Table of Contents

Volume 1: Many Families The eighteenth-century family group was a varied one. Documents attest to religious and racial diversity, as well as the hardships endured by the poor and working classes, such as widows, orphans and those born outside wedlock. Fictive families are also examined alongside more traditional family units bound by blood or law. Multiple Families Berkeley Seymour, Will, proved in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury (1744); Jane Seymour, Will, proved in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury (1762-1770); John Joseph Hornyold, The Real Principles of Catholicks Or, a Catechism for the Adult. Explaining the Principal Points of the Doctrine and Ceremonies of the Catholick Church (1749), excerpt; John Romans, Estate papers (1766); Ward Hallowell, Licence [sic] to Change His Name to Ward Nicholas Boylston (1770); Anna Letitia Barbauld, Hymns in Prose for Children [1781] excerpts; Admiral Sir John Lindsay, Will (1788); A W Rumney, ed. From the Old South-Sea House, being Thomas Rumney's Letter Book, 1796-1798 (1914), excerpts; Jane Davis, Letters from a mother to her son, on his going to sea: and a letter to Capt. S. By an inhabitant of Congleton. Dedicated, by permission, to Sir Richard Hill, Bart., M.P. [1799], excerpt; Esther Cox, Correspondence with Mary Chesnut, 1805-1810; Joshua Lovejoy, Correspondence, 1817-1819 Religious Diversity Haselbury Plunknett, Somerset, parish registers, 1690s, 1754, 1813; R Nelson, An earnest exhortation to house-keepers, to set up the worship of God in their families (1739), excerpt; Joseph Weyman, Probate dispute (1730); [Anon.], A persuasive to family religion: and the obligation Christian parents are under to the religious education of their children. With A Collection of some Texts of Scripture for the Use of Children. By the author of The advantages of closet religion. To which is added, some forms of prayer [1736], excerpt; Abbe d'Ancourt, The Lady's Preceptor. Or, a Letter to a Young Lady of Distinction Upon Politeness. Taken from the French of the Abbe D'Ancourt, and Adapted to the Religion, Customs, and Manners of the English Nation (1743), excerpt; David A M Muir, An humble attempt toward the revival of family-religion among Christians [1749], excerpts; Sarah Ryan to Mary Fletcher, Letter, April 1762; C Annesley and P M Hoskin, Archbishop Drummond's Visitation Returns, 1764 (1997), excerpt; William Tennet III, On the Dissenting Petition, Delivered in the House of Assembly, Charleston, S.C. , Jan 11, 1777; Recusant Returns Diocese of York, 1780; Cheap repository tracts for Sunday reading. To which are added, some prayers for individuals and for families (1800), excerpt; Zina Baker Huntington Correspondence, 1808-1813 Racial Diversity Berney Family, slave lists (1748); Dido Elizabeth Belle, Baptism record, 20 November, 1766; Dido Elizabeth Belle and John Davinier, Marriage bond, 6 November, 1793; Moore Family Bible, 1819-1856 and Moore Family Notes, 1770-1950; Adolph B Benson, ed., Peter Kalm's Travels in North America: The English Version of 1770 (1937), excerpts; Phillis Wheatley, Poems on various subjects, religious and moral. By Phillis Wheatley, negro servant to Mr. John Wheatley, of Boston, in New England [1773], excerpt; Vick family letter of emancipation, 1789; Clara Reeve, Plans of education; with remarks on the systems of other writers. In a series of letters between Mrs. Darnford and her friends (1792), excerpt; Susannah Cullen and Gustavus Vassa, Marriage certificate, 17 April, 1792; Olaudah Equiano, The interesting narrative of the life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, the African. Written by himself [1794], excerpts; -----, will, 1797; Anna Maria Vassa, epitaph, 1796; John Beall, Will, 1801; [Anon.], The Woman of Colour: A Tale (1808); John Williams and Elizabeth Williams, his wife, and their children: brief notes concerning their settlement case with a note in different handwriting 'Negro - slave, wife and child' (1818); Catherine Sedgwick, Letter to Frances Sedgwick, 1807; Elizabeth 'Mumbet' Freeman, Epitaph, Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988; Zenon Trudeau papers, probate and slaves, 1797-1799; Lancaster, Pennsylvania Clerk of Courts, Returns of Negro and Mulatto Children and Index of Slaves; James Dolbeare, Records on Indians, slaves and indentured servants (1685-1745) Poor Diocese of Exeter visitation records, Stockley Pomeroy, 1744; Thomas Sharp, An apology for the annual collections made towards the support of clergymens widows and orphans, within the counties of Durham and Northumberland. Being a sermon preached at the yearly meeting of the sons of the clergy at Newcastle upon Tyne, ... on Thursday the 23d of October 1746 (1746), excerpts; Eric Guest Nellis and Anne Decker Cecere, The Eighteenth-Century Records of the Boston Overseers of the Poor (2007); Haselbury-Plucknett, Somserset, Removal orders and bastardy bonds, 1730-50; Dorset, England, Parish Poor Law Records, Stoke Abbott Parish, 1700-1820; John Sibley, Settlement examination, Dorset, 1753; Parish Apprenticeship Indentures, 1693-1753; St. Ann's Parish, Albemarle County, Virginia, Vestry Book, 1772-1785, and Overseers of the Poor Accounts, 1786-1809; Hints for the institution of Sunday-Schools and parish clubs, for the benefit of the poor. Chiefly intended for the Middle Ranks, Whose benevolence may induce them to attend to these useful institutions. To which are added, some rules for a female society, as established in York. By the author of the Poor Child's friend (1789), excerpts; Ashton in Makerfield Poor Census (1816) Fictive Families J Cotton, Josiah Cotton memoirs, 1726-1756; Society of Friends, Buckingham Monthly Meeting, Men's Minute Books, 1735-1798, Women's Minute Books, 1670-1822; Sarah Ryan, Letter to Mary Fletcher, April 1762; John Drayton, Correspondence with James Glen, 1769-1775; Articles to be observed and kept by all the members of the Benevolent Female Society, begun December, 7th, 1789. And now held at the house of Mr. T. Warton, in Dagger-Lane, Kingston-Upon-Hull [1790], excerpts; C Reeve, Plans of education; with remarks on the systems of other writers. In a series of letters between Mrs. Darnford and her friends (1792), excerpt; H Coleridge, ed., Letters of Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1895), excerpts; George Dillwyn, Correspondence, 1781-1815; Rachel Wilson, letter to R Jones and H Cathrall, 1770; Rebecca Jones, Memoir and letter to Edward Cathrall, 1782; Mary Fletcher, Account of Sarah Lawrence, Methodist minister, 1801; Elizabeth Bentley, Genuine Poetical Compositions, on Various Subjects [1791], excerpt; Female Society and Female Association of Pennsylvania, Minutes, 1805-1815; Articles of association of the Female Hospitable Society, 1814 Volume 2: Making Families This volume provides a comprehensive examination of the process of creating a family, as well as some of the issues surrounding family breakdown. Documents are divided into sections covering courtship, marriage, sex and reproduction, childhood and parenthood. Gender roles are clearly defined in the source material, with documents offering specific advice to men and women. Courtship William Seymar, 'What Society in Marriage Is', in Joy and happiness to youth: or, The Young Men and Maidens Encouragement to Speedy Marriage (1700); Abbe D'Ancourt, The Lady's Preceptor, Or, a letter to a young lady of distinction upon politeness, Taken from the French of the Abbe d D'Ancourt, and adapted to the Religion, Customs, and Manners of the England Nation (1743); Daniel Renaud, Commonplace book, selections from 'The Ladies Oracle' (c.1750); John Breues, The fortunate lovers: Or, The most successful arts used in Honourable Courtship, set forth in the history of persons of different characters and stations. Being the second part of the sure guide, &c. By John Breues, of London; late of Perth, merchant, &c (1754); Laetitia Pilkington, Jests: or the Cabinet of Wit and Humour (1764); Samuel Allinson, Correspondence with Betsy Smith, 1765; Mary Chandler, The Description of Bath (1767); Lady Mary, The Poetical Works (1768); William Tudor, Correspondence with Delia Jarvis, 1773-1822; The accomplished letter-writer; or, universal correspondent. Containing familiar letters on the most common occasions in life (1779), excerpts; William Nunwick, Two letters to a woman, 1783; Sam Fothergill, Letter to Jos. Letsome [n.d.]; Catherine Livingson and Freeborn Garrettson, letters, 1790-93; Theodosia Sayre, Correspondence with Mrs. Chestnut, 1797; Robert Kearney Moore, Emancipation letter for Nanny, wife of Gilbert, 1802 Singleness, Marriage and its Dissolution Increase Mather, The Answer of several ministers in and near Boston to that case of conscience, whether it is lawful for a man to marry his wives own sister? (1695); St. Mary Aldermanbury, London, marriage assessment, 1695; Richard Rogerson and Alicia Lambe, marriage settlement, 1709; John Maubray, The Female Physician (1724), excerpts; The Woman's advocate or The baudy batchelor out in his calculation (1729), excerpt; James Dolbeare, Divorce, 1733-38; Surry County, Virginia, certificates to obtain a marriage licenses, 1735-80; marriage bond, 1780; Advice to the fair: an Epistolary essay, in three parts: on dress, converse, and marriage: address'd to a sister (1738); David Cooper and Sybil Matlack, marriage certificate, 1747; Godfrey Wentworth vs. Dorothea Wentworth (Pilkington), 1756-57, Hickleton, Yorkshire, Archdiocese of York, excerpts; Nathan Burnham, letter to his wife, 7 June, 1758; Bonham Family, Bible records, 1765-1835; Colin Campbell and Rebecca Izard, Marriage settlement, 22 April 1768; Adolph B Benson, Peter Kalm's Travels in North America. The English Version of 1770 (1937); Samuel Allinson, Marriage certificate to Martha Cooper, 1773; Priscilla Wakefield, Reflections on the present condition of the female sex; with suggestions for its improvement (1798), excerpt; Peter Parten, Will, 1806; Orleans County, Lousiana, Separation of bed and board cases, 1813-20 Sexuality and Reproduction Anne Kingsmill Finch, Countess of Winchilsea, Poems on Several Occasions (1714), excerpts; Buckley-Sherd incest case, Diocese of Chester, 1719-1731; John Maubray, The Female Physician (1724), excerpts; Bernard Mandeville, The virgin unmask'd: or, female dialogues betwixt an elderly maiden lady and her niece, on several diverting discourses on love, marriage, memoirs, and morals, &c. of the times (1731), excerpts; Diocese of York, Ripon, Yorkshire inconstancy and penance cases, 1737-60; Thomas Man, The benefit of procreation. Together with Some few hints towards the better Support of Whores and Bastards. To which is prefix'd, a preface to the Ladies (1739); Clara Reeve, Original Poems on Several Occasions (1769); William Agar vs. Elizabeth Agar, 1774, York; Martin Madan, Thelyphthora; or, a treatise on female ruin, in its causes, effects, consequences, prevention, and remedy; considered on the basis of the divine law (1780), excerpts; Helen Leigh, Miscellaneous Poems (1788); Esther Cox and John Chestnut, correspondence, 1797 and 1812 Childhood and Child Rearing Sarah Drinkwater, nuncupative will, 1713; Guardianship of child papers, 1685-1745; Jane Brereton, 'Poem to Her Daughter', from Poems on Several Occasions (1744); Mary Masters, Poems on Several Occasions (1733), excerpt; [Anon.], The friendly instructor; or, a companion for young ladies and young gentlemen: In which Their Duty to God, and their Parents, their Carriage to Superiors and Inferiors, and several other very useful and instructive Lessons are recommended in plain and familiar dialogues. With a recommendatory preface, by the Rev. Dr. Doddridge (1741), excerpt; Jesse Cook, Apprenticeship indenture, 1759; Samuel Allinson, Correspondence about son's early days at school, 1769; Mrs. (Anna Letitia) Barbauld, Lessons for children of three years old (1779), excerpt; Dorothy Kilner, Letters from a mother to her children, on various important subjects (1780), excerpt; Nurse Lovechild, Tommy Thumb's song book: for all little masters and misses, to be sung to them by their nurses, until they can sing themselves (1788), excerpts; Mrs. (Anna Letitia) Barbauld, 'To a Little Invisible Being Who is Expected Soon to Become Visible' (c.1790); Sarah Owenes, Claim for payment for delivering child, 1792; Catharine Rebecca [Lady] Manners, Poems by Lady Manners (1794), excerpt; Esther Cox and Mary Chestnut correspondence, 1796 and 1809; J Aikin, Evenings at home; or, The juvenile budget opened. Consisting of a variety of miscellaneous pieces, for the instruction and amusement of young persons (1797), excerpts; Theodore Sedgwick, Letter to his daughter, Catherine, 1799; Dorothy Kilner, The History of a Great Many Little Boys and Girls, for the Amusement of all Good Children of Four and Five Years of Age (1800); Philadelphia Tract Association of Friends, Advice to school children (1800), excerpt Volume 3: Managing Families, I The sources included here document the economics of running a household, the experience of being a sibling and information on family inheritance and genealogy. Specifics on home economics include information on food and cooking, washing laundry, insurance inventories and plantation accounts. Household and Family Economy Mary Hornyold Clough, Recipe and remedy book, 1662-1730; Moses Rowley, Will, written 1704, proved 1706, Hartford County, Connecticut; Moses Cartwright, Estate inventory, 1700; Fordington, Dorset, England, Overseers Accounts, 1724; Henry Hyley, Inventory, 1710-40; Sun Fire Insurance Company policies, 1710-1714; John Capstack (Copestack), Inventory, 1720, Middleton, Yorkshire; John Wilman, Inventory, 1720-1740, Wakefield, Yorkshire; John Frizell, Loan to Charles Hobby and Ann Archer, 1722-38; Edmund Pilkington, Accounts, 1722-39; Anne Tracy, Diary, 1723-25; Thomas Smith, Inventory, 1728, Kirkheaton, Yorkshire; Sarah Goodricke (Goodrich), Cause Papers, 1732, Altofts, Yorkshire West Riding; Benjamin Glover (Harrop), Cause Papers, 1738, Wakefield, Yorkshire West Riding; Joseph Holdsworth, Cause Papers, 1739, Hightown, Birstall, Yorkshire West Riding; A Master-Key to the Rich Ladies Treasury. Or, The Widower and Batchelor's Directory (1742); Stevens family papers, 1745-99; Isacke Sutton papers, 1754-76; Joseph Collyer, The Parent's and Guardian's Directory, and the Youth's Guide, in the Choice of a Profession Or Trade (1761); Giles family correspondence, 1765; Murray-Robbins Family Papers, 1769-71; Ann Murry, Poems (1779); Elizabeth Murray Inman, estate papers, 1785-1837; Fynney Genealogy Scroll, 1798; Mrs (Anna Letitia) Barbauld, 'Washing Day' (1799); David Manners, Diary, 1805-06; Glen Drayton, Journal and Plantation accounts, 1814; Abraham Inskeep, Letter to James Giles regarding starting business in New Orleans, 1819 Sibling Experience Saltonstall Family Papers, Inheritance of Elisha Cook, Jr. and his sister, Elizabeth Cook, 1716; Richard Allestree, The Whole Duty of Man: Laid Down in a Plain and Familiar Way for the Use of All, But Especially the Meanest Reader (1726); Abigail Franks, Letters of the Franks family, 1733-48 (1968); Jackson and Martin Siblings, Correspondence, 1761-63; Thomas Edwards, Letters from Queen's College Oxford to Walter Edwards Freeman at London, 1747; Giles and Inskeep family correspondence, 1765-1812; John Hobart, letters to brother Robert, 1791-1796; Martha Rollinson Travell, Correspondence with sisters-in-law, Anne and Catherine Travell, 1776-77; Jackson, Richard, James and Samuel, Correspondence, 1815-19; Thomas Rumney, From the old South-Sea house: being Thomas Rumney's letter book, 1796-1798 (1914); John Henry Livingston, The marriage of a deceased wife's sister incestuous. In answer to 'A letter from a citizen to his friend' (1798); John L Duffel to his brother Edward, 21 November 1814; Ann Taylor, 'My Brother', and 'My Sister', from Filial Remembrancer: Selection of the Much-admired Poems, My Father, My Mother, My Brother, My Sister (1820) Inheritance and Genealogy Howard S Neal, compiler, Salt Lake City, Utah; Pedigrees and arms of London families, 1600-1800; Col. Nicholas Gasaway, Family papers of Maryland, Virginia, and Illinois,1650-1870; Christopher Tuthill, Notebook with genealogical notes, 1690-1858; Johnston County, North Carolina, family bibles, 18th Century; Chappell Family Bible, 18th century; James Dolbeare, Will, 18th century; Sarah Dolbeare, Will, 18th century; Daniel Renaud, Account books, 1730-60; Samuel Woodbridge, Inquiry about his father-in-law's land, 1720-21; Gordon Saltonstall, Power of attorney, 1721; Mabel and Samuel Woodbridge, Documents selling land to Elisha Cook, 1728; Thomas Woodridge, Family documents, 1728-9; William Beck, Will, 1733; William Manfield, Property dispute, 1733, excerpts; Morse Hobbs, Probate dispute, 1738-40; Elizabeth Bailey, Will, 1741; Crawford family wills and estate papers, 1758-1817; Pierpont family genealogical records, 1764-1805; John Seacombe, Memoirs, containing a genealogical and historical account of the antient and honourable house of Stanley: from the conquest, to the death of James late earl of Derby, in 1735 (1767); Aaron Franks, Will, 1777; Abraham Prado, Will, 1780; Daniel Di Salamon Serra, Will, 1783; Moses Franks, Administration, 1789; Anthony R and Mary; Cheatham, Family bible and land records, 1794-1820; A W Rumney, ed. From the old South-Sea house: being Thomas Rumney's letter book, 1796-98; Chester-le-Street, Parish registers, Durham, 1798; Ashton in Makerfield, Lancashire, parish registers, 1798-1812; Phila Franks, Administration, 1801; James Oxley, Settlement Examination, St. Mary Castlegate, York, 1801; Judy Levy, Administration, Hanover Square, 1803; Abigail Franks, Will, 1810; Elizabeth Greenwood, Will, 1811; Joseph Morson/Mawson, Settlement Examination, St. Mary Castlegate York, 1813-14; Jacob Franks, Will, 1814; Napthali Franks, Administration, 1822; Judy Levy, Administration, 1835 Volume 4: Managing Families, II In this final volume documents are focused on some of the more negative aspects of family life. Sections focus on authority, power and discontent; violence and conflict; and death and mourning. Topics include estate disputes, contested marriages, spousal abuse, deaths, wills and memorials. Authority/Power/Discontent Middlesex Sessions, Justices' Working Papers, June 1690; Robert Cartwright. Estate file, 1700; Mary and Thomas Hofler, Estate files, dispute, 1724 and 1735; Edward Alderman and Susanna Thurston, Marriage bond, 1734; Mrs. (Mary) Leapor, 'An Essay on Woman,' Poems upon several occasions (1751); Church of England, Frittenden, Kent Parish Registers, marriages 1754 (Lord Hardwicke's Act), 1813 (Rose's Act); Baldwin family papers, 1595-1977; The Art of Letter-Writing Divided into Two Parts (1762), excerpts; Mary Wortley, Lady Montagu, 'A Caveat to the Fair Sex' (1768); John Sharp, Correspondence with siblings about brother's marriage, 1770; Dorothy Kilner, Dialogues and letters on morality, economy, and politeness, for the improvement and entertainment of young female minds (1787), excerpt; John Aikin and Anna Laetitia Aikin Barbauld, Evenings at home; or, the juvenile budget opened. Consisting of a variety of miscellaneous pieces for the Instruction and Amusement of Young Persons (1792-96), excerpt; Parker family papers, 1797-1904; John James Audubon, Papers requesting parents' permission to marry, 1807; Mary Delany's 1st Marriage, Letters from Uncle Lansdowne; Elizabeth Boyd, Altamira's ghost; or, justice triumphant, A new Ballad. Occasion'd by a certain nobleman's cruel Usage of his nephew (1744) Violence and Conflict Shippen Family Papers, 1671-1936; The Art of Letter-Writing Divided into Two Parts (1762), excerpts; Richard Milhill, A Genuine and Authentic Account of the Trial, Life, Behaviour, and Dying Words of Richard Milhill, (late an Officer in the Navy) who was (1767); An Account of the Convincement and Call to the Ministry of Margaret Lucas: Who Died at Leek in Staffordshire, the 24th of Sixth Month, 1769; Dolbeare Family Papers, MHS, James Dolbeare Abuse Warrant December 1733; James Glen letter to John Drayton, May 1775; Elizabeth Spence vs. Francis Spence, Cause papers, 1782; Betsy Sherdian, Correspondence with Alicia Sheridan LeFanu, 1784-90; Joseph Seardison (1786) and Thomas Seardison (1786) cause papers, Ripon, Yorkshire matrimonial disputes; Mary Bosanquet Fletcher, Account of Sarah Ryan, 1780s; Charlotte Turner Smith and Benjamin Smith, Charlotte's letter to her publisher, Thomas Cadell, Sr, 14th Jan 1788; Memoirs of a Younger Brother. Containing a Sketch of his Life from Five to Thirty-Five Year of Age (1789), excerpts; Rebecca Whatmore vs. Charles Whatmore, 1789; Sir George Sondes, Authentic Memorials of Remarkable Occurrences and Affecting Calamities in the Family of Sir George Sondes, Bart (1790), excerpt; Nathan Bangs, The life of the Reverend Freeborn Garrettson; Compiled from His Printed and Manuscript Journal, and Other Authentic Documents (1791, printed 1829); Elizabeth 'Betty' Rogers vs. William Rogers, Cause papers, 1793; John Wesley on spouse abuse, Methodist Magazine, May 1797; 'Charles Fraser Book of Precedents, 1800-19'; Memoirs of Mrs. Abigail Bailey, who had been the wife of Major Asa Bailey, Ethan Smith (ed.) (1815), excerpts Death and Mourning Martha Allinson, Memorial of her husband Sam [n.d.]; St Dionis Backchurch parish register 1702-3; John Alexander, will (1699) and Martha Alexander, will (1761); Mary Lee, Lady Chudleigh, 'A Dialogue between Lucinda and Marissa: On the Death of her Mother' and 'A Dialogue between Lucinda and Marissa: On the Death of her Daughter.', Poems on several occasions. Together with the Song of the three children paraphras'd. By the Lady Chudleigh (1709); Thomas Wyatt, will, 1713; Mary Barber, 'Occasion'd by seeing some Verses written by Mrs. Constantia Grierson, upon the Death of her Son' and 'Written for a Gentlewoman in Distress. To her Grace ADELIDA, Dutchess of Shrewsbury', Poems on several occasions (1734); John Wesley, Letter to Mrs. Hall about the death of her children, November 17, 1842; Mary Chandler, 'My Own EPITAPH', The description of Bath. A poem. Humbly Inscribed To Her Royal Highness the Princess Amelia. With several other poems. By Mrs. Mary Chandler. To which is added, A true tale, by the same author (1744); Jane Brereton, Poems on several occasions: by Mrs Jane Brereton. With letters to her friends, and an account of her life (1744); Burnham Family papers, Letter on husband's death, 1756-58; Elizabeth Carter, 'To ------', Poems on several occasions (1762); The Art of Letter-Writing Divided into Two Parts (1762), excerpts; The Friendly Instructor or A Companion for Young Ladies and Young Gentlemen (1770); Mary Fletcher, Journal, 1786-99, excerpts; Benjamin Cole, will, 1787; Anna Laetitia Barbauld, Poems (1792); Mary (Granville) Delany & Lady Llanover (Ed.) The autobiography and correspondance of Mary Granville, Mrs. Delany [n.d.], excerpts; Esther Cox, Letter to Mary Chesnut, 1 April 1813

About the Author

Rachel Cope is an assistant professor of American religious history at Brigham Young University. She has been the recipient of a number of fellowships, each of which has enabled her study of women and conversion in the first half of the nineteenth century. Amy Harris is an assistant professor of British history and family history/genealogy at Brigham Young University. She is the author of Siblinghood and Social Relations in Georgian England: Share and Share Alike (Manchester University Press, 2012) and teaches courses on European families, European women and English-language palaeography. Jane Hinckley is adjunct professor of English at Brigham Young University.