Benjamin and Julia Stockton Rush papers, bulk 1766-1845 and undated
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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 department1768 Completed medical degree, University of Edinburgh1769 Began medical practice in PhiladelphiaAppointed Professor of Chemistry in College of Philadelphia's medical department1776 Took his seat in Second Continental Congress1776 August 2 Signed Declaration of Independence1777 April Commissioned Surgeon General of Middle Department of the Continental Army1778 Resigned from the ArmyBecame lecturer at University of the State of Pennsylvania1783 Helped found Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa.1784-1813 Surgeon at Pennsylvania Hospital, with responsibility for psychiatric ward1797-1813 Treasurer of the U.S. Mint1813 DiedJulia 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 children1848 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
Subjects
Click on terms below to find related finding aids on this site. For other related materials in the Duke University Libraries, search for these terms in the Catalog.
- Subjects:
- Physicians -- Records and correspondence.
Medicine -- Study and teaching -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia
Mental illness -- Treatment -- United States -- History -- 19th century
Yellow Fever -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia - Format:
- Diaries
- Names:
- Dickinson College
Rush, Julia Stockton - Places:
- United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Medical care
United States -- Politics and government -- 1775-1783
Contents
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Collection is open for research.
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- Preferred citation:
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[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