Milton H. Smith family collection, 1797-1969 (bulk : 1865-1958).

ArchivalResource

Smith, Milton Hannibal, 1836-1921. Milton H. Smith family collection, 1797-1969 (bulk : 1865-1958).

Milton H. Smith family collection, 1797-1969 (bulk : 1865-1958).

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/43421092

This collection mostly contains the business papers, correspondence, and other materials of Milton Hannibal Smith, president of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, and his son Sidney Smith, vice president and general counsel for the L & N. Three letter books kept by Milton Smith, dated 1865-1876, contain many letters written in his capacity as general freight agent with the L & N. Several of these letters concern railroad operations and reflect Smith's close working relationship with L & N superintendent, Albert Fink, and the extension of his own interests and ambitions. Typescripts for a few of Smith's more significant letters concerning his suggestions for extensive reorganization and changes in company policy are available. The remainder of the letters in these volumes provide a detailed picture of Smith's outside investments, including instructions sent to the superintendent of the Selma cotton operations. Much of the collection contains papers concerning Milton Smith's personal business dealings and investments as well as L & N business, mostly that of buying up the stocks of smaller railroads. Also included are the religious poems of Jamie Harris Coleman, an African-American woman whose husband worked for the Smiths. Correspondence concerning Smith's efforts to get the poems published are included. There is also correspondence with family. The materials of Sidney Smith also mostly concern his personal business, such as investments and sale of property. His L & N papers concern tax matters and contracts. Correspondence from friends and family is included. Also present are papers concerning the Kentucky National Guard, including a mobilization plan for the 138th Field Artillery for 1932. This collection also contains papers of Smith family members: Eva Lee Cooper, Nettie Belle Felder, Milton Smith, Jr., Saidee K. Smith, Milton Smith II, and Annette Smith. Most of the papers concern investments made for them. Included are letters to Saidee Smith from her husband, Sidney, while he was in the Kentucky National Guard and while serving in Europe during W.W.I.

6 cubic ft.

Kentucky Historical Society, Martin F. Schmidt Research Library