Temporary record

William Henry Channing was the son of Francis Dana Channing and Susan Higginson Channing, and the nephew of the renowned Unitarian clergyman, William Ellery Channing. William Henry's father died shortly after his birth, and he was raised by his mother. After attending Boston Latin School and Harvard College (class of 1829), Channing entered Harvard Divinity School, embarking on a long and successful careeer as a reform-minded minister. He married Julia Allen of Rondout, N.Y. in 1836. According to his biographer in the Dictionary of American Biography, Channing "labored much in social reforms, and [was] a zealous and eloquent preacher."

Scope and contents:

Many of the letters in the Channing Papers were written by William Henry Channing's mother, Susan Channing. She reports family events and illnesses, expresses her dismay at her son's letter writing habits, and writes of her concerns for her son and his family. In a letter dated 11/8/45, she encourages William to leave a copy of his papers in a safe place at the suggestion of Francis and encourages him to consider purchasing a life insurance policy for which she would pay. An 1847 letter mentions the publication of the first volume of Channing's memoirs. In later letters she describes her growing interest in politics and in reading newspapers.

An 1843 letter from J.D. Channing to Susan Channing describes the meetings of a new "church of united brethern and christian friends" organized in New York by William Russell, and at which William H. Channing preached. The letter also mentions Ralph Waldo Emerson's attendance at the meeting and his visit afterwards.

During the Civil War, Channing served as the chaplin of Stanton Hospital. Five letters are from relatives and friends of deceased soldiers thanking Channing for his kind letters.

M-3099.2

Subjects

Channing, Susan
Channing, William H., 1810-1884
Chaplains
Clergy
Emerson, Ralph Waldo, 1803-1882
Harvard University--Students
Mothers and sons
Unitarians
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Medical care

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