Guide to the Leonard Woods Collection , 1818-1964, (bulk 1818-1879)
No restrictions.
Leonard Woods Collection, George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, Bowdoin College Library, Brunswick, Maine
The George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, like all archives and special collections libraries, is the creation of human beings who have collected, organized, and described things in ways that reflect personal, cultural, societal, and institutional biases. Although we strive to preserve and present collections in a manner that is respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in the collections, we acknowledge that our systems are neither neutral nor perfect. We encourage you to let us know if you encounter materials, descriptive language, or practices that are offensive or harmful, particularly those for which inadequate context or warning is offered. We are committed to modifying and updating our descriptive practices to use respectful and inclusive terminology and appreciate your help in this work. We look forward to supporting you in your research and learning together.
Leonard Woods, the fourth president of Bowdoin College, was born in Newbury, Massachusetts, on November 24, 1807. Woods was the fourth of ten children of Abbie Wheeler Woods and the Rev. Leonard Woods, who was the first professor in the Theological Seminary at Andover, Massachusetts. After preparing for college at Phillips Andover Academy, Woods matriculated at Dartmouth in 1824. He later switched to Union College, where he earned a reputation as a Greek scholar, graduating in 1827. He received advanced degrees from Colby (D.D., 1839), Harvard (D.D., 1846), and Bowdoin (LL.D., 1866). Only 32 years old, Woods became one of the youngest college presidents in the United States when he accepted the presidency at Bowdoin in 1839, a position he held until 1866. During his tenure the College completed the construction of Adams and Appleton Halls as well as the Chapel. A bachelor all his life, Leonard Woods died in Boston, Massachusetts, December 24, 1878.
Letters, images, articles, clippings, and other materials (1832-1964) relating to Leonard Woods. The bulk of the correspondence is between Woods and members of the Trustees, Overseers, and faculty of Bowdoin College. Most of the material in the collection concerns Woods' activities as President of the College, particularly his acceptance and resignation of this position, and the College's declaration of denominational status in 1846.
For related materials see the Leonard Woods Administrative Records.
Letters to and from Leonard Woods, spanning the years 1832 to 1874. The bulk of the correspondence is between Woods and members of the Boards (Trustees and Overseers) of Bowdoin College and chiefly concerns three issues: Woods' acceptance and resignation of the presidency and the College's declaration of denominational status in 1846. Notable correspondents include Robert Hallowell Gardiner (Overseer 1811-1841; Trustee 1841-1860) and faculty members Parker Cleaveland and Calvin Ellis Stowe.
Also included are fourteen letters written by or to the Reverend Leonard Woods, Sr., father of President Woods, dating from 1818-1839.
Arranged chronologically.
No restrictions.
Rev. Leonard Woods, Sr., to "Dear Sir" [Samuel Farrar, Esq.]. 3 January 1818 [1p.]
Rev. Leonard Woods, Sr., to "My Dearly Beloved Sir" [Hon. S. Van Rensselaer] Andover, Mass, 21 December 1829 [2p.]
John A. Yates to Leonard Woods, [Schenectady, NY]. 6 November 1832 [3p.]
John A. Yates to Leonard Woods, [Schenectady, NY]. 5 December 1832 [3p.]
Leonard Woods to "Dear Sir," Bangor. 28 October 1836 [2p.]
Leonard Woods to "My Dear Sir," Brunswick. 9 August 1838 [4p.]
Asa Cummings to "Rev. Dr. Woods, [Sr.]," Portland. 9 May 1839 [4p.]
David Shepley to "Very Dear Sir" [Rev. Dr. Woods, Sr.], North Yarmouth [Maine]. 9 May 1839 [4p.]
R.H. Gardiner to "My Dear Sir" [Rev. Dr. Woods, Sr.], Brunswick. 9 May 1839 [3p.]
[Rev. Thomas Curtis] to "My Dear Sir" [Leonard Woods], Augusta. 10 May 1839 [4p.]
Rev. Thomas Curtis to "Revd and Dear Sir" [Rev. Dr. Woods, Sr.], Augusta [Maine]. 10 May 1839 [4p.]
Rev. Thomas Upham to "Dear Sir" [Rev. Dr. Woods, Sr.], Brunswick. 10 May 1839 [2p.]
Rev. J.W. Ellingwood to "Dear Brother" [Rev. Dr. Woods, Sr.], Bath [Maine]. 10 May 1839 [4p.]
J.W. French to Leonard Woods, Portland. 10 May, 1839 [3p.]
George E. Adams to "Rev. & Dear Sir" [Rev. Dr. Woods, Sr.], Brunswick. 13 May, 1839 [2p.]
George E. Adams to Leonard Woods, Brunswick. 13 May 1839 [3p.]
Thomas Upham to "Dear Sir" [Rev. Dr. Woods, Sr.], Brunswick. 16 May 1839 [4p.]
Asa Cummings to "My Dear Sir" [Rev. Dr. Woods, Sr.], Portland. 18 May 1839 [3p.]
Parker Cleaveland to "My Dear Sir" [Rev. Dr. Woods, Sr.], Brunswick. 18 May 1839 [3p.]
Asa Cummings to "My Dear Sir" [Rev. Dr. Woods, Sr.], Portland. 22 May 1839 [4p.]
Jonathan Page, George E. Adams, etc. [Overseers] to Leonard Woods, Brunswick. 22 May 1839 [3p.]
C.E. Stowe to Leonard Woods, Philadelphia. 24 May 1839 [3p.]
Enoch Pond to Leonard Woods, Bangor. 7 June 1839 [3p.]
Leonard Woods to William P. Preble, R.H. Gardiner, and Benjamin Tappan, Bangor. 22 June 1839 [9p.]
C.S. Daveis to Leonard Woods, Portland. 27 June 1839 [3p.]
Tho[mas] C. Upham to Leonard Woods, Brunswick. 3 July 1839 [3p.]
Parker Cleaveland to Leonard Woods, Brunswick. 30 July 1839 [3p.]
Leonard Woods to Parker Cleaveland, Bangor. 2 August 1839 [4p.]
C.S. Daveis to Leonard Woods, Portland. 7 August 1839 [4p.]
Benjamin Tappan to Leonard Woods, Augusta. 14 August 1839 [1p.]
Edmund Quincy to Leonard Woods, Boston. 16 August 1839 [4p.]
Parker Cleaveland to Leonard Woods, Brunswick. 19 August 1839 [3p.]
Rev. Leonard Woods, Sr. To Asa Cummings, Andover [Mass], with note to overseers. 28 August 1839 [4p.]
Leonard Woods to William King, Brunswick. 6 November 1839 [2p.]
Leonard Woods to Robert H. Gardiner, Brunswick. 26 November 1839 [4p.]
William P. Preble to Leonard Woods, Portland. 5 June 1840 [2p.]
Leonard Woods to the Trustees and Overseers of Bowdoin College, [n.p.]. 1 September 1840 [2p.]
Leonard Woods to Robert Hallowell Gardiner, Paris [France]. 26 January 1841 [8p.]
H.H. Boody, Oliver Means, and Joseph Bartlett to Leonard Woods, Brunswick. 24 August 1841 [3p.]
Leonard Woods to John L. Layward, etc., Comm. of the Bangor Lyceum, Brunswick. 30 September 1841 [3p.]
Leonard Woods to [Robert Hallowell Gardiner], Brunswick. 23 November 1841 [2p.]
Leonard Woods to Mr. H.E. Prentiss, Brunswick, 16 December, 1841 [2p.]
Leonard Woods to Robert Hallowell Gardiner, Brunswick. 4 January 1842 [4p.]
Leonard Woods to Hon. Robert C. Winthrop, Boston. 3 February 1843 [4p.]
Leonard Woods to [?], Brunswick. 3 February 1843 [1p.]
Leonard Woods to Robert Hallowell Gardiner, Brunswick. 7 October 1843 [4p.]
Leonard Woods to Robert Hallowell Gardiner, Brunswick. 15 February 1844 [4p.]
Henry Flagg to Leonard Woods, Bangor. 13 July 1844 [3p.]
John Anderson to Leonard Woods, Portland. 17 July 1844 [4p.]
John Anderson to Leonard Woods, Portland. 20 July 1844 [4p.]
Leonard Woods to [Robert Hallowell Gardiner], Brunswick. 21 August 1844 [2p.]
Leonard Woods to [Robert Hallowell Gardiner], Brunswick. 11 November 1844 [2p.]
Leonard Woods to [Robert Hallowell Gardiner], Brunswick. 25 November 1844 [2p.]
John Anderson to Leonard Woods, Portland. 27 November 1844 [3p.]
John Anderson to Leonard Woods, Portland. 31 March 1845 [2p.]
John Anderson to Leonard Woods, Portland. 4 April 1845 [3p.]
Robert Hallowell Gardiner to Leonard Woods, Gardiner [Maine]. 31 October 1854 [4p.]
Charles G. Lorriy [?] to Leonard Woods, Boston. 12 November 1845 [4p.]
Charles G. Lorriy [?] to Leonard Woods, Boston. 1 December 1845 [4p.]
Leonard Woods to "My Dear Sir", Brunswick. 9 December 1845 [1p.]
C.S. Daveis to Leonard Woods, Portland. 10 June 1846 [4p.]
Copybook of letters bt. Woods and members of the Boards & Faculty regarding Bowdoin's denominational status Aug.- Dec., 1846
Leonard Woods to [Robert Hallowell Gardiner?], Brunswick. 6 August 1846 [2p.]
Leonard Woods to Robert Hallowell Gardiner, Brunswick. 16 November 1846 [2p.]
Leonard Woods to [Robert Hallowell Gardiner?], Brunswick. 29 November 1846 [2p.]
Charles S. Daveis & William Swan to Leonard Woods, Portland. 14 December 1846 [2p.]
J.W. Ellingwood to "Dear Sir" [Leonard Woods?], Bath. 8 July 1847 [1p.]
J.W. Ellingwood to Leonard Woods, Bath. 21 July 1847 [1p.]
Leonard Woods to [Robert Hallowell Gardiner?], Brunswick. 11 December 1848 [3p.]
Leonard Woods to "My dear Sir," Brunswick. 21 October 1849 [2p.]
Joseph Howard to Leonard Woods, Portland. 15 June 1850 [3p.]
Leonard Woods to "My Dear Sir", Brunswick. 15 July 1850 [1p.]
Leonard Woods to "My Dear Sir", Brunswick. 5 August 1852 [4p.]
Leonard Woods to "My Dear Sir", Brunswick. 13 August 1853 [3p.]
Leonard Woods to "My Dear Sir" [Bellamy Storer?], Brunswick. 9 June 1854 [4p.]
Leonard Woods to "My Dear Friend", Boston. 14 January 1855 [2p.]
Leonard Woods to [Robert Hallowell Gardiner?], Brunswick. 24 July 1857 [4p.]
Leonard Woods to [Robert Hallowell Gardiner?], Brunswick. 27 July 1857 [4p.]
Leonard Woods to "My Dear Sir", Brunswick. 19 October 1857 [4p.]
Leonard Woods to "My Dear Sir", Brunswick. 29 October 1857 [4p.]
Leonard Woods to [Robert Hallowell Gardiner?], Brunswick. 30 November 1857 [4p.]
Leonard Woods to "My Dear Sir", Brunswick. 5 December 1857 [2p.]
Leonard Woods to "My Dear Sir", Brunswick. 17 December 1857 [4p.]
Leonard Woods to "My Dear Sir", Brunswick. 3 February 1859 [4p.]
Leonard Woods to "My Dear Sir", Brunswick. 6 July 1859 [3p.]
Leonard Woods to "My Dear Sir", Brunswick. 10 July 1859 [2p.]
Leonard Woods to "My Dear Sir", Brunswick. 10 August 1859 [3p.]
D.R. Goodwin to "My Dear Sir", North Berwick [Maine]. 12 August 1859 [4p.]
Leonard Woods to "My Dear Sir", New York. 31 December 1859 [4p.]
Leonard Woods to "My Dear Sir", Brunswick. 31 January 1860 [2p.]
Leonard Woods to "Respected and Dear Sir," Brunswick. 26 March 1860 [4p.]
Leonard Woods to "My Dear Sir", Brunswick. [?] June, 1860 [4p.]
Leonard Woods to "My Dear Sir", Brunswick. 12 June 1860 [4p.]
Leonard Woods to "My Dear Sir", Brunswick. 20 July 1860 [4p.]
Leonard Woods to "My Dear Sir" [J.W. Ellingwood?], Brunswick. 28 July 1860 [4p.]
Leonard Woods to "My Dear Sir" [J.W. Ellingwood?], Brunswick. 9 August 1860 [7p.]
Leonard Woods to "My Dear Sir", Brunswick. 12 November 1860 [4p.]
P.A. Chadbourne to Leonard Woods, [n.p.]. [1860?] [4p.]
Leonard Woods to "Honored and Dear Sir," Brunswick. 27 March 1861 [6p.]
Leonard Woods to "My Dear Sir" [Robert Hallowell Gardiner?], Brunswick. 4 July 1862 [4p.]
Leonard Woods to George A. Thatcher, Brunswick. 21 July 1862 [1p.]
Leonard Woods to "My Dear Sir" [Robert Hallowell Gardiner?], Brunswick. 2 April 1863 [6p.]
Isaac Adams to Leonard Woods, Sandwich, N.H. 19 September 1863 [4p. w/env.]
John O. Fiske to Leonard Woods, Bath. 21 March 1866 [2p.]
Samuel Harris to Leonard Woods, Bath. 28 June 1866 [3p.]
John Pike to "My Dear Sir" [Leonard Woods], Rowley [Maine]. 29 June 1866 [3p.]
Leonard Woods to Ether Shepley and George Evans, Brunswick. 2 July 1866 [3p.]
Ether Shepley and George Evans to "The Trustees and Overseers of Bowdoin College," Portland. 3 July 1866 [2p.]
George Evans to Leonard Woods, Portland. 11 July 1866 [3p.]
Drafts of letters concerning President Woods' resignation, 1866
Leonard Woods to John Rogers, Brunswick. 11 January 1869 [1p.]
Leonard Woods to John Rogers, Brunswick. 28 July 1869 [1p.]
Leonard Woods to "My Dear Mr. Kidder", Brunswick. 20 November 1870 [4p.]
Leonard Woods to "My Dear Sir", Brunswick. 30 July 1873 [4p.]
Leonard Woods to William A. Wheeler, Brunswick. 24 February 1874 [3p.]
Leonard Woods to "Dear Sir" [John Rogers], [n.p.]. [n.d.] [3p.]
Leonard Woods to [Richard H. Dana], [n.p.]. [n.d.] [1p. fragment]
Leonard Woods to [?], [n.p.] [n.d.] [1p.]
Photographs, engravings, and two daguerreotypes, all of Leonard Woods. The images span the bulk of his presidency and consist mostly of head-shots, except where noted.
Arranged chronologically.
No restrictions.
ca.1845. 1 piece: 1 daguerreotype
ca.1845. 1 piece: 1 daguerreotype, presented by Marvin Sadik, 1964
ca.1845. 6 pieces: 6 engravings by J.C. Buttre from a daguerreotype
ca.1845. 1 piece: 1 photograph of Buttre engraving
ca.1850. 5 pieces: 5 photographs (copies) (subject facing right)
ca.1850. 2 pieces: 2 photographs (copies) (subject facing left)
ca.1855. 2 pieces: 2 photographs (1 copy, 1 original?)
ca.1860. 1 piece: 1 photograph (subject standing)
ca.1860. 2 pieces: 2 cabinet cards by Wm. Pierce
ca.1865. 2 pieces: 2 cabinet cards by Wm. Pierce & A.O. Reed
ca.1865. 3 pieces: 3 photographs of Pierce & Reed cabinet cards
ca.1865. 5 pieces: 5 photographs (copies) of Pierce & Reed cabinet cards
ca.1865. 1 piece: 1 photograph
Includes materials concerning Leonard Woods' inauguration as President of Bowdoin College in 1839, as well as a variety of his lectures, speeches, sermons, and prayer manuscripts and notes. Also includes biographical articles and clippings on both Woods and his sister, Sophia W. Hayden.
Arranged chronologically.
No restrictions.
Materials concerning the inauguration of Leonard Woods as President of Bowdoin College, 1839
Miscellaneous speeches, sermons, and prayers, ca. 1860
"Address on the Opening of the New Hall of the Medical School of Maine," by Leonard Woods, D.D., 1862
Newsclippings concerning the resignation of President Woods, 1866
Biographical newsclippings concerning President Woods, 1879-1964
"In Memoriam: Mrs. Sophia W. Hayden... [sister of President Woods]," by William B. Hayden, 1893 [copy]
"Lectures by Dr. Woods on ministerial duties," n.d. [mss. copy]