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Elfreth family commonplace books

 Collection
Identifier: HC.MC-975-03-010

Scope and Contents

This collection is comprised of five volumes of the commonplace books of various members of the Elfreth family, including Rebecca P. Elfreth, Jacob R. Elfreth Sr., Jacob R. Elfreth Jr,. and Jane P. Elfreth. The volumes include poetry, extracts, pressed leaves and flowers, and clippings of illustrations.

Dates

  • Creation: 1820-1853

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, but 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, his occupation until he retired. Elfreth Sr. married Abigail Pierce in 1821, and the couple had ten children.

Jane P. Elfreth (1827-1912) was born in 1827, the daughter of Jacob R. Elfreth Sr. and Abigail P. Elfreth. She died in 1912.

Rebecca P. Elfreth (1835-1906) was born March 11, 1835, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Jacob R. Elfreth Sr. and Abigail P. Elfreth. Elfreth died August 19, 1906.

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

0.28 linear ft. (5 volumes)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

This collection is comprised of five volumes of the commonplace books of various members of the Elfreth family, including Rebecca P. Elfreth, Jacob R. Elfreth Sr., Jacob R. Elfreth Jr,. and Jane P. Elfreth. The volumes include poetry, extracts, pressed leaves and flowers, and clippings of illustrations.

Acquisition

Unknown.

Related Materials

  • HC.MC.851 American Friends letters collection
  • HC.MC.1221 Elfreth family papers
  • HC.MC.975.01.020 Jacob R. Elfreth diaries
  • HC.MC.975.01.019 Jacob R. Elfreth Sr. diaries

Processing Information

Processed by Kara Flynn; completed August, 2015.

Title
Elfreth family commonplace books, 1820-1853
Author
Kara Flynn
Date
August, 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

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Haverford PA 19041 USA US