American History: Premier Auction

Lot of 13 items.

Anna Almy Jenkins (1790-1849) was granddaughter of Moses Brown (1738-1836) of Providence RI, one of the wealthiest men in the US who helped found Brown University. His home remains a great tourist attraction in Providence. His uncle, Obadiah, was a slave trader, but Moses was an abolitionist. The archive includes letters, wills, and other pieces related to Anna Jenkins' estate and work in improving Providence. Most of the Brown family were Baptists, but Moses Brown converted to Quakerism, and two large documents introducing Anna Jenkins to the international Friends (Quaker) gathering in England in 1841 and 1843 are included in the collection. It was highly unusual for a woman to be appointed to attend that meeting. A sweet note from Alma to her grandfather requesting he send her cloth for her dress (1799) and a handwritten copy of Moses Brown's will are also offered here. 

Moses Brown married Anna Brown, his cousin (Obadiah's daughter). They had one daughter who died young, another, Sarah (1764-1794) married William Almy and a son, also named Obadiah (1771-1822), who married but had no children. Anna Almy, the focus of this archive, was Sarah's daughter. Anna Brown died in 1773, and Moses Brown married Mary Olney in 1779. They were married for 18 years but had no issue. Mary died in 1798 and the following year Moses married Phoebe Lockwood, and this marriage was also childless, but Phoebe had four grown children from a previous marriage. He did not remarry after Phoebe's death in 1809. He did leave much of his estate to the children of Phoebe's daughter, Sarah, in addition to Anna Almy.

Among other ventures, Moses Brown is credited with establishing the first water-powered spinning mill in America, signalling the beginning of the Industrial Revolution here. He experimented with agricultural products, and helped found the Rhode Island Agricultural Society. He later founded the Rhode Island Bible Society, Rhode Island Peace Society and the Rhode Island Historical Society, the latter receiving most of his papers at his death. He also founded schools, both for Quakers and for African Americans.

Moses Brown was one of sixty signers of the Rhode Island College charter, along with his brothers John and Nicholas. The Browns were instrumental in getting the College moved from Warren to Providence. Members of the family served as professors (Joseph), treasurer (John) and several contributed endowments. The school was renamed Brown University after Nicholas Brown, Jr. contributed $5000 toward an endowed professorship. A research library was named for John Carter Brown and his son (John Nicholas Brown).

The entire archive, 13 items, includes:

Manuscript copy of the Last Will and Testament of Moses Brown, 10.25 x 16 in., 11 pp, bound by blue ribbon, dated 1834-1835. The primary will is the first 10 pages. The last page is a codicil to be annexed to his will, dated June 5, 1835. One of the changes that prompted this was the birth of his great-grandson, Moses Brown Jenkins to Anna Almy Jenkins. Brown leaves his great-grandson the house and farm when his mother dies or otherwise leaves the property. He also expands another item:

"And whereas in item 33 of my said will I have given one share in Providence Bank t the Society for abolishing the Slave Trade &c., as by charter established and it not appearing probable that there may be another meeting of said society legally convened, I do therefore hereby make null and void that particular Legacy as therein bequeathed. And do hereby give unto my trusty friends George W. Bonson and Hugh H. Brown in trust for the use of the Providence Anti-Slavery Society the said one share in Providence Bank; and as much money as shall make up, with the said share, the sum of five hundred dollars, to be applied by the said Society to the printing of such manuscripts and pamphlets as the Society may judge most useful for abolishing Slavery, Establishing their freedom and promoting their education, and the civilization of the people of colour in the United States, and my executors are hereby authorized and requested to transfer the said share, and also to pay to the said trustees as much more as to make up this Legacy to the sum of Five Hundred Dollars accordingly…"

Quitclaim by executors of the Will of Ann Allen, to land purchased by William Almy and Obediah Brown for $491.33

Deed of Sale (manuscript) of land, Walter Cornell to Obediah Brown, July30, 1818, 3pp on legal sheet.

Manuscript copy of a trust deed for a gift to the Friends by Moses Brown of Land for the purposes of a school. Original deed made in 1816, copy made in 1819. 8.5 x 14 in., 4pp. bound with brass brads.

Manuscript copy of a gift of land to the Friends by Moses Brown. 8.5 x 14 in. Original drafted in 1827, copy made in 1828. This is an update of the previous gift of land, made necessary because the Yearly Society of Friends of New England had incorporated. Also bound with brass brads.

Manuscript copy of the Last Will and Testament of Anna Almy Jenkins, copy from 1848. On blue paper (7.75 x 12.75 in.) bound with four brass grommets at top; two seals intact from Municipal Court City of Providence, and pink ribbons running from seals through the grommets.

Manuscript copy of the Last Will and Testament of Moses Brown Jenkins, 1866. 8.5 x 13.75 in., held at top by 2 in. "staple."

Two letters of introduction for Anna Jenkins for her trips to the Annual Meetings of Friends in London and Ireland (1841, 1843). Both on vellum, signed by the Clerk of the Yearly Meeting for Ministers and Elders for New England. One is 17.5 x 21.25 in., the other just slightly narrower, 15.5 x 21.5 in. One states: “In furnishing our dear friend with a Certificate for so weighty and important a service we feel it right to say that she is a minister in unity and beloved by us, sound in word and doctrine, and exemplary in life and conversation. We affectionately recommend her to your kind attention and regard fervently craving that Israel’s unslumbering Shepherd may be at all times very near to preserve her, and that under the directing influence of his spirit she may witness from day to day her way to be made plain before her, and that when her Gospel labours abroad shall have been accomplished she may be restored to us in safety with the reward of peace.” Unusual for a woman to be recognized as a representative of the church.

Note from Anna Almy to her grandfather, Moses Brown, "Will Grandfather please to send the Cloth for my Frock by the bearer and oblige his affectionate Grandaughter." Dated 13th 2d mo. 1799 (February 13, 1799), in a nine-year-old hand. 4.5 x 7.5 in.

Manuscript document signed by Moses Brown, William Almy and William Jenkins, September 9, 1825, 7.75 x 12.5 in. Annuity to Dorcas Brown, widow of Obadiah Brown for her support, and after her death, $50,000 was to go to the Yearly Meeting of Friends for a Boarding School.

Manuscript copy of the Seventh Item from Obadiah Brown's will about a gift to several churches, dated 1823. Annuity of $60 to the Poor of Providence - 2 Baptist churches, 2 Congregational churches, one Episcopal and one Presbyterian church. Each are to enumerate the poor that they serve and the annuity portioned appropriately. Signed "Your friend, M.B. Wit(?)" (witness?) Possibly Moses Brown?

Anna Jenkins to Doctor Tobey, letter, 4pp about plants, mostly trees and bushes. September 11, 1848. Apparently his granddaughter continued Moses Brown's interest in agriculture and plants that would grow in the region. Anna appointed Samuel Boyd Tobey as the executor of her estate in the will. He was a physician, officer of Brown University and minister in the Society of Friends.