The Black Family Papers consist primarily of the business records for John Black (1781-1856), a merchant in downeast Maine, and records he created as land agent for the heirs of proprietor William Bingham of Pennsylvania.

 

Several of John and Mary’s sons assisted with his businesses, and the collection includes significant records for their son, George N. Black (1814-1880), who succeeded John as agent for the Bingham heirs. Record types for their business and the land records include daybooks, ledgers, pocket cash books, invoices, field notes, correspondence, maps, deeds, and travel diaries. The collection also includes business records for General David Cobb (1748-1830), surveyor Addison Dodge (1809-1864); attorney Joseph A. Wood (1803-1843) as well as Donald Ross, Peter Nourse (1774-1840) and John Goodwin. 

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Access to the papers is by appointment only. If you aren't sure if we have materials for your research topic, make a 30 minute reference appointment to come talk with us about your project. If you already know what you want to come and look at, make a 90 minute research appointment. For general research questions, write to us at collections@woodlawnellsworth.org.

 

Appointments can be made via the links below.