Samuel Jones was a prominent member of the Philadelphia Association and was instrumental in the founding of Brown University. He was born in 1735 and educated at Hopewell Academy. He was the pastor of the Baptist church at Pennepek in Pennsylvania for fifty-one years and conducted an academy for the education of young men. He was a friend of President James Manning and on Manning's death was aked to be president of the College, but declined because of his advanced age. He died on February 7, 1814.
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Samuel Jones papers, MS-1E-2, Brown University Archives.
This collection consists primarily of letters received from 1760 to 1794. There are also copies of the Rhode Island College (Brown University) charter, college subscription books, and subscription receipts and promissory notes. The bulk of the letters are from James Manning, who was President of the college from 1764 to 1791. Jones and Manning became acquainted in the 1750's. Both attended Hopewell Academy and were affiliated with the Philadelphia Baptist Association. Subjects related to the Philadelphia Baptist Association are referred to throughout the collection. Manning's letters are concerned with religious studies and his preparation for the ministry, the placement of Baptist clergy in various churches, the refusal by Baptists in Northhampton, Massachusetts, to pay ministerial taxes in 1774, and various topics related to Rhode Island College. Jones was a longtime supporter of Rhode Island College and instrumental in writing its charter.
Of the three copies of the Charter in the collection: one copy is a corrected manuscript dated 1763 Aug 1; and two are printed copies dated 1764 Feb 27, one having marginalia. One copy was printed by Samuel Hall in Newport; the other was reprinted in London for Blyth and Beevor.
This collection is arranged alphabetically by name of correspondent.
This collection was a gift of Mary H. McKesson.
Brown University Library catalog record for this collection:
RESOURCES AT BROWN:
Printed. Seal of the college affixed. Signed by Stephen Hopkins, Chancellor, and Thomas Eyres, Secretary. Receipt by James Manning, September 28, 1771, for 25 pounds, seven shillings, and six pence. Contains names and signatures of subscribers: Samuel Jones, Joseph Hart, Anthony Yerkes, Clement Dungan, David Dungan, Jeremiah Dungan, James Dungan, Alexander Edwards, Judith Spicer, Stephen Yerkes, Silas Yerkes, Arthur Watts, John Folwell, James Dungan, Clement Dungan, Joseph Dungan.
Printed. Entry of one subscriber, John Holme. Note by Samuel Jones, "By way of excuse for the People of Pennepeck, it ought to be remembered, that they with Southampton People made up 25 7 6 many years ago ..."
Receipt to the Baptist Association of Philadelphia for 9 pounds from the estate of Elizabeth Hobbs which has been delivered by Rev. William Van Horne (from Mrs. Hobbs's legacy for educating pious youths for the ministry).
Reports illness and death of James Manning; fear that the college may suffer relapse; transmits the wish of the Corporation that Jones will accept presidency.
Note for 60 pounds to be paid the college in September 1770. Witnessed by Isaac Duncan and Morgan Edwards. Endorsements by Morgan Edwards: receipts for interest to October 30, 1770 and September 7, 1771, and receipt for principal amount on October 25, 1771, delivered by Arthur Watts.
Autograph draft. Recalls long association with James Manning since grammar school and laments his death; declines offer of presidency of the college, because of his advanced age; recommends that Howell or Jonathan Maxcy be considered, unless the Charter prevent Howell or his youth disqualify Maxcy. Then suggests that a president be brought from England; offers to travel there himself on behalf of the college.
Gratitude for Manning's favors during his stay at college and for recommendation to Dr. Jones. Has decided, in view of unsettled situation in Newport, to accept proposal (to teach school in Kentucky).
Has recovered from smallpox; hopes to see him at Commencement in Philadelphia.
Asks him to purchase a watch for him; hopes he will come to yearly meeting at Hopewell; Mr. Edwards is expected to come for examinations at the college.
Thoughts on importance of life, and application to improvement of mankind and conversion of sinners.
Reaffirming friendship for him after a "long Silence;" saddened by death of Mr. Davies, who "shone w[ith] peculiar Splendour; too bright alas! to be long confined in such a contracted sphere;" discusses agitation in his mind about his worthiness for the ministry which is expected of him "as a liberal education among us is a Rarity;" going to Hopewell to teach Mr. Eaton's school, which has no master.
Written from Princeton, telling of safe return from a journey; has observed the dreadful state of religion in the southern provinces and the need for ministers; hopes to leave college life where "Annoyances of vicious Company & ye Constraints of disagreeable Studies ... are no small Impedim[en]ts to my making A[d]vances in the divine Life."
On his desire to enter ministry; some rush into the work without being properly qualified or called; prosperity of religion in New York and the Plains.
From Connecticut Farms. Expects to embark with Brother John Sutton for Rhode Island to consult the people about a school; will visit Halifax where Mr. Suton expects to settle as minister; apprehension at Newport of change of government. He has had a call to supply Mr. Hart's Congregation in Charleston, which he passes to Jones for his consideration.
Urges him to come for Corporation meeting and to influence Mr. Gano to come; the site of the college must be determined then and will influence contributions from people in Rhode Island. He has fourteen scholars, six in college, two more to enter soon; Mr. Stelle has about twenty scholars in Providence; there is no other Latin School in the Colony. Boston people urging David Howell to be their minister; Mr. Smith succeeding in eastern New England; "It is a time of great insensibility in Religion."
Praises a publication of Jones; says to send Evan Edwards in the spring. Sorry that Rogers thinks of leaving Philadelphia and that Thurston had encouraged this. There are thirty students in the College; would be fifty, except for united force of clergy against the College. Asks Jones to supply his place, so the he might "go on the begging Errand, if not in Europe, in America," as no one else can be found to go, and money is needed.
Arrival of Evan Edwards, who is not yet ready to enter the college, but has already formed connections with some "pious, serious young Christians" in the College. Has received a long letter from John Ryland.
Has attended the "largest Association which we have had" at Medfield, which considered a temporary law to exempt Baptists from tax to their ministers. An Appeal to the Public will be drawn up by Mr. Backus. Has mentioned Dr. Llewelyn of Wales to Governor Hopkins as the "agent of our Government is dead," and it would be favorable to have a Baptist in that Office.
Grateful for subscriptions to Backus's paper; needs pieces by Llewelyn to further his selection as agent in election in May; has received letters from Wallin, Ryland, and Woodman, showing interest in support of the College; notes books sent by Ryland and Booth.
Sending books to be sold; nineteen Baptist are in North Hampton Jail for Ministerial Rates; [Evan] Edwards expected to enter college in fall; this winter is the most severe, with greatest snowfall in memory.
Sends remainder of books which had been left behind; Mr. Backus has set price for books; glad to have Mr. Piercy visit; reports separation in Dr. Gill's church; Dr. Stennett and Mr. Wallin have assisted at settlement of new church.
Mentions plunder by British in the Jerseys; Providence is a garrison and the College converted into Barracks; West India produce plentiful; salt, flour, and European goods are missed. Governor Hopkins in consumption and probably will not continue long; religion in a low state; Mr. Mackaness and Shakespear have been returned to England.
His nephew (James Manning) has declined taking charge of school in Kentucky; recommends Lemuel Kollock, assistant to Robert Rogers in academy at a Newport, and states his qualifications.
Thanks him for forwarding money; inquires about John Carter (son of Robert Carter); Mr. Furman is seeking a minister in South Carolina; thinks Mr. Earl or John Waldo suitable; illness of Nicholas Brown; his son, Moses Brown, who graduated last year, has died. Maxcy, having been called by the First Baptist Church, plans to resign as tutor.
Takes a moment aboard Paquet to send note by Mr. Hart, acknowledging receipt of money from Robert Carter and inviting Jones to Commencement.
Replies to Jones's suggestion of a lottery to aid the college, that a lottery had earlier been proposed, but no one could be found to execute it. Need for funds is great to stop the constant change of tutors. There are now 80 students. Feels that the law requiring payment of tuition and room rent for advanced standing helps the college by keeping students from attempting too far advanced standing, and also by enlarging the freshman class and increasing its ambition. There are now 12 freshmen.
Printed by Samuel Hall in Newport. Annotated copy of Samuel Jones.
"Newport: Printed by Samuel Hall. London: Reprinted for Blyth and Beevor, No. 87, Cornhill." The Charter as reprinted for distribution in England.
Asks for help from a legacy which is administered by Jones for educating men for the Baptist ministry. Stillman has sent a young man from Boston to Rhode Island College and is procuring subscriptions to carry him through.
The Charter has been passed without opposition with the help of petitions circulated at Jones's suggestion; expects those in Jones's vicinity to be pleased as they were first to promote the college; Mr. Davis of Newport has asked Mr. Lyndon to set up a grammar school there; a minister who would start a grammar school in Providence would be useful and, if of right temperament, might save some turnover; Mr. Winsor may be available for this; the Warren people have written to Mr. Manning, who is expected shortly.