David Barrows papers, 1836-1870 and undated

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Summary

Creator:
Barrows, David, b. 1830
Abstract:
Hosiery manufacturer and English emigrant. The collection includes letters, diaries and miscellaneous papers documenting the business enterprises and family life of Barrows.
Extent:
0.5 Linear Feet
265 Items
Language:
Material in English
Collection ID:
RL.00085

Background

Scope and content:

Letters, diaries, and miscellaneous papers documenting the business enterprises and family life of a young Englishman who immigrated to Pennsylvania in 1842. Ten diaries (1850-1853) present a detailed account of hosiery manufacture as a family enterprise in which both men and women participated. Community events in Nicetown, Pa., were described as well. Diaries also document the relationship between Barrow and his alcoholic father who was sometimes physically abusive to family members. The author described his efforts to attain financial independence and to create a new life for himself and his wife. Letters from Ann Rusby, a teacher, and diary entries by Barrows, reveal much about their courtship, their sexual relationship and their secret marriage. Letters to and from family members in England depict the contrast in living and working conditions between the two countries. The collection includes an assortment of envelopes arranged by method of sealing.

Biographical / historical:

David Barrows was an English emigrant who worked as a hosiery manufacturer.

Acquisition information:
The David Barrows Papers were received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book Manuscript Library as a purchase in 1984.
Processing information:

Processed by Kimberly Sims, May 2011

Encoded by Kimberly Sims, July 2011

Physical location:
For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Contents

Using These Materials

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

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Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], David Barrows Papers, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.