Asylum Company

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In April, 1794 Robert Morris, John Nicholson, and others organized the Asylum Company to develop or sell lands that they had already acquired in Luzerne, Northampton, and Northumberland counties, Pa. French emigres, founders of Azilum on the North Branch of the Susquehanna River, near present Towanda, were among their first customers. The company was reorganized twice: in 1795 Nicholson succeeded to Morris's interest, and in 1801 Nicholson's financial difficulties forced him to give up his interests. The company frequently came into conflict with Connecticut claimants, especially after 1801 when they expanded their operations to Bedford, Bradford and Lycoming counties.

From the description of Papers, 1786-1851 (inclusive), 1793-1836 (bulk). (Historical Society of Pennsylvania). WorldCat record id: 122632996

Land company located in Philadelphia, Pa.

From the description of Asylum Company records, 1794-1814. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 70979956

The Asylum Company was founded by Robert Morris, John Nicholson, and others in 1794 to settle and improve tracts of land in Pennsylvania and to establish a colony for French refugees. After the bankruptcy of both Morris and Nicholson, the company was reorganized by a group of Philadelphia merchants in 1801.

From the description of Minutes, 1794-1804 (inclusive), 1794, 1802-1804 (bulk). (Historical Society of Pennsylvania). WorldCat record id: 122489129

Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
referencedIn Nicholson, John, 1757-1800. John Nicholson family papers, 1786-1868. Library of Congress
creatorOf Morris, Robert, 1734-1806. Robert Morris papers, 1751-1802. New York Public Library System, NYPL
referencedIn Read Family Papers, 1568-1906, (bulk 1775-1906) Library of Congress. Manuscript Division
creatorOf Asylum Company. Minutes, 1794-1804 (inclusive), 1794, 1802-1804 (bulk). Historical Society of Pennsylvania
referencedIn Land company records, 1792-1816. Historical Society of Pennsylvania
referencedIn Robert Morris papers, 1751-1802 New York Public Library. Manuscripts and Archives Division
referencedIn Marian S. Carson collection of manuscripts, 1656-1995 Library of Congress. Manuscript Division
creatorOf Asylum Company. Papers, 1786-1851 (inclusive), 1793-1836 (bulk). Historical Society of Pennsylvania
referencedIn Gratz, Simon. Territorial expansion and settlements in Pennsylvania, 1712-1895. Historical Society of Pennsylvania
referencedIn Nead, Frank B. Documents, 1663-1866. Historical Society of Pennsylvania
referencedIn Nicholson, John, 1757-1800. Papers, 1772-1819 [microform]. Hagley Museum & Library
creatorOf Asylum Company. Asylum Company records, 1794-1814. Library of Congress
referencedIn Gibson, James. Papers, 1712-1846. Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Role Title Holding Repository
Relation Name
associatedWith Astley, John. person
associatedWith Baird, Samuel. person
associatedWith Carson, Marian S., person
associatedWith Carson, Marian S., person
associatedWith Carson, Marian S., collector. person
associatedWith Gibson, James. person
associatedWith Gratz, Simon. person
associatedWith Hollenback, Matthias, 1752-1829. person
associatedWith Keating, John. person
associatedWith Morris, Robert, 1743-1806. person
associatedWith Nead, Frank B. person
associatedWith Nicholson, John, 1757-1800. person
associatedWith Read Family family
Place Name Admin Code Country
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania--Philadelphia
Pennsylvania
Subject
Dispute settlement
French Americans
Land companies
Land settlement
Land speculation
Real estate investment
Occupation
Activity

Corporate Body

Active 1794

Active 1814

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