The Williams Collection tells the story of a common Quaker family, whose patriarch was Obadiah Williams. Williams was a saddle maker transplanted to Newport from New Bedford at the time of the Revolution. Because of the close familial ties characteristic of 18th century Quakers, the Williamses and the Robinsons shared many common relatives, including Rotches and Rodmans from New Bedford. Through his second marriage, Obadiah became linked with the Brown and Almy families of Providence. Obadiah's brothers included David, a respected Newport clock maker, and Nicholas, a would-be merchant who suffered greatly from Newport's post-Revolution economic depression and from the restrictions on trade in the years leading to the War of 1812. Late in 1812, with the threat of an attack looming over Newport, Obadiah transplanted his family to the farmlands of New York, where they fought to maintain their conception of the Quaker faith amidst the schisms that occurred in the Society of Friends during the 1830s and 1840s. The Williams Collection is comprised of 245 letters detailing the private and professional lives of members of this widely spread family, and illuminates their response to the stresses of life during America's early national period.
There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment.
Researchers are advised that express written permission to reproduce, quote, or otherwise publish any portion or extract from this collection must be obtained from Newport Historical Society. Although NHS has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. It is up to the researcher to determine the owners of the literary rights and to obtain any necessary permissions from them.
Correspondence from the Williams Collection, Ms.91.57.1, Newport Historical Society.
This collection consists of correspondence of the Williams family. Within the family's correspondence, combined with the social and religious norms of the Society of Friends, to which each addressor and addressee almost invariably belonged, a unique pattern of Quaker kinship is revealed. Bound together by centralized meeting locations and marriage restrictions, the Williams maintained strong connections and correspondence with relations that would seem distant to modern sensibilities. Among these relations were the Rotches and Rodmans, who were whalers and merchants from New Bedford, and the Browns of Providence, famous for their stand against slavery and as the founders of the Providence Boarding School and Brown University. Quaker kinship provided the Williams with a source of identity, and a means of surviving the turmoil of embargo, war, migration and economic upheaval.
Another major theme evident within these letters is that of change. The half-century involved, 1800 - 1850, was perhaps the period of greatest change in the history of the United States. Great debates were waged over foreign affairs, economics, the virtue of our citizens, and the very path our government and nation would follow. To a great extent the Williams family reflected and interacted with this period of transition.
As the United States struggled to obtain international respectability, first through embargo and later through war with Great Britain, the Williams found themselves unwilling and unfortunate participants in this struggle. Nicholas Williams and his ship were captured by the British in 1807, furthering financial ruin initiated by the loss of a ship off the coast of Africa. Nicholas was forced to turn to his brother David, a Newport clockmaker, for assistance as he moved his family first to Baltimore then to New York. Letters between the brothers exhibit the tensions created over payment of this debt, tensions which would lead to a rending of Nicholas' and David's relationship. Around 1811 correspondence between the two abruptly ceased.
The War of 1812 led to further upheavals in the Williams' and also the Quaker way of life in Newport. Samuel Williams and his ship were captured by a British privateer and taken to Halifax; James Hadwin, a member of the Williams family through marriage, was injured aboard a gunboat and later died. The embargo and the war struck at the heart of the commercial nature of Newport causing hardship and fear, furthering a process begun during the Revolution. Prominent Quaker merchants were driven from Newport during the Revolution by the difficulty of conducting business and because of their suspected loyalism. They fled, taking much of Newport's business capital with them. This process was completed by the War of 1812. The Newport meeting, once the largest in the country, had been reduced to less than twenty members. For Quakers the economic and religious vitality of Newport had vanished.
Many of the Quakers that fled moved to the fertile lands of New York and Ohio. They wrote letter after letter to their brethren in Newport describing the commercial and agricultural possibilities of the western lands. Writers from different locales competed to attract new settlers to their communities. As a result the western lands were often described in near utopian terms. They were the proverbial land of milk and honey and a place to escape the threat of bombardment and economic downturns. Descriptions of the hardships to be encountered were rare and usually qualified.
Driven by the stick of embargo and war and enticed by the carrot of prosperity in the western lands, Obadiah Williams, the brother of Nicholas and David and the father of Samuel, uprooted his family, leaving the life of the city and commerce for the life of frontier and farm. Obadiah and his family joined a flood of settlers seeking a better way of life in New York. They carried with them Quaker traditions and settled in farming communities occupied by their Quaker friends and relatives. They maintained ties with Newport and Providence and utilized these connections in conducting trade. Obadiah eventually established his family about ten miles from the Erie Canal and was thus able to ship his saddles and crops throughout New England, joining in the increasingly commercial nature of the country. As the years passed and Obadiah's younger children reached maturity they joined in what one historian called "the centrifuge of marriage." As they married and had children they spun out from the settlement of their father to seek prosperity of their own. Economic and social ties were thus extended further.
The 1820's and 1830's were decades of intense political and religious upheaval in New York. The Williams letters provide commentary and elaboration on these events. Religious revivalism in New York was so intense during this period that one historian dubbed central and western New York the "Burned-Over District." The role of Quakers in this district, within which many of the Williams lived, warrants further investigation. A preliminary study of this collection suggests that the Williams family was concerned primarily with maintaining the integrity of their own orthodox Quaker faith against threats of schism. Many of the letters are concerned with criticizing heretics, especially the Hicksite wing of the faith. This concern with self-preservation placed the Williams on the periphery of the revivalism of the Burned-Over District, which was primarily a non-sectarian movement. Nevertheless, a limited number of the letters explore the mood of the Burned-Over district from a Quaker perspective, providing a different view of this phenomenon. The Williams also add their voices to some of the concerns of the revivalists, such as abolition and temperance.
Other portions of the collection provide commentary on the political aspects of the period. The letters tell a tale of strong and sometimes bitter opposition to the War of 1812. The lack of political commentary in the letters throughout the late 1810's and early 1820's is reflective of the placidity of the "Era of Good Feelings" and of the Williams' concern with their own survival in a new land. The advent of the Jacksonian style of politics, and perhaps a more comfortable lifestyle, induced Henry Williams, the son of Obadiah, to provide his perspective on the "Loco-Focos" and the election of 1840, in which Henry was a staunch supporter of the Whig party and "Old Tip" - William Henry Harrison, against the Democratic candidate Martin Van Buren - the "Magician."
For students of family and women's history this collection is rich with information. The fact that the Williams family remained close-knit and achieved success in this period of political, religious, and social upheaval is mainly a testament to the determination and efficiency of Ruth Hadwen Williams, Obadiah's second wife. Assuming the responsibility of caring for seven children from Obadiah's first marriage was no easy task in itself. Compounded by relocation to the frontier and the birth of four children of her own, the task would seem insurmountable. Her letters are filled with some of the day to day drudgery of her role within the family, yet they are also filled with thoughts of love for all her children. Upon her death those children remembered her with fond reverence. The mantle of responsibility was passed to her daughter Catharine. One of the first women to receive an education at Moses Brown's Providence Boarding School, she later assumed care of a retarded sibling and an elderly brother-in-law, whom she later married. Taken as a whole, this collection tells a unique tale of Quaker motherhood and womanhood.
For students of Newport history the collection is invaluable. Around 1848 Henry Williams made a visit to the place of his birth. He wrote a long narrative letter to his sister Catharine describing the people, places, and attitudes in late 1840's Newport. Many other letters to the New York branch of the family were intended to inform them of goings on in Newport, and thus provide researchers with contemporary views of the town. Students of economics will be interested to read detailed descriptions of wartime price fluctuations and in later prices of goods and land. Social and medical historians will find detailed descriptions of sicknesses and treatments, and commentary on contemporary attitudes toward birth and death. Lastly, genealogists can study an extensive list of names as an aid to determining lineage.
The Williams collection is an example of how a single family, who probably thought of themselves as commonplace, can add richness to our understanding of American history.
This collection is arranged in one series chronologically. Undated material appears at the end though approximate dates have been provided where possible. Items that have approximate dates are presented as undated material so as not to mislead researchers, but still provide possibly valuable data.
The Williams Collection was donated to the Newport Historical Society by Marion Hoffmire in July 1991, and was added to over time.
Partial letter reporting news of family and friends.
Some account of the decease of Catherine Jackson of London Grove in Chester County with a dream of one of her children in the time of her sickness. John Jackson recounts a dream in which he and his mother visited a mystical palace. Two nights laer he dreamed he was preparing the road near his house for a company of angels. His mother died soon after. Some attempt to explain this phenomenon is given in the account.
Bragg is responding to a letter from her cousin Margaret Hadwen in Newport. Mary extends an invitation to Dorcas Hadwin "to endeavor to cross the sea to see me." Mary briefly describes Ackworth School in Yorkshire, which is "for Friends children to be educated at."
Letter reporting the success of small pox inoculations and mentions the sale of some land near Hudson, NY. He speaks of the prospects for a ferryman of farmer in New York, away from the "sweat and filth of Negroes." He plans to sell his land near Baltimore and move to the Troy and Albany area.
Letter from Cocklain in England asking after family and friends and inquiring if they have been inoculated for small pox.
King writes Williams about their friendship and reports on the NY monthly meeting.
King is responding to Williams leter of March 3, 1795. King is relating her concerns that Williams has not written recently. King is seeking Williams' encouragement in the practice of her religion.
King writes to Williams of an unnamed affliction in New York, possibly a plague, and its impact on her faith.
King writes of their friendship and the death of her mother.
Cocklain writes Hadwin from England of famly and friends.
Rotch writes to Hadwin speaking of friendship and assures Ruth she will visit Newport soon.
Rotch writes Hadwin of family and friends.
Rotch writes Williams of family and friends, including some in Nantucket. She mentions the completion of (Fairhaven - New Bedford?) bridge.
Rotch writes Williams from Hartford describing the area and her brother's house. She writes news of family and friends, including the departure of William S. Walls of New Bedford for England.
Rotch writes Williams news of family and friends, including the arrival of M. Routh in New Bedford.
J. Williams writes O. Williams reporting the death of his second wife, Jane Allen Williams, of consumption and spotted fever, which seems to be affecting many in Nine Partners. J. Williams appears sorry he has settled in Nine Partners. Thomas Rotch is offering to give away land to Quakers in order to attract settlers to Ohio, and J. Williams describes the land there. He calls T. Rotch the founder of Canton. Peleg and Catharine Weeden have bought land in NY and D. Williams has decided to stay in Newport.
J. Williams writes to O. Williams asking him if he is going to move to New York. He speaks of business and his increasing age.
Rotch writes Williams news of family and friends.
Rotch is writing to Williams of family and friends. She refers to a portrait of herself and mentions several works of literature.
Rotch writes Williams of family and friends, including the deaths of Alice Russell and Abby Shepherd.
Routh writes Williams to thank her for accompanying her to Tiverton and advises her on her faith.
Rotch writes Williams asking for a letter of introduction for a distant cousin visiting New Bedford, professing her friendship and speaking of other friends and relatives.
Rotch writes Williams of mutual friends.
Burling writes Williams of the land and people in Nine Partners, NY, and offers to become partners with him in the tanning trade there.
Burling writes to Williams about his desire to retire and his thoughts of buying a farm near Baltimore, and wishes Williams to join him in a trip there.
Rotch writes to Williams of Mary Rotch's trip to Pembroke, Maine, and news of other family and friends.
J. Williams writes O. Williams trying to convince him to move his family to New York.
J. Williams writes O. and D. Williams asking O. Williams to visit Nine Partners. He reports news of family and friends, including N. Williams' rehearing and his indebtedness, and, cynically, D. Williams' failure to vidit due, in J. Williams' opinion, to a lack of a pending inheritance.
Burling writes Williams asking him to make a pair of saddle bags. He descriibes a trip from Purchase to Nine Partners in which he attended more than 18 meetings.
Burling writes to Williams expressing her happiness that Williams' daughter, Sarah, has come to visit. Elizabeth's daughter, Mary, has recently returned from Newport and looks "very much improved".
Rotch writes Williams reporting the illness of a niece.
J. Williams writes O. Williams his regrets at the illness of D. Williams. He also asks after other members of the family.
Copied for (MR). Written after a letter announcing the death of a young man in the Yellow Fever at Norfolk in Virginia who was engaged to an acquaintance of the writer. The poem is an account of a man's death at sea apart from his fiance.
Brown is writing Williams to express his regrets on the death of Williams' wife Dorcas Earl Williams. Brown also proposes to pay "the boarding of schooling" for Williams' son, John Earl Williams at school at Nine Partners, NY, take him "into our store", or provide him with a trade.
Rotch writes to Williams asking her to visit and reports coousin Lydia had decided "to desert the sisterhood".
Almy writes Williams of his love for her and implies a marriage proposal.
Almy writes Williams of his love for her and seeking permission to visit her in Newport.
N. Williams writes to O. Williams of losing his ship after sailing from the coast of Africa. He speaks of a misunderstanding between himself and his brother, David.
Rotch writes Williams asking for an ointment recipe. She also speaks of mutual friends and her daughter, Mary Rotch.
N. Williams writes O. Williams reporting on his debts and severe financial difficulties resulting from the loss of his ship and an unsuccessful insurance claim.
Robinson writes Hadwin upon her return from a visit to Newport, thanking Elizabeth Barney Hadwin for the use of some stockings.
Rotch writes Williams of family and friends, including the illnesses of several.
Rotch writes Williams about friends from Nantucket and a trip to Boston.
N. Williams writes O. Williams of his captivity at Cape Francois, and discusses an overdue loan.
J. Williams, Sr. writes O. Williams tring to raise his flagging spirits and encouraging him to relocate to New Hartford, N.Y.
M. Rotch writes R. Williams of family and friends.
Rotch writes Williams of family and friends, and speaks of their frieindship.
N. Williams writes O. Williams asking him to attend to the recovery of insurance for his ship, and for David Williams to keep account of money owed him for upkeep of N. Williams' family.
Mary Rotch writes Ruth Hadwin news of various common friends.
Williams is writing to Hadwin a proposal of marriage.
Rotch writes Williams news of family and friends, including several illnesses.
N. Williams writes to O. Williams describing the status of American sailors captured or impressed by British ships. N. Williams himself has been captured.
Brown writes Williams news of the monthly meeting and some otential converts to the faith. She writes of her religious beliefs.
An unidentied person writes Williams of family and friends, including the death of Sarah Barney.
Rotch writes Williams asking of her family and professing her friendship. She reports on a sickness in New Bedford "which is considered a species of the plague." Probably written in new Bedford.
J. Williams write O. Williams news of N. Williams capture by the British, his release, and subsequent trip to Amsterdam.
Brown writes Williams news of family and friends, and mentions the recent birth of Catharine Williams.
J. Williams writes O. Willilams regarding the possibility of O. Williams relocating to New York. O. Williams' business is bad. J. Williams describes the land around Scipio, and speaks of the difficulty of conducting business during this period.
This is a brief letter which accompanied a reprinted letter from relatives in England.
Rotch writes to Williams asking her to recommend a nurse for Sarah Rotch Arnold.
An order of goods from Eliza Earl to Job Sherman.
O. Williams writes R. Williams describing a ferry trip to Providence in a storm to meet with David Buffum.
O. Williams writes R. Williams about an inspection tour of the lands of western Massachusetts, including Amherst, and further west in NY.
J. Williams is enclosing a transcript of a letter from O. Williams' brother, Nicholas Williams, as follows: N. Williams is writing to J. Williams of his safe arrival from England and subsequent illness. He intends to sail from New York with a cargo of teas. Williams' letter to O. Williams continues with a report on the first monthly meeting at Butternutts, NY.
Burling writes Williams describing good land and good society at Butternuts to be rare "...if I know my brother, O, he sets not a little value on good society..." There is also little need for a saddler, he writes. On the other hand, he describes the land at Nine Partners in glorifying terms, and names many of the Friends settled there.
M. Brown writes O.M. Brown in response to the death of an unnamed sister.
Rotch writes Williams speaking of the death of Elizabeth Barney Hadwin as a "happy change." Rotch is glad that it seems Williams is now "established" in Newport.
J.D. Williams writes O. Williams that their father had taken ill and gives a detailed account of the treatment.
N. Williams writes O. Williams about debt arising from an unsuccessful insurance claim and his capture by the British. He requestes O. Williams to settle accounts with him.
N. Williams writes O. Williams from overseas news of his health and business, and of the quarrel between himself and David Williams.
J. Bragg writes O. Williams from England about family and friends. He reports on the consequences of England's war with the French.
N. Williams writes O. Williams asking him to inform David Williams to forward information previously requested.
N. Williams writes D. Williams asking for some papers to settle accounts between them.
W. Williams writes O. Williams from Tennessee news of his family and of his religious beliefs.
T. Rotch writes O. Williams a long letter with descriptions of the weather and the land around Stubenville and his plans to found a town. In the same letter Charity Rodman Rotch writes to Ruth Hadwin Williams of domestic and social conditions in Stubenville. She asks to be remembered to fiends in Newport.
M. Brown writes O. Williams a short note apparently accompanying many letters.
J. Williams writes O. Williams about a sickness in Nine Partners, and speaks of crops, land and water in New York. He mentions the possibility of the family moving to Ohio.
P. Weeden writes O. Williams about the price of land in NY and other farm news.
A. Purinton writes O. Williams describing a journey from Philadelphia to Salem, NY, including travel conditions and people along the way. He reports on crops and land in NY and war morale.
J. Williams writes O. Williams, one month after O. Williams' departure from Newport. News of O. Williams' finances in Newport, including the renting of his house and the status of his tanning business. He reports the death of Job Almy.
S. Williams writes O. Williams of his plans to spend the winter in North Carolina, trading corn, due to shortages in the North caused by the war. He speaks of other family and friends.
D. Brown writes R. Williams expressing her sadness at R. Williams' absence. She reports attending the New Bedford monthly meeting.
R. Rodman writes to Obadiah and Ruth Williams of family and freinds, including the engagement of Sarah Hadwin Slocum to George Engs and reports on the quarterly meeting.
Rodman writes of business dealings and news, including the burglary of David Williams' shop.
Brown writes Obadiah and Ruth Williams and speaks of O. Williams' reasons for leaving Newport. Brown speaks at length about her faith and mentions the death of Robert Harkness.
M. Barker writes R. Williams thanking her for several letters. She speaks of he hardships in NY and of her daily routine in Tiverton She speaks at length of family and friends, including the engagement of Sarah Fish to James Tucker.
W. Burling writes O. Williams attempting to influence him to buy land in Scipio. He mentions hard times in Newport.
W. Jenkins writes R. Willilams of his religious beliefs.
M. Williams writes R. Williams of her sadness at R. Williams' departure. She expounds on the repulsiveness of the war, and reports Elizabeth Earl has been appointed overseer of the poor in Newport, a position formerly held by R. Williams.
S. Williams writes O. Williams about the consequences of the war and the British blockade, and criticizes the way the war is being conducted. He mentiones a planned expedition to North Carolina, promising to avoid the desolute practices of that region.
D. Williams writes O. Williams news of accounts left by O. Williams in D. Williams' care, including the leasing of O. Williams' house in Newport. He speaks of the war and the burglary of his shop. Two blacks are in "gaol" for the crime.
R. Rodman is writing in response to O. and R. Williams' - her "dear kin." She reports on various mutual friends and the death of Elizabeth Mott.
E. Earl writes R. Williams news of the Newport winter, the dwindling number in meeting, and a sermon by Clark Rodman. She speaks of Obadiah Williams' melancholy spirits.
J. Williams write O. Williams about the volume of business in his saddler shop. He includes an account of O. Williams' business affairs in Newport. He adds brief notes on other relatives in NY.
N. Williams writes J. Williams, Sr. of his famly and mentions he is ill. He speaks of farm business and of building a house in Ovid, NY. He mentions the war and the difficulty in living with the Indians.
J. Williams writes O. Williams to explain a misunderstanding over a kettle. He reports on financial matters and mentiones the death of Dr. Easton. David Rodman adds a short note about business on the back.
E. Earl writes O. and R. Williams news of family and friends. She is uncerain if she will be moving to NY. She mentions a comet and reports on the monthly meeting. She speaks of the volume of people leaving Newport, and the high price of provisions.
R. Rodman writes to R. Williams of family and friends. She speaks of her faith, and reports in detail on the treatment of a sick relation. She mentions the deaths of Dr. Easton and Joseph Tillinghast. Among news of the monthly meeting, James Tucker and Sarah Fish were engaged and a child was born to Mary E. Lawland.
D. Williams writes O. Williams about the pursuit of Samuel Williams' vessel by a British privateer. After grounding his boat near Point Judith and removing some of his cargo, the boat and S. Williams ere captured and taken to Halifax. He speaks also of O. Williams' business interests in Newport.
M. Williams writes R. Williams of the danger of invasion or bombardment in Newport and the precautions being taken. She speaks of family and friends and of cloth being woven by water in a "patent loom."
R.R. writes to O. and R. Williams of mutual family and friends.
M. Barker writes R. Williams of her sadness at her absence. She reports on family and friends, and mentions the birth of Dorcas Brown Williams.
J.D. Williams writes J. Williams, Sr. news of family and friends, crop news, and thoughts of selling his farm and moving. He speaks of his saddler trade.
E. Earl writes R. Williams news of family and friends. John Earl Williams has received a concilliatory letter from his father and his attitude has improved.
D. Williams writes O. Williams about an offer to rent his tanyard for use as a gin distillery. He speaks of high prices and scarcity of goods due to the war.
R. Rodman writes R. Williams news of family and friends and describes a dream. She reports on a man's attempt to be restored to the Society.
D. Rodman writes O. Williams an account of business dealings they have in common.
D. Earl writes O. Williams defending J.E. Williams' actions respecting O. Williams' business interests. She discusses the disreputable company he is keeping and somewhat rebellious actions. She describes the sickness and death of James Hadwin. David Rodman adds a postscript confirming Dorcase Barney Earl's assessment of accounts regarding John Earl Williams as exaggerated.
D. Brown writes R. Williams news of the death of James Hadwin. He was apparently taken ill or injured aboard a navy gunboat. D. Brown writes disapprovingly of his being in the service. She also reports the death of S. Elam "...death is a leveller, no distinction...", and speaks of the illness of a child who "...may early be a plant in the heavenly kingdom..." She speaks of a man's religious doubts.
E. Earl writes R. Williams of her disappointment at O. Williams' decision to buy land at Bridgewater rather than at Union springs, which land she describes as good, but prices high and provisions scarce. She mentions the deaths of James Hadwin and S. Elam who willed his apparel to his favorite black boy and his library to the New Bedford Academy. She describes her husband's financial setbacks and subsequent rebuilding, including a boat and a grist mill.
Unknown writer to R. Williams wishing her well in her new home in Butternutts. She also speaks of life in Scipio.
D. Brown writes R. Williams news of family and friends and describes additions being built on her house in Providence.
E. Earl is responding to a letter from R. Williams and is reporting on family business, including the death of an unnamed brother. She mentions letters from Dorcas Brown and Obadiah Brown.
R. Rodman writes to Obadiah and Ruth Williams that they are missed in Newport. The writer reports on the quarterly meeting at Providence, and speaks of family and friends.
B. Hadwin writes R. Williams an account of a trip to Providence, mentioning various family and friends. He speaks of his business interests.
R. Rodman writes O. Williams a short note accompanying an enclosed letter. She reports he death of Hannah Mitchell of typhus.
D. Rodman writes O. Williams of the signing of a deed and the amount of leather in D. Rodman's shop. He includes an account of O. Williams' busines holdings in Newport.
B. Hadwin writes R. Williams of Walter Cornell's refusal to pay rent on the garden plot in Newport which he rented from Obadiah Williams.
E. Earl writes R. Williams news of family and friends, including Thomas Rotch's difficulties in NY.
B. Hadwin writes R. Williams news of family and friends and mentions he was ill, possibly poisoned.
Rodman reports to Williams he death of John M. Mansfield. There is an account of business dealings Williams had in common with Rodman. Rodman also reports on the hardships the war is causing in Newport.
John Earl Williams writes O. Williams about the consequences of the British invasion of Newport, including economic hardships. He reports the death of John M. Mansfield.
D. Brown writes R. Williams news of family and friends, including the death of James Hadwin. She speaks of land donated for Providence Boarding School.
D. Brown writes R. Williams news of family, friends and meeting. She reminisces about the late James Hadwin.
D. Rodman writes O. Williams about Williams' business interests in Newport.
D. Brown writes R. Williams of mutual friends and relatives and of her religious beliefs. She mentions a trip to New Bedford and speaks of plans for a new school. On the back is lines from a poem or a song.
D. Rodman writes O. Williams about the settlement of an estate in Newport in which they have an interest.
D. Rodman sends O. Williams a detailes ledger of accounts they have in common. Probably written from Newport.
S. Earl writes A. Williams news of famly and friends. She mentions the price of goods in Newport, which she describes as a "poor" town.
E. Killey writes R. Williams mentioning the birth of Margaret Williams.
D. Rodman writes to O. Williams of an offer to $700 from Benjamin Layins for Williams' house in Newport.
D. Rodman is writing to O. Williams to inform him of an offer of $700 for his house in Newport. He also reports the funeral of the Widow Thurman of Portsmouth.
D. Williams writes O. Williams about an offer of $800 for his house in Newport.
D. Brown writes R. Williams news of the death of Joseph Barker.
D. Brown writes R. and O. Williams reporting on their sister, Margaret Barker's illness following the death of her husband Joseph Barker. She also reports on farm business and the death of Rebecca Jones of Philadelphia.
'R. Williams writes to O. Williams informing him of her safe arrival in Providence. She speaks of family and friend, including the death of D. Lands. During her journey she visited her sick father, and she speaks of attending meeting in Hartford. She transcribes a manuscript which tells of a man who met Czar Alexander of Russia and planned to move his family there in order to teach English farming methods to the Russians.
D. Brown writes R. Williams news of family and friends. She reports on a vote to remove the yearly meeting from Newport, and on the opening of a Friends' school.
E. Burling writes A. Williams of family and friends, including news of Sarah Williams' visit to Union Springs.
R. Williams to O. Williams of family and friends in Rhode Island.
D. Brown writes R. Williams of family and freinds, including news of Joseph Barker's serious illness.
D. Brown writes R. Williams speaking of the illness of Margaret and Joseph Barker.
J. Williams writes O. Williams of Sarah Williams' illness. He invites O. Williams to visit his new house, and mentions reports from an agricultural society. He compares Pennsylvania farmers with New York society.
D. Rodman writes O. Williams of a disagrement over Rodman's handling of Williams' accounts. He speaks of other business, including his difficulty in selling or renting Williams' house in Newport.
M. Williams writes R. Williams of famly and friends, and referring to Obadiah Williams, she writes "...his ideas of Newport and misery are so associated..."
M. Barker writes R. Williams asking hr to look after Joseph Barker, Jr. who is going to NY to work in a store.
D. Brown writes R. Williams of a visit by Joseph Barker, Jr. who is unable to find a career and is causing great anxiety in the family.
R. Priestman writes to D. Brown of family news from England, including a detailed account of her father's death.
E. Killy writes R. Williams asking after Ann Williams health. In same letter, another writer writes R. Williams of family and friends and speaks of Ann Williams' illness.
R. Priestman writes D. Brown of the death of her father and news of other family and friends in England and Ireland.
Testimony from G. Street concerning Mary Hanbury, minister, who died May 17, 1823, eulogizing her and quoting excerpts from her journal.
"...The era of a new year - Ah! How portentious it may prove to thousands..." (Author unknown) a poem in tribute of O. Brown.
R. Priestman writes D. Brown consolations at the death of Obadiah Brown over a year previous.
J. Bragg writes D. Brown his condolences at the death of Obadiah Brown. He also speaks of various family and friends.
D. Brown writes O. and R. Williams of the safe arrival of C. Carman in Providence, and other news of family and friends.
D. Brown writes R. Williams news of Catharine Williams' visit to Providence Boarding School preceding her enrollment, and the favorable impression she made. She reports 11 girls enrolled at the school.
J. Bragg writes D. Brown from England of family news, including the death of Mary Cocklain, and a detailed account of her illness. He reports the marriage of Margaret Cocklain to Timothy Ainsforth.
Composed while sitting at the funeral of a friend. This poem mourns the death of a friend.
Breed writes Williams of family and friends and expresses grief at the death of Dorcas Hadwin Brown.
E. Killy writes O. and R. Williams, breaking a lapse in communication of several years, and reporting the death of her sister Phebe. She speaks of the death of Dorcas Brown.
J. Williams writes O. Williams about family and freinds and concerns about his son Frederick's behavior. He mentions other settlers from Newport, New Bedford and Nantucket. He describes convicts and a prison in N.Y. John Earl adds a postscript.
L. Breed writes R. Williams news of family and freinds and reports that O. Brown and D. Brown have moved. She writes of Dorcas Earl's death on December 5 and the death of John Rodman. She adds a short letter to Catharine Williams reporting the number of students at Providence Boarding School.
M. Brown writes C. Hadwin a short note asking him to send a dozen epistles of the yearly meeting of Indiana to Ruth Hadwin Williams to be disributed in that county.
J. Bowne writes O. Williams asking him to distribute epistles of the Philadelphia and New York Yearly meetings. He expresses his regrets that John Mott has chosen to follow the doctrines of Elias Hicks. The tracts to be distributed are intended to contrast the actions of Hicksites with those of other Friends, and prevent the Hicksite faction from taking control in upcoming Meeting elections.
R. Williams writes C. Williams news of family and friends, and reports on a meeting filled with dissent. She describes preparations for a funeral Another sister adds a short note.
J. Williams writes O. Williams about family and mentions a steam boat trip. He advises on the installation of a stove. He reports on the closure of a bank and the anti-masonry mood in N.Y. (Later date, same letter) Catherine Williams writes to O. Williams of the steam boat trip mentioned above.
C. Hadwin writes reporting the death of his wife, Amy Hadwin.
D. Brown writes C. Williams of the search for a teacher at Providence Boarding School, and paraphrases a letter from Moses Brown to that purpose. She reports on family and friends, including the death of Timothy Gifford. (Same letter, same date) Lydia Breed writes C. Williams of the search for a teacher, and mentions a person that Williams has recommended.
S. Williams writes his parents news of family and friends, and he mentions a Hicksite split within the family.
S. Gould writes O. Williams asking his opinion on a teacher for Providence Boarding School, and, upon his approval, forwarding a letter from Moses Brown hiring her.
S. Williams writes his son F. Williams of family plans to move west. He speaks of Frederic's siblings' studies and encourages Frederic to study hard. He reports a major fire in Hudson and farm news.
S. Williams writes O. Williams regarding a trip to Troy, NY, regarding various people and information about various meetings of Friends. (same letter) Henry Williams to Obadiah Williams writes of family news and Friends' meeting.
D. Fry writes C. Williams news of mutual friends from Providence Boarding School. She speaks of new facilities and instructors at the school.
H. Williams writes O. Williams about a buying trip to Ohio. He describes rivers, towns, people, industry, etc.
An unknown author writes O. Willliams about a recent illness, farming and news of family and friends.
An unknown sister writes R. Williams of the death of their broher Benjamin Hadwin. Other family news includes Dorcas Brown Purdie's education.
C. Hadwin writes R. Williams news of family and friends and sends money to settle various accounts.
R. Cornell writes R. Williams news of the death of Lydia Hadwin Cornell.
H. Williams writes S. Williams political news regarding Whigs, farming conditions, family news, and Abolitionist remarks.
E. Williams writes R. Williams of the death of Elizabeth Hadwin Arnold.
M. Williams writes S. Williams news of modern improvements in Newport, and the increasing number of summer residents. She mentions her brother John Williams' industrial enterprises and reports news of other family and friends.
E. Mott writes C. Carman about Obadiah Williams' severe illness, and speaks of othr family members. She reports the death of Leden Wood.
D. Purdie writes R. Williams news of family and friends and speaks of receiving the news of Obadiah Williams' death.
D. Purdie writes R. Williams of family news and indicates troubles - "heresy" and "schism" - among the Quakers. It concludes with an excerpt of a letter from Aunt Betsy to Aunt Sarah respecting Uncle Barney's death.
H. Williams writes C. Williams Carman news of famly and friends and the loss of this love of agriculture. He speaks of the problems of New England Quakers. " ...We suffer for intellectual Religious society in NY...", he complains as well.
H. Williams writes M. Carman of purchasing 22 acres in Aurora. He speaks of the variety of Christian assemblies nearby. He writes dispargingly of uniting the contentious Quaker meetings, and mentions a vigorous cure for ill health.
H. Williams writes M. Carman of family and friends and a Quaker's loss of faith. He speaks of the "spirit knockings" and trip to upstate New York near Ontario. He mentions the declining size of the meeting. He speaks of the refusal of a woman to kneel at meting: "...Does this have a parallel in Quaker history..."
J. Williams writes C. Carman of family and reports that Sarah Williams has received a legacy of $1,000 from her Uncle Earl, and explains the further division of the estate.
C. Williams writes C. Carman enclosing a letter from S. Williams to E. Mott. New Hartford, May 30, 1853 (enclosed letter) Samuel Williams to Eliza Williams writes to family and friends and farm business, May 2, 1853.
J. Williams writes C. Carman expressing his grief at the death of Dorcas Purdie's daughter, Catharine. He reports on crop news and mentions plans for a woman's school in Aurora. He writes briefly on the problems of the Quakers.
H. Williams writes C. Carman of Ruth Hadwin Williams' illness. He speaks of family and friends and a proposed Friends' school at Scipio.
S. Williams writes (unknown) news of a planned reunion of Newport ex-patriots. He speaks of his feelings about the Wilborite schism. He reports news of family and friends, and speaks of farm business. He mentions Dewitt Clinton Tower's losses in his distiling business during the panic of 1857. He describes sailing near Goat Island as a boy. He writes briefly of politics and abolition.
Wright writes Williams offering his condolences at the death of Dorcas Earl Williams.
O. Williams writes R. Hadwin of his religious beliefs, their relationship and obstacles to their being married.
Rotch writes Hadwin speaking of Hadwins' impending marriage and possible relocation.
Rotch writes Hadwin a note of friendship.
M. Rotch writes R. Hadwin news of family and friends, including the arrival of a tutor for the Rodman children.
M. Rotch writes R. Hadwin expressing her regrets at Hadwin having to leave New Bedford.
M. Rotch writes R. Hadwin expressing gladness over Hadwin's apparent rejection of a marriage proposal. She mentions various family and friends.
M. Rotch writes R. Hadwin news of family and freinds, and reports on Monthly meeting. Sarah Rotch adds her thoughts.
M. Rotch writes to R. Hadwin one day after Hadwin left New Bedford to return to Newport. M. Rotch mentions news of family and friends.
M. Rotch writes R. Hadwin news of family and friends.
Rotch writes Hadwin describing a ferry boat trip from Rhode Island to New Bedford. Rotch reports that William Rodman is to be educated in England, and she asks after family and friends.
Rotch writes Hadwin a letter of introduction for a Philadelphia friend, and speaks of other family and friends
Rotch writes Hadwin about family and friends, and summarizes several letters she has received from various mutual friends.
Rotch writes to Hadwin about mutual freinds and relatives. Probably written from New Bedford.
Rotch writes Hadwin reporting on Quarterly Meeting, and speaking of friendship. She mentions family and friends.
M. Rotch writes R. Williams asking her if she has become engaged to Obadiah Williams.
R. Williams writes O. Williams informing him that she plans to visit Hartford from Dorcas and Obadiah Brown's house in Providence.
M. Rotch writes R. Williams news of the birth of a friend's son, and news of the Rochester meeting.
R. Williams writes O. Williams, who is traveling, that she and the children are well.
M. Rotch writes R. Williams informing her of the illness of a mutual friend.
A. Arnold writes D. Brown a short note reporting the illness of a niece and asking D. Brown when she will return to Providence.
R. Williams writes O. Williams from Providence mentioning he funeral of R. Brown. She speaks of family and friends, asks after the children.
M. Rotch writes R. Williams news of family and friends, and mentions the possibility of the Williams family moving "into the woods".
Partial letter, unable to determine writer or recipient (probably O. Williams). This document is a listing of properties available near Marietta, Ohio.
R. Williams writes O. Williams of her safe passage with Francis Howgill Williams from Newport to Providence to visit Dorcas Hadwin Brown.
R. Williams writes O. Williams assuring him of her committment to their recent removal. She speaks of O. Brown's proposed mission to Ohio. R. Williams hopes to be settled by winter. (incomplete letter)
Unknown writer to R. Williams reporting on a storm and the delivery of a stove. The writer reports on family business and gives detailed directions to a location in western New York. Unknown (same letter, different handwriting, possibly spouse of above writer) to father (probably Obadiah Williams) reporting crop news.
A. Greene writes R. Williams inquiring after family and friends.
S. Williams writes O. Williams about the price of land and goods in New York.
J. Williams writes O. Williams about the leasing of a mill, prices of farm goods, and expanding familly business inerests. He tries to convince O. Williams to relocate closer to him.
A. Greene writes O. Williams of S. Williams' safe arrival, and speaks of the illness that led to S. Williams' retardation. She discourages the idea of A. Williams attending the Friends' school in Aurora.
L. Cornell writes R. Williams describing the death of James Barker, speaks of an apparent dispute over his will. She speaks of family and friends and the employment of several female family members in small industry.
O. Brown writes R. Williams of family and friends and of employing C. Hadwin at Almy and Brown in Smithfield.
A. Greene writes R. Williams speaking of Sarah Williams' illness. She writes of other family and freinds, including the death of Obadiah Brown.
A. Greene writes R. Williams speaking of the deaths of Ann Williams and Obadiah Brown. She speaks of other family and friends. In the same letter, A. Greene Junior adds a poetic note of sympathy over the death of Ann Williams.
D. Brown writes R. Williams of receiving portraits of George Fox and Elizabeth Fry. She speaks of family and friends and reminisces about Obadiah Brown.
R. Williams writes D. Brown of Catharine Williams' recent arrival in Providence to attend the Boarding school.
D. Brown writes R. Williams news of Catharine Williams, who is attending Providence Boarding School and visiting several acquaintances. She describes M. Brown's 87th birthday, and prematurely eulogizes him. Dorcas Brown is preparing for a visit from a renowned Quaker preacher. She reminisces about Obadiah Brown, who died three years earlier.
This letter recounts the travels of an unknown person. Described is a ship, bound for England, which is leaking. The carpenter was lowered overboard and underwater to find the leak. A ship was purchased in England for a mission to the islands in the Pacific. While anchored during a storm a pod of whales protected the ship from waves.
R. Cornell writes R. Williams news of family and friends, including the death of John Hadwin. She speaks of ill feelings toward her father, W. Cornell, in the aftermath of her mother's death.
News of family and friends. Talk of no longer being able to farm because of "weakness."
H. Williams writes M. Carman news of a visit to the divided NY meeting. He describes a steamboat rip to RI and subsequent visits to family and friends. He speaks of the troubles in Kansas. He reports news of the Newport Yearly meeting and mentions suggestions to form a meeting for independent blacks in Newport.
H. Williams writes C. Carman to tell her of his plans for a trip to Newport. He speaks of a friend or relation who has gone to Milwaukee to seek his fortune. He mentions his belief in the imminent separation of the Quaker faith and the chaos that will follow.
H. Williams writes C. Williams describing a steam boat trip from New Hartford to New York. He describes the scene on the NY docks and a visit with Ann Williams Tower before boarding the "Empire State" bound for Newport. He gives an account of his visit, including description of meeting. He also mentions visits with other Rhode Island relatives before returning to New York.
H. Williams writes Catharine Williams of controversy within the Quaker faith, including allegations of breaches of doctrine and discipline. He mentions his recent trip to Newport.
H. Williams writes C. Carman of family and friends, mentioning the construction of two houses. He reports on meeting and mentions Quaker troubles.
H. Williams writes of the Quaker faith losing members in "poor New England."