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Jacob R. Elfreth Jr. diaries

 Collection
Identifier: HC.MC-975-01-020

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

  • 1861-1924

Creator

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 Feet (64 volumes)

Language

English

Overview

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.

Related Materials

  • HC.MC.975.01.019 Jacob R. Elfreth Sr. 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 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

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