Manuscript Collections of the
Nantucket Historical Association Research Library

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MS8 - Timothy White Papers, 1727-1759

Collection Overview:
Papers contain records of Indians’ attendance at sessions and the names and tuition paid by pupils in school, records of baptisms and family statistics. Letters indicate White’s discouragement and the difficulties under which he labored.

Historical Note: Timothy White (1700-1765) was one of fourteen children of John White Jr. of Haverhill, Massachusetts. He graduated from Harvard College in 1720 and came to Nantucket in 1728 to teach and preach to the Indians and early settlers of the Island. He married Susannah Gardner, daughter of John Gardner of Nantucket, in 1728. During the later years of his life, he returned to Haverhill to teach school and engage in business.

FOLDER 1
Memorandum books and sheet, 1728-1750 a) 1728-1740 List of births and deaths of his children; records of times and places where preached to Indians; church baptism records; amount of money paid for preaching at Nantucket. b) 1745-1748 Names of pupils who attended school and tuition paid. c) 1740-1742 Names of pupils who attended school and tuition paid. d) 1732-1734, schooling accounts 1745-1746, personal accounts e) 1759- Number of days preached and amount paid at Black Hole.

FOLDER 2
Letters Out, (1748)-1755 Abbreviated memo on Hubbard ALS, June 21, 1748 (see Folder 3 ) Probably a draft of reply thanking Hubbard for sending money and reporting that he is still ill. Unsigned ALS to Rev. Mr. ?, asking whether books he has taken care of for eighteen years might not be considered his.

FOLDER 3
Letters In, 1727-1752 ALS from Benjamin Coleman giving conditions under which White is to be paid for ministry provided the people of Nantucket want him. Oct. 19, 1727 ALS from Thomas Hubbard sending money by Abijah Folger, June 21, 1748 ALS from William Phillips concerning loans and White's inclination to continue in the ministry. Feb. 18, 1752. ALS from Joseph Rotch concerning the loading of a vessel Nantucket, July 3, 1750 ALS from John Webb re: apologizing White is discouraged and asking him to continue preaching. Aug. 31, 1749

FOLDER 4
Timothy White (1700-1765) Concerning Timothy White: 1733 Document signed "To the Ministers of Indian Congregations on Nantucket" from Adam Winthrop, Nov. 7, 1733 Announcing the appointment of Timothy White to preach to the Indians.

FOLDER 5
Timothy White (1700-1765) Mrs. Abigail White Lretter to "Sister Abi" (Mrs. Abigail White). Sept 15, 1725, unsigned. Giving advice on behavior and mentioning an order for stockings.

FOLDER 6
Timothy White (1700-1765) Papers published by N.H.A., Vol. 1, #2 (1898)