Kent-Barnard Family Papers

The collection includes material used by Ella Kent Barnard in preparation for the writing of three books, viz. Daniel Kent Emigrant, The Maulsby Genealogy, and Dorothy Payne Quakeress. Among these materials are genealogical charts and data, research correspondence, and original letters and documents. Notable among the latter is the correspondence between Daniel Kent and his parents, William and Ann Kent. Collection also includes the diaries and journals of Henry S. Kent (1905), Patience W. Kent 1905-12, 23-24), Joseph Kent (1847), and Ella Kent Barnard (1928). Correspondents include Mary Anna Barnard, Israel Graham, Cyrus Griest, Henry S. Kent, and Patience W. Kent. Other materials include the business papers of Daniel Kent (1814-18), Joseph Kent (1829-1835), Pennsgrove Meeting (1854-63), and Joseph Barnard (1855), as well as miscellaneous manuscripts by M. A. Barnard, Patience W. Kent, and others. Of particular interest are the “Childish Recollections” of Ella K. Barnard concerning schools in Chester County, a description of the woolen factory of Joseph Kent, the anti-slavery schism in Pennsgrove Meeting, and Christmas customs. A manuscript entitled “The Rise of Swarthmore,” by Isabella Tyson, describes the meeting of Friends in the home of her parents to discuss plans for the establishment of the College, and another, “Reminiscences of Elisha Tyson,” was penned by Henry M. Fitzhugh. Also included are (13) copy books of John Barnard from Marlborough Friends School (1834-39) and two notebooks from the Upper Oxford or Pennsgrove Soldiers Aid Society (1862-63).