MenuInventory of the David Barrows Papers, 1836-1870 and undated
Abstract
Hosiery manufacturer and English emigrant.
The collection includes letters, diaries and miscellaneous papers documenting the business enterprises and family life of Barrows.
Descriptive Summary
- Repository
- David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University
- Creator
- Barrows, David, b. 1830.
- Title
- David Barrows Papers, 1836-1870 and undated
- Language of Material
- English
- Extent
- 0.5 Linear Feet, 265 Items
- Location
- For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
Collection Overview
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.
Administrative Information
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Access Restrictions
Collection is open for research.
However, collection may contain materials to which the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights form applies. Patrons must sign this form before using this collection.
Also, all or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke University's Library Service Center. Consequently, there may be a 24-hour delay in obtaining these materials.
Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library to use this collection.
Use Restrictions
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.
Contents of the Collection
Browse List of Series
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Expand AllHistorical Note
David Barrows was an English emigrant who worked as a hosiery manufacturer.
Subject Headings
- Alcoholism--United States--History--19th century.
- Courtship--United States--History--19th century.
- Family violence--United States--History--19th century.
- Hosiery industry--History--19th century.
- Family-owned business enterprises--United States--History.
- Marriage--United States--History--19th century.
- Sex customs--United States--History--19th century.
- Women--Sexual behavior--History--19th century.
- Diaries
- Seals
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], David Barrows Papers, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.
Provenance
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
Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS, EAD, NCEAD guidelines, and local Style Guide.
This finding aid is NCEAD compliant.