Box 1

1849-1859, undated 1 Letters to younger daughter of Aaron and Susanna Kite Sharpless, born 1842. The letter dated 1859 12 month 22 is addressed to Susanna Forsythe Sharpless (Aaron's second wife) and the grandchildren. Edith Kite mentions a visit from the daughter of Ellen McCarty, a minister with whom she had traveled. Ellen Roberts McCarty (ca. 1782-1844) from Elklands, Pennsylvania, traveled to Canada and Upstate New York.

In response to his letter which offered encouragement in trying times. She was very discouraged about tensions in the Society of Friends.

Fond letters, describing family concerns, helping members of family in illness. Susanna was the eldest child of her older brother Thomas Kite (1785-1845), a Quaker minister.

Local ministry, family concerns, Quaker and family news

Rebecca Walton (1765-1840) married Benjamin Kite in 1784.

Expressed sympathy and offered to help with care of his ill wife. Susanna, and their children. Mentioned that English Friends had visited and also minister Rachel Thornton

Mary was at Aaron and Susanna's home, helping care for Susanna who was becoming weaker. Susanna Kite Sharpless died in November of tuberculosis, leaving three small children including a toddler.

James (1808-1856), youngest brother of Thomas Kite. He married Lydia Rodman at Lynn (Mass) Monthly Meeting in 1837. They were members of Philadelphia Monthly Meeting of the Southern District.

In 1849 James Kite reported on the cholera epidemic in Philadelphia. 1854 letter urged his sister not to despair about the state of the Society. But he expressed criticism of sermons by ministers, especially Richard Mott who spoke at Burlington Monthlyy Meeting about slavery and war in Europe.

To "Dear Sister," the letters describe Quaker ministers and meeting news. Notes violence in the City of Philadelphia in 5 month 1844. Sermons of Christopher Healy, concerned with Quaker issues, meeting of ministers and elders, controversies in other yearly meetings - New England, Ohio.