| | 1 | Author: | Wilson, James,1742-1798. | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | James Wilson account book and diary, 1773-1786
| | | | Dates: | 1773-1786 | | | | Abstract: | The James Wilson collection consists of a printed almanac from 1773 that also served as diary for its owner, believed to be James Wilson, the signer of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. The diary notes daily activities, often financial transactions, within the calendar pages of the almanac, which was a common practice then. There is a second hand in the almanac that dates to a later period, believed to be from 1782-1786. This second diary records in graphic details the often shocking sexual exploits of its author.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.B.W6915 | | | | Extent: | 1 volume(s) | | | | Topics: | Philadelphia History | Social Life and Custom | Women's History | | | | Genre: | Business Records and Accounts | Diaries | |
| 2 | Author: | Society of Free Quakers. | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Religious Society of Free Quakers records, 1781-1975
| | | | Dates: | 1781-1975 | | | | Abstract: | This large collection contains a wealth of information on the Free Quakers, founded in 1781 in Philadelphia. The collection contains records up to the 1970s. The early American materials include minutes, legal documents, receipts, information on burial plots, and membership rolls. There are many documents that date to the Society's founding, including minutes, but there are many more for the early nineteenth century. Many of the most prominent members of the Society are mentioned, such as Owen Biddle, Bartram Moses, Samuel Wetherhill, Benjamin Say, and John and Elizabeth Claypoole (Betsy Ross). The earliest minutes contain information on the Free Quakers expulsion from the main Quaker meeting (they record being asked to "walk out") and their formation, which began at the house of Samuel Wetherhill. A letter authored by the women of the Free Society of Friends that contains Elizabeth Calypoole's name is included in the earliest minutes and what appears to be her signature is part of the Membership Book for 1785. John Calypoole is listed as a regular recipient of Society funds. The financial records contain various donations made by members and the expenditures of the meeting, particularly on the upkeep of their meetinghouse. In addition to the records directly relating to the Society, the collection also has a large collection of currency from the revolutionary era.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.289.6.So22p | | | | Extent: | 3 Linear Feet | | | | Topics: | American Revolution | Philadelphia History | Religion | Women's History | | | | Genre: | Business Records and Accounts | Miscellaneous | | | | Subjects: | Cemeteries -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia. | Quaker church buildings -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia. | Quakers -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia. | Religious institutions -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia. | Sepulchral monuments -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia. | Society of Friends -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia. | |
| 5 | Author: | Philadelphia (Pa.).Mayor. | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Record of indentures of individuals bound out as apprentices, servants, etc., and of German and other redemptioners, 1771 October 3 - 1773 October 5
| | | | Dates: | 1771-1773 | | | | Abstract: | This large volume contains the records of those entering contracts of indentured servitude in Philadelphia from 1771-1773. The records not only list the name of the person, but contain details on their profession and on the terms of the indenture. Although the volume is described as the records of German immigrants, there are other indentures included, such as that of John Slour, "a free negro," records of those arriving from Ireland, and of young Philadelphians choosing to enter indentured contracts. The volume had been on loan to the City Archives until 1987. During that time, approximately twenty pages went missing. Otherwise, the volume appears to be complete and contains over 800 pages of records with each page containing information for about four to six individuals.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.647.P53 | | | | Extent: | 1 volume(s) | | | | Topics: | African American | Business and Skilled Trades | Government Affairs | Philadelphia History | Social Life and Custom | Women's History | | | | Genre: | Business Records and Accounts | Legal Records | Official Government Documents and Records | | | | Subjects: | Apprentices -- Pennsylvania. | Germans -- United States. | Indentured servants -- Pennsylvania. | |
| 7 | Author: | Bache, Catherine Wistar, 1770-1820 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Catharine Wistar Bache Papers
| | | | Dates: | 1788-1822 | | | | Abstract: | This relatively small collection contains rich correspondence often directed to Catherine Wistar Bache, the daughter of prominent doctor Caspar Wistar and wife of Richard Bache's son. The collection is one of the many to the Bache-Franklin collections at the APS. This specific collection contains numerous letters from other women, often wives and mothers, to Catherine. There are a few letters to Caspar Wistar and William Bache (Catherine's husband), which often discuss current events, specifically Anthony Wayne's victory at Fallen Timbers in 1794 and the Whiskey Rebellion. The letters to Catherine discuss current affairs, such as the Yellow Fever epidemic and the War of 1812. More often, however, the letters relate family and personal matters. The letters primarily discuss husbands, family activities, children, and other such topics. Some of the early letters also touch upon gender relations and courtship. For instance, a male correspondent wrote Catherine that he has not received any letters from his "female correspondents" and was thus hoping "to renew the friendly intercourse," and Mary Eddy discussed flirtations. The correspondence in this collection spans more than thirty years, and therefore also provides insight on the changing concerns of Catherine as a young single woman, wife, and mother. William Bache was sent to Louisiana in 1803 in an official post overseeing a hospital. Discussion of moving to Louisiana is included in the collection, during which references to "Captain Lewis" are made, likely Meriwether Lewis. Because of her position in society, these letters often provide portraits and anecdotes of prominent figures.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.B.B124 | | | | Extent: | 0.75 Linear Feet | | | | Topics: | Early National Politics | Marriage and Family Life | Native America | Philadelphia History | Social Life and Custom | War of 1812 | Women's History | | | | Genre: | Family Correspondence | | | | Subjects: | United States -- History -- War of 1812 | United States -- Politics and government -- 1783-1809 | Yellow fever -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia | |
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