Description
A collection of the correspondence of
William Rathbone, English ship-owner and merchant.
Background
William Rathbone IV (1757-1809) was a member of the noted Rathbone family of Liverpool,
England. He was the son of William Rathbone III and Rachel Rutter; he was a Liverpool
ship-owner and merchant, involved in the organization of American trade with Liverpool.
Originally a member of the Society of Friends, he felt compelled to write the "Narrative of
Events in Ireland among the Quakers in 1786" in protest against religious intolerance in the
Society, which resulted in his being disowned by the Hardshaw monthly Friends meeting at
Manchester in 1805. He would never join another religious body, though he occasionally
worshiped with local Unitarian congregations. As a committed opponent to slavery, he was a
founding member of the Liverpool Committee for the Abolition of the Slave Trade. Rathbone
married Hannah Mary Reynolds (1761-1839), they had eight children, four of whom lived to
adulthood. Rathbone died on February 11, 1809, and was buried at Liverpool Friends' Burial
Ground. Abraham Shackleton was a leading Quaker who ran a Quaker school in Ballitore, County
Kildare, Ireland.
Extent
2.16 Linear Feet
(1 box, 1 volume)
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from
or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The
responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining
necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at
the Huntington Library for more information.