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Digital Commons @ Gardner-Webb University Gardner-Webb University

Home > CLEVELAND-COUNTY-HISTORICAL-COLLECTION > CLEVELAND-COUNTY-HISTORICAL-COLLECTION-MARTIN-FAMILY-PAPERS

Cleveland County Historical Collection

Martin Family Papers

 

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.

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  • 1774 - Articles of Copartnership between John Preston and John Martin by John Martin and John Preston

    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.

  • 1775, May 7th - Alexander Martin by Alexander Martin

    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.

  • 1769, June 25 - Ann McDowall by Ann McDowell

    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.

  • 1819, May - Robert McNish by Robert McNish

    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.

  • 1824, April 30 - John Selby Martin by John Selby Martin

    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.

  • 1827, August 17 - Unknown Correspondent by Unknown

    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.

  • 1827, October 29 - Lemuel P. Spence by Lemuel P. Spence

    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.

  • 1830, March 24 - Unknown Correspondent by Unknown

    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.

  • 1834, June 26 - John McLelland by John McLelland

    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.

  • 1854, August 12 - Louisa Eldridge by Lousia Eldridge

    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.

  • 1856, January 24 - James King by James King

    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.

  • 1874, July 26 - John Neill by John Neil

    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.

 
 
 

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