William D. Patterson journal

Collection

Identifier: MSS 0097-Item 0058

Staff Only

Scope and Content Note

William D. Patterson kept this diary from January 1, 1856, to July 22, 1857, while attending Allegheny Seminary near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His daily entries range from brief notations about weather, health, and daily seminary life to more extended meditations and reflections on Biblical verses, sermons delivered by colleagues, and intellectual debates held at the seminary.

Greatest detail was expended on summaries of arguments heard at regular meetings of the Society of Religious Inquiry, where he followed such discussions as "Are creeds useful?" or "Is the union of Church and State adapted to promote the morals of a nation?" Patterson's reflections on intellectual issues include discussion of slavery, morals, temperance, the role of the organized church in supporting local public education, and local and federal law. Other entries describe letter writing to family members and social acquaintances, as well as local social life and visits.

This journal is one bound volume, 200 pages (137 of which were used), with handwritten entries in ink. Three small booklets of sermon notes and a sentimental poem, "Dinna Forget" by John Jonlah, accompany the volume.

Dates

Creation: 1856 January 1-1861 April 28

Creator

Patterson, William D. , 1833- (Person)

Language of Materials

Materials entirely in English.

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

Use of materials from this collection beyond the exceptions provided for in the Fair Use and Educational Use clauses of the U.S. Copyright Law may violate federal law. Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. Please contact Special Collections, University of Delaware Library, http://library.udel.edu/spec/askspec/

Biographical Note

William D. Patterson was born on July 22, 1833, and attended the Allegheny Seminary near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the late 1850s.

Biographical information derived from the collection.

Extent

1 volume (and 4 additional items) ; 25 cm

Additional Description

Abstract

William D. Patterson kept this diary from January 1, 1856, to July 22, 1857, while attending Allegheny Seminary near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It covers a range of topics from daily activities to intellectual debates.

Source

Purchase.

Related Materials in this Repository

This item forms part of MSS 0097 Diaries, Journals, and Ships' Logs collection.

Publication Note

University of Delaware. Library. Self works : diaries, scrapbooks, and other autobiographical efforts : catalog of an exhibition, August 19, 1997-December 18, 1997 : guide to selected sources. Newark, Del. : Special Collections, Hugh M. Morris Library, University of Delaware Library, 1997.