John Woolman Manuscripts Collection
Scope and Contents
John Woolman (1720-1772) was one of the most influential ministers in the history of the Religious Society of Friends. He was particularly active in opposing slavery and encouraging Quakers to disavow the practice. His journal, published posthumously, is still considered an important document in the fields of religion, history, and literature. The Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College holds several versions of Woolman's manuscript journal, letters written by Woolman, and other assorted documents.
This collection consists of materials donated by Elizabeth Comfort Lawrence Dudley. Friends Historical Library holds a few additional Woolman documents, which are cataloged in MSS 004 Miscellaneous Manuscripts.
Dates
- Creation: 1720 - 1939
Creator
- Woolman, John, 1720-1772 (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is available for research use. Due to the age, fragility, and rarity of these materials, access is through microfilm or photocopy where available, and special staff supervision or assistance may be required to view the original materials.
Conditions Governing Use
Friends Historical Library believes all of the items in this collection to be in the Public Domain in the United States, and is not aware of any restrictions on their use. However, the user is responsible for making a final determination of copyright status before reproducing. See http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/.
Biographical / Historical
John Woolman (1720-1772) was born to Quaker parents in New Jersey and spent his life travelling and preaching against slavery and war. In 1754 he wrote "Some Considerations on the Keeping of Negroes," an anti-slavery tract which was published by Philadelphia Yearly Meeting and distributed to every yearly meeting in America. Woolman kept a journal for over a decade, published in 1774, soon after his death. Woolman's journal is still considered an important document in the fields of religion, history, and literature.
Extent
.5 linear ft.
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
John Woolman (1720-1772) was one of the most influential ministers in the history of the Religious Society of Friends. He was particularly active in opposing slavery and encouraging Quakers to disavow the practice. His journal, published posthumously, is still considered an important document in the fields of religion, history, and literature. The Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College holds several versions of Woolman's manuscript journal, letters written by Woolman, and other assorted documents.
Custodial History
In a letter to the President of Swarthmore College, the donor stated her wishes that the Woolman Journals already loaned to the College be made a permanent gift. She mentioned that a cousin, Samuel Comfort, had deposited a copy of the journals at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, but she preferred that the originals be the property of a Hicksite organization. A descendant of John and Sarah Ellis Woolman, she was a granddaughter of Samuel and Rebecca Moon Comfort and daughter of James and Rebecca Comfort Lawrence. Two of her sons attended Swarthmore College.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Elizabeth Comfort Lawrence Dudley, 1913.
Existence and Location of Copies
Some documents have been photocopied or microfilm. Access is through surrogates where available, to preserve the longevity of the original material.
Subject
- Woolman, John, 1720-1772 (Person)
- 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 Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College Library
