreth, was born on October 22, 1837, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was a Quaker merchant, elder, and minister. Initially apprenticed for five years to J.R. Sowers & Co., dry goods, Elfreth started a carpet business with his brother, James Elfreth. Elfreth Jr. never married and died November 14, 1924, in Landsdowne, Pennsylvania.
Extent
3.2 linear ft. (64 volumes)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
The diaries of Jacob R. Elfreth Jr., a Quaker merchant, elder, and minister. Early diaries, from 1861 to 1867, focus on military movement and battles during the Civil War, reactions to President Lincoln's assassination, and the political tensions during the aftermath of the war. The majority of entries detail day-to-day activities, family news, news of Elfreth's carpet business, attendance at Quaker meetings, social calls, accounts of weather, and births, deaths, and marriages within the Quaker community.
Acquisition
Unknown.
Processing Information
Processed by Kara Flynn; completed June, 2015.
Genre / Form
Geographic
- Pennsylvania -- Politics and government -- 1865-1950
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865
Topical
- Title
- Jacob R. Elfreth Jr. diaries, 1861-1924
- Author
- Kara Flynn
- Date
- June, 2015
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- English
Find It at the Library
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