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Thomas Wistar journals

 Collection
Identifier: HC.MC-975-01-089

Scope and Contents

This collection is composed of five bound, handwritten journals by Thomas Wistar. Each volume includes daily entries interspersed with correspondence. Journal entries largely describe Wistar’s work as an Indian Commissioner, including visits to Washington D.C., the Seneca Nation, the Wichita Indian Agency, and other Native American Reservations. In addition to his work as a commissioner, entries detail social calls with family and friends, descriptions of Quaker meetings, and religious reflection and prayers.

Dates

  • Creation: 1841-1875

Creator

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research use.

Use Restrictions

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

Biographical Note

Thomas Wistar (1798-1876) was born June 23, 1798, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Thomas Sr. and Mary (Waln) Wistar. Wistar was active in Native American affairs beginning in 1838, and was appointed as an Indian Commissioner in 1841. Thomas Wistar married twice. His first wife was Elizabeth Buckley Morris, whom he married in 1822. The couple had two children, and Elizabeth died in 1863. In 1867, Wistar married Mary Richardson, his second wife. Thomas Wistar died on January 16, 1876, in Philadelphia, at the age of 78.

Sources: Dictionary of Quaker Biography, Obituary in the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin.

Extent

0.42 linear ft. (5 volumes)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Thomas Wistar's journal entries largely describe his work as an Indian Commissioner, including visits to Washington D.C., the Seneca Nation, the Wichita Indian Agency, and other Native American Reservations. In addition to his work as a commissioner, entries detail social calls with family and friends, descriptions of Quaker meetings, and religious reflection and prayers.

Acquisition

Unknown.

Related Materials

  • HC.MC.950.056 Dodge, Starin, and Wistar family papers
  • HC.MC.962 Taylor family papers
  • HC.MC.966 Nicholas Waln family papers
  • HC.MC.975.02.029 Thomas Wistar letterbook
  • HC.MC.1003 Associated Executive Committee on Indian Affairs records, 1758-1929
  • HC.MC.1034 Hoag Indian papers
  • HC.MC.1104 Enoch Hoag letterbooks
  • HC.MC.1188 Thomas Wistar and family papers

Processing Information

Processed by Kara Flynn; completed July, 2015.

Title
Thomas Wistar journals, 1841-1876
Author
Kara Flynn
Date
July, 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 repoductions from Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections Library

Contact:
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Haverford PA 19041 USA US