The Martin Family Papers are a series of correspondence surrounding the trans Atlantic trade and family relationships from the late 1700s through the mid 1800s. The family is primarily based out of the Kilquhanity Estate in Dumfries, Scotland [Mary King Martin], the island of Antigua [McNish Family], and Snow Hill, Maryland [Col. James Martin]. The family's primary business was in the mercantile trade, specifically focusing on sugar cane plantations in Antigua. Family concerns deal primarily with identifying Martin family descendants who are eligible to inherit the Kilquhanity Estate upon the death of Mary King Martin. The Martin family shows the transition of business and power for many merchant groups from the old world to the new world during this time period.
The Martin Family Papers and the Thomas Gilchrist Letters share common letter correspondents and reference the same individuals. Of note is Thomas Edgar, the uncle Thomas Gilchrist an extended relation to the Martin Family.
This collection is part of the Cleveland County Historical Collection under ownership of Cleveland County and managed by the Earl Scruggs Center. Contact the Earl Scruggs Center at info@earlscruggscenter.org or 704-487-6233 for questions regarding the collection.
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1774 - Articles of Copartnership between John Preston and John Martin
John Martin and John Preston
Contract of indenture/partnership between John Martin and John Preston. Terms regarding the formation of a mercantile business together in Norfolk, Va.
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1775, May 7th - Alexander Martin
Alexander Martin
Correspondence between brothers, Alexander Martin and John Martin of Virginia. Letter provides updates on the welfare of the family and business matters.
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1769, June 25 - Ann McDowall
Ann McDowell
Letter from Ann McDowall [Antigua] to Mary King Martin on the Kilquhanity Estate in Dumfries, Scotland. McDowall seems to be a cousin to Martin. Letter refers to family news, health, and welfare. Letter seems to have been sent care of Mr. McNish.
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1819, May - Robert McNish
Robert McNish
Correspondence from Robert McNish [Antigua] to his cousin Mary King Martin of the Kilquhanity Estate in Dumfries, Scotland. Letter references McNish's recent business travels between the British Isles and the Caribbean Islands. Letter provides updates on members of the King and McNish families.
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1824, April 30 - John Selby Martin
John Selby Martin
Correspondence from John Selby Martin to an unknown recipient. Letter is in response to a previous request [sent to John C. Martin, 1827, March 20] requesting information on the American descendants of the Robert Martin and Col. James Martin families. Letter provides detailed genealogies for both male and female descendants, includes the following surnames: Martin, Selby, Handy, Letter also briefly refers to the Gilchrist family.
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1827, August 17 - Unknown Correspondent
Unknown
Letter with an unknown correspondent and recipient sent to the Kilquhanity Estate in Dumfries, Scotland. Letter refers to the investigation of the late James Martin and the land left to his beneficiaries. Letter also refers to the general health of the other Martin family members in the United States.
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1827, October 29 - Lemuel P. Spence
Lemuel P. Spence
Extract from the Will of Robert Martin notarized by Lemuel P. Spence, Register of Wills for Worchester County Maryland. Will provides dictates how Martin's estate in Snow Hill, Maryland should be divided among beneficiaries. Martin's cousin, James Martin was listed as a beneficiary.
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1830, March 24 - Unknown Correspondent
Unknown
Letter with an unknown correspondent and recipient sent to the Kilquhanity Estate in Dumfries, Scotland. Letter discusses John Martin's, of Philadelphia, lack of interest in relocating to the Scotland to run the estate. Letter provides insight into how families with members split between the British Isles and America consider one another.
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1834, June 26 - John McLelland
John McLelland
Letter from John McLelland to Mary King Martin. Letter refers to business related travel throughout the Caribbean, including the sale of property to Robert McNish. Letter also accounts for daily life and welfare of mutual friends.
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1854, August 12 - Louisa Eldridge
Lousia Eldridge
Letter from Louisa Eldredge to an unknown recipient associated with the Kilquhanity Estate in Dumfries, Scotland, Letter inquires about the health of Mary King Martin [d. 1850] and why she has had no reply from Mrs. Martin. Eldridge was associated with the Martin family through her marriage to Robert McNish.
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1856, January 24 - James King
James King
Correspondence from James King to Mary King Martin of the Kilquhanity Estate in Dumfries, Scotland. King, a merchant by trade, refers to his business travels, family welfare, and personal health. Of note is his involvement in the Caribbean sugar trade and references to slavery in the West Indies.
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1874, July 26 - John Neill
John Neil
Letter from John Neill to an unknown recipient [possibly John Ferguson]. Niell is responding to an inquiry regarding the Martin family seal/crest. The Martin seal/crest was used on letters written by Mary King Martin.