Guide to the Persis Kingsley Token Album, 1852-1854 DAR.1937.19
- Repository
- ULS Archives & Special Collections
- Title
- Persis Kingsley Token Album
- Creator
- Kingsley, Persis
- Collection Number
- DAR.1937.19
- Extent
- 0.13 Linear Feet (1 box)
- Date
- 1852-1854
- Abstract
- This token book was given to Persis Kingsley in 1852. The token album holds uplifting notes and poems from close friends and family. The entries provide insight about religious expression and fondness for Persis Kingsley. The messages in the album span from 1852 to 1854. Digital reproductions of the collectilon are available online.
- Language
- English .
- Publisher
- ULS Archives & Special Collections
- Address
- University of Pittsburgh Library System
Archives & Special Collections
Website: library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections
Contact Us: www.library.pitt.edu/ask-archivist
URL: http://library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections
Existence and Location of Copies
Digital reproductions of the collectilon are available online.
Biography
Little is known of Persis Kingsley. She was about 25 at the time the album was written, and was born in the late 1820's to early 1830's. She died on December 30, 1854 in Steuben, Maine. According to death records from Steuben, Maine, and a census taken in 1850 in Cherryfield and in 1860 in Steuben, Persis Kingsley had a daughter, Philena Kingsley, in 1853.
Scope and Content Notes
This token book consists of a multitude of short letters and poems written to Persis Kingsley by many of her friends and family members. A. H. Hall gave the token album, which was for personal remembrances, to Miss Kingsley, and used between 1852 and 1854. Hall gave the book to Kingsley before she was married in 1852, and it continued to be used up to a few months before her death in 1854. The token book traveled with Kingsley, allowing each of her friends and family members to write rememberances including the date and place. Most of the entries are uplifting poems or notes about life, love, friendship and happiness. Some friends wrote religious notes, while other wrote of friendship and love, and still others wrote about how quickly life can end. In total, there are fourteen different entries, each being about a page, but no more than two pages long. Also included in the book are pressed leaves and flowers found between the pages.
Access Restrictions
No restrictions.
Acquisition Information
Gift to the Darlington Memorial Library in 1937.
Custodial History
This collection was located in the Darlington Memorial Library in the University's Cathedral of Learning until 2007 when it was moved to the ULS Archives Service Center for processing, storage, preservation and service. However, it remains in the custodianship of the ULS Special Collections Department.
Preferred Citation
Persis Kingsley Token Album, 1852-1854, DAR.1937.19, Darlington Collection, Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh Library System
Previous Citation
Persis Kingsley Token Album, 1852-1854, DAR.1937.19, Darlington Collection, Special Collections Department, University of Pittsburgh
Processing Information
This collection was processed by Nicole Mader in May 2008.
Copyright
No copyright restrictions.
Subjects
- Hall, A. H.
- Maine -- Social life and customs
- Machias (Me.)
- West Gouldsboro (Me.)
- Harrington (Me.)
- Cherryfield (Me.)
- United States -- Social life and customs
- Albums
- Women -- United States -- History -- 19th century
- Women -- United States -- Social life and customs