| Description | Rufus Jones wrote to Elizabeth Taylor Cadbury from Haverford , Pennsylvania in June 1948 sending 'a message of love' to her on the occasion of her ninetieth birthday. Jones writes that Elizabeth's life had 'meant so much' to him and his family, expressing his wish that Elizabeth would realise how 'deeply' her 'many years of devoted life and service' were appreciated by them and remarking on her 'life and vigor'.
Rufus Jones was suffering from illness when this letter was written, Jones remarking that he had been 'laid aside for several weeks'. Significantly, Jones's typed letter is unsigned and below a new letter, dated June 17th is featured, written by Rufus Jones's daughter Mary Hoxie Jones. In this handwritten addition to Jones's letter Mary Hoxie Jones states that her father had died in the afternoon after writing his letter to Elizabeth Taylor Cadbury, adding that he had had 'slipped away peacefully' during a nap before signing the letter. She apologises for overshadowing Elizabeth's birthday greetings with such sad news. A third passage is also featured, written by Rufus Jones's wife Elizabeth Jones who remarks how happy her husband had been to be writing a birthday letter to Elizabeth Taylor Cadbury, telling her 'what it has meant to us both to have your love and affection all through these years.' Elizabeth Jones wishes Taylor Cadbury a 'happy day' in recognition of 'a life so helpful to so many persons all over the world.'
Scott notes that this letter was amongst Elizabeth Taylor Cadbury's most treasured possessions, something which is reflected in her annotation of the words 'very special' on the front of the letter. |
| AdminHistory | Born in South China, Maine, Rufus Jones was educated at a Friends' boarding school before attending Haverford College in Pennsylvania. Jones was active in philanthropic work becoming president of the Young Men's Christian Association (Y.M.C.A.) and contributing to Quaker publications as editor of both the Friends' Review and The American Friend. After teaching at Quaker schools in New York and New England, Jones was appointed to teach at Haverford College in 1893 where he remained until his retirement in 1934 teaching the Bible and courses in psychology and ethics. Rufus Jones wrote extensively on mystical religion and the history of spiritual reformers. He was attributed with being one of the first writers to interpret the works of early mystics in the English language. Jones achieved thirteen honourary degrees throughout his career, reflecting the significance of his work. Alongside his teaching work, Jones established the American Friends' Service Committee and was awarded the Roosevelt Medal for Citizenship in 1942. Following his death in 1948, aged eighty five, Jones donated his extensive collection of books on mysticism to Haverford College. |