Daniel M. Thomas papers
Abstract
The Daniel M. Thomas papers consist of a fairly large and varied group of papers which relate to the personal and social life of the Thomas family of West River, Maryland. Although the material ranges in date from 1674 through 1938, the bulk of the material falls into the period between 1840 and 1890.
Dates
- 1674-1938
Creator
- Thomas, Daniel Murray, 1827-1913 (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
This 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
Daniel Murray Thomas was the son of John and Elizabeth Murray Thomas of "Lebanon" (West River, Anne Arundel County, Maryland). He graduated from St. John's College in 1846. Following graduation, he studied law in the office of Cornelius McLean. Upon admittance to the Maryland Bar, he began to practice law in association with James Campbell of Baltimore. In 1867, Thomas was appointed Auditor and Master by the Supreme Bench of Maryland, a position he held for 45 years. Thomas was an active churchman who served as a vestryman at St. Luke's Church (Protestant Episcopal, Baltimore).
Extent
1.67 Linear Feet (4 full Hollinger boxes)
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
The first two boxes in this collection contain correspondence and are arranged chronologically with the undated materials at the end. The last two boxes are comprised of miscellaneous land papers, legal documents, poetry and verse, and genealogical information, and are arranged chonologically with the undated materials at the end.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. Reaney Kelly, May 1973.
Provenance
This collection was formerly part of MS 1970, J. Reaney Kelly collection.
Scope and Contents
Section I (Boxes 1-2):
Consists of approximately 160 letters, 65% of which were either written by or addressed to Daniel M. Thomas. The letters are primarily concerned with family affairs and reports of various vacation trips (London, New Brunswick, New York), but occasional comments on national or local politics do also appear (ie. the Baltimore Riot, April, 1861; occupation of Baltimore by Federal troops, 1861-65; conditions in Maryland during the Civil War, especially in regard to the treatment of Southern sympathizers). In addition to Daniel M. Thomas, the principal correspondents are Thomas' parents, John and Elizabeth Murray Thomas; his sisters, Sally, Julia, Cornelia, and Mary Thomas; his aunt, Sarah (Sally) Thomas; and a small number of his friends and business associates.
Section II (Boxes 3-4):
Consists of 68 items which include: bills of lading, deeds (of conveyance, of land, and of manumission), commonplace books, indentures, poetry, surveys, and wills.
Creator
- Thomas, Daniel Murray, 1827-1913 (Person)
- Title
- Guide to the Daniel M. Thomas papers
- Status
- Under Revision
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- English
Revision Statements
- 2020-01-07: 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