Information on Ferris, Tatnall, Lea, Sharpless and other related families. Original at Delaware Historical Society. Bound photostat copy made for Matilda Ferris and given to FHL in 1947 by Frances C. Ferris. Photocopy placed in PG7 (reference). Files includes Frances Ferris's correspondence with Historical Society of Delaware concerning the gift.

Information from family Bible, family tree

Notes by Benjamin Ferris and David Ferris, including Underwood information

Memorial and sketch of life of David Ferris published in The Peacemaker, published by the Universal Peace Union. Also, typed memorial with biography

Extensive notes and some correspondence and later notations by his daughter, Frances

Professional research

Professional research

Professional research

Professional research

Professional research

Professional research

Professional research

Professional research

Contains some distant family relations' letters to David Ferris, ca. 1906

Professional research

Professional research

Professional research

Professional research

Compiled information on Masters, Parvin, and Eves families. Removed from non-archival binder and placed in folders by family. Probably organized by Frances C. Ferris

Ferris, Canby, etc.

Genealogical research compiled by Frances. Includes correspondence with Benjamin Finch, an Underwood descendant. Biographical material on Frances C. Ferris, photocopies of Ferris family Bible (photocopied and added to Ferris PG7), copy of Ziba Ferris's notebook. Notes on Ferris and Sharples lines

Note attached to title page saying that since she is moving into Friends Boarding Home (Hickman) in West Chester, Pa., she is giving her genealogical papers to Friends Historical Library. Includes some photographs and clipping about generations up to 1970.

Hockessin, New Garden, Kennett

Canby genealogy and correspondence. Frances inherited a silver purse clasp that had descended from Sarah Marriott Morris to Fanny Ferris.

Photocopies and photostats of indentures, etc.

Includes correspondence with Sally Baker, Milwaukee cousin, and Underwood and Morey genealogy. Two letters transferred: to Series 3, Underwood-Hunt correspondence: Mary Hunt to Sallie (Sarah Ann Underwood), 1847; and Sarah A. Evans (descended from Sarah Ann's sister, Elizabeth Underwood Coleman) to Matilda Ferris, 1925, to Series 3, David Ferris family correspondence.

Published journal of Zachariah Ferris's Visits to Southern Friends Meetings, 1790, in Bulletin of Friends Historical Association. Original in Delaware Public Archives (1933)

In 1965, Frances C. Ferris gave a portrait of Benjamin Ferris to Winterthur. Related articles. correspondence, and Shipley Room at Winterthur. Another version of the portrait belongs to Friends Historical Library.

Issue of the bulletin devoted to Benjamin Ferris

Essay in Quaker History, notes by Frances C. Ferris

Excerpts from her Civil War diaries, published in Delaware History

Ferris was the architect of Nevada Governor's Mansion and other buildings in Carson City

Blueprint of printed family tree, based on tree made by his grandfather, Benjamin Ferris. George A. was the son of Edward and Katherine L. (Ashmead) Ferris. Edward was the youngest of Benjamin and Fanny Ferris's ten children.

Biographical information and letter from John P. Ferris, a Milwaukee mechanical engineer and cousin of Frances.

Died 1900. Typed carbon.

Mentions apology by John Prindle and wife to himself and others who they have wronged, including Friends on Long Island

Copy of letter with his reaction to a passage in a letter from Mary Peasley

Words of advice to young Friends.

AL, copy of a letter urging leaders to attend meetings, to lead by example, particularly by attending meeting on Discipline as well as worship

ALS to his cousin by marriage, counseling against his suitability for the ministry regardless of his education and pointing out the error of his ways. Signed "thy loving uncle."

To aunt and uncle describing his trip from Wilmington to Oblong, NY.

Urging the freeing of male slaves at age 21 and females earlier, with proper paperwork and education

Mentions his earlier letter in which he called upon owners to educate their slaves and free them in their Wills. In this AL, he advises manumissions in writing to assure that freedom is assured. Copy in his own hand.

ALsS to his cousin, with a copy of a memorial for Thomas Gawthrop who railed against sins such as drunkenness and prophesized. Second ALS, expresses doubt that William Mott's writings will be published. Provides a recipe for an health elixir made from the root of skunk cabbage and honey.

Urging the Fields to free their slaves and advises that each monthly meeting keep a "Safe Book" which documents manumissions. Copy in his own hand

Urging her to pursue the ministry and advising on selecting a husband. Copy in his own hand. Also a binding paper that notes that sent for publication 4 mo 1855

ALS to his brother discussing his thoughts on Quaker Discipline and why transgressors should be disowned. Copy in his own hand

ALS to his sister with religious expressions and wishes to his brother, Joshua, in his undertaking. Note on address slip that Edith married Z. Ferris 7 weeks after date of letter.

ALS to his cousin relating the sale of Quaker books that he handled for Benjamin. Recommends small and cheap for quick sale and that John Woolman's book on slavery is not saleable in area. Includes a list of books he thinks would sell well.

ALS addressed to Benjamin Ferris, Merchant. Continues report on sale of books and mentions that Friends in area are considering establishing a library. Repeats that John Woolman's book is not saleable.

ALS, a copy in his own hand, chiding his brother for losing ground in the faith and warns him about strong drink, etc. Also an acid-free copy

2 ALsS to Dear Brother and Sister with family news. Jonathan (b. 1741) was the son of Jonathan and Mary (Shenton) Zane and the brother of Lydia (Zane) Ferris, b. 1750)

ALS and undated fragment to his daughter Lydia and her husband, John Ferris. Note by Benjamin Ferris that writer was a "respectable man and wealthy merchant of Philadelphia."

ALS, copy in his own hand, to friend, with religious exhortation. Mentions that Samuel Neal recently left for Ireland. Also an acid-free photocopy

ALS, a copy in his own hand. Expresses concern for his brother's losing ground in the faith, especially in his treatment of his wife. Also an acid-free copy

ALS with acid-free photocopy, with concern for his spiritual life.

4 ALsS to his son-in-law with family news, including suicide of Gains Talcott and the death of his wife in 1775.

ALS (draft?) Ferris had visited him in North Carolina, with an account of his return trip to Wilmington. Comments on slavery on slavery

AL objecting to the founding of a college in New England. Wheelock (1711-1779), a Congregational minister, founded Dartmouth College. Very fragile: Use acid-free copy

ALS, a copy in his own hand, concerning money owed for books sold sent to Zebulon, monies due to the estate of his son, Benjamin. Also an acid-free copy

ALS to his sister and brother-in-law concerning smallpox in friends and family

ALS concerning manumission and education of his slaves. Pleasants (1723-1801) freed his slaves in 1782 and later founded a school for freed slaves in Virginia. He was a founder of the Virginia Abolition Society. Also an acid-free copy

ALS to his sister. He was the first headmaster of the Westtown School

ALS, message of faith in trying times

ALS on the true Church

ALS to cousin concerning wrongness of any practice of Faith except that of the Society of Friends. Damaged and repaired, very fragile. Note by B. Ferris that Israel was identified as the son of David's sister, Sarah, who married Stephen Noble. Use acid-free copy

20 pp ALS to cousin. Day had recently married Ferris's niece, Abigail Osborn. Gives advice how he should become a worthy member of the family.

ALS mentioning the difficult financial times, falling land prices

ALS to his parents

ALS to his wife; he was engaged in a land dispute

ALS to her cousin. She was the wife of Elihu Bunker

ALS to cousin, mentions that wife plans to attend New York Yearly Meeting

ALS to his father, writes that his wife, Nancy [Ann], had been in a low state of physical and emotional health which suddenly lifted after 9 months. Update on family and business news.

AL on religious beliefs

ALS, 12 month, from Philadelphia to "Dear Sister."

AL with concern that people of Rhode Island under burden of soldiers quartered there. In Wilmington, many soldiers sick and dying with camp fever.

12 ALsS to his sister. Note by B. Ferris on the first letter he sent after he began his apprenticeship with Thomas Parker. Charles Townsend was his fellow apprentice. Had his first taste of a dish of coffee and enjoyed "Dough Nuts." In Jan. 1795, he reports that the Delaware River was frozen, blocking travel. 7mo, he notes that he learned that his sister had a piece of music in the house, and he thought she was "principled against music." Borrows books from a Friends library

3 ALsS. The earliest letter describes the rustic pleasures of Bristol on the Delaware River. 1795 ALsS sent from Wilmington

Ms copy of ALS (initials) to her brother referring to a crisis in his life. Note by B. Ferris that written when she was 16 and her brother about 20.

ALS concerning Ferris's father-in-law's estate (Jonathan Zane)

16 ALsS to his sister. Primarily family news, talk of the yellow fever epidemic, St. Anthony's Fire which afflicted C. Townsend. John Dickinson and James Logan mentioned.

ALS, a long letter that includes poetry.

3 ALsS to his mother, Edith (Sharples) Ferris

12 ALsS to his sister. Yellow fever in Philadelphia; visit of Quaker minister Joshua Evans

3 ALsS to Deborah Ferris

6 ALsS to his sister, before her marriage in July to Joseph Bringhurst. Visit of Quaker minister Jarvis Johnson. Happy for Deborah's marriage, but worries that it will change his relationship with her

5 ALsS to his sister. Yellow fever in Philadelphia, ships quarantined. Went with the "oldest man in Darby" to search out the herb Maiden's Hair which he collected for Joseph.

8 ALsS to his brother-in-law who was a good friend of John Dickinson. Dickinson had commissioned Ferris to purchase a silver snuff box for him. Benjamin was distressed about the death of a horse lent to him by "J.D." He shipped a trunk of the maidenhair [fern]

ALS to brother, presumably John Ferris who was a cabinetmaker. Specific instructions for a mahogany clock.

8 ALsS to his sister. Writes of a recent widow in great need and his own artwork, particularly miniatures. Debby has her first child, William, born in September 1800.

1 ALS and extracts from other letters written by Fanny Canby to her cousin Anna Potts

8 ALsS to brother-in-law, describing a trip visiting Friends in August and consulting him about his illnesses. In November, Benjamin suffers from ague and asks brother Ziba to work the shop since customers would be afraid that he has yellow fever

2 ALsS, the yellow fever epidemic. John Ferris, Benjamin's brother, died in November 1802 in Wilmington, having cared for others with the disease. He left a young widow, Sarah (Sally). Also, a poem about death.

7 ALsS. Affectionate letters which hint at his relationship with Fanny

ALS mentions a horrible fire in Philadelphia and his problem with recurring fevers

14 ALsS, written during their courtship

1 ALsS

7 ALsS to her cousin Anna Potts

6 ALsS to her sister. These letters are a gift from Frances Canby Ferris, 1960

8 ALsS. Discussion of the State House clock in Philadelphia and bark for treatment of fevers

3 ALsS. Mentions Quaker ministers William Crotch, Ann Alexander, Joseph Cloud

2 ALsS

ALS expressing his thanks to Ferris for supporting his cause. Friedlander was the founder and first Principal of the Overbrook School for the Blind

9 ALsS, written during their courtship. Death and funeral of Joseph Potts of Abington Monthly Meeting,

10 ALsS. Describes Yearly Meeting in April, Jacob Lindley was inspiring in his sermons on slavery and war. Benjamin and Fanny were married 5 mo 17 1804.

3 ALsS

4 ALsS. Suggests the name Ferris Harlan for Joseph's child, saying that providing a child with the certain name can influence their character and skills as in the case of C. W. Peale's naming children after artists. In September, yellow fever again a scourge, and Ferris is quarantined.

6 ALsS. Most are Fanny to Debby. Household issues, especially help - Flora and Mary Warrington.

ALsS. Most are from Fanny. More household help issues. Benjamin considers buying a property in Philadelphia, agrees to take in Joseph and allusions to a crime that James (?) committed. Much concern about health, treatments for diseases and headache

ALsS. Letter written 7 month from Fanny relays a request from Halliday Jackson for medication for whooping cough. Arrest of a Daniel Dougherty, a thief whom Bringhurst identified and subsequently was recognized by Isaac T. Hopper from his time as prison inspector. Benjamin fills an order for John Dickinson and borrows money from Joseph.

11 ALsS. In January Benjamin comments on the recent suicide of William Crotch, the Quaker minister who visited in 1804. Family concerns, including Ziba.

6 ALsS. Fanny is in Wilmington in May, and Benjamin is lonely, visiting many local Friends. Writes a poem in letter to her.

3 ALsS. In February, Fanny relates that Jesse Kersey was visiting Philadelphia; he drew a large crowd at meeting, but did not speak, much to everyone's disappointment. Visits of Quaker ministers, including T. Scattergood

ALsS to her friend

2ALsS from Sarah Norris (?) Dickinson.

5 ALsS. Death of John Humphrey, 11 month, 1808. Benjamin assists at birth of his son Edward on 7mo 24, 1809. Thinking of relocating from Philadelphia.

5 ALsS with family and household news. Benjamin involved with founding a school. He recommends a volume of religious poetry by Addison which he enjoys very much.

11 ALsS. Benjamin buys a collection of old books and asks for a cutting of cousin Margaret Marshall's grapevine. Fanny relates that Arch Street Meeting was filled to the outer hall when minister Jesse Kersey visited. She describes her son, Edward, who was a colicky baby.

1 ALS to her sister. Hannah and Mary were nieces of Martha and William Canby and were raised them after the death of their mother, Martha Marriott Gibbons. After their cousin Fanny Ferris died in 1833, Hannah married Benjamin Ferris in 1835.

1 ALS to his mother-in-law, with news of his son's birth and details of the quick delivery.

1 ALS with detail about son, Edward [who died a few months later, 8 mo 31, 1810.] Visiting with Friends at Mill Town.

1 ALS to his mother. Fanny and Edward in Bristol.

1 ALS to his niece with news of Quaker meetings and ministers, including Susan Horne. George Churchman (1730-1814) visiting the meeting, and Bringhurst comments on his keeping on his hat; Jacob Ridgway trying to leave France.

2 ALsS. Letter from New York, dated 6 mo 14, 1811, visiting Friends in Fishkill, Poughkeepsie, Nine Partners, Purchase, etc.

9 ALsS to sisters Anna Canby, Edith Ferris, and Deborah Bringhurst. Domestic issues, including hiring a young girl of 7.

ALS, attending Yearly Meeting in NY, visiting friends, comments on visiting ministers, particularly Susanna Horne.

4 ALsS. Letters from Benjamin of 3 month, 1812, indicates that Fanny was having trouble nursing and in fragile health. He also described visit of Susan Horne and plan for her, together with Thomas Scattergood and Ellis Yarnall to visit Friends in Middle District. Also Isaac Sharpless' financial problems in NYC. Both mention that Anna (born 1811) and their earlier babies (who died in infancy) were difficult infants. In 1813, Benjamin was contemplating a change of occupation.

2 ALsS, writes of baby Anna's health problems and difficulty in nursing

9 ALsS. Letter of 1 month 8, 1812, talks about her sister's namesake, Anna, who is introduced to bottle feeding [Anna would die suddenly, 9/29/1814]. Cousin Hannah Gibbons is helping with the baby. 9 month, reports that Benjamin under much stress.

1 ALS, with ten dollars, to his niece

ALsS

1 ALS with family news. Sympathizes with Fanny's busy life with a five week old infant (Deborah). Expresses her admiration for Elias Hicks.

3 ALsS to her cousin with personal advice.

8 ALsS. Family news. Mary (Canby) Biddle was the sister of Fanny Ferris and married Clement Biddle in 1810. Mary Gibbons, her cousin, was raised in the Canby household.

Fragment of letter describing his two daughters, Deb and Anna.

2 ALsS. Letter [n.d.] to her sister gives account of sudden death of Anna Ferris from croup, 9 mo 29 1814. Second letter tells of household chores, helping in the Ferris home, Fanny nursing the new baby.

5 ALsS to her sister. Letters of 4 mo 1815 describe visiting ministers and reports at the Yearly Meeting in Philadelphia

3 ALsS. Letter of 1814 reports how nicely Anna is growing, soon made tragic by her sudden death on 9 mo 29 1814, before the age of three. 4 mo 1816 notes that Deborah is doing well, but Fanny has learned to "live one day at a time." A fifth child, also named Anna, was born 6 mo 1815, and both daughters lived to old age.

ALsS to her cousin with personal advice and family news. In 7 mo 1819 shortly after the birth of Martha, she writes of the pressures of having four children under the age of 6. Her letters reflect the household and nursing responsibilities she held. In 7 month 1821 she mentions her confinement days before the birth of her eighth child, David. Religious musings.

Interesting ALS with an account of the Yearly Meeting sessions and the ministers.

2 ALsS. In 1 mo, Fanny is visiting family in Philadelphia, and Benjamin sends family news and writes on his great satisfaction with marriage. 4 mo, he is in Philadelphia for the Yearly Meeting and reports on persons, including Jesse Kersey's proposal to have a joint meeting of yearly meetings.

ALS with thanks for small gift

9 ALsS. A letter ca. 1820 describes the painful death of Sarah (?) ALS dated 1mo(?) 28 1820 from Mary Biddle relates that Lucretia and James Mott visited with her and husband Clement. Reports that Lucretia speaking more in public to good effect.

3 ALsS. Affectionate letters home, as she visits family.

ALS, mentions visit of Elias Hicks.

2 ALsS with family news. The approaching death of Hannah Elliott, long-time teacher. Fanny visiting family in Bristol.

ALS with family news.

ALS to her sister while caring for their ailing mother.

3 ALsS to their daughter attending School, with family news. Letter from Fanny 9 month concerning the death of her dearly loved mother, Martha Marriott Canby, on 8 mo 18, 1826.

Copy of a long letter expressing her beliefs, hope that the separation in Society can be mended. Dated 1827 in address, 1828 at end of letter.

Miscellaneous ALsS from A.G. Ellis, Amy Yarnall, niece Jane Gibbons, , M. Canby, and others, 1828 mo letter from M. Canby descibes the Yearly Meeting.

ALS to her daughter who was visiting at the home of uncle, Clement Biddle, in Philadelphia

ALS to "Son Benjamin." Canby died in 1830

5 ALsS to his daughter. 5 mo 15 1831 sent during his trip to Nantucket and mentions attending an African-American worship meeting, description of Nantucket. 6mo 18334 attended Yearly Meeting in Rochester, visiting meetings in upstate New York, Niagara Falls, and other sites.

4 ALsS, as Benjamin travels in 5 mo 6 1831 to New York and Nantucket, stopping at William Rotch's home in New Bedford. Describes the wealth of the area and Rotch's wife, the daughter of Job Scott, not dressed plainly. Fanny, at home, notes that J. Aldrich did not attend meeting and instead stayed outside.

ALS from Benjamin's younger brother with family news. Ziba was a clock and watchmaker.

ALS

ALS to his father, from school

ALS to his son who is a student at Henry Pike's Boarding School, Byberry.

ALsS concerning the education of the Ferris sons at the Pike's school in Byberry, Pa. Correspondence in includes 1832, receipt and accounting. Pike's letter dates 3mo 13 1834 gives also an accounting of expenses and notes that David will moving on after the term and Edward will take his place.

ALS to her brother

2 ALsS. 5 mo attending New York Yearly Meeting and mentions words of Rachel Barker. 6 mo visiting Nine Partners and meetings in the vicinity.

ALS. Benjamin annotates that this is the last letter he received from her.

ALS that describes Yearly Meeting and approval of Mary Pike with M. L. Crim to accompany in the ministry, as well as Lucretia [Mott] to New York Yearly Meeting

ALS informing his cousin on behalf of Clement and Mary Biddle that their daughter, Martha, has died. Undated ALS to Fanny.

ALS with condolences on the death of her mother, Fanny Ferris

Cover note enclosing letters from her sister, Fanny, who died the previous year.

ALS to her father. At school in Kimberton, Pa.

ALS in form of a poem, enclosing a sour treat.

ALS to his sister while visiting New York State, including the Cattaraugus reservation and thriving port of Buffalo.

ALS from cousin, New York, with family news

ALS to his sister, an accounting of the cost of his clothing. Notes that Elizabeth Paxson was disapproving that Benjamin Ferris sat facing the gallery during meeting, thought he should face the meeting. David boarding with Paxsons in Bucks County.

13 ALsS. 1838, traveling to Poughkeepsie for important business, reports work of an arsonist in Wilmington. Worried about behavior of son Edward; had wished other careers for sons rather than farming, but wants the best farm for David and offers advice. 1841 visits Gallaga's farm in Harford County and is pleased. 10 month 1842 notes that the economy is difficult in Wilmington, and farming may have been a good choice.

3 ALsS. Family news

ALS inquiring if Benjamin's son, David, intends to return to school. David boarded with the Paxsons while at school in Byberry.

2 ALsS. Household news.

4 ALsS. 1841, happy to hear of purchase of Gallaga's farm. David is engaged in farming in Bonair (Fallston, Maryland), 1842-1852. In 1854, he sold farm to move to Jersey.

ALS with an account of his trip to Canandaigua, visiting with John Jackson, Joseph Warner, Moses Sheppard, Philip E. Thomas, and William S. Burling.

ALS from Wilmington to cousin Mary at Bonair, Maryland, with local news

ALS with an account of Tuscarora Reservation, attended a worship meeting with the Indians, psalm singing, notes visiting women ministers - Rachel Hicks, Dorothy Golden, and Ann Jackson

4 ALsS. 1852, David is considering selling his farm and moving to N.J. (where Sarah Hunt, his wife's mother would like to move)

4 ALsS. In 1851, visiting meetings in New York; 2 letters from Troy, NY, describe his visit to Niagara Falls

ALS, 3 month 29, with congratulations on birth of his son. Reservations about the name "Francis" because of gender ambiguity and suggests name Elisha in honor of Elisha Hunt.

2 ALS, family news, to his daughter.

ALsS. In early 1852, David wants to sell Bonair farm in Harford Co., but father urges him to proceed carefully and put the property in good order before putting it on the market. In 11 month, grandson Frank is visiting, and they plan to take him to be "daguerreotyped."

ALS (copy) asking their assistance in finding a good piece of farmland for his son, David, to purchase. Notes that he has given David much more financial support than his other children and wants him to succeed. David married Sarah Ann Underwood, daughter of Sarah (Morey Underwood) Hunt, in 1849. He sold the farm at Bonair and wanted to buy one in New Jersey.

ALsS. Ferris dotes on his grandson, Frank, who visits often. In 7 month a number of Friends visited Wilmington, including Rebecca Turner and Hannah Haydock. 8th month , his happy reply and advice on the announcement of the birth of David's daughter, Matilda. He notes that his son William who moved to Brest, Michigan, has been struggling in business. 10 month he reports that son Edward has left for a journey west, with a plan to visit Nebraska Territory, and he encloses a letter from Rebecca Turner.

Hand printed affectionate letter from Benjamin Ferris to his grandson Francis in 1856 and 9 ALsS to from Frank grandfather

Letter of introduction for Anna [Ferris?]

ALsS, from Thomas Gilpin, Isaac Townsend, etc.

4 ALsS. William Gawthorp regarding Jacob Richards accounts; Joseph Lewis concerning insurance; G. H. Burr, bookseller.

Account of household expenses

ALsS concerning his publications, etc.

ALS from a prominent Quaker merchant, born in Ireland and partner in a New York shipping firm.

ALS concerning Providence Preparative Meeting in Fayette County, Pa.

ALS. Cryptic note that is annotated by (David?) Ferris as referring to "getting slaves away." Bigelow was an abolitionist lawyer

ALS. Annotation that Gibbons was in Baltimore attending the Abolition Convention. Gibbons (1781-1845)was a Wilmington physician and edited the journal the Berean.

ALS, includes a copy of his daughter's first letter to him; she was deaf and had spent six months in the Pennsylvania Institute for the Deaf and Dumb, founded in 1821.

ALS concerning books that Ferris ordered

ALS. London Friends Elizabeth Robson and George and Ann Jones visiting Quarterly Meeting.

ALS, cover letter with copy of Indian documents published by U.S. Senate

ALS as New York Yearly Meeting expects the divisive visiting Friends from London

Ferris ALS (copy) on the topic of grave stones

ALS concerning transcripts of Hicks papers. Mentions illness of his wife (who died 3 weeks later).

ALS with concern about efforts to change the Discipline to abolish all select meetings, etc. Also, death of Benjamin Walmsley

ALS with concern about efforts to change the Discipline to abolish all select meetings, etc. Also, death of Benjamin Walmsley

ALS with thanks for Ferris's report of the Yearly Meeting, but sorrow at the divisions in Indiana, Ohio, Philadelphia, and word of problems at Centre Monthly Meeting and Michigan Friends. Refers to "this modern reform disease." Concern for books for younger Friends.

ALS expresses dismay that he and others were not able to read the journal of Edward Hicks before it was given to Henry Hicks for publication. Also sadness on state of the Society. Comly died 8mo 17, 1850.

Ferris ALS (copy) on the topic of grave stones, remarks that he wrote an essay which was published in Friends Intelligencer. Also in folder, copy of an essay on the topic dates 3 mo 29 1851.

ALS to informing Ferris of his and Ashton Richardson's intention to call on him, representing Wilmington Monthly Meeting. Also draft of Ferris, Benjamin's response (to his uncle) rejecting their authority.

Correspondence concerning his writing an introduction to the Journal of John Comly. Sarah (1810-1903) was the daughter of John Comly and married James C. Haviland in 1865. A rough draft of one of Ferris's responses

ALS, asking his recollections of Timothy Matlack whose papers he collecting. Draft of Ferris's response which includes Friends' perception of Matlack. (Copy made for PG7)

ALS concerning reports problems with a burial in the Western burial ground and other disputes of property.

7 ALsS: 2 ALsS, 1826. Edward Garrigues (1756-1845) was an Elder of Darby Monthly Meeting. The first letter was written to William Poole, but addressed to Ferris, Benjamin. Both letters express dismay with discord in the Society. 3ALsS, 1828: 9mo, travelled with John Comly, William Wharton and others to Berks County meetings.

ALS in response to Ferris's letter expressing interest in the Manual Labor School proposed by New England Anti-Slavery Society.

4 ALsS. Gassett (1774-1855) was a Boston dry-goods importer who donated books to libraries and historical societies. In particular, he offered the published John Quincy Adams anti-Masonic letters. Also, a copy of Gassett's letter to Bowdoin College.

2 ALsS with a draft of Ferris's response in which he urges Gibbons not to move too quickly.

ALS

4 ALsS: 1842 informing that William Wharton is expected to recover; 1842, 1852 concerning books and research. Gilpin (1776-1853) was a Quaker merchant of Philadelphia and Delaware.

2 ALsS (drafts?) from Ferris in response apparently to Grace's wish that the Yearly Meeting publish a book of Quaker doctrine with a lengthy response from Grace dated 10 mo 23, 1830, with his objections to Elias Hicks, etc.

ALS with praise for Ferris's book

ALS that is a copy of his letter to William L. Fisher with references to publications and Elias Hicks. Note at end mentions religious disturbances in south of Ireland.

ALS concerning death of George F. White. Also printed poem on his death and funeral, signed Amanda Clark

7 ALsS and 2 ALsS replies from Ferris concerning Ferris's work on early settlements, William Penn. Also Ferris's draft of William Penn's diary 1682 to trace his movements in New Castle.

Ferris's draft of a letter with an account of the division in the Quarterly Meeting and elsewhere. Also a fragment of a sermon?

ALS (copy) concerning his views on the Immaculate Conception.

ALS with his copy of a letter written by his father-in-law, Robert Hicks, to Samuel Griffith concerning correspondence between Oliver Johnson and George F. White regarding abolitionists. Elias Hicks (1815-1853) was the son of Valentine and Abigail Hicks. He married his second cousin, Sarah Hicks, in 1836. She was the granddaughter of Isaac and Sarah (Doughty) Hicks. (Oversized)

ALS asking for his autograph in one of his books for a young friend of hers who is about to marry. Urges him to work on a history of the Society which Dr. Gibbons had not finished. Controversy in the meeting.

3 ALS asking him to write a memorial for her son, Abraham Hicks. In a letter she relates her difficulties in raising him; he was born during her husband's final illness. In another letter, she expresses her discouragement with getting an memorial approved with the language she wanted.

Acknowledgement of his gift of the Report of the Delegation of Friends to Indians at Cattaraugus

4 ALsS. 8 mo 31, 1821, concerning his disagreements with J. E. and the hostility shown him. 11 mo 1822 relays that T. McClintock and others aware of an "infamous conspiracy" against E. H. Hicks is interrogated by the Elders.

3 ALsS. Mentions visiting Quaker minister, Nicholas Brown.

ALS concerning the law suit against Friends in Steubenville, Ohio.

ALS asking him to attend the trial of Friends in Steubenville, Ohio

ALS concerning publishing Elias Hicks's letters

ALS with gratitude for his support.

8 ALsS. Description of dissention in Darby Monthly Meeting and Quarterly, with complaints written for Jackson and others for attending conference at Green Street. Halliday Jackson (1771-1835) was a Quaker minister from New Garden and Darby, Pa. In 1828, he visited meetings to promulgate the Hicksite perspective. In letter of 9 mo 9 from Mount Pleasant, Ohio, he describes the meeting of six Orthodox with Elias Hicks. Before his death in 1835, Jackson wrote an incomplete history of the Separation.

2 ALsS, glad to hear of success of Wilmington lawsuit

2 ALsS: 5mo 4 concerning a meeting of the Indian Committee on which he and Benjamin serve, with dismay for the condition of the Indians. 9mo 18, plans a visit to Wilmington and Stanton and wants to invite locals who are not necessarily Friends.

ALS, long description of his visit in St. John (oversized)

ALS concerning Indian Committee and John Ross. Part of third page of letter is missing.

3 ALsS. 1850: Plans to pass through Wilmington and wants visit, planning a biography of William Penn 1855: Publication and review of suitable books.

ALS asking for an update on Quaker affairs in Wilmington; word is that Dr. Gibbons has left the meeting.

2 ALsS, on situation at Buckingham Meeting, in response to query of Mc'Lintock and others.

2 ALsS. Judge (1750?-1834) was a recognized minister and friend of Job Scott and Elias Hicks.

2 ALS. Justice was treasurer for the Joint Committee on Indian Affairs of the Four Yearly Meetings. 9 mo 7, writes that he is tired of the sniping and infighting and wants to withdraw.

ALS. NYC bookseller, wanting copies of his book A History of the Original Settlements on the Delaware : from its discovery by Hudson to the colonization under William Penn.

ALS reflecting on the state of the Society after attending the Yearly Meeting

ALS informing Ferris of his plans to visit meetings in southeast Pennsylvania and Delaware

ALS regarding delivery of his chest

2 ALsS. Ketchum disseminated the contents of Ferris's recent letter to Friends at Jericho, but Friends are not all in accord in how to proceed. Orthodox are involved with disowning members. Letter of 3 mo 19 1830 asks for assistance in preparing a memorial for Elias Hicks who died 2 mo 27. Gives details on Hicks's death, how he was writing to Hugh Judge when stricken with a stroke.

ALS concerning Quaker publications and their sale.

ALS. Lancaster (1778-1838) lectured on developing common schools based on the "monitorial" plan of education. He and fellow British educator Dr. Andrew Bell developed similar systems, a source of controversy.

2 ALs (draft) and copies by Ferris concerning the American Colonization Society of which Latrobe was president.

5 ALS: 1827 11mo 22 about Elias Hicks and his theology addressed to John Cromwell (?). He writes about Thomas Eddy's efforts to ruin Elias Hicks. Leggett was a New York Hicksite Quaker. Also included is letter from J.(?) N. Williams from Ohio to Leggett.

ALS concerning the treaty with the Indians

ALsS regarding his son's desire to find employment after having gone astray earlier.

3 ALsS. 1828 2 mo 19 ALS with his thoughts on the dispute in the Society of Friends. Letters of 2 month give an account of last illness of Elias Hicks

ALS from "a young Swedish Nobleman" declining Ferris's invitation to visit

ALS asking for Ferris to further explain his views.

3 ALsS. Lippincott was an approved minister from Moorestown, N.J. She was long-time clerk of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting Women Friends. Includes a letter to British Friend with a defense of Elias Hicks. Also, copy of a letter from Mary S. Lippincott to William and Elizabeth Widdifield

ALS from Lower (1776-1841), a Philadelphia Quaker minister. News of the monthly meeting and plans to build a new meeting house on the burial ground lot.

ALS. Detailed description of tumultuous meeting in the Northern District, begun with a sermon by John Mott but followed by a long acrimonious speech by Beulah Sansom against the ideas of Elias Hicks. Finally interrupted and the members much embarrassed. Also talk about the authorship of "Amicus." Lower (1776-1841) became a member of Green Street Monthly Meeting after the Separation; Philadelphia Monthly Meeting, Northern District, affiliated with the Orthodox.

ALS. Detailed description meeting for worship where visiting minister Priscilla Hunt spoke and was publicly accused by William Evans of not speaking the true testimonies.

2 ALS: 10 mo intends to attend Baltimore Yearly Meeting in a time when abolition, women's rights, temperance, and spiritual knockings are the topics; 12 mo, approves of visit by William McGirr, minister from Westland Monthly Meeting, which expressed testimony against the reform movements.

ALS. James Martin was Clerk of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, and his subject is the word "committee" in the context of the Discipline. Also, drafts of Ferris's replies

10 ALsS with drafts of letters of response, 1850-1853, from Ferris. McGirr was a well-known Quaker minister of Westland Monthly Meeting who wrote books on religious topics which he asked Ferris to edit and review. Of interest are Ferris's comments and editing on an essay "Is God and Unchangeable Being"

5 ALsS on subject of his calendar, etc., with drafts of replies from Ferris, Benjamin

6 ALsS concerning real estate. Also ALS from Ferris, 2mo 3, 1840, informs of his decision to dispose of his property in Philadelphia. Indentures filed with Business Papers.

ALS (copy) forwarding a copy of David Ferris' Memoirs. Ferris notes that he met Rev. Mitcheson when they shared a stage ride and enjoyed their conversation.

ALS (copy) concerning proposed road to be laid on property that Ferris owned.

2 ALsS from Dr. Moore.

ALS about being insulted in Independence Hall

ALS with payment and thanks for fine visit made by Catherine and Anthony.

ALS concerning certificate of Elizabeth Burghe. Mentions burials at Chappaqua of two non-members, one the victim of murder.

2 ALsS: 1828 2mo 6 with a copy of the address to Friends in Ohio and Indiana. The printing had been delayed because of some objections, including avoidance of using terms "orthodox" and "separatists." 1829 letter enclosed a copy of the testimony against Elias Hicks from Jericho and Westbury Monthly Meeting.

ALS. Mott (1775-1862) was the widow of Robert Mott. She recounts a letter from her nephew Henry Haydock describing a visit of Elias Hicks, New York

ALS that informs Benjamin of the death of Thomas Parker, his father. Benjamin served his apprenticeship under Thomas Parker.

Incomplete ALS with meeting matters

ALS, developments in Virginia and Ohio Yearly Meetings

ALS with copy of short note from Ferris to Pease concerning religious books.

ALS concerning appeal of Benjamin Webb to the Yearly Meeting

2 ALsS, wants Ferris to join the Pennsylvania Historical Society

ALS. Henry Pike(1795-1889) and his wife, Mary (Walton) Pike (1792-1875) operated a boarding school for boys in Byberry, Pa. Henry was imprisoned during the War of 1812 as a conscientious objector. Mary was an acknowledged minister. See Series 2-B for correspondence concerning the Ferris sons' schooling.

ALS. Thornton (1822-1885) was the son of Henry and Mary Pike; he transferred his membership to Philadelphia Monthly Meeting (H) in 1843 and married Elizabeth Justice, daughter of George M. Justice, in 1847.

ALS. Plummer was Clerk of Indiana Yearly Meeting, and he laments the reformist environment.

Notes with religious sentiments, circa 1820, 5 pp with some sections missing. [Gift of Emma C. Bancroft, 1917, added to Ferris Collection at unknown later date.]

8 ALsS, ca. 1820 mention Thomas Garrett and disturbance at Pine Street meeting concerning Nathan Dunbar. Other letters review essays, Christian Repository, and mention extreme agitation concerning Elias [Hicks] that was dividing the Society. Poole (1764-1829) was Ferris's uncle; Poole's wife, Sarah Sharples, was the half sister of Benjamin's mother, Edith. Poole was a prosperous and influential Wilmington Quaker and a good friend of Elias Hicks.

7 ALsS. Letter of 4 month 18 relates that he received a letter from Edward Garrigues, discouraged that matters would settle. He laments that English and Irish visitors are causing discord. Letter of 1827 concerned with revising the Discipline.

ALS concerning decisions at Bradford Preparative Meeting, etc.

3 ALsS. Ferris refers to Orthodox publication of Extracts as a "Creed." Letter of 7mo 19, 1833, on behalf of the Committee, asks Price, a Philadelphia attorney, to offer advise on the NJ court case. Note at bottom from Thomas M'Clintock.

ALS, after the Bucks Quarterly Meeting held at Falls in which Edward Hicks spoke extensively. Priscilla Cadwallader making visits.

ALS concerning arrangements for visiting minister George F. White of New York

ALS describes the visit of "Our interesting friend G. T. White." Ferris delivered him to Quarterly Meeting and describes his well-received sermon.

ALS reporting that Philadelphia Yearly Meeting (Orthodox) had avoided a separation between the Gurneyite and Wilburite factions. Price was a member of Philadelphia Monthly Meeting (Hicksite).

1849, Pusey sent an ALS expressing strong disagreement with the sectarianism and policies of the Society of Friends. A committee wished to meet with him, but he said that although birthright, he had no desire to belong to the Society and therefore would not resign or acknowledge a disownment. Copy of the disownment also enclosed as well as Ferris's note commenting on the dangers of music, dance, sports and amusements. Regret that the young man is precipitous in his decision.

ALS relates his visit in the ministry to Philadelphia Yearly Meeting and elsewhere in which he attended 40 meetings and visited 107 families, traveling 1600 miles in less than two months. Quimby was a member of Rochester Monthly Meeting and died in 1858 at age 80.

3 ALsS. Considering publishing "Paul and Amicus" letters.

7 ALsS concerning publication of Letters of Paul and Amicus. Included are two notes to Rakestraw, one from Robert Porter who was concerned about identifying the authors and one from Joseph Delaplaine.

9 ALsS. He urges Ferris to take an active role in the controversy. Letters mention upheaval in the monthly meeting, where Elders were investigating a charge of defamation regarding statements made about Elias Hicks. Visits of Elias Hicks and others. Disruption in the Quarterly Meeting in 11 month. Rakestraw eventually sided with the Orthodox faction and was a member of Philadelphia Monthly Meeting-Northern District. Also correspondence concerning his publication of the diary of David Ferris and William Gibbon's Vindex.

2 ALsS. Religious concerns.

ALsS. Concerns property for which Reese wanted to clear the title. Ferris's draft with his response is written on the blank third page, urging him to keep it simple

ALS concerning an F. Jackson wrongly held in a Richmond, VA, jail as an escaped slave

ALS on gravestones

ALS forwarding information about the Jamaican Legislature allowing African-American emigration.

ALS concerning loan of books. Rosengarten became a prominent Philadelphia lawyer, author, and historian, a member of the American Philosophical Society and many philanthropic organizations.

ALS concerning disownment of David Buzby, birthright member of Wilmington, because of his involvement with music which Savy [name illegible] thinks is harsh.

Copy ALS. Schooley was an Ohio Hicksite Quaker minister.

ALS to "Dear Cousin" concerning a plot of land. Also, draft of Ferris's letter to his cousin Thomas S. Newlin concerning same plot; Ferris was the Arbitrator of the Will of Thomas Shipley. Joseph Shipley (1795-167) was a banker who made his fortune in London. He returned to Delaware in retirement and built Rockwood, a mansion in Newark. His niece, Sarah (1812-186) married Edward Bringhurst, the son of Dr. Joseph and Deborah (Ferris) Bringhurst..

TL (copy) concerning British intervention in American war.

2 ALsS concerning challenge the inheritance of an African-American, Hamlet Ross. Ferris requested to be a witness.

ALS, daughter of Amos Smith

ALS. Smith (1788-1826) was recorded minister of Burlington Monthly Meeting. Relating to the controversy facing the Society of Friends.

ALS with appreciation of Ferris's letter from New York State. ALS of 1840 mentions illness of George F. White and Joseph Parrish and the tarring of Daniel Neale.

ALS concerning the New York State Indians

ALS concerning History of Swedes on the Delaware, together with Ferris's draft/copy; 10mo 29, requesting genealogical information about the Springer family

2 ALsS. 1851: Reports that Baltimore Yearly Meeting met agreeably; subject of Colonization Society discussed. Stabler's mother was a close friend of Philip and Rachel Price, and he recounts a story about Eli H. Price which was told by Rachel to his mother in the 1852 letter.

ALS (copy), Ferris re-affirms his opinion on tombstones

ALS written while Ferris was on a visit to New York and the Indians

ALS concerning an alley on his property in Wilmington

ALS selling a salve.

2 ALS, 1833, asking for his assistance to serve on the committee for Chesterfield Friends and also information about Welcome Gray; 1 ALS, 1838, concerns prison reform, end of death penalty.

AL, probably in response to Committee questionnaire. Report on the situation at Bristol, Pa.

ALS, Ohio Yearly Meeting

ALS requesting his help in obtaining George Fox's Journal in German since many of the inhabitants in Union County were German-speaking.

ALS concerning Indian concerns and includes copy of his letter to A. H. Sevier, chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. Thomas (1776-1861) was the first president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and active in the Society of Friends.

2 ALsS with report of situation in Ohio

ALS, distressed by divisions in the Society of Friends

3 ALsS apparently concerning same legal case as referred to in Shivers letter, Joseph Bayard, attorney.

ALS

ALS includes request for information about a teacher for a school in Port Elizabeth

ALS wishing for a visit

ALS mentions article about persecution of early Friends in Massachusetts by Hull, an Orthodox Friend. Hears that much illness amongst the Indians and worries that they will not be able to continue the Indian school if Joseph Walton declines to go.

5 ALsS with ALs (copy) response from Ferris.concerning Ferris's compilation of evidence against Friends and music, published as "A Few Testimonies of the Society of Friends concerning music. . . . "

ALS asking for Ferris, Benjamin to make a clear account of the facts

3 ALsS, concerning Meeting for Sufferings and his reaction to Dr. Gibbons' pamphlet

ALS , labeled by Ferris: "Joseph Turner's Exposition of Orthodoxy." Note on envelope, "Found by Henry Ferris among the papers of his Grandfather Benjamin Ferris." Penciled note on envelope by Samuel Bettle, copied by Benjamin Ferris with comment.

1847: 2 ALsS primarily concern for young boys used as chimney sweeps. Also mention of Indian Committee. 1850, ALS answering his inquiry for a published article.

ALS (copy) in response to charges by Ogden Land Company against William Penn

2 ALsS. 1851: Question posed in Quarterly Meeting, if a Quaker buys a slave and manumits him, can he indenture the same? 1852 for his advice concerning sale of property in Newport, Delaware

2 ALsS. In the first, he asks Ferris to give witness to Byberry Monthly Meeting concerning his character. In the following letter explains the report against him in Byberry Monthly Meeting concerning a lot purchased by subscription of members and non-members for a school and managed by a committee of the Preparative Meeting. Members of the Meeting had moved to sell the property without proper title, and Walton appealed to the Overseers and then took it to Court. He was disowned by Byberry Monthly Meeting 2 mo 24, but the decision was reversed by the Quarterly Meeting.

3 ALsS. Mentions review of Discipline, illness of John Jackson, and his years at Cattaraugus.

3 ALsS: Interesting letter of 9 mo 18, 1844, in which Lucretia and James Mott, together other abolitionists including two African-Americans (Douglas and Raymond (?)) addressed Byberry meeting. In 1846, desired to give up his unsuccessful farm and engage in a large general store in Wilmington

ALS. Describes the Rosine Association of Philadelphia, a women's philanthropic organization with its goal to reform prostitutes.

2 ALsS suggesting where Ferris's sons might be placed and Ferris's desire to buy real estate in that area. 1841 describes a theft

ALS, willing to deliver Epistle to Virginia Yearly Meeting

ALS requesting Ferris to testify in the New Jersey case, and Ferris's response of 1830 11 mo 6 with his refusal, suggesting instead Lower.

ALS expressing sympathy on death of Ferris's wife. Cover letter from Anna Wharton Wood when she gave the letter to Henry Ferris in 1940.

3 ALS. White was a popular New York Quaker minister with extremely conservative views against Quakers participation reform societies, including women's rights and abolition. Two of the letters include long commentary of published religious tracts.

7 ALsS and poem by him. 7mo 19, 1851, interesting in his views of review pre-publication by the Meeting for Sufferings, specifically in the case of Journal of John Comly for which the family elected to select their own committee. 1854 hopes for an eventual reunification of the Society.

ALS in which he lists the Queries used by the Nicholites. He writes that he attended a service early in his life.

ALS concerning death of cousin from cholera

ALS with news about Friends, including note that John and Phebe Merrit are on a visit to Nantucket. Willets was a wealthy New York merchant and patron of the artist Edward Hicks, to whom was related.

12 ALsS concerning Ferris's dissatisfaction with a coat manufactured by Willets. Also financial disagreement between the Ann P. Merritt and Abraham Merritt (?), illness among the Indians. Report of the yearly meeting. 8mo 1849 letters reports cholera epidemic, the illness and death of Edward Hicks, and the illness of Abraham Hicks, son of Rachel (Seaman) Hicks. 1850, mentions mixed reviews to John D. Wright's ministry.

12 ALsS with ALS (copy) from Ferris. Includes the report of the death of Rachel Hicks's only surviving child, Abraham, 11 mo 1, 1854. Mentions controversy about the Abraham Hicks testimony, very approving of Ferris's publication on music. Traveling with Quaker minister Rachel Hicks in 1856 until he had to abbreviate his trip when his wife, Caroline, suffered a fall. Caroline Willets was Rachel Hicks most frequent travel companion.

ALS inviting Ferris to stay at his home when he attends yearly meeting.

ALS notes the prospect of a Friend giving up his music.

ALS asking Ferris's thoughts on a proposal laid before Nine Partners Trust Society to establish a lunatic asylum under the care of Friends

ALS concerning his lawsuit with the Susquehanna Canal Company

MS account of his marriage, by David Ferris (1707/08-1779). He married Mary Massey in 1735.

Published memoirs, included the testimony by Wilmington Monthly Meeting. The Memoirs, revised and corrected, were published in 1825 from an edition published in Philadelphia. Another edition was published in 1855 .

"A Testimony Concerning the working of the Spirit of God with me, from my childhood. . . ." An account of his spiritual journey and religious visits from about 1741 to 1772. Benjamin Ferris, son of Zachariah and Sarah Ferris. Manuscript ends with his memorial for his deceased wife Phebe, the daughter of Eleazer and Elizabeth Beecher, who was a Quaker minister.

Photocopy. See also microfilm-MS F13. [Catalogue at FHL referred to Benjamin Ferris (1708-1775) "of Oblong." He removed from Oblong to Wilmington in 1737

"Collected as near as could be remembered by B. Ferris"

Benjamin Ferris, son of David and Mary Ferris, born 8, 5mo, 1740, in Wilmington. His recollections beginning 1752 when he was twelve years old, through 1757. Mention of attending Quaker meeting and prominent Friends, attending youth meetings in Concord and Quarterly Meetings. Visited New England in 1756 and accompanied traveling Friends. Journal ends in 10 month 1757.

Note on inside cover by Benjamin Ferris: "This work is the third volume- the two former I have seen, but believe they are in the possession of some of the descendants of the author's sister Mary. I think the present volume is not in the handwriting of Benjamin Ferris. It appears more like his father's writing -who probably copied it from the original after his son's decease. Benjamin Ferris was the son of David Ferris whose Journal is in print. He was born in 1740 and died in the spring of 1771. Some notice of his funeral may be found in John Churchman's Journal. Wilmington 12 month 1836. Benjamin Ferris." A journal of his travels in the ministry; he traveled with his father.

Copies of Letters, Benjamin Ferris, Wilmington, Letters dated 1755-1765, religious thoughts, also mention of visits. Gift of Matilda Ferris, 2/2/1926. [tab from original cataloging incorrrectly identified this as Benjamin Ferris (1708-1775) of Oblong, Copy book]

MS poem by Zebulon Ferris, "Father's first cousin"

MS poem, with note (in B.F.'s hand?): "Unless good poetry from bad she knows/The muse had always better write in prose."

Account of last days of Abraham Gibbons, died 1797, signed by Margaret Canby

Copy of Benezet's letter to Queen Charlotte, "Some observations on outward wars"

Includes his trip 7 month to Philadelphia for the marriage of his sister, Deborah. Note by Ferris in 1826 on last page.

Small memo book, (The American Repository and Annual Register), that includes drawings, brief notes

Diary of a visit to Nantucket

Benjamin Ferris (?) Trip in the ministry to New York State. Note concerning his great uncle, Benjamin Ferris

Short entries, including activities

Daily entries, including weather, activities, and purchases

Daily entries, including weather, activities, and purchases

Daily entries, including weather, activities

Daily entries, including weather, activities

Entries in Friends Pocket Almanac. Note dated 6-6-1962 (Frances C. Ferris) indicates that it was written while Ferris was purchasing "Bonair" near Fallston which he and Hannah used as a summer home in later years, leaving home on West Street to the rest of the family

Daily entries, including weather, activities, and purchases with notes on history research at end of volume

Scrapbook (bound) of published clippings by "Aquila" on a variety of topics. Includes address to the Seneca and essay on music

Ms draft

Ms, published in Friends Intelligencer

Ms, published in Friends Intelligencer

Ms, published in Friends Intelligencer

Ms

Ms translation from the French, first 40 pages of Histoire des Trembleurs by Francois Catrou, 1733.

MSS, religious and other topics

Ms collection of poetry from various sources, bound

Poems collected by Benjamin Ferris, with drafts (by him?). Includes a poem by Levi Stephens, a prisoner in Philadelphia, with a faint portrait sketch on reverse

Oversize MS, ornate calligraphic hand

MS poem by Benjamin Ferris on the wedding of ? at Cherry Street Meeting

Thomas Brown, for The Berean; "Account of John Steel;" Death of Eliza Robinson, 1853; Thomas Evans (published 1868)

MS, small volume

Published pamphlet by Jonathan Evans, Clerk. Ferris notes: "Inclosed is an Original Copy of a Creed. . . . It was got passed and printed by the Philadelphia Meeting for Suffering read in the Yearly Meeting and rejected in the 4th mo. 1823." Annotations in text.

MSS of the Paul and Amicus discussions, originally published in The Christian Repository

Published booklet. Note in preface that published without the permission of the correspondents

Published booklet

Published booklet

Published Letter from Luke Howard to A Friend in America and Ms drafts of Ferris' response to Luke Howard's pamphlet. Howard was a London Yearly Meeting evangelist and took issue with Job Scott's Salvation by Christ.

MS, bound volume

Published pamphlet, with handwritten title on cover "Orthodox Defender" and "This pamphlet was written by one of the principal authors of the Separation" on inside cover

MS minutes of the Committee appointed at a general meeting of Conference held at Green Street Meeting House and Published Statement "exhibiting the causes that have led to the Dissolution of the Connexion which existed between Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting and the Monthly Meeting of Friends held at Green Street.

Complaints at Philadelphia Monthly Meetings for the Western and South Districts

Rough notes on April conferences. Ferris annotation that the minutes are in the handwriting of Dr. William Gibbons

MSS drafts, Benjamin Ferris and others

Note in Ferris's hand that addressed to Yearly Meeting in London, but returned, unread. Subsequently published by Philadelphia yearly Meeting

Published, with original title crossed out and amended with apostate Quakers and pseudo-Orthodox Friends. Annotation is text body.

MS book with minutes of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting minutes and committee minutes

Committee sent a form letter to monthly meetings requesting information concerning the Separation, including if the meeting has split, who retained the property, how many members, etc.

Notes and remarks on Comly, including his response to charges that he was one of instigators of division in Society of Friends and essay for memorial after his death

Reports from committees, monthly meetings

Published in NY. Handwritten additions to title has it read: "Testimony or Creek of the Orthodox Society of Friends, or Episcopalian Quakers"

Reports to the Quarterly, drafts of epistles

Partial drafts of epistles

MS draft, "in a review of the doctrines and opinions of Elias Hicks"

MS bound. "containing a Review of the fundamental Doctrines of Friends and also An explanation of some of the passages in the Sermons of Elias Hicks Which have been censured by is enemies"

MS, 2 pp. draft

Published

Two MSS drafts of essays on J. J. Gurney. Essay begins as a response to letter Gurney address to Friends of Baltimore Yearly Meeting

"Historical Review of the Rise and Progress of the Separation of the Friends of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting up to the year 1827. Prepared by a Committee of the Meeting for Sufferings." Ms. A note by Ferris on the inside cover reads: "This Essay was prepared by order of the meeting for Sufferings and approved but then Friends thought it would be better to delay the publication. . . . 5 mo 30 1847."

"Historical Review of the Rise and Progress of the Separation. . . Prepared by a Committee of the Meeting for Sufferings." Two typed carbon copies

Account by John Watson

MS fragment, written on reverse of an report of the account of Margaret Brookes with John Brookes, 1828

Mentions testimony of John Danby, John Bancroft, Samuel Hilles, John Bullock, James Saville, James Squibb and others

Fragments of drafts on the Separation

Includes draft of essay/letter? concerning the number of British ministers who visited pre-Separation and the influence of Bible societies

Draft of a response

Hedrickson-Shotwell Case, 1832; Ancient Testimony, 1843

Original document and copy. Wilmington

Original and copy

Receipt, list of jurors

Original document and photocopy

Opinion by Nicholas Waln on settlement of Lydia Ferris estate, etc. John Ferris (1746-1828) married Lydia Zane in 1771. She died in 1782. He married second Ann Gilpin (1762-1822), a Quaker minister.

Account book, receipts of good received from John Ferris. Memorandum on work done on Market Street property, noted in Poor Will's Pocket Almanac, 1780

Photocopy of original

Loose receipts, etc. Wilmington and then Philadelphia

Loose receipts, etc. Includes small book titled "List of Debts, 1788" [owed to him]

Loose receipts, etc. Accounts and receipts, Dr. John Ferris

Household expense, for live-in help, entered in a partial printed almanac. John Ferris married Ann Gilpin as his second wife in 1783

Surveys and drawings for properties including the division of Bonair.

Surveys, correspondence and related papers.

Includes a description of the windmill invented by Joseph Pope. Note on reverse: "He invented a Threshing Machine, and came to Irene DuPont to see one put up for him. He was several days at our house - a very sensible, amiable old man whose features and person strongly resembled the Bust or Statue of Dr. Franklin in Philadelphia. They were early related. 9 mo 1840 - D.B."

Plan of property in Wilmington

Receipt, witnessed by Samuel Canby

Small notebook on his cabinet-making. Also photocopy. Note by Benjamin Ferris dated 1849: "My father wrote the last two memorandum just two weeks before his death. . . ."

Indenture agreements

Gilpin died intestate, and his son, Edward Gilpin, was executor of the estate

Receipts, checks, etc. Ferris and Gilpin, Wilmington

Contract for apprenticeship with Thomas Parker, watch-maker, Philadelphia. Contract was for 5 years, 10 months. Note from Ferris that he was 14 years old and began 2 of 11 month 1794. Indenture signed 5th of 10 month 1795. Note on reverse "Indenture Ending 7th of 8th mo 1801." Also certificate for property on 2nd Street, 1795, and sketch.

Small volume started 1800 with note made by Ferris in 1855. Second volume is expenditures, 1816-1826

Documents include indenture of James McElive to Benjamin Ferris, 1804 and other indentures and bonds. Note by Ferris that 8 month 1801, he was 21 years old and immediately rented a small shop on Second Street at Pewter Platter Alley to commence a business. See Ser. 2-H for Ferris's business/watch card and related materials.

Primarily accounting of improvements to property

Receipts, agreement, property indentures

Estate of Henry White Physick (1758-1821). Physick was the son of Edmund and Abigail Syng Physick of Philadelphia and the brother of prominent physician Phillip Syng Physick. His mother had become a member of the Society of Friends in 1790 (Philadelphia Monthly Meeting, N.D.) and both parents were buried at the Quaker burial ground at 4th and Arch. Henry W. Physick (1758-1821) married Adriana Haynes. He had a considerable estate, including property in Wilmington. Includes correspondence with his daughter, Hannah H. Physick, who made a complaint to Wilmington Monthly Meeting concerning Ferris's handling of the estate. Also certificate for George Physick for bounty land in Illinois, 1818.

"Barley Mill or Rockdale Cotton factory concern began in 1813." Accounts and wages

Notice from Pennsylvania Militia for not complying with military request. Ferris noted on notice that he already had removed to Wilmington 5 month 1813.

Dated 5 mo, 23, 1815.

Two volumes. 1815 memo book includes a note concerning agreement between Ferris and William and Martha Canby regarding their home in Wilmington, as boarders in the household. 1817-1818 volume includes sketches.

Receipts

Wilmington, accounting of legal and business jobs, charge and payment

Account book, charges for survey and other drawings

Property records, deeds and indentures

Household account book. Hannah Gibbons was a cousin of Fanny Ferris and lived with the Ferrises in Wilmington. Fanny died in 1833, and in 1835, Benjamin Ferris and Hannah Gibbons married.

Accounts. Ferris, together with William Logan Fisher, was executor and guardian for the minor children of Ann Eliza Fisher. She was the widow of James Logan Fisher of Philadelphia. Her three sons lived with Sarah Logan in Germantown, Pa., after their mother's death. File includes correspondence with Sidney George Fisher, eldest child (1809-1871) and gentleman farmer and writer, best know for his diaries.

2 small volumes: "Memorandums/ Monies paid etc etc by the Executors of John Ferris decd." and John Ferris Executors: with Bank of Delaware." John Ferris (1746-1828) was a first cousin of Benjamin Ferris's father. He married (third) Mary ?, about 1824.

Estate of Mary Huggins, New Castle Co., Delaware. Property inherited by daughter, Ellen, wife of Jacob Eglee and then her sons. In later years, Ferris was in partnership with David Smyth, his brother-in-law, in handling the estate. Smyth married Fanny Canby's sister, Anna, in 1815.

Joseph Bringhurst (1732/3-1811) was a wealthy Philadelphia merchant and the uncle of Joseph Bringhurst (1767-1834) who married Deborah Ferris, sister of Benjamin. He was unmarried. Also copy of will of Joseph Bringhurst, his brother-in-law. with plot plan of properties he owned in Wilmington.

William Canby (1748-1830) was the father of Benjamin Ferris's wife, Fanny. Estate accounts. Gift of Frances C. Ferris, 1960.

Settlement papers with F. Gallega

His title: Memoranda and Day Book. Personal and business accounts

2 volumes: Record of rents, 1852-1854; other expenses1852-1853

Copy and probate, 1867

Ferris owned a significant number of properties in Wilmington and investments. Copy of his 1855 will, correspondence and agreement between his heirs, his six surviving children: Deborah, Anna, Martha, David, William, and Edward, to divide the estate equitably and agreeably to all.

Draft of portions assigned and proposal to give monies to more distant relations, finding himself more wealthy than he had expected.

Wilmington. Certificate is damaged. Removed to Marriage Certificates

William Zane's parents approval of his marriage to Ann Bennett, addressed to Wilmington Monthly Meeting

Frances Canby Ferris's cover note. Original certificate stored in chart case.

Illustrated children's book (incomplete), "Edith Harlan 6 mo 10th, 1812" on title page. Also cover from a later addition and ms copy of missing first sections

Copy of 1737 marriage certificate made by Caleb Peirce in 1814 and confirmed by grandchildren Benjamin Ferris and Deborah Bringhurst

Anna Ferris (1811-1814) died suddenly of the croup before her third birthday, the third consecutive child that the Ferrises lost before the age of three. Includes a silhouette, memorial poem and drawings. A second Anna was born in 1815 and died in 1890.

Includes sketch of old meeting house, Wilmington, 1817

Family milestones (children's height, weight, walking, talking) written in loose pages of a published book, 1810; children and grandchildren

Miniature book of drawings and tales, incomplete. Presumably by B. Ferris for his daughter, Deborah, born 1813

Ferris's notation on the cover that was a gift from the author, William McIlvaine

Ms (copy?) of account on the death of Abraham Hicks by Rachel Hicks. Also, published memoir written by his mother, Rachel Hicks

Original in Chart Case, Marriages M+

Memorials written by Anna M. Ferris and others

Clocks and watches sold and repaired. From his shop in Philadelphia (1806-1811). Stored with Diary

Genealogy of the Canby family with silhouettes ca. 1810 of Fanny and Benjamin Ferris and sons: David (1831), William (1831), Edward (1832), and a larger silhouette of Benjamin, Jr., age 17 (?) (died 1831) . Mounted in acidic display folder

Note that came with item: "Sketch of Benjamin Ferris for a portrait. Portrait was not made?"

Poem about dog and his mistress, illustrated by Benjamin Ferris

Cover note from E. M. Ferris

Benjamin Ferris sketch

Benjamin Ferris sketch

Benjamin Ferris

Signatures, probably all by Benjamin Ferris, and removed from envelopes

Ms poem

Note on back "Designed by T. Pole & improved by." Joseph Bringhurst's mother, Ann Pole, was the daughter of John and Rachel Smith Pole. Pole was a wealthy Philadelphia merchant.

Ms memorial by his son, Benjamin Mason. A Quaker minister

MS epistle signed by Mary Peisly and Catherine Layton, with note "Pertinent B. Ferris 1868"

MS epistle

MS extracts, concerning dress in particular

MS memorial, ministry and death of an English minister, died 1761

Printed Principles of the People called Quakers with respect to the King and Government

MS accounts, James Gilmor and John Thenwell (?), Constables and Dillarplain, tax collector. Record of taxes and goods taken to support the war. Note in B. Ferris’s hand that records the sufferings of members of Wilmington Monthly Meeting for refusing to support the war effort.

Minutes of the committee, Benjamin Ferris

"A List of the Family Visited by our Esteemed Friends Esther Griffen & Hannah Field. . ." 103 Families

In three volumes. Transferred to RG2/PH/W58, Wilmington Preparative Meeting

Transcription of excerpts from the meeting which rotated between Concord and Chichester meeting houses

6 pp of rough minutes of Building Committee

Published extracts and MS rough drafts includes his remarks on liquor

Testimony against him concerning his spreading a report of unsound doctrine by a minister (copy)

Transferred to Concord Quarterly Meeting Minutes. RG2/Ph/C69

List of visitors, 1824-1826; minutes for Benjamin Ferris to Genesee Yearly Meeting in 1834

Miscellaneous drafts, financial notes, appointments

Excerpts and reports, including graveyard, proposed school, membership matters

Queries and responses

Certificates of removal. Transferred to Wilmington Monthly Meeting, RG2/Ph/W57

Rough minutes, extracts

Responses from subordinate and the monthly meeting

Transferred to Wilmington Monthly Meeting, RG2/Ph/W57

Ellis Sanders, Hanna H. McAllister. Transferred to Wilmington Monthly Meeting, RG2/Ph/W57

Transferred to Wilmington Monthly Meeting, RG2/Ph/W57

Ms, George Miller of Providence Monthly Meeting to Benjamin Ferris

From some members of Wilmington Monthly Meeting to the Monthly Meeting, mentions that yearly meeting recently in disarray

Excerpts from Quaker documents and other sources, 1781-1811, in fine handwriting styles. Benjamin Ferris? Bound volume found separated from other collections

Benjamin Ferris's copy

ALS from Benjamin Underwood (1793-1839) to his eldest child, Mary, notifying of the death of her little brother, Charles, born 1832. Also signed by her mother, Sarah Underwood.

ALS (copy?) with description of his trip to the West Indies, government, slavery

15 ALsS to daughter Sarah Ann and her sister, Matilda, students at Sharon Boarding School. Sarah Hunt traveling, meeting with friends John Comly, William Wharton, Henry Pike, and others. 8 month is traveling in New York State, mentions letter she had sent them via Lucretia Mott. Plans to limit her travels after this ministry and spend time with her children. Glad that Matilda completing her studies and will be ready to teach; worried that Sarah Ann's health and eyesight not equal to the task. Traveling with Jane Price. Looks forward to settling down with a school, together with her daughters. In 1843, Sarah (Morey) Underwood transferred her membership from Shrewsbury to Moorestown Monthly Meeting, and in 1845 she married Elisha Hunt.

ALS to her eldest daughter, Mary, who was living with her sister, Elizabeth. Sarah is visiting meetings in Philadelphia and New Jersey, and Mary apparently was considering marrying out of Society. [Mary marrried ? Lee and later moved to Iowa.]

ALS to her sister and brother-in-law. Elizabeth married Matthew Coleman in 1840 under the care of Rochester Monthly Meeting.

ALS, 1843 written shortly after her 17th birthday and settling in Eatontown, New Jersey. ALS, 1849, she is visiting sister Sally Ann in Bonair.

Poem written in Elizabeth's album

4 ALsS. 1842, 12 month, Matilda goes to Eatontown, NJ, to teach.

2 ALsS, 1842 while Sarah Ann was a student at Sharon Boarding School. She addresses the letters "dear sister." 4 ALsS from Eatontown, N.J. Lydia Pike was the daughter of Henry and Mary Pike who operated a boarding school for boys in Byberry, Pa.

2 ALsS, written from Rochester, NY. Begins "Well Sister," but addressed to Sarah Ann, Sharon Boarding School, with plans to settle in NJ where Sarah Ann and Matilda can operate a school.

4 ALsS. Mary visits her sister Matilda in Eatontown, and Sarah Ann visited her sister Elizabeth in Rochester. Mary is in a reading circle, writes with humor of local gossip. 1847 ALS from Waterford, NY, and 1849, 2 ALsS from Dubuque, Iowa.

9 ALsS from Moorestown, NJ

5 ALsS. 8mo 5, 1849, tells the Colemans about the death of Matilda after an illness of 10 days. 2 ALsS from Sarah Ann, letter of 1850 written from Moorestown, written mostly by Sarah Hunt. Sarah's letter 11 month 1855, written shortly before death of Elizabeth (d. 12 mo 23, 1855), describes that she was feeling very low in spirit.

3 ALsS. Letter of 7mo 14, 1849, mentions Lucretia Mott speaking at the meeting of Congregational Friends. Visits Niagara Falls. Mentions cholera epidemic.

9 mo 4, 1848, a tribute to her sister Jane who died in 1847. 4 ALsS written in 1849 including 5 mo visit to Philadelphia where she enjoyed the panorama of the "Voyage to Europe," attended meetings and heard Rachel Barker speak. Living with mother in Moorestown, NJ

6 ALsS. Family news. In 1849, Sarah Ann Underwood and David Ferris were married at Moorestown Monthly Meeting. Sister Matilda died 8 month, 1849, after a short illness. 12 month letter from Sarah Hunt notes that John Jackson, S. Peasley, John Foulke, and D. Worrell spoke at Quarterly Meeting.

12 ALsS, from Moorestown. Some letters have annotations by David Ferris, referring to "mother" and "dear wife."

5 ALS describes his and Sarah's visits to Friends in Bucks and Chester Counties, Pa., including George Martin who was imprisoned in Baltimore for putting up a black man

ALsS, visiting Friends in Pa.

10 ALsS. 2 month 1850, Sarah's husband, Elisha Hunt, adds a note because Sarah is disabled by a severe headache. In 2 month 1851 letter mentions that a number of Friends, including Parrishes, Miller, and Whartons, were planning to start a country-like community on the Lippincott farm in Cinnaminson Township, N.J., on the banks of the Delaware. [This became the Borough of Riverton.] 1853, Sarah Ann and David Ferris buy a farm with financial help from the Hunts and Ferrises.

ALS to her mother, reports on her return journey to Dubuque after a visit East. Her husband adds a note, and they mention son, Emmor. Mary was her eldest daughter and moved to Iowa with her husband.

ALS

2 ALS to her sister, 1850, taking care of her sick mother in Moorestown, NJ. Elizabeth married Matthew Coleman at Rochester Monthly Meeting in 1840. He resigned his member in 1844, but Elizabeth remained a member and died in 1855. Sarah Hunt suffered from periodic nervous disorders during her long life.

3 ALsS, visits to New York State

14 ALsS, from Moorestown. Some letters have annotations by David Ferris, referring to mother and dear wife

12 ALsS, from Moorestown. Some letters have annotations by David Ferris, referring to mother and dear wife

7 ALsS.

3 ALsS from Emmor Lee, son of Mary Underwood Lee and grandson of Sarah Hunt. Living in Moorestown, attending school.

12 ALsS. In 6 month, 1873, husband Elisha is ill and anxious about what his wife will do with his farm after his death, so his Will is amended to keep the peace. After Elisha's death, she moved to Pennsylvania where she bought a farm.

ALS providing money to care for her sister Susanna in Battle Creek, MI. Receipt on reverse sent to David Ferris, Alexandria

13 ALsS fretting about finances, her good name. In 6 month 1875 is visiting Mount Pleasant, Indiana, and the Waltons. Grandson Frank Ferris is weak with illness, and Emmor [Lee] gives her much worry.

11 ALsS fretting about finances; David takes offense at her accusation of mismanaging hr accounts and writes (draft?) that she is indeed unable to manage her affairs.

ALS. Purchased a farm at West Grove, Pa. Sarah died in 1889.

Written for William Ferris, recollection of her childhood and first marriage

ALS, mentions visits from Quaker ministers Sarah Underwood and Rachel Hicks

ALS, addressed to David Ferris, Attention Nathan Tyson. Mentions Thomas Foulke dying of tetanus

AL copy? with news of various romances at Quarterly Meeting

4 ALsS. Sarah Ann in Moorestown to be at her sister Matilda's deathbed; in 1850 she is caring for her sick mother, together with sister, Elizabeth Coleman. Sarah Hunt often was ill.

6 ALsS, Sarah Ann is in Moorestown, David taking care of the farm.

2 ALsS to her sister-in-law. Quaker and family news. Anna (1815-1890) lived with her parents in Wilmington and served on the Board of Swarthmore College after the death of her father. 2 ALsS to her brother with congratulations on Francis's birth in 1850.

ALS from a cousin, Moorestown

4 ALsS to her sister-in-law, Martha (1819-1912),who lived with her parents in Wilmington.

11 ALsS

9 ALsS

8 ALsS. Family, farm, and Quaker news.

ALS with family news. They have no news from her sister, Mary Lee, living in Dubuque.

ALS with acrostics

2 ALsS with family news

16 ALsS. 1854, she asks Anna to stay with her children so that she can go with her mother to attend sister Elizabeth Coleman who is dying of tuberculosis.

ALS. Sarah Ann is nursing her sister, Elizabeth, in Rochester, NY

2 ALsS to her mother as she attends her sister, Elizabeth, in Rochester, NY

2 ALsS, caring for sister Elizabeth Coleman in Rochester.

ALS to his brother, planning a visit with his wife Mary (Wetherald) and their children, with cover note from his father, Benjamin Ferris

2 ALsS

7 ALsS. ALS of 3 month 30, 1854, from Maryland asks Ferris to use Rochester contacts to find information for an elderly black man who wanted to contact his children who had moved to Canada. Other letters relate local Quaker deaths farming, reading circle.

5 ALsS. Letter 1 mo 27, 1871, is written from Genoa, Pawnee Agency, Nebraska. The remainder from West Liberty, Iowa.

ALS, written 10, 15, 1855, as death of his wife, Elizabeth Underwood Coleman, approaches.

ALS includes a note from son Frank.

2 ALsS to his sister. He took son, Frank, in 1853 to visit with his grandmother, Sarah Hunt, in Baltimore; she and husband were on their way to Ohio and Indiana.

ALS written for Frank who wants to visit his grandfather in Wilmington

ALsS, to dear sister, some from Anna and others Martha

ALsS, from a cousin. She was a teacher; 1859 mentions death of John Brown with sympathy

ALsS. Birth of Edith Ferris

ALS chiding him for bad behavior

ALsS with family news

ALsS with family news.

ALS concerning division the estate of Oliver Canby, David's uncle

ALS written while on religious visit to Michigan and Illinois

ALS from sister-in-law Mary W. Ferris, William's wife

ALsS

ALsS to her daughter

Tuition bill for school in Mount Holly and report on William and Henry's progress

ALS to his sister, Deborah, concerning their father's Will

ALS from New York with invitation to wedding

ALsS, some with notes from Matilda to "Dear Auntie." Sarah Ann was close to both her sisters-in-law, Martha and Ann M. Ferris, and Matilda continued the close relationship.

ALsS

ALS from Charlottesville, looking at farms

15 ALsS

ALS

12 ALsS. Visiting mother in Moorestown, etc.

5 ALsS.

ALsS, most to Matilda

7 ALsS to parents and younger brother, Henry. In the fall of 1878, Will was teaching, then went into business. Mentions problem of selling his father's property in Virginia, social clubs forming in Grays Hill outside Washington. Subsequent letters refer to John Ferris's (cousin) lending them money to bring Frank back from Colorado. Updates on his work and friends that he visits - he attends Needle and Thread in Philadelphia, a social society with friends and relatives. In 1881 he was living in Lancaster, Pa., working for a watch making factory.

ALsS, primarily from his mother

22 ALsS to her daughter

Postcard to inform that Ferris's aunt has been ill and that Emmor Morey visited

ALsS to her daughter

ALsS

18 ALsS to her daughter

ALsS

19 ALsS to her husband. Sarah Ann is in Camden, N.J., nursing her mother and then Emmor.

9 ALsS. In 12 mo 1879, she is in Colorado Springs with Matilda, helping Frank to return home.

ALsS to "Aunt Sally." Theodore Coleman was the son of Matthew and Elizabeth Underwood Coleman.

ALsS.

ALsS. In her 1878 note, she expresses hope that her sons will fare better in business than her husband who always was in debt from loans

ALsS from her sister-in-law

ALS

Letters sent together to Sarah Ann in Alexandria, Virginia. The family visited West Grove, and each mentions concoctions of medicines sent for mother, Sarah Hunt, put together by Emmor.

17 ALsS

29 ALsS to her daughter. ALS mentions planned visit of Samuel Walton and family, having quit Alexandria, Va., with a plan to live among the Indians. 1 mo 30, mentions a kind note from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow to her mother, Sarah Hunt, in response to a letter she sent him.

ALS

ALS from Sarah and ALS from Matilda to "Aunt Kate"

ALsS

ALsS concerning Frank's death in January

ALsS

ALsS

9 ALsS to parents and siblings. William moved to Philadelphia around 1880 and then to Cleveland in 1882. Visited Underwood family, wrote about his views on wealth

ALS to Cousin Will. She was living in Gilroy, Ca.

ALsS

ALsS

ALsS with note also from Matilda.

ALS

4 ALsS from her sister-in-law

ALS from an attorney with advice regarding the Will of Sarah Hunt

ALS with condolences to "dear Aunt," concerning death of Sarah Hunt in 1889

ALS with local news

ALS, nursing her mother

ALS from his sister. mentions that Sarah Ann's Will disposed of her mother's farm

4 ALsS

ALS with financial advice not to follow his example in buying property

ALS from her niece from Blois, France, addressed to "Aunt Pat."

TL (carbon) with handwritten section at the end. Refers to the opposition to him in the newspapers.

ALS from his father which excerpts a letter from William that mentions his financial struggles and trouble finding work in the printing business because of his deafness as well as his rejection of the unions.

24 ALsS. In 1871, Frank is working for Howard M. Jenkins and Wilmer Atkinson, Printers, in Wilmington

18 ALsS to his sister

15 ALsS to his sister

15 ALsS to his sister

17 ALsS. Frank is working for Howard M. Jenkins and Wilmer Atkinson, Printers, in Wilmington

19 ALsS to his sister

14 ALsS to his sister. In February he traveled to Florida for his health.

ALS to Howard from Hibernia, FL

18 ALsS to his sister. February he again went to Florida, then stayed in South Carolina in May. Visited friends and the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia in August.

10 ALsS to his sister. Letter written on notice of the purchase of the Commercial Press in November, lately owned by the Every Evening Publishing Company. Previously had been owned by Jenkins and Atkinson.

9 ALsS. Frank worked as the business manager of the Every Evening Publishing Company in 1877 which he purchased and operated as Ferris Brothers Printers, Wilmington with brother Henry. In the fall of 1879, he moved to Colorado in attempt to restore his health.

24 ALsS/postcards, business and personal

10 ALsS to his sister. Busy with work and visiting friends, including the Paxsons and Coopers

22 ALsS to his sister. From Colorado Springs, he wrote that he had consulted three doctors and was in worse condition than when he had arrived.

7 ALsS

5 ALsS.

6 ALsS to "My dear Tillie." Likely Mary B. Smyth, a second cousin who lived in Philadelphia. The younger Ferrises were close friends with the Paxsons and Coopers.

16ALsS, to her aunt Martha Ferris, "Aunt Patty" and/or aunt Anna Ferris

10 ALsS

17 ALsS. ALS of 9 mo 14, 1875, describes a party with everyone dancing.

ALS with note from Henry (born 1868)

15 ALsS and postcards

13 ALsS, to her aunt Martha Ferris. 6 mo 1879, Matilda accompanied her brother Frank to Colorado in hopes mountain air would help his lungs.

4 ALsS to her brother, William C. Ferris

1879 ALS labeled Ferris, Matilda, with a note attached from donor, Frances C. Ferris. Written from camp at Douglas Ranch, Colorado

28 ALsS. In 1882, Matilda visited Boston and Bar Harbor.

ALsS and postcards

2 ALsS.

ALsS with family news from Jennersville. The Ferrises had a boy from House of Refuge working with them who left, and she mentions her father asking wealthy cousins for loans some years earlier.

ALS with local news, including raising chickens.

11 ALsS to her dear auntie with family news, some to both aunts, Martha and Anna

19 ALsS and postcards

24 ALsS and postcards

19 ALsS and postcards

ALsS and postcards

17 ALsS to her dear auntie with family news

ALS to cousin

ALsS. In 1889, Alf and Walter visited Henry's new home. In 1919, he and Hilda spend time at shore.

9 ALsS to her dear auntie with family news. In 1890, Aunt Anna M. Ferris died, and in 1891, Matilda's mother was failing.

ALsS to Martha Ferris and/or Anna Ferris. Final note is to "dear aunties." Anna M. Ferris died in 1890, Martha in 1912

ALS from Chicago, trouble finding work, especially because of his deafness as well as the union. He was living a subsistence diet, and his father and Matilda sent him money to help him out.

Family and financial concerns, especially for her father and brother Will. Mentions not having a good relationship with Will. In 1902, Henry and family are staying at the Engleside in Beach Haven, NJ.

Correspondence concerning Ferris & Leach shares. Ferris & Leach was the successor to Ferris Brothers Printing.

ALS concerning nursing for Henry, Jr., who had diphtheria.

ALsS concern interest on investments, financial concerns. Alf in a partnership Ferris and Leach, bank check drawn on Swarthmore National Bank. Matilda has financial concerns, but is more worried about brothers and especially Will's lonely life.

Donations to Whittier Centre for Study and Practical Solution of Negro City Problems and Whittier Centre Housing

ALsS on a variety of subjects, including fairly dispersing the inheritances she and her siblings have received. In 1920 she wrote to Henry in London, attending Conference of Friends and she is active in Friends concerns in Wilmington. Continuing concern for Walter; Wilmington Orthodox and Hicksite Friends holding joint meetings. In 1928 letters regarding stock options with responses from Henry. Invested in Whittier House.

ALsS concerning finances and report on the poor health of his wife, Hannah

Forwarding copies of letters from William C. Biddle to his mother, written from France. Mentions the anti-German mania in the US in 1918 and the terrible conditions in Europe, post Armistice.

ALS from a friend visiting Australia

ALsS, mostly thank you notes

ALsS from a cousin, great-granddaughter of Sarah Hunt. enclosing old letters from Sarah Hunt, 1842. On the outside of the envelope, Matilda remarks "these old letters, telling much of the family life & love of Sarah Hunt & her daughters, will not be likely to interest in the future, & can be burned unread."

ALsS concern interest on investments, financial concerns. Matilda moved from Wilmington to Friends Boarding House in West Chester, Pa., in 1934. She remained a life-long member of Wilmington Monthly Meeting and supporter of anti-war efforts. Lists some of the pieces of furniture that she inherited and her wish to have proceeds of sale to Friends Service Committee. She relies on Alfred to help her sort out financial difficulties. Family concerns, money and illnesses. Undated latter explains changes that she made in her Will.

ALS with Frances's note that this was last letter she received from her aunt.

Entries in volume of The American Ladies' Pocket Book." Gift of Sara Morey Ferris Baker, 1980, who said the family believed it belonged to Sarah Morey. Sarah Morey (later Underwood, then Hunt) was the mother-in-law of David Ferrisl

Accounts and journal. Daily entries of his activities, mostly farming and attending meeting

Daily journal entries, farming and Quaker meetings. 1849, 4 month 12, he and Sarah Ann Underwood married at Moorestown Meeting

Written for Anna May Perberton. A note by Matilda Ferris, his daughter, in 1936, includes his experience in helping a young slave girl escape.

Account, 1850-1851, and report of visits to First Day schools, 1900-1901, remarks made at Longwood

Expenses paid. Reverse, starting at back of book is members of Wilmington Monthly Meeting Philanthropic and other committees

Day book with daily activities including Quaker and accounts

Pocket book also contains David Ferris visits to First Day School classes, 1895-1900

Day book with daily activities and accounts. A trustee for Maplewood School.

Day book with daily activities including Quaker and accounts

Bank accounts, followed by notes or essays, accounts to 1882

Account with Jacob H. Leeds, Rancocas, NJ, and essay 1876, "Look on the Bright Side" and quotes from individuals

Except for 7 and 8 months, 1891 entries are copied from Matilda's diaries and more detailed

Begins with move from home in 1891 from farm in West Grove, Pa., (where son, mother-in-law, and wife died) to Wilmington in 12 mo 1891. Grieving for his wife who died earlier in the year from a long struggle with consumption as did his first born son, Frank, about ten years earlier.

Detailed entries about visitors, meeting topics, etc.

Back of book has an incomplete biography of Sarah Hunt, tells of her ministry but also depressions. She moved to West Grove to live with only surviving child when she was 80 years old.

Details of activities and Quaker meetings. Attends Yearly Meeting, and daughter Matilda is also a representative. Active in temperance movement

Activities and weather, ends 1 month 1895

Active in temperance, First Day, Quaker meetings

Active in Delaware Peace Committee, temperance, First Day, Young Friends

Daily entries with weather and family, Quaker meetings and First Day School.

Daily entries with weather and family, Quaker meetings and First Day School. Friends with Amanda Deyo

Daily entries with weather and family, Quaker meetings and First Day School.

Daily entries. Active in meeting, Peace Committee, sympathy for Dukhobors, anti-imperialism, women’s suffrage, prohibition

Daily entries with weather and family, Quaker meetings. Lectures include Jesse Holmes, prison reform. Sold farm at West Grove, 1 mo. 1901

Mentions visit of Chinese missionaries, topics that he spoke about when visiting meetings

Daily entries with weather and family, Quaker meetings and First Day School. Describes heated argument during meeting, 6 month, Ezra Fell.

Daily entries with weather and family, Quaker meetings concerns. First ride in an automobile 6 month 1903. Peace Society, Philanthropic Committee, prison reform. Final entry, 4 month, notes explosion on the battleship "Missouri"

Daybook, mentions topics he spoke about at monthly meeting and at funeral of Jasper Way in Hockessin, visits meetings in Pa. Ferris admired the poetry of John Greenleaf Whittier and spoke about him often.

Daily entries with weather and family, Quaker meetings. Continues to be active in Quaker concerns, love of the poet Whittier

Daily entries with weather and family, Quaker meetings, Philanthropic Committee- he served as secretary. On his 84th birthday in 1905, he mentions that his eyesight, hearing, and memory are failing so unable to participate as much as he used to, but still attends meetings and causes. Brother Edward visited from Colorado.

Daily entries with weather and family, Quaker meetings and concerns. Still actively addressing meeting and committees.

Daily entries with weather and family. Still active in meetings, including Quarterly

Final entry dated 4 month 10, 1908. Ferris had continued to attend meeting first month, but then was housebound with dizziness and a sore foot.

David Ferris's visits to First Day Schools. Used wife's pocket diary, 1866, 1868; See Diary 1866

Account, 1851, and report of visits to First Day schools, 1900-1901, remarks made at Longwood

In David Ferris's handwriting

School essays (?) on various topics

Includes poem copies for David Ferris by Lydia Pike, 1840, and poem written by Sallie Ann Underwood, 1845

Begins with an account of family events from 1844 when she visits her sister Elizabeth Coleman in Rochester and her mother marries Elisha Hunt

Begins with sudden illness and death of her sister, Matilda, 8 month; final entries are by David Ferris. Worked as a teacher in 1846-1847. Daily record of activities at home and meeting. Marries David Ferris in 1849.

Begins 12 month 1849

Family life - Sarah Ann is pregnant. David takes up the account in 3 month with details about the birth of their son, Frances. Sarah Ann's entries become briefer as home responsibilities consume her time.

Household responsibilities and Quaker meetings, with gaps. After blank pages, David used the volume for short daily entries, Note on inside back cover by David Ferris, Superintendent of Westhampton School District.

Daily activities

Daily entries. At end, is account of a trip to Delaware Water Gap, followed by notes and some entries in David's hand, 1893

Only scattered entries. 1mo, 22, Frank leaves on a steamer for Florida to help his cough and soreness in his lungs. Frank comes home in 5 month, no better

2 vols, verse and other copied writing, from her time at Sharon Boarding School in Darby

Copy verse and essay

Copy book

Copy book, index of titles at front. John Jackson's Boarding School in Darby, Pa.

Copy book and two loose poems. Some by friends, including Fanny Canby

Brief description as told by Martha Ferris

Short entries of daily activities

Anna commences her diary noting that rather than daybooks, she decides to keep a journal in which she can record with greater details days of more interest and skip those in which there was little of note. She worries that year will bring sadness, and May 3, her step-mother, Hannah (Gibbons) Ferris died. Anna is a close friend of Susan Wharton. She mentions the election of Lincoln, comments that it was purely on doctrine. Comments on the country being suddenly in the midst of a civil war. Her cousin Edward B. Ferris marries at meeting in Philadelphia in 1861, bride in full "canonical" garb - white satin, veil, and orange blossoms. Few entries in 1863 as war drags on. Battle of Gettysburg.

Year begins with thoughts of the soldiers. Saw the 1st Delaware honored, but they seemed "insensible to their triumph, " battle--weary. Also, African-American soldiers who were being sent to lower Delaware to recruit slaves for the army. Attended Great Central Fair in Philadelphia in June 1864. Joy at end of long war and abolishment of slavery, then to Philadelphia to see Lincoln's body pass through. By 1866, despairing again about the politics and the treachery of the president. Nursing dear Sally who dies end of 1866. Anna's father, Benjamin Ferris, died Nov. 9, 1867

Daily entries

Daily record of activities

Daily record of activities. Mentions death and funeral of Thomas Garrett. Frequent mention of Deborah Wharton. Also Lucretia Mott and visit to Rockwood, Delaware. Chicago fire in October, and elected to Board of Managers of Swarthmore College on Dec. 5.

Daily record of activities, including meeting of the Board of Manager of Swarthmore College.

Anna served on the Board and was friends with prominent Quakers including Isaac Clothier and the Whartons

Daily record of activities

Daily record. Nephew Frank Ferris died Jan. 15, 1880.

Attending meetings at Swarthmore, Quaker meetings, socializing with Whartons, Shipley, and others. Funeral train of President Garfield passed through Wilmington. Trip to Colorado in summer of 1883, returning via Niagara and Pennsylvania. In September, niece Matilda had a lung hemorrhage, awakening fear of tuberculosis that took her brother Frank's life. Anna mentions that as an only daughter, Matilda is the rock on whom her parents and others relied upon. In 1884 she is visiting Elias Hicks, Jr., who is residing in Media while his children attend Swarthmore College so not to be separated from them.

Active with family and other concerns. Sally (Sarah Ann Ferris) is under burden of caring for her mother, and lung disease is always threatening.

Still active, but entries reflect deaths in the family. Sarah Hunt dies 7 mo 16, 1889, releasing daughter and granddaughter from the burden of her care. Mentions Matilda's life of complete self-renunciation, Sarah Ann's gradual decline from tuberculosis. Entries end Oct. 14, 1890, and Anna died a month later, Nov. 17.

Record of births, death, and other important events

Notes

Copied poems and essays and at least one poem by Matilda. Reversing book, contains "Notes from the Summer of 1876," the summer when Matilda turned twenty-three. Busy with household and caring for her brothers, Quaker meetings, friends. Attending Alexandria meeting, living in Virginia/

Begins 9 month 1876, not daily entries. She admits that to her journal that she sometimes dislikes her life, being poor, lonely, but feels guilty for her feelings. Notes that she was not allowed to play the organ when her grandmother, Sarah Hunt, was visiting. In 10 month, she visited the Centennial in Philadelphia. At the end of the year, Sarah Hunt is eager to buy real estate in Pennsylvania and have the family move north - Matilda very unhappy with the idea. Attending Peace Meetings, notes that Sarah Hunt suffers from nervous attacks, nothing physical seems to be wrong. 1877 Alexandria meeting well attended with sermons from S. M. Janney, Elizabeth Plummer, and others. Her father found a property in West Grove that was not as big a financial drain as others, and in April 1877, the family moved to a farm near Jennersville, Pa. Spends much time in Philadelphia with friends and family. Reverse has some copies poems and loose poems.

Note at beginning of diary signed Henry Ferris 1937 records that he removed two pages concerning Matilda's visit to Pierson home, Underwood, in Chester County. Household and Quaker meetings. A letter from her brother Henry on her 25th birthday wishing her love and marriage. Reverse of book used as copy book. Small journal, "Log-Book of Susquehanna Week, " Oct. 1878, gift of Frances C. Ferris, 1974.

Home activities and Quaker meetings. Visited Alexandria. In May, her brother Frank asked her to accompany him to Colorado. Copy verse and essay, especially about death.

Journal was a gift from Frank, and it begins 6 mo 15, when she is leaving to meeting him in Philadelphia to begin the journey to Colorado. She stayed with him until the end of September, rooming at campsites and doing some travel. She returned home to Jennersville 9 mo 27. Frank's uncle was staying with him, but at the end of November they received a letter that his lungs were worse, and the doctor recommended he return home. Matilda is broken-hearted. After Frank's death, she recounts that their mother went to Colorado with Uncle Edward to bring Frank home in mid December, and in January, she describes his final days. Ends with memorial poems and memories, including memorial read at the Thread and Needle group.

Journal of a trip to Mount Desert in summer of 1882. Diary resumes in 1 month 1885, much of it faded. Short entries of daily activities, meetings visiting friends and family. She lives with her parents and helps run the household. Reverse of larger journal begins 8 mo 1881 with an account of a short trip.

Diary begins 1, 1, 1887, ends 11, 16, 1891. Matilda cared for her mother until her death

Daily home and meeting activities. Continued to use daybook through 4 month 1889.

Matilda begins the journal with the note that "Underwood" was sold on Nov. 30, 1891, and two days later, she moved with her Father to 301 West St., Wilmington, to live with her aunts Debby and Patty. Later entries very sporadic. In 1902, brother Walter removed to Milwaukee with a job offer. Final entry is 6mo 26, 1906, Aunt Patty's 87th birthday.

Brief, irregular entries

1922 has few entries. 1925 and 1926, brother Will is frequent visitor from Arden

Brother William Ferris died June 7, 1928. His ashes buried in his mother's grave.

Declining health. Photograph, inside small 1935 memo book, of "Martha Ferris, taken 6-24-1899 Just two days before she as 80 years old," transferred to pictures

Paper and notes given by Matilda Ferris at the 100th anniversary of the Wilmington meeting house, with cover note, 1929, addressed to Sarah

Matilda's birthday book, "The Shakespeare Birthday Book," and Deborah Ferris's "Whittier Birthday Book," which was continued by Matilda Ferris, 1912, and Frances C. Ferris, 1937. Removed ALS from latter, noted Frances that it was the last letter she received from her aunt Matilda.

Journal begins in short-hand which he abandons in May, 1870. Despondent at age 18 about his future, longs to be at a good college, not on the farm. At the end of second month 1871, he moved to the family's farm in Virginia. The rest of the family joined him soon after. Matilda was teaching, Frank and Henry working in the printing business, their father running the farm, and Will was fretting about being socially awkward. He resumes study of shorthand in the summer and becomes interested in spiritualism, channeling Benjamin Ferris. First section of the journal ends August 1878, with William working on the farm.

Thirty years later, he resumed his journal. He was living in 301 West Street, Wilmington, with his sister Matilda. It was the home of his grandfather who he admired greatly. His father died in the house the previous year, and it was owned by his aunt Martha who let him land Matilda live there. In April 1909, he leased a plot at Arden where he kept a garden and tent. He writes that he has become a socialist and follows astrology in his unconventional search for truth. Because of his political views and deafness, he had difficult in holding a job, and his only income was from his vegetable plot. His uncle Edward, "the erring brother," in declining health, moved into the house with Matilda and Aunt Martha ("Patty")." January 1911, he was planning to leave the Ferris home on West Street; he had purchased a tent from Upton Sinclair. He comments that Martha had the best business sense of her family and that she has tried to provide for her needy family members. [Apparently she had a store on Market St., in Wilmington.]

Martha died on 6/6/1912, with Matilda as her executor. and her dependent family members, Matilda, Edward, and William, had to leave the house. A fervent Socialist, he made his home at Arden as on 9/17/1911, determined to live alone and do what he wished. He describes his life at Arden in 1913 and 1914. Matilda had moved to W. 7th St. in Wilmington. William predicts that socialism will succeed after the war. Notes that he had become a vegetarian in 1895 and aimed to eat only because necessary, not for pleasure. Last entry is Sept. 6, 1926. While he is doesn't regret that he lived his life on his own terms, moving often, he acknowledges that because he lived a selfish life, no one owes him care in his old age. He suffers from poverty, with Matilda his only close relative.

Burlington County farm property

Will and codicil

Ms copy, David Ferris to James M. McIvain. 1/2 of soup and candle factory

Agreements by heirs of Benjamin Ferris in the division of his estate; agreements of Deborah, Anna M. and Martha Ferris

To Deborah, Anna M. and Martha Ferris, lots in Wilmington, Delaware

Howard M. Jenkins, President

Copy of will and probate

Accounts with Louis Wright

Copy of will and distribution. Left savings fund to her namesake, her niece Anna M. Ferris, born 1864, and the balance to her sisters during their lifetimes, then to be distributed.

Copy of will. The farm at West Grove was her property, inherited from her mother, Sarah Hunt.

Left her estate to sister Martha during her lifetime, then distribution after her death

Will and specific distributions, property on Market Street. Matilda Ferris, executor

Household expenses

Ferris left his estate to daughter Matilda Ferris

Will and related papers

9 ALsS, most to his mother. October 1873, he asked his mother for permission to join a secret society, the Sons of Temperance. Henry and his siblings spend much time with the Smyths in Philadelphia, and Henry especially likes Lu Smyth.

11 ALsS. By the end of 1876, Frank has taken over Wilmer Atkinson's responsibilities in the printing company, and Henry is in charge of the job office. Henry notes that Frank works too hard and that his health is never strong. He describes the Nov. 1876 Marriot wedding with formal dress.

9 ALsS to his sister. In 1875, he is at a country school in Alexandria, suffering from typhoid fever. In 1876 he is working at the printing office with Frank.

ALsS from Paxson cousins, Anna P., Charles, Alice C.; most are from Anna Paxson, born 1857, married William Suplee in . The Paxson were the great-grandchildren of Anna Canby Smyth, the sister of Fanny Canby Ferris. They lived at 829 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, and Frank and Henry often socialized with them when visiting Philadelphia.

39 ALsS and postal cards. Henry and Frank were partners in their Wilmington printing company

ALsS from Smyth cousins, most are from Lucy Smyth, born 1853, married Howard M. Cooper. The Smyth cousins were the grandchildren of Anna Canby Smyth, the sister of Fanny Canby Ferris. They lived at 921 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia. Cousin Emily Betts Smyth married Robert M. Janney, and Anna Canby Smyth married Nathan E. Janney.

A social club that included many of the cousins in Philadelphia as well as Frank and Henry.

Philadelphia friend. Mentions Thread and Needle

ALsS from Paxson cousins, most are from Anna Paxson, but also from Anna and Frances.

ALsS and postcards. Charles worked for Frederick Paxson & Company, Stockbrokers, Philadelphia.

ALsS from cousin

ALsS from the youngest of Henry's Smyth cousins. Frances was born in 1858 and married James Howard Chambers in 1886. Before Henry's marriage to Elizabeth Masters, Frances and Henry corresponded frequently, and she nicknamed him "Heinrich.'

11 ALsS

11 mo 1879 Henry wrote to his sister and the family that brother Frank will not recover, and he includes Frank's letter to their Wilmington physician, Pusey Heald, about his deteriorating condition with a copy of the doctor's grave diagnosis. The recommendation was for Frank to return home where he would be better cared for and more comfortable. Also letters from Lizzie Carroll in Colorado Springs and Heald's Hygiene Home in Wilmington, Del.

Correspondence concerning death of Francis C. Ferris at his parents' home.

ALsS from Paxson cousins, including Mary B., Anna, and Alice Paxson.

ALsS from the youngest of Henry's Smyth cousins.

ALS. He married Emily B. Smyth in 1880

ALS from Sandy Spring

ALsS

ALsS from his aunt. Anna M. Ferris (1815-1890)

ALsS. Letter of 2 month goes into details about Frank's estate, for whom he was executor

ALsS. In April 1881, he wrote of his intentions to pursue draughting and to leave the farm. He planned to travel west and then eventually settle in Philadelphia by fall. In 1908, he was working on the settlement of their father's estate.

ALsS concerning their printing business. In 1882, the brothers were having a problem with theft from their office safe. In 1886 he negotiated a move to Philadelphia to work for Howard M. Jenkins. Notes that Quakers use Quaker publishing companies. After the January 1887 fire in the Wilmington shop, the brothers established Friends Printing House/Ferris Brothers, previously owned by Howard Jenkins.

ALsS from Philadelphia friends

ALsS from friend Cora from Rancocas

15 ALsS

11 ALsS

ALsS from his uncle, from Colorado Springs

13 ALsS

6 ALsS. Business is off in Wilmington, and in August HF sometimes types his letters. By the end of 1884, Henry is planning his marriage to Elizabeth Masters

8 ALsS; 2 TLs. Henry borrows a typewriter from Howard Jenkins in July 1884 to try it out. Had visited Muncy area to meeting Elizabeth Masters's friends and family.

ALsS to Henry and to Elizabeth Masters

ALsS and postcards

Mostly congratulations on his engagement

ALsS, loving letters from "Bess" or "Betty" during their courtship

ALsS, loving letters from "Bess" or "Betty" during their courtship

ALsS, loving letters from "Bess" or "Betty" during their engagement

ALsS, loving letters from "Bess" or "Betty"

ALsS

ALsS

ALsS. Walter working in various printing shops.

ALsS

ALS

ALsS

20 ALsS. with family and business news. 7 mo. 1886, he asks Matilda if she would like to edit the "Friends Calendar" since Frances Tatum not interested in doing it for the next year - select appropriate quotations.

20 ALsS.

ALsS with regrets not to attend his wedding

ALS from his cousin in California

ALsS and postcards. They shared an enjoyment of music and also did business together.

ALS to "dear mother"

ALS concerning a referral for a machinist

ALsS. Also, photocopy of a note from donor explaining the context of a letter dated 11/1/1887

11 ALsS

ALsS

ALsS concerning Lansdowne real estate

ALsS with maternity advice from a Muncy doctor

ALS from a Morey cousin with Morey family news

ALsS

TL (carbon) concerning dissolving their partnership

ALsS.

ALS with note in his hand that referring to his first employment with Gimbels Department Store

ALS to Elizabeth's sister, Jane.

ALS to his parents explaining why he quit his job

Childhood ALsS to their great-aunt Martha Ferris on the death of her sister, Deborah

ALsS and TL (carbons) concerning his father's debt problems, especially concerning the sale of his farm. Also information about a possible relative in Big Rapids, Michigan, Ferris Industrial School

ALsS to his son, concerning his finances

ALsS

ALsS

ALsS and TS (carbons). Henry, Jr., had diphtheria.

ALS

ALS

ALsS

ALsS. In 1919, wife Hannah is ill

TL from his uncle, includes thoughts on marriage and education

Letters written while working at refugee center in France. Ms copies made by cousin Sarah Coleman Evans.

ALsS from Cocks, a New York Quaker and distant relation, with photocopy of Ferris's typed response. His half sister was a niece of Sarah Hunt. He had a letter in which Matilda Underwood writes about her mother's impending marriage in 1844.

ALsS. Working in New York

ALS

ALS and TLs (carbons). Family news.

ALS from a nephew, laid up with a broken leg

TLS, death of Frank Hallowell, grandson of Benjamin Hallowell, in a bank robbery in Sandy Spring, Md.

ALsS from Middlebury College and Harvard

TLS regarding possible trip to Germany

ALsS from a friend who admired Henry Ferris's editing of Friend Intelligencer. Two TL Christmas letters from Henry Ferris with family and business news.

ALsS from Walter and his wife Hannah in Milwaukee

TLs (carbons) with advice. Henry, Jr., had difficulty finding work, and his wife, Mary, had debts from her egg business

Correspondence between Henry Ferris ("Dear Daddy") and his daughter-in-law, Mary. She operated Pennsylvania Fresh Egg Company, borrowed money from the Ferrises, while Henry, Jr., struggled in business. In 1931, Henry is living with his parents, recovering his health, and children came to stay with them to avoid polio outbreak in NYC. In 1934, when she filed for divorce, he reminded her to make arrangements for repayment of loans from him and Walter.

ALsS, on strict diet, mentions family's troubles

TLs (carbons) with family and financial updates

ALsS, caring for William, mentions his deafness

ALS

ALS in 1925 from Wm. Dubre Knight Masters, San Francisco, to "Dear Bro Henry & Family," with financial difficulties. Mentions offers of help from family members. In 1932 he was living in Los Angles. He died in 1939 at the home of his brother, David W. Masters, in Florida. TL (carbon) from Henry expresses condolences on death of Lanning in 1931.

TL (carbons), mentions visiting Edith in Paris in 1920

TLs (carbons). Frances is in Europe. Henry and Elizabeth visiting Henry, Jr. and wife on Long Island

TLs (carbons). In July, at Cape May Conference. Takes up genealogy which he enjoys very much. In August visited Swarthmore to audit the books of Friends Historical Library. New Biddle addition almost completed.

TL (carbon), reflecting on his treatment at Heald's Home and Yearly Meeting position on alcohol in medicine. Had attended yearly meeting and was delighted at a new era between the Hicksite and Orthodox, with delegation of Orthodox Friends visiting.

Affectionate TLS to "Tillie," a childhood nickname. Staying at the Hotel Virginia for the Cape May Conference. Letterhead describes himself as Genealogist, working on Speakman genealogy. Mentions that Walter married Lucy. Comstock, and thus Matilda might rest easier about her brother.

TLs (carbons) and ALsS.

Concerning Quaker humor

TLsS and ALsS. Describes his son and daughter-in-law's financial problems in 1931, she with investments, he with having a job, with thanks to Walter for helping them. In 1934, daughter Frances traveled to England to spend summer with Mary Hoxie Jones. Business concerns. Walter and Lucy lived in Milwaukee. 1931 postcard from Rome

TLs (carbons) from Henry to his daughter, mostly family news. Henry enjoying pursuing house research for his cousin, William C. Biddle, of Lansdowne. Summer of 1934, Frances was in England with friends, and file includes 2 ALsS. Mary, wife of Henry, Jr., filing for divorce.

TL (carbons), annual family letters, with updates. Reflects the financial pressures on everyone. His letterhead is Henry Ferris/writer and designer of advertising

TLsS and TL (carbons). Correspondence with cousin, living in Nevada, with family updates. George moved West and worked as a government scout and cowboy in his youth. His letterhead gives his vocation as engineer and architect. He still bore hatred for the Indians during the Indian Wars and moved around until settling in Reno around 1896. He helped the family get copies of Mary Ferris’s divorce papers, filed in Nevada. Henry describes the genealogical work he is doing, including for Hadassah and Morris Leeds

TLs (carbons) to grandson Alexander (Lex). In 1934, Lex was a student at Duke University

ALs and TL (carbons) from Walton Price Ferris, son of Walter Ferris. In 1940 he was serving in the embassy in London

ALS from Elizabeth describing her Golden Wedding anniversary. Also TL (1965) from Frances, their daughter, explaining the circumstances of their marriage in 1885, a marriage between a Hicksite and an Orthodox for which Elizabeth had to make acknowledgement to Muncy Monthly Meeting.. A note from Frances relates that she had given the original marriage certificate the Friends Historical Library

ALS rejecting Henry's claim for overtime pay

Miscellaneous correspondence

Printing concerns and note that includes praise for Home Weekly

Miscellaneous correspondence

ALsS concerning printing projects for S.M. [Sophie M.?], lived at Louviers, Delaware

Miscellaneous correspondence

Miscellaneous correspondence including a signed petition from their employees 5 month 5, 1885, to only work until 5 on Saturdays.

ALS concerning editing jobs

ALsS concerning possible employment with Ferris Brothers

ALsS concerning employment with Ferris Brothers

ALsS. Frances C. Tatum (1861-1931) was an author and editor. She married George Ashbridge Rhoads in 1890, and they had seven children. She edited the Quaker calendar and other publications including The Friend (in 1912)

Miscellaneous correspondence, much concerning Home Weekly and with fire damage to paper. Wilmington print shop suffered a major fire in early January 1886.

2 ALsS, January concerning partnership in Philadelphia, particularly after the fire shut down the Wilmington press.

General. After the fire, Henry moved the business to Philadelphia, 6th and Arch Streets. Publishing The Student, for the Educational Assoc. of Friends in America, an Orthodox organization.

ALsS regarding bills, TLS to Henry, 9 mo 9 1897, on his new job, in charge of advertising for the John Wanamaker Department Store in NYC.

Correspondence including job offer, Sept. 18, 1897

White was president of the Bible Teachers Training School in NYC. Correspondence between him and Ferris on Biblical interpretations

TLS concerning Ferris speaking at the Woolman School, Swarthmore, on hymns

ALS in support of Ferris making Friends Intelligencer a forum for lively discussion

Telegram, July 26, 1917, requesting his participation with other congregations to organize food aid.

2 ALsS, in December piece for Friends Intelligencer with thanks for his editorship of the periodical

Solicitation for funds from members

Relating to Henry Ferris, Jr., exemption from military service

Concerning use of a meeting room for a series of lectures

TLs with attachments. Walton was the principal of the George School, and the letter offers comments on Ferris's request, on behalf of the Committee on Peace and Emergency Services Committee, to use rooms at Cherry Street for Jesse Holmes lectures.

Committee couldn't unite on a decision whether or not to give use of a meeting room for a series of Jesse Holmes lecture

TLS concerning the case of the conscientious objectors in Camp Devens, reported in the Friends Intelligencer

Concerning his contribution to Friends Reconstruction and membership in Green Street Monthly Meeting

2 ALsS, with appreciation for Friends Intelligencer article. She was an author and active in the First-Day Association

ALS, over note for an enclosed article for the Friends Intelligencer , Forbush controversy

TLS from Farquhar and carbon from Ferris concerning the controversy within the Society of Friends concerning the war

ALS concerning Ferris's salary from Friends Intelligencer

Concern from members of the Board that the Friends Intelligencer is too political and should stick to reporting Friends activities and spiritual messages, with the editorial voice impersonal. The issue was peace testimony and Friends' involvement with the war in Europe, debate about a "just war."

Mimeographed solicitations for the William Penn Bicentennial, Friends Service Committee appeal, Green Street Monthly Meeting

TLS in strong disagreement with Ferris's representation of the opinion of members of the Society of Friends