Skip to main content

Jacob R. Elfreth Sr. diaries

 Collection
Identifier: HC.MC-975-01-019

Scope and Contents

This collection is composed of 45 handwritten, bound volumes of the diaries of Jacob R. Elfreth Sr. The majority of entries detail family news, Quaker meetings, Elfreth's work with the Leigh Navigation Company, and births, deaths, and marriages within the Quaker community.

Diaries from 1860 to 1866 include entries and newspaper clippings that discuss issues related to the American Civil War, including slavery, movements of the Union and Confederate troops, battles between the two, and issues of reconstruction towards the end of the period.

Dates

  • 1814-1870

Creator

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research use.

Use Restrictions

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

Biographical Note

The Elfreth family was a notable Philadelphia Quaker family during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Jacob R. Elfreth Sr. (1789-1870) was initially apprenticed to enter into the hardware trade. Elfreth Sr. left the trade to become a teacher, first in New Jersey, and later at the Westtown School. He later became a bookkeeper for the Leigh Navigation Company, which was his occupation until he retired. Elfreth Sr. married Abigail Pierce in 1821, and the couple had ten children.

Extent

2.5 Linear Feet (46 volumes)

Language

English

Overview

Jacob R. Elfreth Sr. was a teacher and a bookkeeper for the Leigh Navigation Company. The majority of entries detail family news, Quaker meetings, Elfreth's work with the Leigh Navigation Company, and births, deaths, and marriages within the Quaker community,

Acquisition

Unknown.

Related Materials

  • HC.MC.975.01.020 Jacob R. Elfreth Jr. diaries
  • HC.MC.975.03.010 Elfreth family commonplace books
  • HC.MC.975.08.009 Jacob R. Elfreth account books
  • HC.MC.1221 Elfreth family papers

Processing Information

Processed by Kara Flynn; completed June, 2015.

Title
Jacob R. Elfreth Sr. diaries, 1814-1870
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

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 reproductions from Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections Library

Contact:
370 Lancaster Ave
Haverford PA 19041 USA US