Levi T. Pennington Papers

Levi Talbot Pennington, born in 1875 in Amo, Indiana, led an active and varied life encompassing several careers. His early years were spent on a fram and then working in lumber camps in Michigan. He taught in public schools in Michigan and worked as a reporter for the Traverce City, Michigan "Daily Record" until 1904. From 1904 to 1911, he was pastor of several Friends churches in Indiana.

Dr. Pennington recieved his A.M., from the University of Oregon in 1922 and his D.D. from Linfield College in 1923. He served as President of Pacific College (now George Fox University) from 1911 to 1941.

Pennington was active as a Lyceum and Chautauqua lecturer for many years while remaining active in various capacities as a member of the Society of Friends.

In his later years Pennington became a recognised author of short stories, articles, poetry, and an autobiography.

Levi T. Pennington was a prominent Quaker leader in the early 20th century and a long-time Lyceum and Chataqua lecturer, spreading his message of peace. His enthusiasm for the Quaker peace stance influenced many college students to volunteer time in Europe for war relief work after the First World War. Many of his lectures and pamphlets address the topics of temperance during the prohibition era.

As a national Quaker leader much of the material reflects communications with various Yearly Meetings of Quakers. Emphasis on Northwest Indians' fishing rights and the Vietnam War draft issues comprise much of Pennington's interaction with the American Friends Service Committee in the mid-1960s and early 1970s. A close friendship with former President Herbert Hoover is also reflected in the correspondence. In his later years Dr. Pennington compiled and published a number of writings including short stories, poems and longer fiction.