For further information concerning the Fort Fisher Hermit, see newspaper clippings and biographical material in this collection. Although the Hermit's family name is legally spelled "Harrill," he adopted the spelling "Harrell" for much of his correspondence.

Correspondence of Robert E. Harrill (1933-1973, undated) comprises the bulk of the collection. His letters, primarily to his sister, Mae, and his son, George, discuss family matters, mental health, psychology, politics, and his philosophy of life. Scattered letters to and from the Taylor School of Bio-Psychology of Chattanooga, Tennessee, reflect Harrill's interest in that field. The Harrill correspondence written from Fort Fisher reflects many themes present in the earlier correspondence but also discusses his life as a hermit.

Correspondence of George Harrill and others (1972-1981, undated) largely deals with publicity concerning the Hermit and George Harrill's desire to reopen the investigation of his father's death.

Robert Harrill's writings include poetry and discussions of family matters and his philosophy.

Also included in the collection are photographs of the Hermit, newspaper clippings (1958-1980, undated) and documents pertaining to his life at Fort Fisher and to his death, his 1937 divorce papers, and manuscript biographical material. The collection also contains pamphlets concerning the Taylor School (1923), writings by Harrill's wife, Katie, and Anson Gustavus Melton's Where is Love? and Other Poems (1938).

Personal/Family Names

• Harrill, Robert E., 1893-1972
• Melton, Anson Gustavus, 1890-1960. Where is love? and other poems

Corporate Names

• Taylor School of Bio-Psychology

Topical Terms

• Hermits--North Carolina--Fort Fisher
• Eccentrics and eccentricities--North Carolina

Accessions Information

June 19, 1981, 160 items; Papers of the "Fort Fisher Hermit," including correspondence (1933-1972), clippings, photographs, and miscellaneous materials. Gift of George Edward Harrill, South Euclid, Ohio.

October 21, 1981, 30 items; Correspondence (1972-1981) and miscellaneous. Copies of original in possession of George Edward Harrill, South Euclid, Ohio.

February 2, 1984 (unprocessed addition 1), 1 item; photograph of Fort Fisher Hermit. Donor: Richard F. Becker.

February 25, 1993 (unprocessed addition 2), 3 items; a clipping, proclamation, and poem concerning Robert E. Harrill. Donor: Michael F. Edwards.

April 21, 1993 (unprocessed addition 3), 1 item; a copy of "The Ft. Fisher Hermit." Donor: Michael F. Edwards.

June 15, 1995 (unprocessed addition 4), 1 item; Booklet entitled "The Fort Fisher Hermit" by Stanley South. Donor: Dr. Stanley South.

February 8, 2000 (unprocessed addition 5), 2 items; Audio cassette tape "My Life- The Ft. Fisher Hermit" and computer disc containing information about Robert E. Harrill. Donor: Mr. Michael F. Edwards.

Acquisition Information

Gift of George Edward Harrill
Gift of Richard F. Becker
Gift of Dr. Stanley South
Gift of Mr. Michael F. Edwards

Access Restrictions

No restrictions

Copyright Notice

Literary rights to specific documents are retained by the authors or their descendants in accordance with U.S. copyright law.

Preferred Citation

Robert E. Harrill Papers (#428), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.