Black Family Papers: Finding Aid mssHM 49125-49227

The Huntington Library
May 2, 2017
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, California 91108
Business Number: (626) 405-2191
reference@huntington.org

Note

Finding aid last updated on December 10, 2021, by Maggie Hughes.


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.

Conditions Governing Access

Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more information.

Conditions Governing Use

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.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item]. Black family papers, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Purchased from James B. Pittillo, Aug. 1, 1979.

Biographical / Historical

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

Scope and Contents

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:
  1. Alexander Black (b) 1729-1813. Businessman in Cadiz and London.
  2. Alexander Black (c) Active 1813. Son of James Black (c) and nephew of Alexander Black (b)
  3. George Black (a) 1725-1800. Son of John Black (b)
  4. George Black (b) Active 1804. Son of George Black(a)
  5. James Black (c) 1733- Son of John Black (b). Businessman
  6. John Black (b) 1681-1767. Irish businessman of Scottish descent in Bordeaux, France
  7. John Black (c) 1717-1782. Son of John Black (b)
  8. Joseph Black (b) 1728-1799. Scottish chemist
  9. Robert Black (a) Active 1738-1747. British businessman in Cadiz, Spain.
  10. 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. 

Arrangement

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

Box 1

1738-1764

Physical Description: 55 Items
Box 1, Folder 1

Black, John (b) to Robert Black (a) HM 49164 1738, July 11.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Cork, Ireland
Box 1, Folder 2

Black, Margaret (Gordon) to Brother [Robert Black] (a) HM 49189 1738, July 12.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Bordeaux, France
Box 1, Folder 3

Black, Margaret (Gordon) to Brother [Robert Black] (a) HM 49190 1738, July 26.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Bordeaux, France
Box 1, Folder 4

Black, Margaret (Gordon) to Brother Robert Black (a) HM 49191 1738. October 4.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Bordeaux, France
Box 1, Folder 5

Black, Margaret (Gordon) to Brother [Robert Black] (a) HM 49192 1738, November 16.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Bordeaux, France
Box 1, Folder 6

Black, John (b) to Robert Black (a) HM 49165 1739, February 7.

Physical Description: 3 pages

Scope and Contents

Bordeaux, France
Box 1, Folder 7

Black, Charles to John Black (b) HM 49130 1739, August 11.

Physical Description: 3 pages

Scope and Contents

London
Box 1, Folder 8

Black, John (c) to Robert Black (a) HM 49177 1744, August 22.

Physical Description: 3 pages

Scope and Contents

Bordeaux, France
Box 1, Folder 9

Black, John (b) to Robert Black (a) HM 49166 1744, October 3.

Physical Description: 3 pages

Scope and Contents

Bordeaux, France
Box 1, Folder 10

Black, John (b) to Robert Black (a) HM 49167 1746, February 12.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Bordeaux, France
Box 1, Folder 11

Black, John (b) to Alexander Black) (b) HM 49150 1746, March 7.

Physical Description: 1 pages
Box 1, Folder 12

Black, John (b) to Robert Black (a) HM 49168 1747, July 4.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Bordeaux, France
Box 1, Folder 13

Black, John (b) to Alexander Black (b) HM 49151 1748, September 21.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Bordeaux, France
Box 1, Folder 14

Black, John (b) to Alexander Black (b) HM 49152 1750, March 18.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Bordeaux, France
Box 1, Folder 15

Black, John (b) to Alexander Black (b) HM 49153 1750, November 7.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Bordeaux, France
Box 1, Folder 16

Black, John (b) to Alexander Black (b) HM 49154 1751, May 15.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Bordeaux, France
Box 1, Folder 17

Black, John (b) to Alexander Black) (b) HM 49155 1751, June 19.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Bordeaux, France
Box 1, Folder 18

Black, John (b) to Alexander Black (b) HM 49156 1751, July 23.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Bordeaux, France
Box 1, Folder 19

Black, John (b) to Alexander Black (b) HM 49157 1751, September 4.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Dublin
Box 1, Folder 20

Black, John (b) to Alexander Black (b) HM 49158 1753, August 4.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Bordeaux, France
Box 1, Folder 21

Black, John (b) to [Robert Black] (a) HM 49169 1759, September 22.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Blamont, [County Armagh, Ireland]
Box 1, Folder 22

[Turnly] Kitty [i.e.Katherine] [(Black)] to Alexander Black (b) HM 49225 1759, September 30.

Physical Description: 4 pages

Scope and Contents

Dublin
Box 1, Folder 23

Black, Esther to Alexander Black (b) HM 49131 1759, October 14.

Physical Description: 3 pages

Scope and Contents

Dublin
Box 1, Folder 24

Black, John (b) to [Robert Black] (a) HM 49170 1760, June 14.

Physical Description: 3 pages

Scope and Contents

Belfast
Box 1, Folder 25

Black, John (c) to Alexander Black (b) HM 49171 1761, January 21.

Physical Description: 3 pages

Scope and Contents

Bordeaux, France
Box 1, Folder 26

Black, John (b) to Alexander Black (b) HM 49200 1761, February 2.

Physical Description: 6 pages

Scope and Contents

Douglas, Isle of Man
Box 1, Folder 27

Black James (c) to Alexander Black (b) HM 49140 1761, February 21.

Physical Description: 3 pages

Scope and Contents

Bordeaux, France
Box 1, Folder 28

Black, John (c) to Alexander Black (b) HM 49172 1761, March 4.

Physical Description: 3 pages

Scope and Contents

Bordeaux, France
Box 1, Folder 29

Black, John (c) to Alexander Black (b) HM 49173 1761, July 8.

Physical Description: 2 pages

Scope and Contents

Bordeaux, France
Box 1, Folder 30

Black, John (b) to Alexander Black (b) HM 49201 1761, July 10.

Physical Description: 4 pages

Scope and Contents

Belfast
Box 1, Folder 31

Burnett, Isabella [(Black)] to Sandy [i.e., Alexander Black?] (b) HM 49214 1761, August 1.

Physical Description: 2 pages

Scope and Contents

Aberdeen, Scotland
Box 1, Folder 32

Black, John (c) to Alexander Black (b) HM 49174 1761, September 16.

Physical Description: 2 pages

Scope and Contents

Bordeaux, France
Box 1, Folder 33

Simon, Isaac to [Alexander Black] (b) HM 49217 1761, October 5.

Physical Description: 2 pages

Scope and Contents

Dublin
Box 1, Folder 34

Black, John (c) to [Alexander] Black (b) HM 49175 1761, December 30.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Bordeaux, France
Box 1, Folder 35

Black, Robert (b) to Alexander Black (b) HM 49202 1762, February 25.

Physical Description: 2 pages

Scope and Contents

Douglas, Isle of Man
Box 1, Folder 36

Black, Robert (b) to Alexander Black (b) HM 49203 1762, March 17.

Physical Description: 3 pages

Scope and Contents

Douglas, Isle of Man
Box 1, Folder 37

Simon, Isaac to [Alexander Black] (b) HM 49218 1762, June 26.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Dublin
Box 1, Folder 38

Black, George (a) to Alexander Black (b) HM 49132 1762, September 1.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Belfast
Box 1, Folder 39

Black, Robert (b) to Alexander Black (b) HM 49204 1762, September 15.

Physical Description: 2 pages

Scope and Contents

Douglas, Isle of Man
Box 1, Folder 40

Simon, Isaac to [Alexander Black] (b) HM 49219 1762, October 9.

Physical Description: 2 pages

Scope and Contents

Dublin
Box 1, Folder 41

Burnett, Isabella (Black)] to Brother [i.e., Alexander Black] (b) HM 49215 [approximately early 1762?]

Physical Description: 2 pages

Scope and Contents

[Aberdeen?, Scotland]
Box 1, Folder 42

Black, Geo[rge] (a) to Alexander Black (b) HM 49133 1763, January 10.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Belfast
Box 1, Folder 43

Black, Thomas (a) to Alexander Black (b) HM 49210 1763, February 9.

Physical Description: 3 pages

Scope and Contents

Belfast
Box 1, Folder 44

Black, Geo[rge] (a) to "Brother" [Alexander Black?] (b) HM 49134 1763, February 19.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Belfast
Box 1, Folder 45

Black, Thomas (a) to Alexander Black (b) HM 49211 1763, April 3.

Physical Description: 3 pages

Scope and Contents

Belfast
Box 1, Folder 46

Black, John (c) to Alexander Black (b) HM 49176 1763, October 5.

Physical Description: 2 pages
Box 1, Folder 47

Black, John (b) to Alexander Black (b) HM 49159 1763, November 10.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Dublin
Box 1, Folder 48

[Black, Alexander] (b) to [John Black] (b) HM 49125 1763, November.

Physical Description: 2 pages

Scope and Contents

London
Box 1, Folder 49

Black, Robert (b) to Alexander, Black (b) HM 49205 1763, December 1.

Physical Description: 2 pages

Scope and Contents

Douglas, Isle of Man
Box 1, Folder 50

Black, John (b) to Alexander Black] (b) HM 49160 1763, December 14.

Physical Description: 2 pages

Scope and Contents

Dublin
Box 1, Folder 51

Simon, Isaac to Alexander Black (b) HM 49220 1764, March 8.

Physical Description: 3 pages

Scope and Contents

Dublin
Box 1, Folder 52

Simon, Isaac to Alexander Black (b) HM 49221 1764, April 5.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Dublin
Box 1, Folder 53

Black, Thomas (a) to Alexander Black (b) HM 49212 1764, April 11.

Physical Description: 3 pages

Scope and Contents

Belfast
Box 1, Folder 54

Black, Robert, (b) to Alexander Black (b) HM 49206 1764, September 6.

Physical Description: 2 pages

Scope and Contents

Douglas, Isle of Man
Box 1, Folder 55

Black, John (b) to Alexander Black (b) HM 49161 1764, December 8.

Physical Description: 2 pages

Scope and Contents

Belfast
Box 2

1765-1832

Physical Description: 48 Items
Box 2, Folder 1

Black, Robert (b) to Alexander Black (b) HM 49207 1765, February 13.

Physical Description: 3 pages

Scope and Contents

Douglas, Isle of Man
Box 2, Folder 2

Black, John (b) to Alexander Black (b) and James Black (c) HM 49162 1767, July 30.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Belfast
Box 2, Folder 3

Black, John (b) to Alexander Black (b) and James Black (c) HM 49163 1767, September 28.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Belfast
Box 2, Folder 4

Articles of Agreement . . . Relative to a marriage now intended between John Decluzeau and Esther Black. HM 49227 1768, June 9.

Physical Description: 3 pages

Scope and Contents

Dublin
Box 2, Folder 5

Black, Robert (b) and others to Alexander Black (b) and James Black (c) HM 49209 1768, September 29.

Physical Description: 4 pages

Scope and Contents

Belfast
Box 2, Folder 6

Black, Robert (b) to Alexander Black (b) HM 49208 1768, October 25.

Physical Description: 4 pages

Scope and Contents

Castlehill, North Ireland
Box 2, Folder 7

Turnly, Francis (a) to Alexander Black (b) and James Black (c) HM 49222 1769, January 23.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Newton Ards, County Down, North Ireland
Box 2, Folder 8

Black, George (a) to Alexander Black (b) and James Black (c) HM 49135 1771, April 9.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Belfast
Box 2, Folder 9

Black, Alexander (b) to "Brother". HM 49126 1782, September 10.

Physical Description: 2 pages

Scope and Contents

Albion Place (London)
Box 2, Folder 10

Black, James (c) to Matthew Black. HM 49142 1785, January 3.

Physical Description: 2.p

Scope and Contents

London?
Box 2, Folder 11

Black, James (c) to Matthew Black. HM 49143 1785, January 18.

Physical Description: 3 pages

Scope and Contents

London
Box 2, Folder 12

Black, James (c) to Matthew Black. HM 49144 1785, January 20.

Physical Description: 4 pages

Scope and Contents

London
Box 2, Folder 13

Black, James (c) to Matthew Black. HM 49145 1785, February 22.

Physical Description: 3 pages

Scope and Contents

London
Box 2, Folder 14

Black, James (c) to Matthew Black. HM 49146 1785, July 20.

Physical Description: 2 pages

Scope and Contents

London
Box 2, Folder 15

Turnly, Francis (a) to Matthew Black. HM 49223 1785, October 26.

Physical Description: 3 pages

Scope and Contents

Newton Ards (County Down, North Ireland)
Box 2, Folder 16

Black, Joseph (b) to Alexander Black (b) [facsimile] HM 49178 1786, March 11.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Edinburgh
Box 2, Folder 17

Turnly, Francis (b) to Alexander Black (b) HM 49224 1786, November 22.

Physical Description: 2 pages

Scope and Contents

Canton, China
Box 2, Folder 18

Black, Joseph (b) to "Brother" Alexander Black (b) HM 49179 1787, August 17.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Edinburgh
Box 2, Folder 19

Black, Joseph (b) to "Brother" Alexander Black (b) or James Black (c) HM 49185 1788, January 14.

Physical Description: 2 pages

Scope and Contents

Edinburgh
Box 2, Folder 20

Black, Joseph (b) to "Brother" Alexander Black (b) or James Black (c) HM 49186 1788, February 23.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Edinburgh
Box 2, Folder 21

Black, Joseph (b) to "Brother" Alexander Black (b) HM 49180 1788, July 9.

Physical Description: 2 pages

Scope and Contents

Birmingham
Box 2, Folder 22

Black, Joseph (b) to "Brother" Alexander Black (b) or James Black (c) HM 49187 1789, July 11.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Edinburgh
Box 2, Folder 23

Black, Joseph (b) to "Brother" Alexander Black (b) or James Black (c) HM 49188 1789, July 18.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Edinburgh
Box 2, Folder 24

Black, Joseph (b) to "Brother" Alexander Black (b) HM 49181 1791, February 20.

Physical Description: 3 pages

Scope and Contents

Edinburgh
Box 2, Folder 25

Black, Joseph (b) to James Black (c) HM 49184 1791, March 11.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Edinburgh
Box 2, Folder 26

Black, Joseph (b) to "Brother" Alexander Black (b) HM 49182 1791, July 31.

Physical Description: 2 pages

Scope and Contents

Edinburgh
Box 2, Folder 27

Black, Alexander (b) to Bernardo del Campo y Perez de la Serna, marques del Campo. HM 49127 1792, October 22.

Physical Description: 2 pages

Scope and Contents

Albion Place (London)
Includes fragment of the printed "Memorial, [etc.] regarding a debt due by the Crown of Spain to Alexander Black…" 1783.
Box 2, Folder 28

Black, Joseph (b) to Alexander Black (b) HM 49183 1793, October 21.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Edinburgh
Box 2, Folder 29

Turnly, John to Alexander Black? (b) HM 49226 1800, March 6.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Belfast
Box 2, Folder 30

Black, George (b) to James Black (c) HM 49139 1804, March 28.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Dublin
Box 2, Folder 31

Black, James (c) to Matthew Black. HM 49147 1805, April 17.

Physical Description: 2 pages
Box 2, Folder 32

Black, James (c) to Matthew Black. HM 49148 1807, October 12.

Physical Description: 3 pages

Scope and Contents

London
Box 2, Folder 33

Black, Thomas (b) to "My Dear Uncle". HM 49213 1808, May 30.

Physical Description: 4 pages

Scope and Contents

Prince of Wales Island (Pinang, Malaysia)
Box 2, Folder 34

Black, James (c) to Matthew Black. HM 49149 1808, October 27.

Physical Description: 2 pages

Scope and Contents

St. George's (London)
Box 2, Folder 35

Black, James (c) to George Black (b) HM 49141 1808, October 17.

Physical Description: 3 pages

Scope and Contents

London, St. George's, Surry Road
Box 2, Folder 36

Black, Matthew to George Black? (b) HM 49195 1809, August 30.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Dublin
Box 2, Folder 37

Black, George (b) to Alexander Black (b) HM 49136 1809, September 10.

Physical Description: 4 pages

Scope and Contents

Stranmillis (Belfast)
Box 2, Folder 38

Black, George (b) to Alexander Black (b) HM 49137 1811, July.

Physical Description: 3 pages

Scope and Contents

Stranmillis (Belfast)
Box 2, Folder 39

Black, Matthew to Alexander Black (b) HM 49194 1812, March 24.

Physical Description: 2 pages

Scope and Contents

Dublin
Box 2, Folder 40

Black, George (b) to Alexander Black (b) HM 49138 1812, October 18.

Physical Description: 4 pages

Scope and Contents

Stranmillis (Belfast)
Box 2, Folder 41

Black, Alexander (c) to Matthew Black. HM 49129 1813, August 6.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

London
Box 2, Folder 42

Black, Noah Robert to Alexander Black (c) HM 49197 1814, February 11.

Physical Description: 2 pages

Scope and Contents

Newton (Wakefield, Yorkshire)
Box 2, Folder 43

Black Marie Des Coste to Alexander Black (c) HM 49193 1814, April 30.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Newton near Wakefield (Yorkshire, England)
Box 2, Folder 44

Black, Matthew to Marie del Coste Black. HM 49196 1815, March 9.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Dublin
Box 2, Folder 45

Black, Noah Robert to Alexander Black (c) HM 49198 1815, August 23.

Physical Description: 3 pages

Scope and Contents

Newton near Wakefield (Yorkshire, England)
Box 2, Folder 46

Black, Alexander (c) to "Brother". HM 49128 1816, April 15.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

London
Box 2, Folder 47

Black, Noah Robert to Matthew Black. HM 49199 1823, February 20.

Physical Description: 1 pages

Scope and Contents

Wakefield (Yorkshire)
Box 2, Folder 48

Cawood, I to Noah Robert Black. HM 49216 1832, April 16.

Physical Description: 4 pages

Scope and Contents

Dublin