Davis journals
Abstract
This collection contains two volumes of reflections written by John Davis (1770-1851), a clerk of Benjamin Henry Latrobe and the first Superintendant of the Baltimore Waterworks.
Dates
- 1846 - 1855
Creator
- Davis, John, 1770-1864 (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research use.
Conditions Governing Use
The reproduction of materials in this collection may be subject to copyright restrictions. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine and satisfy copyright clearances or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections. For more information visit the MCHC’s Rights and Permissions page.
Biographical / Historical
John Davis--civil engineer; clerk of Benjamin Latrobe at the Philadelphia waterworks; first Superintendent of Baltimore Water Works; engaged in various projects in the Baltimore area; surveyed and relocated the Cumberland Turnpike, etc.
Extent
1.0 Linear Feet (2 volumes)
Language of Materials
English
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift; Vol. I-J. Alexis Shriver, Vol. II-J. D'Arcy Gilman Paul, in May 1935 and March 1935.
Scope and Contents
Vol. I contains John Davis' "Some Items of Record and Sundry Reflections" mainly religious, regarding his personal life. Dated 1846-48, Hagerstown. Presented to Elizabeth Whitelock (niece) on May 2, 1855. Vol. II contains autobiography, written 1849-51, of the life of John Davis from his birth in 1770 until 1851. Describes his family, early childhood, education, marriages, etc. Describes his career as a civil engineer, his experiences and impressions as clerk of the Philadelphia waterworks under Benjamin H. Latrobe; as first superintendent of the Baltimore City Waterworks, etc. Describes many projects in which he worked, especially the improvement of water sources at Fort McHenry, the improvement and widening of the locks on the Susquehanna Canal, surveying and locating a route for the extension of the Cumberland Turnpike Road, etc. Presented to his youngest son, Charles Whitelock Davis, 1851. Printed in MHM XXX, 1935, pp. 11-39.
Creator
- Davis, John, 1770-1864 (Person)
- Title
- Guide to the Davis journals
- Status
- Minimally Processed
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Revision Statements
- 2021-09-29: Manually entered into ArchivesSpace by Mallory Herberger.
Repository Details
Part of the H. Furlong Baldwin Library Repository
H. Furlong Baldwin Library
Maryland Center for History and Culture
610 Park Avenue
Baltimore MD 21201 United States
4106853750
specialcollections@mdhistory.org