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Black Family Papers
mssHM 49125-49227
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Table of contents
Contributing Institution:
The Huntington Library
Title: Black family papers
Creator:
Black (Family)
Identifier/Call Number: mssHM 49125-49227
Physical Description:
2.4 Linear Feet
(2 boxes )
Date (inclusive): 1738-1832
Abstract: The Black family papers contains
primarily correspondence between John and Margaret Black and their numerous children and
grandchildren. The correspondence deals with family affairs: trade and mercantile interests
in Bordeaux, Cadiz, and London as well as familial matters in the period between 1738 and
1837. The papers contain very little of Joseph Black's scientific work.
Language of Material: English.
Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at
the Huntington Library for more information.
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from
or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The
responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining
necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
[Identification of item]. Black family papers, The Huntington Library, San Marino,
California.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Purchased from James B. Pittillo, Aug. 1, 1979.
John Black (1681-1767), native of Belfast of Scottish descent, was a successful wine
merchant in Bordeaux, France. In 1716 he married Margaret Gordon, daughter of Robert Gordon,
another Scottish wine merchant there. The couple had twelve children, among whom Joseph
Black (1728-1799), Edinburgh chemist and physician, was the most famous. Other sons went to
trade or related fields. Alexander joined his uncle, Robert Black, in Cadiz, where John
Black's brother Charles was British consul. Following Robert Black's death (1761), Alexander
Black moved to London and established commercial glassworks. James Black was engaged in the
sugar-refining industry. John Black retired and moved to the family home in Blamont, Co.
Antrim in Ireland, and died there eight years later
Chiefly the correspondence between John Black (1681-1767) and his wife Margaret (Gordon)
Black and their children and grandchildren concerning family affairs. Includes topics on the
family's various trade and mercantile interests in Bordeaux, Cadiz and London as well as
personal family topics. The most famous member of the family, Joseph Black (1728-1799), is
represented by his personal life only, with only cursorary material on his scientific
work.The collection also includes biographical notes on the various members of the Black
family as well as several prints and photographs.
The Huntington local manuscripts catalog distinguishes individuals with the same name by
the addition of the letters "(a)-(z)". Several individuals in the Black family papers are so
distinguished in the finding aid. The individuals are:
- Alexander Black (b) 1729-1813. Businessman in Cadiz and London.
- Alexander Black (c) Active 1813. Son of James Black (c) and nephew of Alexander Black (b)
- George Black (a) 1725-1800. Son of John Black (b)
- George Black (b) Active 1804. Son of George Black(a)
- James Black (c) 1733- Son of John Black (b). Businessman
- John Black (b) 1681-1767. Irish businessman of Scottish descent in Bordeaux, France
- John Black (c) 1717-1782. Son of John Black (b)
- Joseph Black (b) 1728-1799. Scottish chemist
- Robert Black (a) Active 1738-1747. British businessman in Cadiz, Spain.
- Robert Black (b) 1721-1791. Son of John Black (b) and nephew of Robert (a)
Existence and Location of Copies
This collection has been digitized in its entirety and the digital reproductions are
available in the
Huntington Digital Library.
Chronological arrangement.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Merchants -- Great Britain -- 18th century -- Archives
Scots -- France -- Bordeaux Region (Acquitaine) -- 18th century --
Archives
Wine industry -- France -- Bordeaux Region (Acquitaine) --
Archives
Europe -- Commerce -- History -- 18th century -- Sources
Europe -- History -- 18th century -- Sources
Cádiz (Spain) -- Commerce -- 18th century
Letters (correspondence) -- 18th century
Family papers -- Great Britain -- 18th century
Black, John, 1681-1767 --
Archives
Black, Joseph, 1728-1799 --
Archives
Black, Joseph, 1728-1799 --
Family.
Black, John, 1681-1767
Black, Joseph, 1728-1799
Black, Alexander, 1729-1813
Black, Alexander, active 1813
Black, George, 1725-1800
Black, George, active 1804
Black, James, 1733-
Black, John, 1717-1782
Black, Margaret Gordon
Black, Robert, active 1738-1747
Black, Robert, 1721-1791