The Winterthur Library

 Edward Deming Andrews Memorial Shaker Collection

Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum

5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE  19735

302-888-4600 or 800-448-3883

 

 

OVERVIEW OF THE COLLECTION

 

Creator:         Smith, Jane Emily.                                         

Title:               Collection of materials relating to a teaching career,

Dates:             1849-1890.

Call No.:         ASC 871

Acc. No.:        SA 1235

Quantity:        82 items

Location:        29 E 4

 

 

 

BIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT

 

Jane Emily Smith (called Emily) was a Shaker who lived at the New Lebanon, New York community. She was a member of the Second Family. By 1850 she had been put in charge of the juveniles of the community and soon thereafter was assigned schoolroom teaching duties.

 

 

SCOPE AND CONTENT

 

Among these papers are certificates issued by Columbia County, New York, giving Smith official permission to teach. Most of these manuscripts date from the 1860s and 1870s. They are for the most part unrevealing but polite letters, both to and from Smith, as well as copies of Shaker poetry, songs, and hymns.  A couple of the letters discuss Shaker religious practices.  One letter mentions excursions to a beach and seeing Barnum's exhibition, including elephants and Tom Thumb.  At least one letter has nothing to do with Emily Smith or teaching, but rather with Shaker brooms.

 

           

ORGANIZATION

 

The items are divided thusly: dated letters and certificates (arranged chronologically); undated letters and certificates; hymns; poems; envelopes.

 

 

LANGUAGE OF MATERIALS

 

The materials are in English.

 

 

RESTRICTIONS ON ACCESS

 

Collection is open to the public.  Copyright restrictions may apply.

           

 

PROVENANCE

           

Gift of Mrs. Edward D. Andrews.

 

 

ACCESS POINTS

 

People:

            White, Anna, 1831-1910.

           

 

Topics:

            Shakers - New York (State) - New Lebanon.

            Shakers - Attitudes.

Shakers - Correspondence.

Shakers - Hymns.

Shakers – Industries – New York (State) – Mount Lebanon.

            Shakers - Religious life.

Shakers - Songs and music.

            Poetry.

            Teachers - Certification - New York (State)

            Letters.

            Certificates.

           

 

 

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTION

 

Location:  29 E 4

 

Note: all accession numbers begin with SA 1235

 

The items are divided thusly: dated letters and certificates; undated letters and certificates; hymns; poems; envelopes.

 

Some letters include poems.  Some of the poems and hymns include very short notes.  Some of the hymns are dated.

 

 

 

Dated letters and certificates:

 

.1         letter, with poem, Caroline Barrett, New Lebanon, to Emily Smith, June 13, 1849.  Caroline states her intention “to live a life of honesty and obedience.”

 

.2         letter, with poem, Charlotte Sharp, New Lebanon, to “Kind Sisters,” Emily S. and Martha J. B., Sept. 1, 1849.  Charlotte states her intention of living “a life of purity and holiness [sic].”

 

.3         letter, with poem, Emily Smith, New Lebanon, to Anna White, May 11, 1850.  Expressions of religious faith and sisterly love for Anna.

 

.4         letter, with poem and the hymn “A Sweet Repose,” from Anna White, New Lebanon, to Emily Smith, Second Family, June 11, 1850.  Emily’s letter of love gave Anna strength for her journey.

 

.5         letter, with a song [words only, no music], Jane Emily Smith, New Lebanon, to Henry Smith, Washington, Berkshire County, Mass., October 24 and 27, 1850 [and other days].  Expresses joy at his religious work.  Mentions having nine in her “juvenile society.”  Describes one of their worship services, including songs sung and “a good steady shuffling time,” followed by “a quick time which sets us all in motion.”  C.F.B. sends remembrances.

            [Henry and Jane Emily are apparently blood brother and sister.]

 

.6         letter, with long poem, [Jane Emily Smith,] New Lebanon to “brother’s in company,” October 27, 1850.  A “mendicant squaw” came to their Saturday service.  Repeats some of the messages given at the service.  Followed by a lengthy poem. 

[Accession .29 is probably the last page of this letter, and so it is filed after this.]

 

.29       Close of a letter to Henry Smith, Jr., signed Jane Emily Smith and Emily S.  With a poem by Caroline Barrett.

[this may or may not be the end to the above letter, .6, but it fits the above better than any other letter, and the above does not have a closing statement.]

           

.7         letter, with poem “Beloved Elder Sister & Brother G.O.,” D.C. Brainard, Dandy Spruce, “to Emily Smith and the rest of the company of Letter Writers,” with the address decorated with a calligraphy bird holding a quill pen, October 30, 1850.  Sending greetings from a group of men who seem to be out in the woods somewhere.

 

.8         letter, Jane Emily [Smith,] New Lebanon, to Henry [Smith,] January 5, 1851.  The two families had met together that day.  She and Caroline had gone to visit Hill, who is “in a state of religious derangement.”  Also talks about William and Betsey.  Asks that he not share this letter.     

[Henry seems to be off in the woods somewhere.]

 

.9         letter, Henry Smith, Washington, to Emily, June 3, 1851.  Henry sends greetings and religious thoughts; he is on a tour of some sort and mentions that the people are not very religious.

 

.10       letter, Dewitt C. Brainard, Philadelphia, to Martha Jane Brainard and Emily Smith, December 9, 1852.  Is returning from a trip.  Mentions a brother from South Union and his music; and a man at Washington who argued about the Shaker faith.  Mentions shoes and that Charlotte’s don’t fit properly.

 

.43a     teacher’s license or certificate of first grade, issued by Peter I. Philip, school commissioner for Columbia County, N.Y., to Jane Emily Smith, November 13, 1857.

 

.43b     teacher’s license or certificate, issued by Peter I. Philip, school commissioner for Columbia County, N.Y., to Jane Emily Smith, June 10, 1858.

 

.11       letter, Catharine, New Lebanon, to Emily, June 1859.  Enjoying the return of summer.  Gratitude to Emily for her guidance.  Religious thoughts.

 

.13a-b              short letter, Jane Emily Smith, New Lebanon, to Peter I. Philip, Kinderhook, New York, April 28, 1862.  Plans to return to her school this summer [that is, to teaching], and needs a new certificate as the old one has expired.  With envelope.

 

.14a-b              letter, Peter I. Philip, Stuyvesant, to Jane Emily Smith, Mount Lebanon, May 3, 1862.  Gladly encloses certificate for her.  Plans to visit the school this summer.  Greetings to his Shaker friends.  With envelope.  [for certificate see .43c]

 

.43c     teacher’s license or certificate, issued by Peter I. Philip, school commissioner for Columbia County, N.Y., to Jane Emily Smith, May 3, 1862.  [this was enclosed with the letter .14a, above]

 

.15       letter, Peter I. Philip, Stuyvesant, to Jane Emily Smith, April 29, 1863.  Approves her teaching philosophy.  Will bring Hartwill Reynolds, the school commissioner, to visit the Shaker schools in June.  Encloses a certificate for her.  Mentions Anna, Marcia, and Calvin as other Shaker school teachers.   [.43d is the enclosed certificate]

 

.43d     teacher’s license or certificate of first grade, issued by Peter I. Philip, school commissioner for Columbia County, N.Y., to Jane Emily Smith, April 29, 1863.

 

.16       letter, Ida[?], New Lebanon, to “Much respected teacher,” July 18, 1863.  Promises to learn her lessons, not blot her copy book, and be orderly.  She likes spelling and geography and listening to the music of the birds [possibly caged birds in the schoolroom].

 

.43e     teacher’s license or certificate, issued by David G. Woodin, school commissioner for Columbia County, N.Y., to J. Emily Smith, April 13, 1864.

 

.17a     printed circular about “Teacher’s Examinations,” from David G. Woodin and Hartwill Reynolds, school commissioners for Columbia County, Sept. 20, 1864.  Schedule for examing teachers.  They are to know spelling and definitions, reading, penmanship, arithmetic, geography, grammar, and U.S. history.

 

.43f      teacher’s license or certificate of the first grade, issued by David G. Woodin, school commissioner for Columbia County, N.Y., to Jane Emily Smith, June 10, 1865.

 

.17b     printed letter, ,” from David G. Woodin and Hartwill Reynolds, school commissioners for Columbia County, Sept. 14, 1865, to Emily J. Smith.  Information about a course of lectures pertaining to teaching, which all teachers are urged to attend.

 

.18       short letter, David G. Woodin, Valatie, to Caroline Sharpe and Emily J. Smith, July 26, 1866.  Intends to bring Mr. Hermunce[?] for a visit on August 4.  Sends regards to Miss Coburn, Mr. Brainard, and Miss Fairbanks.

 

.19       letter, with poem, Eliza Serena Ludlum, Mount Lebanon, to Emily Smith, August 25, 1866.  Writes about her problems with arithmetic; she knows she must take advantage of her school days because they will soon be over.

 

.20       letter, Alwilda Ritchie, Mount Lebanon, to Emily [Smith], Jan. 10, 1867.  Thanks for a poem.  Religious thoughts.  Thanks to Emily for her efforts to teach her.

 

.21       letter, Ann Eliza Charls & Alwilda Ritchie, Mount Lebanon, to Emily [Smith], July 4, 1867.  Hopes she has arrived safely “to that lovely valley.”  Religious thoughts.  Messages to other Shaker sisters.

 

.22a-b              letter and poem, Alwilda Ritchie, to Emily Smith, Mount Lebanon, June 26, 1868.  Opens with a poem, “I Address Sister Emily.”  Happy birthday wishes.  With envelope.

 

.47       letter, Alwilda, Mount Lebanon, to sister Emily, “kind and loving instructress,” August 23, no year but circa 1867-1868.   Thanks Emily for her instruction [probably means religious instruction.]

 

.23a-b              letter, C. B. Herrman, Ogdensburg, N.Y., to Thomas Smith, Canaan 4 Corners, N.Y., Dec. 3, 1868.  D. N. Stewart has gone out of business.  He has not finished his contract with the city for digging trenches for water lines.  Some efforts are being made to pay his debts and Smith might get his money for the brooms sent to Stewart for sale.  With yellow envelope.

 

.28       letter, from the elders, brethren, and sisters of the 2nd Family, Mount Lebanon, to “dearly beloved elders of the 1st Order,” May 14, 1869.  Thank you for letting us join in your recent singing gatherings.  Being with the 1st Order has shown them great Shaker virtues and gifts.

 

.27       letter, Susan, Mount Lebanon, to Emily Smith, [who is away from home,] July 4, 1869.    Supposes Emily is now in the pleasant valley.  All well at home, and nothing new to report.  All send their love.  Includes message to Jane Ann.

 

.26a     letter, Asenath C. Stickney, Shaker Village, Mer. Co., N.H., to Jane Emily Smith, Mt. Lebanon, July 16, 1876.  Emily’s expression of love to her cause her to meditate whether she was worthy of it.  Encloses music [see .26b].   [based on date, envelope .44d may possibly have held this letter]

 

.26b     printed music, “Sun of Righteousness,” enclosed with the above letter.

 

.25a-b              letter, Eliza Ann, Mount Lebanon, to Emily Smith, Alfred, Maine, July 17, 1878.  “Pleased to hear of the nice company of young sisters at Shirley.”  Phebe Ann is improving.  Death of Maria Dewitt.  Compares her minor sufferings to the major sufferings of Father James.  Names of sisters who send love.  With envelope, addressed to Emily Smith, care of Otis Sawyer, Alfred, York Co., Maine.

 

.24a-b              letter. Amelia, Mt. Lebanon, to “dear sister,” March 25, 1890.  Thoughts on prayer, especially “if it would be possible for a few of us to so concentrate our thoughts by silent prayer and meditation that we may draw to us some power for our relief.”  Names on back of letter: Helen A. Stone, Amelia J. Calver, Sister Matilda, Minerva, Julia S. Scott, Anna M. Graves, Emma J. Neale. 

With envelope with quote on it, “Talk that to each which each best understand.”

 

 

 

Undated letters and certificates:

 

 

.30a                 letter written in pencil, Emily, no place, to Sister Susan, no date.  Glad to hear from Enfield and to hear about their lectures.  Hopes Brother Peebles may visit Emily’s family.  Remembers her visit to Enfield with pleasure.  Hopes Susan can visit.  Crops are doing well. 

[Emily was reusing a piece of paper on which some figures were written, also the words kitchen com Sat.]

 

.30b     yellow envelope, with names Elder Amos (in ink) and Sister Clarissa Jacobs, Second Family (in pencil). 

 

.31a     short note and poem, note addressed to “dearest friend,” [a sister] from “affectionate sister,” no date but probably 1850s.  Thanks for “token of love and affection.”  Followed by a poem.

 

.31c     printed Reward of merit, signed by teacher Emily Smith, but not filled out.

 

.32       thank you letter in form of a poem, sent to Brother Orren, signed Emily.  Brother Orren took a group to Barrington, where they attended the county fair and dined at the Little Pine Hotel.  The names of those who made up the group are included in the poem.

 

.33       letter, Sarah Ann Spencer, West Haven, to “kind friend,” June 15, no year but probably 1850s.  Writing about her party’s return journey.  Saw Barnum’s exhibition, including Tom Thumb and elephants.  Mentions attending other Christian churches, and especially describes an Episcopalian service.  “We have no prospects of any Shakers as yet….”  Went on Capt. John Thompson’s oyster bed and got muddy.  Tells about going to the beach.

 

.38       letter, Anna Dodgson, no place, to Emily Smith, no date.  Mistakenly took her book.  Thanks for Emily’s “attention & kindness,” and especially for feeding the children.  Mentions popcorn.

 

 

 

Hymns:

 

Note: some of these are dated; some include short notes:

 

 

.40       hymn, signed at end: North Family, begins “I will bring holy offerings to Christ my Redeemer.”  “Sister Emily Smith” is written on back.

 

.41a     hymn, signed at end: Second Family, August 1865.  Begins “The gospel must be kept, who will aid the cause along…”

 

.41b     hymn, beginning “Let us offer praise & glorify God in the congregation of His saints….” 

            Verso: another hymn, beginning “Draw near, draw near good Angels….”  The name Anna is written upside down on this side of the page.

 

.41c     yellow envelope, addressed Mount Lebanon, Second Family.  [presumably the two pages above were found in this envelope.]

 

.42b     hymns, sent to Emily Smith from Susan Bartholomew; the first begins “By the power of the highest, we will march bravely through…,” dated March 3, 1867; the second begins “Carefully do toil with patience…,” dated March 1, 1867; the third begins “Prepare my people, o prepare, for sure the day is drawing near,” dated 1867, Second Family; the fourth is labeled a Round Dance, and begins “More gospel love….”

 

.42c     hymns and a poem, from Susan Bartholomew to Mary Dixon.  The first hymn begins “A kind and cheerful spirit the hand of God does bless,” dated February 1862, Sec. fam., C. Vale.  The second hymn begins “This way that way Mother’s simple gifts,” dated Jan. 1862, Second family, Enfield, N.H.

 

.42d     hymns and a note, sent to Emily Smith from Susan Bartholomew.  The hymns are “Never Fear” by Father Williams, Sept. 1, 1863, and “A March,” from the Second Family , Chosen Vale, Feb. 1862.

 

.42e     hymns, music, and a short note sent by Susan Bartholomew to Emily Smith.  The pieces are Round Dance (“O let us be alive, quickened by the spirit, gaining Mother’s power to resist evil”); “Wide Awake,” dated August 5, 1859; another Round Dance, music only, no words ; and on back: “Fair City,” and a hymn which begins “Every day we’ll strive to gain more love and union.”  All noted as being from “Second fam. C Vale.”

 

.42f      hymn, “Earnest Petition,” for Elder Amos Stuart, sent by Benjamin Dunlevy, Pleasant Hill, September 1862.   

 

 

 

 

Poems:

 

.12a     poem, beginning “Another love one from the earth hath departed.”

 

.12b     “A View of a Smiling Blessing,” March 1860.  A description of a vision of “a large green grass plot.”  Signed Pheblen[?]

 

.12c     a long poem, beginning “See yonder mother weeping o’er her child.”

 

.12d     words to a song, “The Saints are Marching On.”

 

.12e     a poem beginning “I have sought round the verdant earth for unfading joy.”

 

.12f      poem, beginning “O where is heaven?”

 

.31b     short poem, beginning “Farewell in sweet love.”

 

.34       poem, beginning “Ah, sister dear sister you ask me a question.”  At end: a very short and unsigned note to Sister Emily.

 

.35       poem, beginning, “O dear sister Emily how pleased I should be.”  Written on a circle of paper.  Not signed.

 

.36       poems about the planets, not dated or signed.

 

.37       poem, from a friend, beginning “God bless you Jane in all you do’ In straining milk and churning….”

 

.39       poem, not dated or signed, begins “Dear Friends we’ve meet together, a duty to perform.”  The poem was written on the death of an unnamed man referred to as a Father.

 

.42a     poem, signed Emily, 2nd Hour, begins “Years are gone, months have passed….”

 

 

 

Envelopes [not associated with a letter]:

 

.42g     dull orange envelope, inscribed Mount Lebanon, Second Family.

 

.43g     addressed to Miss Jane Emily Smith, Mount Lebanon, Columbia County, N.Y.; postmark not legible; written in pencil: teacher’s certificates

 

.44a     addressed to Emily Smith, care N.A. Briggs, Shaker Village, Merrimack Co., N.H.; postmarked: Mount Lebanon, N.Y., June 24, 1878

 

.44b     written on envelope: Dear Sister, New Lebanon, Mount Le, Columbia C, NY\

 

.44c     written on envelope: Darling Teacher ES my love my love forever Remember me AR Emily Smith Alwilda Ritchie  [there are several letters from Alwilda to Emily]

 

.44d     yellow envelope, addressed to Jane Emily Smith, Mt. Lebanon, Columbia Co., N.Y.; postmarked: Shaker Village N.H., Jul 17, 1876

 

.44e     yellow envelope, addressed to Miss Jane Emily Smith, teach, Mount Lebanon, Col. Co., N.Y.; postmark partly removed, but can read Chatham Jul 2

 

.44f      peach envelope, no writing on it

 

.45       pumpkin-colored envelope, addressed to Calvin G [rest of name torn off], Mount Lebanon, Columbia Co., N.Y.; return address printed in lower left corner: Post Office Address. Shaker Village P.O., Merrimack Co., N.H.; postmarked: Shaker Village, N.H., Jul 3; written in pencil: Abm. Perkins.

 

.46       peach envelope, addressed to Sister Ann Offord, Shaker Station, Conn.; return address: Sophia Wayne, Mt. Lebanon, N.Y.; postmarked: Mount Lebanon, N.Y., Dec. 23, 1902; postmarked on back: New Lebanon, N.Y., Dec. [day missing], 9 am 1902.