Records of the American Seamen’s Friend Society

Manuscripts Collection 158

Overview of the Records
Repository: G. W. Blunt White Library, Mystic Seaport
Creator: American Seamen’s Friend Society
Title: Records of the American Seamen’s Friend Society
Dates: 1828-1975
Extent: ca 5100 pieces
Abstract: This collection is, in effect, the archives of the American Seamen’s Friend Society, based in New York City, circa 1828-1975, divided almost equally between the 19th and 20th centuries. Contained in the 5,000 pieces and 106 volumes are reports on the activities of Sailor’s Homes, Bethel Ships, and Loan Libraries. There are library registers, minutes of annual meetings, legacies, letters from shipmasters, A.S.F.S. publications, and a wealth of other information pertinent to this organization.
Abstract: Box 1 is essentially reports from keepers of various sailors homes in ports throughout the world, and related correspondence from individuals who benefited from these establishments. The time covered by these materials is 1838-1871.
Abstract: Box 2 contains reports by the keepers of the New York Sailors Home, and the Colored Sailors Home; also Bethel Ship reports, and Shipboard Library reports and testimonials. Period covered is circa 1838-1878.
Abstract: Box 3 is a miscellaneous collection of bills, accounts, documents, etc., relative to the activities and maintenance of the A.S.F.S., circa 1830-1920. Such items include property insurance, mortgage papers, donation records, etc.
Abstract: Box 4 contains records of legacies from individuals to the A.S.F.S. during the early 20th century. They are arranged alphabetically by the donor’s last name. Box 5 contains undated copies of annual sermons. Box 6 holds blank A.S.F.S. membership certificates. Boxes 7-21 contain unbound, scattered issues of various A.S.F.S. periodicals between 1829 and 1975.
Abstract: Boxes 22 and 23 hold unbound reports. Box 24 holds a miscellaneous collection of A.S.F.S. publications and publicity. Box 25 has miscellaneous items related to the work of the A.S.F.S.
Identification: Coll. 158

History of American Seamen’s Friend Society

In the files of the American Seamen’s Friend Society are the records of the human side of the merchant marine, and the story of a trust founded over a century ago by a group of men of great vision and humanity who recognized the importance of seamen as individuals and as factors in our national economy.

The Society adopted a constitution on January 11, 1826, but was not completely organized until May 5, 1828, when officers and trustees were first chosen. The Society was formally incorporated in April, 1833. The constitution stated the objects of the Society to be “To improve the social and moral condition of seamen, by uniting the efforts of the wise and good in their behalf; by promoting in every port boarding houses of good character, savings banks, register offices, libraries, museums, reading rooms and schools; and also the ministrations of the gospel, and other religious blessings.”

In organizing the American Seamen’s Friend Society, it was proposed to improve the conditions of seamen and bring them into the enjoyment of the same domestic comforts and the same advantages for religious improvement that other men in other walks of life enjoyed. To this end it was proposed to encourage individuals in whom confidence could be place to keep good boarding houses, to provide register offices, reading rooms and libraries and to establish savings banks and schools, This program was to be accompanied “with frequent prayer meetings, the distribution of bibles, tracts and magazines and with visiting from house to house and from ship to ship.”

The American Seamen’s Friend Society early opened three sailor’s boarding houses and in 1842 established the first Sailor’s Home at 190 Cherry Street near the East River front, which provided living accommodations for 300 seamen and continued in operation until 1903, when the building was razed to make way for the Manhattan Bridge. It was replaced by the Society in 1908 with the Sailor’s Home and Institute at the corner of West and Jane Streets, North River, at a cost of $300,000. “Institute” was added to the title, “Sailor’s Home” to indicate the new departure in welfare work for seamen.

Twenty years later, the trustees of the three societies, conducting work for seamen along the North River front, began discussions concerning the construction of a new seamen’s house in which all three might cooperate. It seemed to their trustees foolish and wasteful to appeal to the public for the support of each when probably a larger and better work would be done through cooperative effort. After many conferences, the American Seamen’s Friend Society and the Y.M.C.A. of New York City executed an agreement on October 24, 1928 for a new Seamen’s House to be erected at 11th Avenue and 20th Street, North River.

The new building was dedicated at a service in which representatives of the three organizations took part on November 4, 1831.

The providing of libraries for seamen on ships and on shore constituted one of the paramount objectives of the Society from very early days. As early as 1837, loan libraries were placed by the Society on American vessels sailing from New York. The American Seamen’s Friend Society began, in a systematic way, in March 1859, to place loan libraries on board American vessels sailing from Boston and New York City. A record has been kept of all the libraries sent out. The annual report of the Society for the year ending March 31, 1930 records that the whole number of libraries sent to sea since 1859 was 13,352 and that 16,688 had been refitted and reshipped, an aggregate of 30,040 libraries.

The cost of the libraries, which at first was $10, then $20, an then $25, was met by contributions from donors. Each library consisting of some 40 volumes was placed in a stout wooden case with a hinged door which could be locked and when opened, gave the appearance of a small bookcase. Each library bore a plate giving the donor’s name. They were placed on board ship by the Ship’s Visitor who in the course of time became well known along the waterfront.

One of the objectives specified in the Society’s constitution was the promotion of savings banks. For many years the building of the Seamen’s Bank for Savings on Wall and Pearly Streets housed the head office of the Society.

The American Seamen’s Friend Society closed its New York office and retired its Chaplin in 1976. Ten years later it officially went out of existence.

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Restrictions

Restrictions on Access

Available for use in the Manuscripts Division.

Restrictions on Use

Various copying restriction apply. Guidelines are available from the Manuscripts Division.

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Index Terms

This collection is indexed under the following headings in the catalog of the G. W. Blunt White Library. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons or places should search the catalog using these headings.

Subjects:

Merchant mariners–New York (State)–New York
Merchant mariners–Missions and charities — United States
Merchant mariners–Societies, etc.
Shipmasters–United States
Temperance

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Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Coll. 158, Manuscripts Collection, G. W. Blunt White Library, Mystic Seaport Museum, Inc.

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Indexes

Index to Personal and Corporate Names
NOTE: The fraction(s) indicate the Box and Folder numbers where that particular reference can be found. For example, the researcher will find information about T. Adam in Box 1, Folder 1 of the collection.
Adam, T. 1/1
Adams, A. (Rev.) 1/4
Ambuhl, Lucius 1/7
Anderson, ? (Dr.) 1/7
Anderson, A. (Capt.) 1/5
Anderson, Joseph (Rev.) 1/8
Anderson, Rufus (Rev.) 1/4, 1/5
Andrews, C.B. (Rev.) 1/3, 1/4, 1/5
Armstrong, ? (Rev.) 1/4
Atwood, John H. 1/6
Ayres, John H. 1/6
Bacon, L.W. (Rev.) 1/5
Baldwin, ? (Mr.) 1/3
Ball, ? (Mr.) 1/2, 1/4
Bancroft, George C. 1/6, 1/7
Barclay, Alex 1/3
Barnard, John 1/3
Barnes, A.S. 1/4
Barnes, John 1/3
Barney, ? (Mr.) 1/7
Barney, H. 1/11
Barrett, G.H. (Capt.) 1/4
Barrows, L.D. (Rev.) 1/5
Bartlett, A. (Capt.) 1/6
Beecher, James C. (Rev.) 1/4, 1/5, 1/6
Beecher, Thomas K. 1/5
Bell, ? (Capt.) 1/4
Benjamin, Dean C. 1/8
Benson, ? (Mr.) 1/3
Bill, F.W. (Rev.) 1/6
Bill, Henry 1/6
Bingham, ? (Rev.) 1/4
Bishop, Sereno E. (Rev.) 1/3, 1/4, 1/5
Bissell, S.B.S. (Rev.) 1/8, 1/14
Blackford, A.L. 1/6
Bliss, ? (Capt.) 1/4
Boggs, ? (Rev.) 1/5
Bohmen, ? (Capt.) 1/3
Bonney, S.W. 1/4
Booth, ? (Capt.) 1/6
Booth, William A. 1/8, 1/14
Boughton, P. (Rev.) 1/5, 1/7
Bragdon, Samuel (Capt.) 1/2
Briggs, Nathaniel 1/6
Bromley, ? (Capt.) 1/1
Brown, ? (Mr.) 1/4
Brown, Samuel 1/8
Bryce, ? (Mr.) 1/6
Buck, Benjamin T. 1/6
Buck, R.P. 1/8
Bullard, A. (Rev.) 1/11
Burgess, J.E. 1/8
Burke, James 1/3
Burr, H.B. 1/9, 1/10
Byron, Robert (Rev.) 1/10
Campbell, John A. 1/4
Campbell, Robert 1/3
Candlish, ? (Rev., Dr.) 1/4
Canney, ? (Mr.) 1/3
Carpenter, C.C. (Rev.) 1/7
Carrick, George (Capt.) 1/3
Carrington, ? (Mr.) 1/2
Carroll, J. Holstead (Rev.) 1/8
Cassidy, Anne (Mrs. John H.) 1/6
Cassidy, John H. 1/4, 1/5, 1/6
Castle & Cook 1/3
Castle, ? (Mr.) 1/3
Chase, ? (Mr.) 1/3
Cheney, ? (Rev.) 1/5
Chester, E.W. 1/11
Clark, J.G. 1/8
Clark, S.W. 1/15
Cleland, ? (Rev.) 1/2
Coan, Titus (Rev.) 1/4, 1/6
Cobb, ? (Gov.) 1/4
Coffin, ? (Capt.) 1/2
Collins, John S. 1/1
Colville, W.B. 1/6, 1/7
Cook, Bates 1/1
Cook, P.G. (Rev.) 1/10
Cookman, ? (Rev.) 1/5
Cope Bros. 1/6
Cottrill, William Robert 1/4
Countess of Aldborough 1/1
Cowens, John 1/4
Cox, ? (Dr.) 1/11
Crane, F. (Rev.) 1/4
Dahl, Peter 1/3
Damarest, James (Rev.) 1/5, 1/8
Damon, S.C. (Rev.) 1/4, 1/7, 1/10
Dana, M.G. (Rev.) 1/8
Danna, S.C. (Rev.) 1/9
Darling, Timothy 1/6
Dashiell, Robert L. (Rev.) 1/5
Davenport, R.W. 1/4
Davies, Henry E. 1/1
Davis, W. (Rev.) 1/8
Demarest, Morgan (Capt.) 1/6
Demmington, C.L. 1/8
Dennie, S.R. (Rev.) 1/8
Dennis, ? (Mr.) 1/2
Deuteil, M.L.M. 1/1
Dewitt, Thomas 1/11
Diell, ? (Rev.) 1/1
Dollner, H. 1/7
Dowm, ? (Mr.) 1/3
Dubois, ? (Capt.) 1/4
Dunning, ? (Rev.) 1/1
DuPont, F.S. (Rear Admiral) 1/6
Durant, Charles 1/8
Eastman, ? (Mr.) 1/6
Edwards, W. (Rev.) 1/4
Elliot, ? (Rev.) 1/3, 1/4
Emmons, ? (Capt.) 1/4
Erikson, E. 1/3
Erslaine, Anne 1/4
Eustis, W.T. (Jr.)(Rev.) 1/8
Ferris, Isaac 1/5
Field Bros. 1/6
Finney, G.W. (Rev.) 1/4
Fisher & Bird 1/5
Fitch, Eleazer T. 1/7
Fitzpatrick, ? (Senator) 1/4
French, ? (Mr.) 1/4, 1/5
Frisbie, R.L. (Rev.) 1/8
Furber, ? (Capt.) 1/3
Furman, Gabriel 1/1
Gelston, R. (Capt.) 1/1
Gibson, H.A. 1/10
Gidney, ? (Capt.) 1/2
Gilman, E.W. (Rev.) 1/8
Ginley, ? (Dr.) 1/4
Godeffraz, Adolph 1/6
Graham, Alexander 1/3
Graves, M.P. (Mrs.) 1/6
Greenlead, J. (Rev.) 1/1
Greenleaf, Jonathan 1/11
Gridley, John, M.D. (Rev.) 1/3
Griffin, George H. (Rev.) 1/2, 1/8
Griffin, W. 1/2
Guliaschth, Harriet 1/7
Hale, Thomas 1/1
Hallett, ? (Capt.) 1/2
Hanks, S.W. (Rev.) 1/5, 1/6, 1/7
Hanson, ? (Capt.) 1/4, 1/8
Hardy, Alpheus 1/6
Harper, John M. 1/4
Harris, E.N. (Rev.) 1/4, 1/15
Harris, W.D. 1/6
Hatfield, E.F. 1/11
Heart, ? (Capt.) 1/2
Hedstrom, G.B. (Rev.) 1/4
Heeper, T.D. (Rev.) 1/5
Hellond, Ola (Rev.) 1/9
Hern, ? (Mr.) 1/6
Higgins, ? (Capt.) 1/8
Higgins, George 1/4
Hill, G.W. (Capt.) 1/8
Holley, Robert 1/8
Holmes, J.W. 1/15
Holmes, Silas W. 1/1, 1/5
Holt, ? (Capt.) 1/2
Horton, ? (Capt.) 1/4
Howland, ? (Capt.) 1/4
Hubbell, J.W. (Rev.) 1/8
Hughes, George (Rev.) 1/4, 1/5
Hunt, T.D. (Rev.) 1/3
Huxford, Charles (Capt.) 1/8
Ingersol, ? (Capt.) 1/10
Jennings, ? (Capt.) 1/3
Johnson, J. (Rev.) 1/4, 1/5
Jones & Johnson, Mssrs. 1/3
Jones, Caleb 1/4
Jones, Charles J. (Rev.) 1/6
Jones, Thomas R. 1/8
Kenney, Wesley (Rev.) 1/5
Kent, J.E. (Capt.) 1/8
Kiddeer, ? (Rev.) 1/2
Kimball, H. (Mrs.) 1/6
King, J.A. 1/1
Kipp, F.L. (Rev.) 1/8
Kirk,? (Rev., Dr.) 1/4
Knoller, ? (Capt.) 1/3
Knowlton, C.L. 1/7
Knox, ? (Rev.) 1/2
Knox, John 1/1
Kolkenbeck, Emma 1/6, 1/7
Kolkenbeck, H. 1/7
Law, ? (Rev.) 1/5
Leavitt, William S. (Rev.) 1/8
Lee, Fistowick 1/10
Legg, ? (Dr.) 1/2, 1/5
Limeburner, ? (Capt.) 1/3
Lindehus, John (Rev.) 1/4
Lindelius, Jons 1/6, 1/7
Lindmark, John 1/1
Lindsley, C.E. (Rev.) 1/8
Little, Charles (Rev.) 1/8
Loomis, ? (Mr. & Mrs.) 1/2, 1/4
Loomis, Albert H. (Rev.) 1/5, 1/6, 1/8, 1/14, 1/15
Loomis, George 1/2
Loring, John 1/8
Low, James 1/7
Lyle, Edward W. (Rev.) 1/8
Lyngberg, A.M. 1/15
Maclay, R.S. (Rev.) 1/4, 1/5
Macy, W.A. (Rev.) 1/4, 1/5
Mayers, John (Rev.) 1/3, 1/4, 1/7
McElroy, J. (Rev.) 1/1
McEwen, ? (Capt.) 1/3
McGlashen, Alexander (Rev.) 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 1/5, 1/11, 1/15
McKay, ? (Capt.) 1/3
McKenzie, ? (Capt.) 1/2
McLauchlan, Charles 1/4
McLaughlin, Daniel D.T. (Rev.) 1/8
Medhorst, W.H. 1/4
Melson, Jacob Emanuel (Capt.) 1/3
Merritt, William Hamilton 1/7
Mershan, Stephen L. (Rev.) 1/8
Meyer, Anton (Rev.) 1/10
Middleton, ? (Mr.) 1/10
Monod, Henry 1/7
Morse, ? (Miss) 1/2
Moulton, Lydia P. 1/8
Mowatt, ? (Mr.) 1/10
Muller, Frances 1/7
Munro, Alexander (Rev.) 1/6
Needles, Lucy 1/5
Nelson, F.O. (Rev.) 1/7, 1/14
Newkirk, ? (Mr.) 1/4, 1/6
Nilsson, F.O. 1/8
Oliphant, D.W.C. 1/1
Oncken, J.G. (Rev.) 1/5
Ottinger, ? (Capt.) 1/3
Paine, Amasa (Capt.) 1/7
Palmer, N. (Capt.) 1/2
Parker, ? (Dr.) 1/6
Parker, ? (Rev.) 1/2
Parker, Joel 1/11
Parker, S.J. 1/4
Parthell, S. 1/6
Patton, W. 1/11
Pease, J. Morris 1/2
Peeke, George H. (Rev.) 1/8
Peet, Stephen (Rev.) 1/3
Pendleton, W.H. (Rev.) 1/5
Perity, P. 1/4
Petrie, ? (Mr.) 1/6
Pettingell, J.H. 1/9, 1/10
Phelps, S.D. (Rev.) 1/8
Pierce, ? (Capt.) 1/7
Pierson, John S. 1/8
Pike, D.P. (Rev.) 1/6
Plumb, N. 1/3
Pomeroy, ? (Rev., Dr.) 1/4
Porter, James (Rev.) 1/
Post, ? (Rev., Dr.) 1/3
Powell, William 1/8
Preture, ? (Mr.) 1/7
Randolph, ? (Capt.) 1/2
Ranlett, ? (Capt.) 1/6
Raye, ? (Capt.) 1/2
Reynolds, ? (Dr.) 1/6
Richardson & Walford 1/15
Richardson, Edward (Capt.) 1/1, 1/2, 1/5, 1/8
Ripley, J.B. 1/4
Roberts, I.J. 1/5
Robilliard, John H. 1/6, 1/7
Rockwell, J.E. (Rev.) 1/8
Rogers, George L. (Mrs.) 1/6
Rogers, Henry 1/10
Rogers, T. 1/6
Roussel, N. 1/5
Rowe, A.F. 1/5
Rowell, J. (Rev.) 1/4, 1/5
Ryan, John 1/8
Ryan, Washington 1/4
Ryding & Rynker, Mssrs. 1/8
Ryding, G. (Rev.) 1/6
Ryding, P.E. (Rev.) 1/3, 1/4, 1/7
Rymiker, ? (Mr.) 1/5
Rymken, F.L. 1/10
Sawtell, E.N. (Rev.) 1/1, 1/4, 1/5, 1/6, 1/7, 1/11
Sayre, ? (Capt.) 1/3
Schiepe, John Louis (Rev.) 1/2
Schilling, R.J. (Rev.) 1/6
Sears, Jacob (Rev.) 1/5
Sessions, I. (Rev.) 1/3, 1/4
Seward, D.M. (Rev.) 1/8
Shaw, Walter 1/6, 1/7
Shephard, Charles J. (Rev.) 1/8
Simpson, ? (Bishop) 1/5
Sinclair, Charles 1/15
Sisk, David 1/3
Slackford, E.F. (Capt.) 1/5
Smith, ? (Rev., Dr.) 1/3
Smith, Isaac T. 1/14
Smith, M.H. 1/4
Smith, S.D. & H.W. 1/4
Smith, W.S. 1/8
South, E.C. 1/5
Spaulding, J.S. (Rev.) 1/6, 1/8, 1/11
Speark, ? (Rev.) 1/4
Speer, ? (Mr.) 1/2
Spillman, ? (Dr.) 1/15
Spillman, William (Rev.) 1/5
Sproule, William J. (Rev.) 1/8
Stevens, Abel (Rev.) 1/5
Stevens, Samuel 1/1
Stoddard, A.F. 1/4
Strong, Eden (Rev.) 1/4, 1/8
Sullivan, Thomas V. (Rev.) 1/4
Swain, L. (Rev.) 1/8
Swan, N.L. (Rev.) 1/8
Swaney, ? (Rev.) 1/5, 1/6
Sylvestre, ? (Rev.) 1/7
Talbot, Charles N. 1/1
Taylor, ? (Dr.) 1/7
Taylor, Jeremiah (Rev.) 1/8
Taylor, M. (Rev.) 1/3, 1/4
Telleson, A.B. (Capt.) 1/3
Tenoketibm, S.S. (Rev.) 1/2
Thomas, J.C. 1/8
Thornton, A.S. 1/4
Todd, Samuel N. (Rev.) 1/8
Totten, ? (Col.) 1/4
Tracy, Daniel (Capt.) 1/4, 1/5
Tracy, Paul (Capt.) 1/4
Trevett, ? (Dr.) 1/7
Trible, J.F. (Capt.) 1/8
Troy, Daniel 1/5
Trumbull, David (Rev.) 1/6, 1/7, 1/8
Trumbull, Jennie L. 1/7
Turner, ? (Rev.) 1/4
Van Sindiren, A. 1/1
Von Hutton, Hugo K. 1/5
Voskamp, H. 1/7
Vrooman, ? (Rev.) 1/4
Wahlstedt, N.P. 1/10
Walford, Edward (Capt.) 1/5, 1/8
Ward, Elias O. 1/6
Warner, ? (Mr.) 1/7
Warren, J.P. (Rev.) 1/4, 1/5
Wassal, George 1/4
Weaver, ? (Col.) 1/10
Wheelwright, Eben 1/6
Wheelwright, John 1/1
Wheelwright, William 1/6
White, Erskine N. (Rev.) 1/8
Whitney, H.M. 1/10
Wiborg, A. (Rev.) 1/10
Wilcon, G.B. (Rev.) 1/8
Wilder, W.H. 1/5
Willey, ? (Mr.) 1/3
Williams, ? (Capt.) 1/10
Williams, ? (Mr.) 1/5
Williams, H.D. 1/6
Wilson, Hill (Rev.) 1/7
Wilson, Hiram (Rev.) 1/7
Wise, Henry A. 1/7
Witted, ? (Rev.) 1/8
Wolf, ? (Rev.) 1/4
Wood, John 1/1
Wood, M. 1/6
Worth, B.G. 1/10
Yates & Gooding, Mssrs. 1/3
Young, Brigham 1/4

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Index to Vessel Names
NOTE: The fraction(s) indicate the Box and Folder numbers where that particular reference can be found. For example, the researcher will find information about the schooner AGNES in Box 1, Folder 8 of the collection
AGNES (Schooner) 1/8
ALBANY (Ship) 1/2
ALBATROSS (Brig) 1/3
ALFRED (Schooner) 1/7
ALHANDSANA (Ship) 1/6
ANNA SMITH 1/2
ARAGO (Steamship) 1/6
ARLINGTON 1/4
ATALANTA 1/14
AUGUSTA (Steamer) 1/7
BEHRING (Ship) 1/3
BELLE (Bark) 1/4
CHARLES CARROLL (Ship) 1/1
CITY OF LONDON (Steamer) 1/7
CITY OF PITTSBURGH 1/3
COLOMBO (Steamer) 1/6
CONSTELLATION (Sloop of war) 1/4, 1/7
DAKOLATI 1/3
DEFIANCE 1/3
E. HAMILTON (Ship) 1/8
ELIZA BARNS 1/2
ELSWORTH (Brig) 1/2
EMERALD 1/3
FAYETTEVILLE (Schooner) 1/2
FLIGHT (Bark) 1/6
FLORIDA (Steamship) 1/8
FRANCES PALMER 1/7
GAZELLE 1/3
GENERAL TAYLOR (Bark) 1/2
GOLDEN GATE 1/3
GOLDEN RULE (Bark) 1/6
GOLDEN STATE (Ship) 1/6
GOOD HOPE (Ship) 1/10
GOVERNOR BROWN 1/4
GREAT REPUBLIC (Ship) 1/3, 1/4
GREENMAN (Ship) 1/6
GRIFFON 1/3
HAHNEMANN (Ship) 1/2
HANAM 1/3
HARMONIA (Steamship) 1/6
HELEN AUGUSTUS 1/3
HONDURAS (Bark) 1/8
HOPE GOODWIN (Ship) 1/3
HOWLAND 1/4
INDIA (Ship) 1/4
JANE HENDERSON 1/3
JENNIE S. (Schooner) 1/15
JOHN (Brig) 1/2
JOHN FREEMAN (Brig) 1/8
KAREN ELIZABETH (Bark) 1/3
KARNAK (Steamer) 1/6
KELVIN (Ship) 1/3
LACHIL 1/2
LADY MAYWOOD (Steamer) 1/2
LANCASTER (Steamship) 1/7
LAURADA 1/3
LEANDER (Ship) 1/7
LILY (Schooner) 1/4
LINDA (Ship) 1/6
LOUIS PHILLIPPE (Ship) 1/1
LYRA (Brig) 1/3
McCLELLAND (Revenue cutter) 1/3
MERSEY (Ship) 1/3
MONARCH OF THE SEA (Ship) 1/3
MORNING STAR 1/4
MOUNT VERNON 1/7
NAPOLEON (Bark) 1/5
NEW BERN (Steamer) 1/8
NIAGARA (Ship) 1/2
NONPARAILLE (Ship) 1/3
NORHTERN CROWN (Ship) 1/7
NORTH CAROLINA (Ship) 1/8
OCEAN HERALD 1/4
ORIENTAL 1/2
PARLIAMENT (Ship) 1/6
QUEEN OF THE CLIPPERS (Ship) 1/3
RATTLER (Ship) 1/6
RAYMOND (Steamer) 1/2
RICHMOND (U.S.S) 1/10
SALLIE SPANN (Steamer) 1/3
SAVANNAH (U.S.S) 1/7
SHOOTING STAR (Ship) 1/4
SMYRNA (Bark) 1/4
SOUTHERN CHIEF (Ship) 1/8
SOVEREIGN OF THE SEAS (Ship) 1/3
TALCA (Steamer) 1/6
TELEGRAPH (Schooner) 1/8
TRADE WIND 1/3
VILLAFRANCE (Ship) 1/10
WILD PIGEON 1/4
WINTHROP (Bark) 1/8

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Detailed Description of the Records

The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.

 

Correspondence and Reports; 1838-1871 and undated
Box Folder
1 1 Correspondence and Reports; 1838-1845
2 Correspondence and Reports; 1846-1850
3 Correspondence and Reports; 1851-1855
4 Correspondence and Reports; 1856-1857
5 Correspondence and Reports; 1858-1859
6 Correspondence and Reports; 1860-1862
7 Correspondence and Reports; 1863
8 Correspondence and Reports; 1864-1868
9 Correspondence and Reports; 1869-1870
10 Correspondence and Reports; 1871
11 Correspondence with Rev. John Spaulding; 1840 May-Dec
12 Instructions to Rev. M. T. Adam; 1840 Oct
13 Petitions to House of Rep. and to Sec. of Treasury; 1859
14 Commission,(Rev.) Frederick Nelson from Rev. H. Loomis; 1860 Jul
15 Miscellaneous Correspondence; undated
Correspondence and Reports; 1838-1871 and undated
Box Folder
2 1 Sailor’s Home Reports (New York); 1838-1862
2 Colored Sailors Home Reports, (New York); 1855-1866
3 Bethel Ship Reports, List of Cases Treated in Mobile Bay Hospital; 1857-1859
4 New Orleans Home Reports; 1859
5 Shipboard Library Reports; 1860
6 “Analysis of a Ship’s Library for Merchant Vessel”; 1865 May
7 “Ship’s Libraries, Their Need and Usefulness”; ca. 1878
8 Miscellaneous and undated reports
Bills, Receipts, Documents and Other Information on Specific Subjects in A.S.F.S. Collection; 1831-1910
Box Folder
3 0 Life Director Cerificate for Rev. N. Hawes and Rec. J. N. Campbell; 1831-1832
1 Miscellaneous bills, receipts, documents, etc.; 1838-1866
2 Proposals, reports, etc. re. printing of the “Sailors Magazine”; 1847
3 Papers re. Richardson and Walford; 1849-1867
4 Marine Insurance for Bethel Ship; 1858-1859
5 Booklet of donations, Providence, Rhode Island; 1856
6 Booklet of collections, Norwich, Connecticut; 1859 Dec 19
7 Booklet, “Special Donations”; 1868
8 Papers re. sidewalk and building repairs and contact, bills, letters etc. re. new building at West and Jane Streets; ca. 1906-1910
9 Mortgage; 1921
10 Building and burglary insurance; ca. 1920
11 List of Securities, Appropriations, Cash Disbursements, Treasurer’s Report, Finance Committee Reports, etc.; 1930-1934
12 Membership Certificate
13 Published brief re. Loss of the Luistania; undated
14 Unidentified material; undated
Legacies, Bequests, etc. From Estates to A.S.F.S.; ca. 1900-1920
Box Folder
4 1 Legacies, etc. from people whose last name begins with A-D; ca. 1900-1920
2 Legacies, etc. from people whose last name begins with E-J; ca. 1900-1920
3 Legacies, etc. from people whose last name begins with K-N; ca. 1900-1920
4 Legacies, etc. from people whose last name begins with O-Z; ca. 1900-1920
Annual Sermon, Misc. Tracts, Brochures, and Summaries of Annual Reports;
Box Folder
5 1 Copies
A.S.F.S. Membership Certificates;
Box
6 Blanks
Transferred to HFM 239
Unbound Issues of A.S.F.S. Publication, “Sailors Magazine”; 1829-1933
Box
7 Unbound Issues of A.S.F.S. Publication, “Sailors Magazine”; 1829-1935
Transferred – available in library periodicals collection.
Box
8 Unbound Issues of A.S.F.S. Publication, “Sailors Magazine”; 1836-1841
Transferred – available in library periodicals collection.
Box
9 Unbound Issues of A.S.F.S. Publication, “Sailors Magazine”; 1842-1846
Transferred – available in library periodicals collection.
Box
10 Unbound Issues of A.S.F.S. Publication, “Sailors Magazine”; 1847-1853
Transferred – available in library periodicals collection.
Box
11 Unbound Issues of A.S.F.S. Publication, “Sailors Magazine”; 1854-1858
Transferred – available in library periodicals collection.
Box
12 Unbound Issues of A.S.F.S. Publication, “Sailors Magazine”; 1861-1864
Transferred – available in library periodicals collection.
Box
13 Unbound Issues of A.S.F.S. Publication, “Sailors Magazine”; 1865-1868
Transferred – available in library periodicals collection.
Box
14 Unbound Issues of A.S.F.S. Publication, “Sailors Magazine”; 1869-1871
Transferred – available in library periodicals collection.
Box
15 Unbound Issues of A.S.F.S. Publication, “Sailors Magazine”; 1872-1873
Transferred – available in library periodicals collection.
Box
16 Unbound Issues of A.S.F.S. Publication, “Sailors Magazine”; 1874-1876
Transferred – available in library periodicals collection.
Box
17 Unbound Issues of A.S.F.S. Publication, “Sailors Magazine”; 1880-1933
Transferred – available in library periodicals collection.
Various Issues of A.S.F.S. Publication, “Life Boat,”; ca. 1900
Box
18 Various Issues of A.S.F.S. Publication, “Life Boat”; ca. 1900
Transferred – available in library periodicals collection.
A.S.F.S. Publication “American Seamen – A Review”; 1941-1943
Box
19 A.S.F.S. Publication, “American Seamen – A Review”; 1941-1943
A.S.F.S. Publication “Port Exchange”; 1959-1975
Box
20 A.S.F.S. Publication, “Port Exchange”; 1959-1975
A.S.F.S. Publication “The Law of Seamen”; 1968-1974
Box
21 A.S.F.S. Publication, “The Laws of Seamen”; 1968-1974
Annual Reports; 1900-1930
Box
22 Annual Reports; 1900-1930
Executive Director’s Reports and Chaplains’ Reports; ca. 1950-1970
Box
23 Executive Directors’ Reports and Chaplains’ Reports; ca. 1950-1970
Pamphlets, Booklets, Brochures, Circulars and other Miscellaneous Items published by A.S.F.S.; 1858–1953
Box Folder
24 1 Brochure, “Do You Know These Famous Buildings in the Port of New York”; undated
2 “An Act of Incorporation, Constitution,” and By-Laws of A.S.F.S.; (1858) 1908-1932
3 Circular, “Convalescent Homes for Seamen; undated
4 Unpublished 3-act play “The Call of the Sea,” by William Elling, Librarian, A.S.F.S.; undated
5 Annual Sermon by Rev. William Rogers Richards Before the A.S.F.S.; 1908 Oct 4
6 Brochures, “Lodgings Entertainment Canteen in the Port of New York for Merchant Seamen” (2nd and 4th edititions); undated
7 Booklet, “The American Seamen’s Friend Society; ca. 1953
8 “Notes of Fifty Year’s Efforts for the Welfare of Seamen; 1878
9 Booklet, “Pocket Atlas of W. W. II”; ca. 1943
10 Pamplets, Brochures, etc. with Information about A.S.F.S. Loan Libraries; ca. 1920
11 Pamphlet, “Manual of the A.S.F.S.; 1932
12 Booklet, “The Acts of the Apostles of the Sea, An 80 Year Records of the Work of the A.S.F.S.”; 1908
13 Booklet, “Along the Waterfront”; 1911-1913
14 Letterhead stationary of the A.S.F.S.
15 Periodical booklet, “American Seamen”; 1944-1945
16 Programs for International Maritime Races; 1952, 1953
17 Miscellaneous published material of A.S.F.S.
Miscellaneous Items Related to the Work of the A.S.F.S.; 1937-1964
Box Folder
25 1 Booklet guides for seamen published by the Norwegian Seamen’s Church and the British Sailors’ Society; ca. 1937
2 Booklet, “Merchant Seamen and the Law”; 1945
3 Program “Dedication of the U. S. Merchant Marine Memorial Chapel”; 1961
4 Pamphlet “25th Anniversary United Seamen’s Service”; 1942-1967
5 Pamphlet, “Payoff In Progress,” Seamen’s Club of Mobile; undated
6 Booklet, “Operation Sail”; 1964
7 Passenger lists, S. S. MINNEWASKA, and R. M. S. MAURETANIA; 1924 Jul, Sep
8 Brochure, “The Sailors’ Snug Harbor”; ca. 1960
9 Booklets abou the Seamen’s Bank, N. Y.; ca.1964
10 Miscellaneous Items Related to the Work of the A.S.F.S.
11 Statement of Gratitude by 5 Surviving Crew Members of the R. M. S. TITANTIC; 1912 May 1
12 VCR tape, “Citizen of the High Seas,” A.S.F.S.; ca. 1950
Additional Material (added in 1980); 1942-1955
Box Folder
26 1 Agenda, Executive Committee Meeting; 1950 Dec 7
2 Kelivator Refrigerator booklet – new refrigerator obviously bought; 1949-1950
3 Mariners House on Prince Bay, Staten Island, N. Y. Seamen’s rest/convalescent home- also known as Bulter Manor. Letters about repair and running of house. Inventory mae in 1953, bills for repair. Story of its purchase in 1948, decision to sell in 1954, rules for admission and staying at the home and applications for admission; 1940 Mar-1954 May
4 Mariners House on Prince Bay, Staten Island, N. Y. Legal Papers on Purchase; 1948 May
5 Membership: Information on the Society, also 1952 Material on Mystic Seaport
6 Merchant Marine Academy – Kings Point, N. Y. Letters in relation to annual award from the Society to a graduating cadet-midshipman; 1950-1955
7 Ruling by N. Y. State Dept. of Labor that the Society is a non profit organization and not liable, as an employer for contributions under N. Y. State Unemployment Insurance Law; 1953
8 Letter from Edgar Luckenback, Jr. to John Noble, Exec. Director of the Society, urging him to join the Navy League; 1953 Jun 17
9 N. Y. Telephone Company – the phone companies wartime booklet, “For Members of the Armed Services in New York City”. Copies of phone company’s bulletin – clippings about the Society. Application for charitable discount for Seamen’s Convalescent Home; 1944-1946
10 In reference to $4,000 grant made to the Norwegian Seamen’s Home by the Society to establish a library and study service for Scandinavian Seamen; 1952-1953
11 Copies of letters to Mr. Arthur Curtiss James, in relation to a proposal to erect a building for use by sailors going through the Panama Canal; the inablity of the Society to erect the building and the return to Mr. James his donation; 1918-1922
12 Port of N. Y. Authority asking for passes for divers using Port Authority bridges and tunnels; 1953 May
13 Publicity on Society, also material from War Shipping Board; 1943-1953
14 Letters primarily to people trying to trace “lost” seamen or get information on going to sea; 1952-1955
15 Retirement resolutions of the Society’s employees for retiredment allowance; 1942-1947
16 Seamen’s House, 11th Ave. 20th St. N.Y C., Statistics of Library; attendance records at the Library; number of books lent; 1941-1954 Apr
17 Seamen’s Home Library, statistics, attendance reports; 1954 May-1955 Jun
18 N. Y. State Legislative Committee, Information on the Society as charitable organization; 1953
19 Traffic summonses; 1947, 1951
20 Reports of Investment Income of the Society. Also statements of receipts and disbursements, United States Trust Co. of N. Y.; 1952 Apr-Nov, 1953 Mar-Dec
Box Folder
27 1 Letters to/from Matthew G. Ely. Mr. Ely was a Trustee of the Society & Chairman of the Committee to find office space for the Society. Included are statistics on ships clearing the port of New York, and those serviced by the Society in 1946. Also libraries placed on named ships in 1946.; 1943 Jan-1947 Dec 15
2 Letters/material on employees of the Society; 1945-1954
3 Request for employment by Robert de Joiro; 1953 Mar
4 Auditor’s Report; Annual Report, President’s Report, Proposals for Service, Bylaws of the Society, Agenda for Exec. Committee, plus tentative budget; 1944-1952
5 Executive Committee Meeting agenda Oct 17, Copies of proposals; established a Social Service Program; Sponsor National Council of Seamen’s Agencies, Establish the College of the Sea to teach English to foreign sailors, Establish shore libraries in Union halls. Nov 7 Agenda; 1951
6 Report of the Executive Committee meeting and letter following up that meeting from Executive Director; 1952 Jan 18
7 Minutes of Executive meeting along with letter returning minutes form Lybrand, Ross Bros. & Montgomery, CPA’s; 1952 Apr 14
8 Letter, May 19, from the Federal Security Agency, Public Health Service citing teachers needed in the rehabilitation program at the U.S. Marine Hospital for TB. Agenda Jun 2, for the Executive Committee Meeting; 1952
9 Minutes of meeting of Executive Committee; 1952 Nov 19
10 Minutes of meeting of Executive Committee; 1953 Apr 22
11 Minutes of Jul 20 meeting of Executive Committee plus agenda; and minutes of Sep 17 meeting of Executive Committee, also noted that the Mariner’s house on Staten to be closed.; 1953
12 Agenda, proposed buget for next year, Executive Director’s Report for Mar 31 meeting of Executive Committee, Agenda for Annual Meeting May 11; 1954
13 Minutes of the Executive Committee Meeting; 1954 Apr 20
14 Reports of the Executive Director; ca. 1952-1953
15 Letters regarding insurance, plus forms; 1946-1955
16 Miscellaneous correspondence; 1953, 1955
17 Correspondence, etc. Library; 1942-1955
18 Contributions from ships; 1950 Nov-1952 Aug
19 Letters of appreciation from ship’s crews; 1942-1945, 1949-1951
20 Letters and statistics regarding 5 State Street Library; 1952-1954
21 Record of papers found in the basemetn of the Society
22 Photo of the last Chaplain of the Society, William A. Heller
Box Folder
28 1 Office space in Flat Iron Building, NYC; rent increases; 1943-1949
2 Appeals for funds to foundations; 1947 Apr-May
3 Fund raising, 1950 Appeal for funds, Charles Hayden Foundation; 1951
4 Cerificates of Appreciation to A. S. F. A. in Fur Vests Projects. Fur lined vests to be distributed to U.S. Merchant Marine and United Nations Merchant Marine; 1942, 1944
5 Letters/articles with information about A. S. F. A. and its work
6 International Seamen’s Center proposal, prospectus, etc.
7 Correspondence of Knowlton Durham, who was chairman of th A. S. F. A. Executive Committee; 1942-1947
8 Two miscellaneous letters; 1953 Apr, 1955 May
9 Request for information on admission to Mariner’s Home on Staten Island, and magazine subscription requests; 1950-1951, 1952-1953
10 Records of Mariner’s House; 1948-1954
11 Copies of Rules for Admission
12 Minutes of the Executive Committee Meeting; 1950 May 18, 1950 Dec 7, 1952 Jan 18, and undated
13 Minutes, speeches of the National Councils of Seamen’s Agencies Meetings; 1948-1955
14 N. Y. State Maritime College- A. S. F. A. Award; 1953-1955
Volumes; A.S.F.S. Reports; 1829-1928
Volume
1 A.S.F.S. Reports; 1829-1844
2 A.S.F.S. Reports; 1845-1857
3 A.S.F.S. Reports; 1858-1865
4 A.S.F.S. Reports; 1866-1875
5 A.S.F.S. Reports; 1876-1886
6 A.S.F.S. Reports; 1887-1894
7 A.S.F.S. Reports; 1895-1904
8 A.S.F.S. Reports; 1905-1911
9 A.S.F.S. Reports; 1911-1917
10 A.S.F.S. Reports; 1918-1928
11 A.S.F.S. 50th Annual Report; 1878
Volumes; A.S.F.S. Library Register
Volume
12 A.S.F.S. Library Register, No. 1 to 138
13 A.S.F.S. Library Register, Vol. II (“Memo of Libraries Sent to Sea, 1863”)
14 A.S.F.S. Library Register, Vol. III
15 A.S.F.S. Library Register, Vol. IV
16 A.S.F.S. Library Register, Vol. V
17 A.S.F.S. Library Register, Vol. (?)
18 A.S.F.S. Library Register, Vol. VI
19 A.S.F.S. Library Register, Vol. VII
20 A.S.F.S. Library Register, Vol. VIII
21 A.S.F.S. Library Register, Vol. IX
22 A.S.F.S. Library Register, Vol. (X?)
23 A.S.F.S. Library Register, Vol. XI
24 A.S.F.S. Library Register, Vol. XV
25 A.S.F.S. Library Register, Vol. XVI
26 A.S.F.S. Library Register, Vol. XVII
27 A.S.F.S. Library Register, Vol. XVIII
28 A.S.F.S. Library Register, Vol. XIX
29 A.S.F.S. Library Register, Vol. XX
30 A.S.F.S. Library Register, Vol. XXI
31 A.S.F.S. Library Register, Vol. XXII
32 A.S.F.S. Library Register, Vol. XXIII
33 A.S.F.S. Library Register, Vol. XXIV
34 A.S.F.S. Library Register, Vol. XXV
35 A.S.F.S. Library Register, Vol. XXVI
36 A.S.F.S. Library Register, Vol. XXIX
Volumes; Minutes; 1828-1841
Volume
37 Minutes, Executive Committee; 1828-1832
38 Minutes, Executive Committee; 1833-1841
39 Minutes, Executive Committee; 1841-1845
40 Minutes; 1845-1863
41 Minutes; 1864-1881
42 Minutes; 1882-1903
43 Minutes; 1903-1911
44 Minutes; 1911-1914
45 Minutes; 1914 Oct-1921 Dec
46 Minutes; 1922 Jan-1926 Dec
47 Minutes; 1927 Jan-1936 Dec
48 Minutes; 1937 Jan-1941 Feb
Volumes; miscellaneous
Volume
49 Ledger; 1841-1862
50 Journal; 1866-1871
51 Journal; 1879 Apr-1888 Oct
52 Daybook and Journal; 1881 Apr-1889 Dec
53 Daybook and Journal; 1890 Jan-1910 Mar
54 Journal; 1910 Apr-1942 Mar
55 Cashbook; 1881 Apr-1886 Dec
56 Cashbook; 1887 Jan-1893 Jan
57 Cash; 1893-1899
58 Cash; 1899 Feb-1904 Feb
59 Cash; 1904-1908
60 Cash; 1909-1912
61 Printed Cash Receipts; 1916-1926
62 Cash and Ledger Receipts; 1905-1916
63 Cash and Ledger Receipts; 1916-1926
64 Cashbook “Sailors Magazine”; 1905-1933
65 Ledger Balances; 1928-1934
66 Trial Balances; 1939-1947
Volumes; Supplement Minutes; 1914-1937
Volume
67 Supplement Minutes; 1914 Oct-1916 Feb
68 Supplement Minutes; 1916 Mar-1917 Sep
69 Supplement Minutes; 1917 Oct-1919 Feb
70 Supplement Minutes; 1919 Mar-1920 Nov
71 Supplement Minutes; 1920 Dec-1922 May
72 Supplement Minutes; 1922 May-1923 Nov
73 Supplement Minutes; 1923 Nov-1925 May
74 Supplement Minutes; 1925 Sep-1926 Dec
75 Supplement Minutes; 1927 Jan-1937 Dec
Volumes; Annual Meeting Minutes; 1828-1940
Volume
76 Annual Meeting Minutes; 1828-1928
77 Annual Meeting Minutes; 1929-1940
Volumes; Loan Library Records; 1873-1940
Volume
78 Loan Library Records; 1873-1881
79 Loan Library Records; 1921-1933
80 Loan Library Records; 1933-1940
Volumes; Records; 1921-1940
Volume
81 Records of books purchased for maintenance of loan libraries; ca. 1931-1940
82 Records of Shipwrecked and Destitute Seamen; 1921-1925
83 Records of Shipwrecked and Destitute Seamen; 1925-1929
84 “Record of the Committee On the Sailor’s Home, Commencing May 1858”
85 Diary kept by Christopher Prince a member of the Bethel Union and supporter of Mariner’s Church; 1821-1825
Volumes; Letterbook; 1831-1916
Volume
86 Letterbook; 1831-1856
87 Letterbook; 1858-1859
88 Letterbook; 1913-1916
Volumes; A.S.F.S. Legacies
Volume
89 A.S.F.S. Legacies, 1-89
90 A.S.F.S. Legacies, 90-155
91 A.S.F.S. Legacies, 156-216
92 A.S.F.S. Legacies, 217-264
93 Legacies Index; undated
Volumes, miscellaneous
Volume
94 “Committee on Chaplaincies and Agencies”; 1845-1869
95 A.S.F.S. Notebook of donations; ca. 1870-1875
96 “Salaries, Wages, and Annuity Before 1942”
97 “Records, Finance Committee, 1908”
98 “Donations and Expenditures for a/c Sailors’ Home and Institute Building Fund” (typed copy); ca. 1909-1913
99 “Brief Historical Reference to the ‘Joint Conference’ Organized in January 1897” (typed copy)
100 Seamen’s Devotional Assistant; 1830 ed.
101 Mariner’s Hymns; 1836 ed.
Volumes; Scrapbooks; 1887-1953
Volume
102 Scrapbook; 1887-1900
103 Scrapbook, “press clippings”; 1914-1916
104 Scrapbook, “publicity”; undated
105 Scrapbook, 1953 International Maritime Races; 1953
106 Scrapbook, A. S. F. S publications and other miscellaneous printed matter; undated

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