Abbatt Family Collection
User Collection Public
The Abbatt family was a Quaker family who lived in the towns and villages of Preston, Ribchester and Garstang in Lancashire, England. Family members include Robert Abbatt, Jonathan Abbatt (1829-1905), and Mary Dilworth Abbatt (1828-1901). The collection is comprised of courtship correspondence between Jonathan Abbatt and Mary Dilworth.
The letters chronicle their courtship, discussions of faith, and local events, and feature examples of cross-hatching, where a letter writer saved paper by overlapping one set of writing with another set at right angles.
The collection also includes a bound volume of a copy of a waterworks grant (dating from 1729 to 1750) from the Corporation of Preston for Robert Abbatt and Thomas Kellet to establish Preston Waterworks.
Additional materials relating to the family can be found in the Abbatt Family Fonds.
Permalink: http://vault.library.uvic.ca/collections/8b00d0e7-ff21-4fc7-b8ab-7e75f77ce0f8
Collection Details
- Items 169
- Last Updated 2025-05-20
Works (169)
51. Letter from Jonathan Abbatt to Mary Dilworth (later Abbatt), October 18, 1853
- Title:
- Letter from Jonathan Abbatt to Mary Dilworth (later Abbatt), October 18, 1853
- Description:
- This letter is part of a series of courtship correspondence between Jonathan Abbatt and Mary Dilworth (later Abbatt). The Abbatt family was a Quaker family who lived in the towns and villages of Preston, Ribchester, and Garstang in Lancashire, England. The letters chronicle the courtship, discussions of faith, local events, shared sentiments, etc. Mary sometimes addressed as Polly in the letters. Please note that the months on the letters’ dates were added as numerical values rather than the month's name (e.g. 2 Mo = February). Jonathan apologizes for not writing back sooner, but he'll be visiting her soon. He inquires about her women only meeting, and wonders what they all gossip about.
- Subject:
- Families, Man-woman relationships, Courtship, Faith, Quakers--Family relationships, Interpersonal relations, Marriage, Man-woman relationships--Religious aspects, and Quakers
- Creator:
- Abbatt, Jonathan, 1829-1905
- Contributor:
- Abbatt, Mary, 1828-1901
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1853-10-18
- Rights Statement:
- No Copyright - Non-Commercial Use Only
- License:
- Contact Special Collections and University Archives for access to the original. This material is made available on this site for research and private study only.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- Extent:
- 3 pages
- Geographic Coverage:
- England--Garstang
- Coordinates:
- 53.90081, -2.77417
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Handwritten in black ink. Stamp on envelope.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Abbatt Family Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- correspondence, letters (correspondence), personal correspondence, and envelopes
- Archival Item Identifier:
- Accession Number: 2011-039, File: 1.3
- Fonds Title:
- Abbatt family fonds
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC463
- Is_referenced_by:
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/abbatt-family-fonds
- Date Digitized:
- 2020-10-27
- Technical Note:
- Metadata by MT.
52. Letter from Jonathan Abbatt to Mary Dilworth (later Abbatt), October 23, 1853
- Title:
- Letter from Jonathan Abbatt to Mary Dilworth (later Abbatt), October 23, 1853
- Description:
- This letter is part of a series of courtship correspondence between Jonathan Abbatt and Mary Dilworth (later Abbatt). The Abbatt family was a Quaker family who lived in the towns and villages of Preston, Ribchester, and Garstang in Lancashire, England. The letters chronicle the courtship, discussions of faith, local events, shared sentiments, etc. Mary sometimes addressed as Polly in the letters. Please note that the months on the letters’ dates were added as numerical values rather than the month's name (e.g. 2 Mo = February). Jonathan asks to rearrange their visit as the weather wasn't nice enough for him to walk over. He's concerned that they haven't seen each other a lot lately, and he would like them to spend more time together to have more loving feelings, especially if they were to marry.
- Subject:
- Man-woman relationships--Religious aspects, Faith, Interpersonal relations, Marriage, Quakers, Families, Quakers--Family relationships, Courtship, and Man-woman relationships
- Creator:
- Abbatt, Jonathan, 1829-1905
- Contributor:
- Abbatt, Mary, 1828-1901
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1853-10-23
- Rights Statement:
- No Copyright - Non-Commercial Use Only
- License:
- Contact Special Collections and University Archives for access to the original. This material is made available on this site for research and private study only.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- Extent:
- 5 pages
- Geographic Coverage:
- England--Garstang
- Coordinates:
- 53.90081, -2.77417
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Handwritten in black ink. Stamp on envelope.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Abbatt Family Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- personal correspondence, envelopes, letters (correspondence), and correspondence
- Archival Item Identifier:
- Accession Number: 2011-039, File: 1.3
- Fonds Title:
- Abbatt family fonds
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC463
- Is_referenced_by:
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/abbatt-family-fonds
- Date Digitized:
- 2020-10-27
- Technical Note:
- Metadata by MT.
53. Letter from Jonathan Abbatt to Mary Dilworth (later Abbatt), November 02, 1853
- Title:
- Letter from Jonathan Abbatt to Mary Dilworth (later Abbatt), November 02, 1853
- Description:
- This letter is part of a series of courtship correspondence between Jonathan Abbatt and Mary Dilworth (later Abbatt). The Abbatt family was a Quaker family who lived in the towns and villages of Preston, Ribchester, and Garstang in Lancashire, England. The letters chronicle the courtship, discussions of faith, local events, shared sentiments, etc. Mary sometimes addressed as Polly in the letters. Please note that the months on the letters’ dates were added as numerical values rather than the month's name (e.g. 2 Mo = February). Jonathan writes that his mother has written to him, and told him that his brother Thomas has left his partnership, and has opened his own shop. His other brother William(?) has taken over their father's business. He also mentions that sometimes he prefers to speak with her in person instead of writing.
- Subject:
- Quakers, Faith, Courtship, Families, Quakers--Family relationships, Marriage, Man-woman relationships, Interpersonal relations, and Man-woman relationships--Religious aspects
- Creator:
- Abbatt, Jonathan, 1829-1905
- Contributor:
- Abbatt, Mary, 1828-1901
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1853-11-02
- Rights Statement:
- No Copyright - Non-Commercial Use Only
- License:
- Contact Special Collections and University Archives for access to the original. This material is made available on this site for research and private study only.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- Extent:
- 5 pages
- Geographic Coverage:
- England--Garstang
- Coordinates:
- 53.90081, -2.77417
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Handwritten in black ink. Stamp on envelope.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Abbatt Family Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- envelopes, letters (correspondence), personal correspondence, and correspondence
- Archival Item Identifier:
- Accession Number: 2011-039, File: 1.3
- Fonds Title:
- Abbatt family fonds
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC463
- Is_referenced_by:
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/abbatt-family-fonds
- Date Digitized:
- 2020-10-27
- Technical Note:
- Metadata by MT.
54. Letter from Mary Dilworth (later Abbatt) to Jonathan Abbatt, November 10, 1853
- Title:
- Letter from Mary Dilworth (later Abbatt) to Jonathan Abbatt, November 10, 1853
- Description:
- This letter is part of a series of courtship correspondence between Jonathan Abbatt and Mary Dilworth (later Abbatt). The Abbatt family was a Quaker family who lived in the towns and villages of Preston, Ribchester, and Garstang in Lancashire, England. The letters chronicle the courtship, discussions of faith, local events, shared sentiments, etc. Mary sometimes addressed as Polly in the letters. Please note that the months on the letters’ dates were added as numerical values rather than the month's name (e.g. 2 Mo = February). Mary reassures Jonathan that his "impatience" won't driver her away. She updates him on her relatives visiting.
- Subject:
- Interpersonal relations, Courtship, Man-woman relationships--Religious aspects, Marriage, Quakers, Man-woman relationships, Faith, Families, and Quakers--Family relationships
- Creator:
- Abbatt, Mary, 1828-1901
- Contributor:
- Abbatt, Jonathan, 1829-1905
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1853-11-10
- Rights Statement:
- No Copyright - Non-Commercial Use Only
- License:
- Contact Special Collections and University Archives for access to the original. This material is made available on this site for research and private study only.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- Extent:
- 4 pages ; 18 x 22.8 cm
- Geographic Coverage:
- England--Preston (Lancashire)
- Coordinates:
- 53.76282, -2.70452
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Handwritten in black ink. Stamp on envelope.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Abbatt Family Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- letters (correspondence), envelopes, correspondence, and personal correspondence
- Archival Item Identifier:
- Accession Number: 2011-039, File: 1.10
- Fonds Title:
- Abbatt family fonds
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC463
- Is_referenced_by:
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/abbatt-family-fonds
- Date Digitized:
- 2023-11-21
- Technical Note:
- Scanned on EPSON 10000XL (600 dpi no correction) by MTNote: there was a lot of colour correction done (brightness/contrast), especially from Abbatt_2011-039_1-12_361 to the end of the collection. Brightness/contrast settings are noted in README file.Scale: 65% reduction unless notedMetadata by MT
55. Letter from Jonathan Abbatt to Mary Dilworth (later Abbatt), November 12, 1853
- Title:
- Letter from Jonathan Abbatt to Mary Dilworth (later Abbatt), November 12, 1853
- Description:
- This letter is part of a series of courtship correspondence between Jonathan Abbatt and Mary Dilworth (later Abbatt). The Abbatt family was a Quaker family who lived in the towns and villages of Preston, Ribchester, and Garstang in Lancashire, England. The letters chronicle the courtship, discussions of faith, local events, shared sentiments, etc. Mary sometimes addressed as Polly in the letters. Please note that the months on the letters’ dates were added as numerical values rather than the month's name (e.g. 2 Mo = February). Mary is sick and Jonathan hopes she gets better soon. He tells Mary that his brother Thomas, and his wife Jane, just welcomed a baby boy.
- Subject:
- Faith, Quakers, Courtship, Marriage, Quakers--Family relationships, Interpersonal relations, Man-woman relationships, Man-woman relationships--Religious aspects, and Families
- Creator:
- Abbatt, Jonathan, 1829-1905
- Contributor:
- Abbatt, Mary, 1828-1901
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1853-11-12
- Rights Statement:
- No Copyright - Non-Commercial Use Only
- License:
- Contact Special Collections and University Archives for access to the original. This material is made available on this site for research and private study only.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- Extent:
- 5 pages
- Geographic Coverage:
- England--Garstang
- Coordinates:
- 53.90081, -2.77417
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Handwritten in black ink. Stamp cut out from envelope.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Abbatt Family Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- personal correspondence, correspondence, envelopes, and letters (correspondence)
- Archival Item Identifier:
- Accession Number: 2011-039, File: 1.3
- Fonds Title:
- Abbatt family fonds
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC463
- Is_referenced_by:
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/abbatt-family-fonds
- Date Digitized:
- 2020-10-27
- Technical Note:
- Metadata by MT.
56. Letter from Jonathan Abbatt to Mary Dilworth (later Abbatt), November 16, 1853
- Title:
- Letter from Jonathan Abbatt to Mary Dilworth (later Abbatt), November 16, 1853
- Description:
- This letter is part of a series of courtship correspondence between Jonathan Abbatt and Mary Dilworth (later Abbatt). The Abbatt family was a Quaker family who lived in the towns and villages of Preston, Ribchester, and Garstang in Lancashire, England. The letters chronicle the courtship, discussions of faith, local events, shared sentiments, etc. Mary sometimes addressed as Polly in the letters. Please note that the months on the letters’ dates were added as numerical values rather than the month's name (e.g. 2 Mo = February). Jonathan tells Mary that business is getting better for him. He mentions that he spent time with Sam Jespers and his sister, and how they all played music until late in the evening.
- Subject:
- Interpersonal relations, Man-woman relationships--Religious aspects, Families, Faith, Man-woman relationships, Quakers--Family relationships, Marriage, Courtship, and Quakers
- Creator:
- Abbatt, Jonathan, 1829-1905
- Contributor:
- Abbatt, Mary, 1828-1901
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1853-11-16
- Rights Statement:
- No Copyright - Non-Commercial Use Only
- License:
- Contact Special Collections and University Archives for access to the original. This material is made available on this site for research and private study only.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- Extent:
- 5 pages
- Geographic Coverage:
- England--Garstang
- Coordinates:
- 53.90081, -2.77417
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Handwritten in black ink. Stamp cut out from envelope.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Abbatt Family Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- correspondence, personal correspondence, letters (correspondence), and envelopes
- Archival Item Identifier:
- Accession Number: 2011-039, File: 1.3
- Fonds Title:
- Abbatt family fonds
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC463
- Is_referenced_by:
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/abbatt-family-fonds
- Date Digitized:
- 2020-10-27
- Technical Note:
- Metadata by MT.
57. Letter from Mary Dilworth (later Abbatt) to Jonathan Abbatt, November 21, 1853
- Title:
- Letter from Mary Dilworth (later Abbatt) to Jonathan Abbatt, November 21, 1853
- Description:
- This letter is part of a series of courtship correspondence between Jonathan Abbatt and Mary Dilworth (later Abbatt). The Abbatt family was a Quaker family who lived in the towns and villages of Preston, Ribchester, and Garstang in Lancashire, England. The letters chronicle the courtship, discussions of faith, local events, shared sentiments, etc. Mary sometimes addressed as Polly in the letters. Please note that the months on the letters’ dates were added as numerical values rather than the month's name (e.g. 2 Mo = February). Mary asks Jonathan if he would be able to visit her this week as she has to attend an event. She won't tell him what it is because she thinks he will laugh at her.
- Subject:
- Marriage, Quakers--Family relationships, Man-woman relationships, Man-woman relationships--Religious aspects, Quakers, Faith, Families, Interpersonal relations, and Courtship
- Creator:
- Abbatt, Mary, 1828-1901
- Contributor:
- Abbatt, Jonathan, 1829-1905
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1853-11-21
- Rights Statement:
- No Copyright - Non-Commercial Use Only
- License:
- Contact Special Collections and University Archives for access to the original. This material is made available on this site for research and private study only.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- Extent:
- 2 pages ; 18 x 22.1 cm
- Geographic Coverage:
- England--Preston (Lancashire)
- Coordinates:
- 53.76282, -2.70452
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Handwritten in black ink. Stamp on envelope.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Abbatt Family Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- personal correspondence, letters (correspondence), envelopes, and correspondence
- Archival Item Identifier:
- Accession Number: 2011-039, File: 1.10
- Fonds Title:
- Abbatt family fonds
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC463
- Is_referenced_by:
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/abbatt-family-fonds
- Date Digitized:
- 2023-11-23
- Technical Note:
- Scanned on EPSON 10000XL (600 dpi no correction) by MTNote: there was a lot of colour correction done (brightness/contrast), especially from Abbatt_2011-039_1-12_361 to the end of the collection. Brightness/contrast settings are noted in README file.Scale: 65% reduction unless notedMetadata by MT
58. Letter from Jonathan Abbatt to Mary Dilworth (later Abbatt), November 26, 1853
- Title:
- Letter from Jonathan Abbatt to Mary Dilworth (later Abbatt), November 26, 1853
- Description:
- This letter is part of a series of courtship correspondence between Jonathan Abbatt and Mary Dilworth (later Abbatt). The Abbatt family was a Quaker family who lived in the towns and villages of Preston, Ribchester, and Garstang in Lancashire, England. The letters chronicle the courtship, discussions of faith, local events, shared sentiments, etc. Mary sometimes addressed as Polly in the letters. Please note that the months on the letters’ dates were added as numerical values rather than the month's name (e.g. 2 Mo = February). Jonathan talks about the latest news with his business. He also talks about their upcoming engagement, and whether to rent a place in Preston (to which his mother in Bolton is interested).
- Subject:
- Interpersonal relations, Quakers--Family relationships, Courtship, Man-woman relationships, Faith, Families, Quakers, Marriage, and Man-woman relationships--Religious aspects
- Creator:
- Abbatt, Jonathan, 1829-1905
- Contributor:
- Abbatt, Mary, 1828-1901
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1853-11-26
- Rights Statement:
- No Copyright - Non-Commercial Use Only
- License:
- Contact Special Collections and University Archives for access to the original. This material is made available on this site for research and private study only.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- Extent:
- 6 pages
- Geographic Coverage:
- England--Garstang
- Coordinates:
- 53.90081, -2.77417
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Handwritten in black ink. Stamp on envelope.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Abbatt Family Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- letters (correspondence), envelopes, correspondence, and personal correspondence
- Archival Item Identifier:
- Accession Number: 2011-039, File: 1.3
- Fonds Title:
- Abbatt family fonds
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC463
- Is_referenced_by:
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/abbatt-family-fonds
- Date Digitized:
- 2020-10-27
- Technical Note:
- Metadata by MT.
59. Letter from Mary Dilworth (later Abbatt) to Jonathan Abbatt, December 02, 1853
- Title:
- Letter from Mary Dilworth (later Abbatt) to Jonathan Abbatt, December 02, 1853
- Description:
- This letter is part of a series of courtship correspondence between Jonathan Abbatt and Mary Dilworth (later Abbatt). The Abbatt family was a Quaker family who lived in the towns and villages of Preston, Ribchester, and Garstang in Lancashire, England. The letters chronicle the courtship, discussions of faith, local events, shared sentiments, etc. Mary sometimes addressed as Polly in the letters. Please note that the months on the letters’ dates were added as numerical values rather than the month's name (e.g. 2 Mo = February). Mary tells Jonathan that her cousin David told them about Jonathan taking (over?) J. Mulliner's business, to which Mary is happy about and tells him not to be anxious about it. She assures him that they will be married in good time, but it won't be next summer. She has heard a lot of gossip about them (such as Lucy Jackson asking her mother when they are to be married), but she is sure they can deal with it. There is a possibility that her family will move, and if that happens then their house would be available if his family wants to rent it (10 pounds per year).
- Subject:
- Quakers--Family relationships, Interpersonal relations, Quakers, Man-woman relationships, Courtship, Faith, Families, Marriage, and Man-woman relationships--Religious aspects
- Creator:
- Abbatt, Mary, 1828-1901
- Contributor:
- Abbatt, Jonathan, 1829-1905
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1853-12-02
- Rights Statement:
- No Copyright - Non-Commercial Use Only
- License:
- Contact Special Collections and University Archives for access to the original. This material is made available on this site for research and private study only.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- Extent:
- 4 pages ; 18 x 22.5 cm
- Geographic Coverage:
- England--Preston (Lancashire)
- Coordinates:
- 53.76282, -2.70452
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Handwritten in black ink. Stamp on envelope.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Abbatt Family Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- correspondence, envelopes, letters (correspondence), and personal correspondence
- Archival Item Identifier:
- Accession Number: 2011-039, File: 1.10
- Fonds Title:
- Abbatt family fonds
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC463
- Is_referenced_by:
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/abbatt-family-fonds
- Date Digitized:
- 2023-11-23
- Technical Note:
- Scanned on EPSON 10000XL (600 dpi no correction) by MTNote: there was a lot of colour correction done (brightness/contrast), especially from Abbatt_2011-039_1-12_361 to the end of the collection. Brightness/contrast settings are noted in README file.Scale: 65% reduction unless notedMetadata by MT
60. Letter from Jonathan Abbatt to Mary Dilworth (later Abbatt), December 09, 1853
- Title:
- Letter from Jonathan Abbatt to Mary Dilworth (later Abbatt), December 09, 1853
- Description:
- This letter is part of a series of courtship correspondence between Jonathan Abbatt and Mary Dilworth (later Abbatt). The Abbatt family was a Quaker family who lived in the towns and villages of Preston, Ribchester, and Garstang in Lancashire, England. The letters chronicle the courtship, discussions of faith, local events, shared sentiments, etc. Mary sometimes addressed as Polly in the letters. Please note that the months on the letters’ dates were added as numerical values rather than the month's name (e.g. 2 Mo = February). Jonathan tells Mary that her cousin Bessie and friend Elizabeth Drury, saw and talked to him about her, and maybe also tried to get info on when the engagement was going to happen.
- Subject:
- Faith, Courtship, Man-woman relationships, Families, Man-woman relationships--Religious aspects, Quakers, Interpersonal relations, Marriage, and Quakers--Family relationships
- Creator:
- Abbatt, Jonathan, 1829-1905
- Contributor:
- Abbatt, Mary, 1828-1901
- Language:
- eng
- Date Created:
- 1853-12-09
- Rights Statement:
- No Copyright - Non-Commercial Use Only
- License:
- Contact Special Collections and University Archives for access to the original. This material is made available on this site for research and private study only.
- Resource Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- Extent:
- 3 pages
- Geographic Coverage:
- England--Garstang
- Coordinates:
- 53.90081, -2.77417
- Additional Physical Characteristics:
- Handwritten in black ink. Stamp on envelope.
- Physical Repository:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Collection:
- Abbatt Family Collection
- Provider:
- University of Victoria (B.C.). Library
- Genre:
- personal correspondence, letters (correspondence), envelopes, and correspondence
- Archival Item Identifier:
- Accession Number: 2011-039, File: 1.3
- Fonds Title:
- Abbatt family fonds
- Fonds Identifier:
- SC463
- Is_referenced_by:
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/abbatt-family-fonds
- Date Digitized:
- 2020-10-27
- Technical Note:
- Metadata by MT.