William Canby diary and commonplace book
Scope and Contents
In his diary, William Canby records his involvement as a member of the Haverford Loganian Society and the Penn Literary Society, becoming a teller in the latter. As a member of these societies, he participated in discussions concerning a new greenhouse and debated different social and historical questions. He documents sermons at the Quaker Meeting House and, although he occassionally mentions other lecturers, Canby mainly focuses on lessons form D.B. Smith in Moral Philosophy, Religion, and Anatomy. At Haverford, Canby documents his run-ins with the school disciplinarian, "Old John," for staying up past bed time, staying out late in the evening, drinking, smoking, and making "milk toast" after hours; he was punished with isolation for most of these transgressions. Canby's final examinations at Haverford were in History, Philosophy, and Surveying.
Dates
- Creation: 1837-1839
Creator
- Canby, William, 1822-1897 (Person)
Access Restrictions
The collection is open for research use.
Use Restrictions
Standard Federal Copyright Laws Apply (U.S. Title 17).
Biographical Note
William Canby was born in Wilmington, Delaware, on April 11, 1822, to James Canby and Elizabeth Roberts. He began attending Haverford College in 1837, graduating two years later in 1839. On April 30, 1846, he married Ann Tatnall. Canby was a member of the 4th and Arch streets body of Friends, a farmer, and a "prominent and esteemed businessman." He died in Wilmington, Delaware, on January 15, 1897, at the age of 75.
Extent
0.1 linear ft. (1 box)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
William Canby's diary details his two years (1837-1839) as a student at Haverford College including extracurriculars, academics, weather, and social excursions.
Arrangement
Materials are arranged in chronological order.
Custodial History
Copied from photostat- December, 1933, by Anna B. Hewitt, Assistant Curator of Quakeriana.
Acquisition
The William Canby diary was loaned to Haverford College in 1930 by Henry S. Canby to create photocopy.
Processing Information
Processed by David Canada; completed October, 2016.
Subject
- Haverford Loganian Society (Organization)
- Penn Literary Society (Organization)
- Haverford College -- Students (Organization)
- Haverford College -- Curricula (Organization)
- Haverford College -- Discipline (Organization)
- Haverford College -- History -- 19th century (Organization)
- Title
- William Canby diary, 1837-1839
- Author
- David Canada
- Date
- October, 2016
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
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