John Smith and Phelps family papers, 1752-1904.

ArchivalResource

Patten, Ruth, 1740-1831. John Smith and Phelps family papers, 1752-1904.

John Smith and Phelps family papers, 1752-1904.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/320354613

Primarily contains papers relating to John Smith of Middletown,Connecticut, and his son-in-law, Elisha Phelps of Simsbury. John Smith was a sea captain and his papers include references to his voyages as well as ships' papers for vessels he owned or captained including Mehitabel (Schooner), Lucy (Brig), Rising Sun (Sloop) and Almena (Sloop). Bills and receipts for shipments and correspondence are also included with his materials. Of particular interest are the bills from Ruth Patten to John Smith for Smith's daughter, Lucy, to attend Patten's embroidery school. Two of Smith's Masonic membership certificates are also included. Smith was among the early settlers to Connecticut's Western Reserve and lived in Richfield, Ohio in his later life and the collection contains materials relating to his time there. Smith's daughter, Lucy, married Elisha Phelps, a United States Representative, justice of the peace, Connecticut Comptroller and lawyer who practiced in Simsbury. His papers contain correspondence, papers relating to his service as Comptroller, bills and receipts, and summonses. Also contains legal and court documents, estate and probate records, and some military documents. Other family members represented include Elisha Phelps' son, John Smith Phelps (later a Governor of Missouri), his father, Noah Phelps, and brothers, Chandler Conway Phelps and Noah Amherst Phelps, as well as Noah A. Phelps' sons, Noah A. Phelps, Jr. and Jeffrey Orson Phelps.

8 linear feet (16 boxes).

Connecticut Historical Society