Benjamin and Julia Stockton Rush papers, bulk 1766-1845 and undated

Using These Materials Teaser

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials

Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
More about accessing and using these materials...

Summary

Creator:
Rush, Benjamin, 1746-1813
Abstract:
The Benjamin and Julia Stockton Rush papers include letters, writings, financial records, a few legal documents and one educational record. Benjamin Rush's personal and professional outgoing letters, with some incoming letters, cover a wide variety of topics, but focus primarily on medical concerns, particularly the 1793 and other yellow fever epidemics in Philadelphia, as well as mental illness and its treatment, and the medical department of the Continental Army. There are a few letters from others to Julia Stockton Rush that seek to continue ties with her and the Rush family or offer condolences following Benjamin's death. Collection also contains a medical case book and a fragment of an essay or lecture written by Benjamin Rush, along with his travel diary for a trip to meet with the Board of Trustees for Dickinson College in 178[4]; other writings include Julia Rush's devotional journal and exercise book. The financial records include a few statements and receipts, but primarily contain two account books, one maintained by Benjamin Rush, the other by Rush with his wife. These account books provide a complete picture of the family finances from the period before the couple married, almost to Julia's death. Legal documents include a sworn statement and a land patent, and there is an educational record for one of Rush's students.
Extent:
0.8 Linear Feet (3 boxes, 2 volumes)
Language:
Materials are in English.
Collection ID:
RL.11044

Background

Scope and content:

The Benjamin and Julia Stockton Rush papers include letters, writings, financial records, a few legal documents and one educational record.

Benjamin Rush's personal and professional outgoing letters, with some incoming letters, cover a wide variety of topics, but focus primarily on medical concerns, particularly the 1793 and other yellow fever epidemics in Philadelphia, as well as mental illness and its treatment, and the medical department of the Continental Army.

There are a few letters from others to Julia Stockton Rush that seek to continue ties with her and the Rush family or offer condolences following Benjamin's death. Collection also contains a medical case book and a fragment of an essay or lecture written by Benjamin Rush, along with his travel diary for a trip to meet with the Board of Trustees for Dickinson College in 178[4]; other writings include Julia Rush's devotional journal and exercise book.

The financial records include a few statements and receipts, but primarily contain two account books, one maintained by Benjamin Rush, the other by Rush with his wife. These account books provide a complete picture of the family finances from the period before the couple married, almost to Julia's death.

Legal documents include a sworn statement and a land patent, and there is an educational record for one of Rush's students.

Biographical / historical:

Benjamin Rush was a physician, politician, social reformer, educator and humanitarian, as well as the founder of Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He married Julia Stockton in 1776.

Benjamin Rush
Date Event
1746 January 4
Born, in Byberry Township, Pa.
1760
Graduated with A. B., College of New Jersey (Princeton)
1761-1766
Medical apprenticeship, College of Philadelphia medical department
1768
Completed medical degree, University of Edinburgh
1769
Began medical practice in Philadelphia
Appointed Professor of Chemistry in College of Philadelphia's medical department
1776
Took his seat in Second Continental Congress
1776 August 2
Signed Declaration of Independence
1777 April
Commissioned Surgeon General of Middle Department of the Continental Army
1778
Resigned from the Army
Became lecturer at University of the State of Pennsylvania
1783
Helped found Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa.
1784-1813
Surgeon at Pennsylvania Hospital, with responsibility for psychiatric ward
1797-1813
Treasurer of the U.S. Mint
1813
Died
Julia Stockton Rush
Date Event
1759
Born, at "Morven" family estate near Princeton, N.J.
1776
Married Benjamin Rush; the couple went on to have 13 children
1848
Died at their county property, "Sydenham" (now 15th Street and Columbus Ave, Philadelphia)
Arrangement:

Arranged into the following series: Letters, Writings, Financial Records, and Legal Documents and Educational Records.

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.

Before you visit:
Please consult our up-to-date information for visitors page, as our services and guidelines periodically change.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Benjamin and Julia Stockton Rush papers, 1766-1845 and undated, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.

Permalink:
https://idn.duke.edu/ark:/87924/m1907q