Peter Lovejoy diary, 1867-1875.
Collection Number: 6087

Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
Cornell University Library

DESCRIPTIVE SUMMARY

Title:
Peter Lovejoy diary, 1867-1875.
Repository:
Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
Collection Number:
6087
Abstract:
Begins as a memoir containing reminiscences of Lovejoy's boyhood, adolescence and young adulthood including memories of family, the town of Benton, Methodist Episcopal church members and activities including revivals and personal spiritual growth. Diary entries (1-5 per year) record activities and opinions as a religious leader in the Methodist Episcopal church; births and deaths of family members and friends; quarter meetings and district conferences attended; sermons heard and prayers for spiritual growth.
Creator:
Lovejoy, Peter, 1805-1889.
Quanitities:
1 microfilm reels.
Language:
Collection material in English
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

Peter Lovejoy was born February 18, 1805 in Kinderhook, Columbia County New York. In 1817 his family moved to the town of Ben ton, Yates County, New York (then Ontario County) as one of the earliest settlers in the area. In August, 1825, Lovejoy experienced a religious conversion and shortly afterward joined the Methodist Episcopal Church of Benton at Benton Centre. Although his trade was "clothdressing," Lovejoy's life revolved around his family and his church. In 1833 he was appointed to his first official position in the church as a class leader, a position he filled for 52 consecutive years, as well as serving in the positions of sexton, steward and trustee at various times throughout his membership in the church. He died on June 8, 1889, as the oldest member of the church.
COLLECTION DESCRIPTION

The diary of Peter Lovejoy (1867-1878) begins as a memoir of his childhood, adolescent, and early adulthood religious experiences to 1867, when the diary entries begin. The memoir portion of the diary includes memories of family, the town of Benton, activities in the church, his own spiritual growth members of the church and the Benton circuit, and remembrances of revivals and protracted meetings. The diary entries vary in frequency from about one to five per year, recording his activities and opinions as a religious leader in the church, births and deaths of families and friends, quarterly meetings and district conferences attended, sermons heard, and prayers for his own spiritual growth. The last entry is dated February 22, 1878. An obituary noting Love-joy's death appears at the end of the volume.
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Cite As:

Peter Lovejoy diary, #6087. Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library.
SUBJECTS

Places:
Benton (N.Y.) -- Social life and customs.
Yates County (N.Y.) -- Social life and customs.
Subjects:
Methodist Episcopal Church -- Sermons.
Families -- New York (State) -- Benton.
Revivals -- New York (State) -- Benton.
Methodist Episcopal Church -- New York (State) -- Benton.
Form and Genre Terms:
Diaries.
CONTAINER LIST
Container
Description
Date
Aug. 1825
Scope and Contents
Conversion and baptism; Rev. Abner Chase.
Sept. 1828
Scope and Contents
Mariage.
Winter 1832-33
Scope and Contents
Revivals in Benton and on Benton Circuit.
Feb. 24, 1839
Scope and Contents
Second marriage.
Aug. 1840
Scope and Contents
Epidemic in Benton.
1842
Scope and Contents
Revival.
1847
Scope and Contents
Revival.
1842-1870
Scope and Contents
List of preachers in the Benton charge.
1849
Scope and Contents
Protracted meeting.
1853
Scope and Contents
Campmeeting.
1855
Scope and Contents
Protracted meeting.
1825-1832
Scope and Contents
Page headed 1856-57 are listed Benton circuit preachers, 1825-1832.
March 17, 1867
Scope and Contents
Quarterly Meeting and Love Feast.
June 9, 1867
Scope and Contents
Opinions regarding temperance.
Sept. 21, 1867
Scope and Contents
Quarterly Meeting, presiding elder T.B. Hudson.
March 21-22, 1868
Scope and Contents
Quarterly meeting.
Jan. 19, 1869
Scope and Contents
Conversions.
Jan. 31, 1871
Scope and Contents
Two dreams or visions are recorded.
Aug. 31, 1877
Scope and Contents
District conference in Phelps.
Feb. 22, 1878.
Scope and Contents
Last entry.