Product Description
Traces the Quaker experience in New England and New York from the arrival of the first English Quaker missionaries in 1656 to 1790. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Resurrected from obscurity
Whether you are a quilter, a student of quilting history or not (I am not), you should find this account of a 19th Century Friendship Quilt fascinating.When the author discovers a quilt practically hidden in a dark corner of an antique shop she immediately realizes she has found something unique.But when she gets it home she begins an "archeological dig" worthy of a Leakey or a Johanson.Theamount of research and scholarship was immense for this little volume and it's written in a no nonsense,"just the facts Ma'am" style that is very easy to read for one not familiar with the subject.

The most remarkable aspect of the detective work achieved was authenticating the quilt's recipient.The "owner" of the quilt may seem obviousat the outset, but the actual recipient is not named on the quilt.It was first necessary for Ms. Chenoweth to trace the genealogy and history all the 25 families named on the quilt. With the help of historical societies and genealogists from 3 states she takes us on a complex "fabric forensic" ride. She provides not only family trees but documents the property ownership, census records and even visits the homes where some of these families lived.All of this was necessary before she could confirm the owner of the quilt to be Philena Cooper Hambleton.

The author tells me she is writing a second book that will provide more extensive background and history of the families involved.There was a great deal of information on the Abolitionist Movement in which many of these Quaker families were involved that could not be included in the first volume.Some of these individuals suffered greatly from their anti-slavery activities and their descendants should benefit from this research.

In any case, Ms. Chenoweth has resurrected a quilt from near obscurity and uncovered a fascinating history as a result.

Buy the book.Enjoy it.I did. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

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Quaker women in the eighteenth century were carrying on the faith and activity of their seventeenth-century forebears, but as a group their lives and writings have been neglected in modern times by both Quaker and other historians. Gil Skidmore brings together a rich array of letters, spiritual autobiographies, journals, and memoirs to put the lives and concerns of these women into context. ... Read more

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Tips for losing weight and keeping it off.With humor and a Quaker perspective, the book offers ways to change our life styles to help us stay healthy and happy. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (5)

Didn't want to finish
The stories are perfect for what they originally were which is magazine articles. As a collection though they become repetitive and disjointed. I had this book with me on 2 5 hour flights, a 4 hour train ride and a similar length bus ride. I still was not able to get myself to continue reading it. Only one person out ten in my book club liked it.

interesting but.............
I found most of the stories in this collection interesting and, at times, amusing.However, the typeface is difficult to read.I finally gave up about two thirds of the way through just because it was such a hassle.If you have exceptional eyesight and an interest in quirky historical legal stories, it's worth a read.

A wider audience can now appreciate these lively vignettes of early crime.
Collections strong in regional American history - particularly New England regional history - will want to add THE NAKED QUAKER: TRUE CRIMES AND CONTROVERSIES FROM THE COURTS OF COLONIAL NEW ENGLAND to the collection. It comes from a historian and former trial lawyer who uses court records to provide over twenty true stories previously published in his column for New England Ancestors journal. A wider audience can now appreciate these lively vignettes of early crime.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Naked Quaker reveals history
Whoever still thinks history is boring probably hasn't been paying attention - and certainly hasn't read Diane Rapaport's The Naked Quaker: True Crimes and Controversies from the Courts of Colonial New England (Commonwealth Editions).
Since human history is largely a by-product of human nature, court dockets are bound to be filled with intriguing goings-on in any era.

In this collection we encounter community leaders like Thomas Danforth dealing with neighborhood squabbles (that could escalate to witchcraft charges); neighbors from Hell(like Bacon the pig thief); and humble folk who might otherwise never have been recorded at all (like enslaved Sylvanus Warro fighting for his freedom).

Endnotes provide the scholarly basis for the tales which cast an uncommon light on a frequently stereotyped part of our nation's past. The stories themselves provide a darned good read.

Marilynne K. Roach author of The Salem Witch Trials: a Day-by-Day Chronicle of a Community Under Siege
The Salem Witch Trials: A Day-by-Day Chronicle of a Community Under Siege

The seventeenth century -- ready for prime time
Who'd imagine that a little book about court cases in seventeenth century New England could be so completely enchanting?Yes, this little volume is the product of historical research.Diane Rapaport, a trial lawyer-turned-storyteller, combed through paper archives, microfilm, and other archival sources to collect these real-life tales. Her magic touch turns them into a quirky, irresistible read.

Rapaport's twenty-five tales are grouped by subject, and you won't know which chapter to turn to first, since part of the fun is in her titles.Chapter 1, Witches and Wild Women, gives us "The Witch at the Top of the Stairs" -- a bad-neighbor situation that blew out of proportion and ended up in court.Chapter 2, Coupling, includes "The Scottish Rogue" and "The Wandering Wife" -- two sleazy tales that would fit right into prime time if you put them in modern dress.

Other stories you'll read with relish are "The Purloined Pigs" (in which the aptly named Michael Bacon lets his hogs run wild); "To Drive Away Melancholy" (a young couple fall afoul of the law by hosting sinful card games in their remote cabin); and "Drinking With The Drummer" (the town drummer tops up his four-pound salary with bootlegging).

The title story, "The Naked Quaker," leads with the details of Lydia Wardell's 1663 protest in Newbury, Massachusetts.Lydia and the rest of the Massachusetts Quakers were persecuted and penalized, and sometimes banished or even executed.Attendance at the Puritan Sabbath services was mandatory, and Lydia chose to protest by taking off her clothes.This form of protest, according to the author, was "popular among dissenting Quakers ... in 1650's England, as a way to symbolize the spiritual nakedness of their persecutors."Lydia "was ordered to be severely whipped" and soon after this punishment she and her husband relocated to the more tolerant New Jersey wilderness.

For all its entertainment value, this book is a serious piece of historical research that provides a wealth of insight into the past.It's our good luck that Diane Rapaport has the talent to create such a readable little book out of it all. Highly recommended!

... Read more

Product Description
From essays about the Quaker Christian experience and the "mystery at the core of all being" to a murder mystery by Irene Allen, this collection presents some of the best of contemporary Quaker nonfiction and fiction writing, with a brief biography of each author. Among these popular 20th- and 21st-century writers are names familiar to readers of mainstream Christianity, including Thomas Kelly, Jessamyn West, James Michener, Daisy Newman, Jan de Hartog, and Scott Russell Sanders. These adept essays and works of fiction reflect the true scope of spiritual experience, offering essays and fiction that range from tender, thought-provoking, and challenging to humorous, dramatic, and mysterious. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Will whet ones interest in the Quakers
The chapter on The Dialogue Of Prayer And Action is what made me love this book.Especially how Douglas V. Steere writes that the piece shows the ecumenical nature of Quakerism, believing that God's truth is revealed where God chooses to be revealed.And how its near impossible to have a serious prayer life without actions.That one would have to ask, whats the purpose of prayer if not to ask that one be changed, for the better.

Am always intrigued when I encounter someone who doesn't know what a Quaker is, aside from the occasional mention of the old man on the oatmeal box.This books will whet ones interest in learning more of the Quakers and the Friends, and their rich literature and history here in the states and abroad.

Splendid Anthology
Generally speaking, anthologies promise more than they can deliver.They are like "greatest hits" albums, that often don't contain an artist's best songs.This book, however, captures the width and breadth of Quaker literature.Just as the Catholic tradition has wonderful liturgy (at its best) and Baptists contribute moving gospel hymns, the Quakers have a literary profile second to none.Editor Brent Bill captures the excellence of Quaker literature with a wide variety of authors.The pieces included are diverse, sometimes funny, often moving.And Bill provides introductions that are clear, precise and organized to highlight what the reader should notice in the works.Literature teachers should include this volume in their curriculums.Faith communities should pick this one up and read, discuss, and enjoy.The book is a delight.

A Quaker Reader Is Grateful for this Quaker Reader.
In Spirit and Imagination, Brent Bill assembles a wide variety of contemporary Quaker writing, and does so superbly.Though his selections cover the gamut, from fiction to non-fiction, each convey God's active and gracious presence in our world.What a hopeful, helpful book.

what you didn't know about Quaker's
Imagination & Spirit is a great read and a wonderful education. I thought that I knew something about Quakerism and the Society of Friends. After reading Imagination & Spirit I have discovered that what I knew was only the surface of the wonderful traditions, practice and customs of Quakers.

Do not get the impression that this is a textbook on Quaker traditions; it is far from that. The educational component is presented stealthily, through Bill's accomplished selection of writings and his wonderful introductions to each author and each story. The book includes selections from a wide historical and style range of Quaker authors including D. Elton Trueblood, Jessamyn West, James A. Michener, Scott Russell Sanders, and Philip Gulley. The selections are marvelous, but it is Bill's introductions and explanations that really make this book shine.

Before each selection Bill gives a brief biography of the author with emphasis on his or her relationship to Quaker tradition. He also sets up each piece with its relevance to some aspect of Quaker life, such as wrestling with the issue of music or the particularities of a Quaker wedding. I came away from each piece feeling like a masterful teacher had just hoodwinked me into learning something about Quakers. Congratulations to Brent Bill for masterfully weaving together a collection of literature from the prolific Quaker tradition.

Quiet Presence
This book is a perfect gift for anyone who loves good writing and memorable stories.The diversity of authors insures there is "something for everyone" here.The common thread, however, are essays and stories that celebrate the human spirit and call all of us to deeper reflection about our creative selves. ... Read more

Product Description
What is worship? What do Friends/Quakers believe about baptism and communion? How does the Quaker business meeting work? Those acquainted with Friends, and some Friends themselves, find some of the doctrinal differences of Quakers troubling and confusing. Why Friends Are Friends is an attempt to examine the Quaker past and connect it with the present and the challenges of the future. "These connections," writes Willcuts, "become again our own convictions as we return to the revealed Word and the leadings of the Spirit. This is why Friends are Friends." Topics include worship, the sacraments, the Friends concept of ministry, peacemaking, the Friends business meeting, and living a powerful Christian life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A Conservative Friend Looks At Evangelical Friends
As a Conservative (unprogrammed) Christ Centered Friend, I personally found this book to be very helpful.

It must be remembered that Jack L. Willcuts was an 'Evangelical Friends' "Pastor", and therefore he led worship in a programmed way.

Other Quakers (Friends) will know of what I speak.

However, that being said, when I first picked up Jack Willcuts book back in 1989 or so, I thought then, and I think even more so now, that it can explain the faith of Friends in a fairly comprehensive way.

Jack Willcuts breaks this book down into 6 different chapters:

1. The Wonder of Worship.

2. Sacred Spiritual Sacraments.

3. Called To Ministry.

4. Letting Peace Prevail.

5. Getting The Sense Of The Meeting.

6. On Being Powerful.

I think that unprogrammed Christ Centered Friends might find some oneness with all of these chapters, with the possible exception of chapter 3 and our differing views on "Ministry", and what that actually IS, and HOW it occurs.

Does "Ministry" happen when "a programmed Pastor", is doing an out of the box "sermon", or does Christ Jesus truly Direct and open us to His Ministry as we are led by the Spirit of Christ (Within)?

But aside from this chapter, I think that this might be a great gift for other Christ Centered Friends (Quakers).

Jack Willcuts seemed to be open to the Light of Christ Within, perhaps in a different way then unprogrammed Christ Centered Friends are, but for "a Pastor", I found his views to be very close to those held by other Christ Centered Friends who hold to NO pastoral ministry, or at least not in the way that Evangelical Friends understand the words: "ministry", and "Pastor".

But in a movement so small as Christian Friends (Quakers), I'd say that we need to find our alliances where The Lord might let us (lead us to?) find them.

I enjoyed Jack Willcuts little book, and I think if you are a Christ Centered Friend, that you might enjoy it too!

Definitive Guide to Quaker Beliefs
This is a very definitive encapsulation of Quaker (Friends) beliefs written in a forthright, easy to understand format.Jack Willcuts wrote thisseveral years ago, but it stands the test of time and is a fantastic reference book to refresh Quakers on the core beliefs.I bought it for that purpose and found that it can also be an excellent reference for any church on how to work within the community in carrying out Jesus' ministry.

Good Little Book
Willcuts is a clear writer, and was devoted to both Christ Jesus and to those of His servants who call themselves Friends (or Quakers).

What this book gives you is a clear, concise (6 chapters, totallying only about 100 pages) description and defense of some Evangelical Quaker distinctives.Specifically, he speaks of evangelical Quaker worship, the Quaker view of the sacraments, calling to ministry, pacifism, and rule by consensus (or "getting the sense of the meeting").So, if that's what you want, that's what you'll get.

If you're looking for a historical or comparative approach to these issues, this is not the book you want.Willcuts is specifically evangelical in his approach.You may want to try a book like A Living Faith, by Wilmer Cooper, if you want a historical comparative approach.

If you're looking for a history of Quakerism, this is also not the book you want.Willcuts is presenting the stance of evangelical Quakers of today.

If you're looking for a full-fledged defense of Quaker theology, you certainly won't get that here (try Barclay's Apology).Willcuts assumes basic Christianity as a background, and confines himself to talking about specifically evangelical Quaker issues.

As an Evangelical Friend who appreciates ecumenism, I found this book to be a good summary of what other Christians should be told if they want to know what is different about my denomination, and also provided a decent basis for them. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Quakers -Searching for the inner light
This book is a compilation of writings from Quaker mystics. Goes from George Fox in 1600s England to more modern authors in their quest to understand God and social justice. Many members of the "Friends" today are agnostic and interested in only social programs, this book should be required reading for all who aspire to be a good "Quaker" and Christian.

good reading, but not complete
This is an excellent book, and I think anybody with a serious interest in Quakerism should find a copy. The early coverage is very good, and the excerpts from George Fox's journals are excellent; there is also a really stunning excerpt from the journal of a Quaker who visited John Brown.

I confess I am a little disappointed by the coverage of the 20th century, which is a little light, and does not, to me, fully address contemporary spiritual concerns from a Quaker perspective. In other words, West has done a wonderful job, but there is still a pressing need for a compilation of 20th century Quaker writing.

Quakerism 101
It isn't easy to find information telling you what Friends believe.Our history is traced primarily through the words of George Fox and John Woolman. Later, here in the US, there were splits dividing believers into liberal and conservative groups.

This book does a very good job of giving the reader an understanding of the Quaker faith by offering the reader essays and journal bits from William Penn (a well-known Pennsylvania Friend!) and others, both inside the faith and out.

For those interested in the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), those newly convinced, or for those who just like to read about the beginnings and progress of Quakers, The Quaker Reader is a basic for their library.

For other books about Quakers, be sure to read Robert L. Smith's A Quaker Book of Wisdom; and The Quakers by Jean Kinney Williams

A Rich and Artful Historical Overview
This book provides a fairly thorough history of the Quaker faith and its evolution over time. While some of the essays are by external observers, the book is mostly writings by Quakers, often in the form of journalexcerpts. Pithy and insightful commentary by the editor introduces eachwriter, the time in which they lived and the issues facing the ReligiousSociety of Friends during that era.

I loved this book.It led me to myfirst Quaker meeting and a faith that is right for me. However, even if youdo not find stories or concepts in this book that resonate with your ownexperience of God, it is worth reading. William Penn (who was a Quaker) andmany others less well-known played a far more significant role in thehistory of the United States than their numbers would suggest.

An Excellent Series of Essays on Quaker Theology and Conduct
This books contains a variety of short essays on Quaker theology and conduct.It also contains important excerpts from the Journal of George Fox.

The book specifically and fairly acknowledges the scarcity ofFriends' "theology" as an historical matter.However, this isamply supplanted by readings from the works of William Penn and others whowere in a position to speak about the conduct of the Quakers and theireffect on those around them.This 'third-person' perspective provides aunique insight into the lives of those known as the 'Quiet Rebels' in earlyAmerican history and provides for a stimulating and educational readingexperience.The editor should be credited with her fine selection ofQuaker readings.

In short, the book is an excellent survey of Quakerthoughts and actions throughout history.By the time one reaches the endof this book, the reader should find themselves in the rather enjoyableposition of feeling as though they know a 'Quaker'. ... Read more

Product Description
Our Quaker Ancestors sets out to acquaint the researcher with the types of Quakerrecords that are available, the location of the records, and the proper and effective use of thoserecords, guiding him through the pyramidal "meeting" structure to the records of birth, marriage,death, disownment, and removal awaiting him in record repositories across the country.The work begins with a short but essential history of the Quaker movement and a discussion ofits organization and structure, particularly as it affects genealogical research. Later chaptersdescribe Quaker migrations to and within America, the special types of records available forresearch, and the Berrys' very own methods for locating and using those records. In addition,there are chapters on record repositories and libraries with Quaker source material, non-Quakerrepositories, and Quaker sources and repositories outside the U.S., together with a bibliography,maps of selected meeting locations, and a glossary of terms peculiar to the Society of Friends. This is indispensable for anyone tracing ancestors who were either birthright members of theSociety or who became members through "convincement" or marriage. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Our Quaker Ancestors: Finding Them in Quaker Records
Our Quaker Ancestors : Finding Them in Quaker Records

This book is well written and easy to follow with good examples. It's a comprehensive guide to finding Quaker records for genealogical research. Reading this book will make the journey much easier and will facilitate interpretation of Quaker records. I have only just begun the process, but the information provided in the book has been a great help in getting started.

Don't let this book scare you!
When I found out my great-great grandmother came from Quaker stock I was glad to find this book. After reading it I was scared to death that I would never find anything on her family! Don't let this happen to you!

Oh, you think I'm kidding. But I'm not. Let me quote from page 32, emphasis from the book itself:

"LEARN THE ELEMENTS OF THIS MONTHLY MEETING WELL. FOR IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO DO ANY VALID AND COMPREHENSIVE RESEARCH WITHOUT MONTHLY MEETING RECORDS. THEREFORE, IT FOLLOWS THAT THE MONTHLY MEETING OF AN ANCESTOR MUST BE KNOWN BEFORE ANY MEANINGFUL RESEARCH CAN BE DONE. WE CANNOT EMPHASIZE THIS POINT ENOUGH."

This is the general tone of the book. All capital warnings are placed throughout. The above paragraph, by the way, is just telling you that you have to know where your ancestor lived and worshipped to be able to find out more about them. In reality, not so scary, eh?

Now, this book has its place. It has some informative background on Quakers and Quakerism, a nice biblography and a brief rundown on repostitories of Quaker Meeting records. Also, it reflects the year it was written in (1987) which was just prior to the popular boom of genealogy, and so its dryness is not atypical. However, it should have been so much more.

There should have been more on migration, and what that means to the researcher. For example, as soon as one of my ancestral Quaker families was all nicely settled in a town with great record keeping, they would pick up and move to the frontier! This was very common for Quakers who, for various reasons, wanted to move away from societies based on other religions. There should have been at least one migration map. The only maps included are reprints of certain meetings locations from an 1860 book, which to top it off, have no actual land behind them, leaving you with no more than a bulleted list.

Although I know the subtitle of this book is "Finding them in Quaker Records" I think one or two paragraphs should have been spent directing researchers to other records you would be likely to find Quakers in. You will most certainly find an ancestor or two in 'Loyalist' records of various kinds (as if you weren't pro-war, that immediately made you a loyalist during the revolution.) You will find them in court records (the Quakers even had their own courts in the 17th century colonies.) You will find them in land records and every other sort of non-religious civil record out there. You just have to keep in mind that your ancestors were Quakers, along with the implications of that, as you search. To be honest I was very surprised that the Quaker Courts and Loyalist angles weren't even mentioned here as they are specifically relevant to Quakers.

They also should have covered emigration records. Before 1800 many Quakers emigrated together, and the first ships to come to the colonies because of Penn are well documented.

Also, there are several times in this book the authors do not go into detail on subjects. They do not offer you reference, but refer you to other works which are usually difficult to find. They also do not approach Irish Quakers, which is a mistake, as Ireland was home to so many Quaker emigres of the 1700's. You will often find that an English family fled to Ireland first before making it to the colonies.

Besides being sparse, in the end this book does more work telling you what you're NOT going to find rather than what you WILL find. The last chapter itself was placed to give the reader 'words of encouragement' but then just goes on to tell you how difficult your search will be. An appropriate ending to this book, but inappropriate for an author trying to inform and interest a reader.

If you have pre-1800 Quaker lines you are going to have to buy this book. There are no other books like it on the market. Just don't be intimidated by it. Instead, use its core information and not its commentary. ... Read more

Product Description
This scarce antiquarian book is included in our special Legacy Reprint Series. In the interest of creating a more extensive selection of rare historical book reprints, we have chosen to reproduce this title even though it may possibly have occasional imperfections such as missing and blurred pages, missing text, poor pictures, markings, dark backgrounds and other reproduction issues beyond our control. Because this work is culturally important, we have made it available as a part of our commitment to protecting, preserving and promoting the world's literature. ... Read more

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Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Publisher's Note for the 2007 reprint by Clearfield Publishing:
In this classic study Dr. Hull explores the historic background to the Dutch Quaker migration and William Penn's mission to Holland and Germany in 1677, which has been credited with touching off the large Dutch and German emigration to Pennsylvania. The movement began, of course, with the Krefelders' settlement led by Francis Daniel Pastorius at Germantown in 1683. Hull's scholarly study of the Dutch Quaker immigration to Pennsylvania (and incidentally the German Quaker immigration) contains a number of appendices that give the names of all the settlers in Germantown during the years 1683-1709, with brief genealogical notices, including place of origin. These settlers originated from places as diverse as Holland, Germany, Finland, Hungary, Silesia, Switzerland, Transylvania, and Great Britain. Other appendices include names from a 1693 tax list and names of Germantown residents naturalized in 1691 and 1709. The author gives both the Dutch and the German forms of the names cited. ... Read more

Product Description
A chronicle of colonial New York ... Read more

Product Description
Dolly Madison: Quaker Girl (1944 Orange Hardcover Printing) by Helen A. Monsell. Published in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA by Bobbs Merrill in 1944. Limited Collector's Edition. Rare Book. 192 Pages. Tells the story of First Lady, Dolly Madison when she was young (married later to 4th USA President , George Madison). Her maiden name was Dolly Payne. Her full name was Dorothea Dandridge Payne Todd "Dolley" Madison. Not to be confused, of course, with the snack cakes. For more biographical information, please see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolley_Madison/ ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Dolley Payne Todd Madison
I am reviewing the 1944 edition of this book.

This children's book does a good job of describing Dolley Madison to young people.It is an interesting blend of fact and fiction.Much of the dialogue is surely made up by the author.But the dialogue serves the purpose of showing kids what life was like for Dolley in her early years. And it provides an idea of how she may have thought as a child. This book also contains many black and white illustrations showing various events from Dolley's life.

Dolley Payne grew up on a plantation with slaves near Richmond, Virginia.Her father, John Payne, was a Quaker who fought in the Revolutionary War.After the War, Payne freed his slaves and moved the family to Philadelphia.Unfortunately, Mr. Payne was more successful with his plantation than he was as a Philadelphia businessman.

In Philadelphia, Dolley met her first husband, John Todd. Unfortunately, Mr. Todd and their baby died from yellow fever.Dolley also contracted the fever but survived.

Aaron Burr was the unlikely matchmaker who brought Dolley and James Madison together.Eventually, the couple moved to Washington, DC, from Philadelphia. Dolley acted as hostess at the White House during Jefferson's Presidency. And then she was First Lady in her own right during James Madison's Presidency.During that time she was the only First Lady who had to flee the White House because of a British invasion.

Dolley Madison was pretty, warm and cheerful. She brought happiness to many.So children and adults can both enjoy this uplifting book. ... Read more