Benjamin Williams manuscript collection
Abstract
Consists of the correspondence of Benjamin Williams. He frequently wrote to his sister, Susanna Williams, regarding his work, health, and family matters.
Dates
- 1784 - 1813
Creator
- Williams, Benjamin, 1767-1812 (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
Benjamin Williams was a wealthy Baltimore merchant. He was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts to Captain Joseph Williams and Susanna May on November 3, 1767. He eventually moved to Baltimore, Maryland along with his brothers to pursue careers in the shipping industry. They, like many New Englanders, moved to the city to seek their fortunes in the burgeoning economy. After years of hard work building his fortune, Williams married the widowed Sarah Copeland Morton, 1778-1870, on May 22, 1811. They resided on Charles Street in the city and had one child, Susan May, 1812-1881. Susan May gained fame when she married Jerome Napoleon Bonaparte, the son of Elizabeth Patterson and Jerome Bonaparte. Williams died on June 20, 1812.
Extent
0.42 Linear Feet (1 box)
Language of Materials
English
Scope and Contents
The collection consists of the correspondence of Benjamin Williams. He frequently wrote to his sister, Susanna Williams, regarding his work, health, and family matters. The letters discuss illness affecting Williams and Baltimore City at large. Williams mentions the impact of a yellow fever outbreak on the city and its particularly devastating toll on Fells Point. He also advises his sister about marriage prospects and his opinions on who she and their siblings and cousins should marry. The collection also includes letters from Williams to his brothers, Samuel and Amos, his sister, Martha, and his parents, Joseph and Susanna. The letters to his parents relate at length details about the death of his brother Lemuel. Letters to and from his brother Samuel are also make up the collection, as well as letters from Henry Payson to Captain Joseph Williams informing him of the deaths of his sons, Lemuel, Benjamin, and Samuel.
Creator
- Williams, Benjamin, 1767-1812 (Person)
- Title
- Guide to the Benjamin Williams manuscript collection
- Status
- Under Revision
- Author
- Lara Westwood
- Date
- 2014-08
- 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
- 2020-04-08: 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