Manuscripts

$850

John, Joseph, and Alvan Townsend Family Collection, Freeport, Maine, 1802-1893 (bulk 1802-1827). 20 items.

Richly detailed descriptions of religious revivals in Freeport, Maine, in 1816 form the heart of this collection. Providing first-hand accounts of personal religious convictions as well as church meetings and public lectures, the Townsend family collection is ripe for research into religion and revival in early national America. A ledger and other financial documents give insight into the family, contextualizing the religious content and deepening the collection’s research value. “For about six weeks there has been a great work going on…which must be joyful news to all who love Christ or feel friendly towards his cause—Young & old are made to rejoice in the lord & joy in his salvation.”