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Black family papers: Finding Aid

Finding aid prepared by Black (Family).
Manuscripts Department
The Huntington Library
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, California 91108
Phone: (626) 405-2191
Email: reference@huntington.org
URL: http://www.huntington.org
May 2, 2017
The Huntington Library. All rights reserved.

Overview of the Collection

Title: Black family papers
Dates (inclusive): 1738-1832
Collection Number: HM 49125-49227
Creator: Black (Family)
Extent: 103 items in 2 boxes
Repository: The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens Manuscripts Department
The Huntington Library
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, California 91108
Phone: (626) 405-2191
Email: reference@huntington.org
URL: http://www.huntington.org
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: English.
Note:
Finding aid last updated on May 3, 2017.

Access

Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.

Administrative Information

Publication Rights

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.

Provenance

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

Biographical Note

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 Content

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)

Arrangement

Chronological arrangement

Indexing Terms

The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the Huntington Library's Online Catalog.  

Subjects

Black, John, 1681-1767 -- Archives.
Black, Joseph, 1728-1799 -- Archives.
Black, Joseph, 1728-1799 -- Family.
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.

Forms/Genres

Letters (correspondence) -- 18th century.
Family papers -- Great Britain -- 18th century.

Additonal names

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

Collection Contents

Box 1

1738-1764

Physical Description: 55 items
Folder  1

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Cork, Ireland
Folder  2

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Bordeaux, France
Folder  3

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Bordeaux, France
Folder  4

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Bordeaux, France
Folder  5

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Bordeaux, France
Folder  6

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

Physical Description: 3 p.

Bordeaux, France
Folder  7

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

Physical Description: 3 p.

London
Folder  8

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

Physical Description: 3 p.

Bordeaux, France
Folder  9

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

Physical Description: 3 p.

Bordeaux, France
Folder  10

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Bordeaux, France
Folder  11

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Folder  12

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Bordeaux, France
Folder  13

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Bordeaux, France
Folder  14

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Bordeaux, France
Folder  15

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Bordeaux, France
Folder  16

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Bordeaux, France
Folder  17

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Bordeaux, France
Folder  18

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Bordeaux, France
Folder  19

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Dublin
Folder  20

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Bordeaux, France
Folder  21

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Blamont, [County Armagh, Ireland]
Folder  22

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

Physical Description: 4 p.

Dublin
Folder  23

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

Physical Description: 3 p.

Dublin
Folder  24

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

Physical Description: 3 p.

Belfast
Folder  25

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

Physical Description: 3 p.

Bordeaux, France
Folder  26

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

Physical Description: 6 p.

Douglas, Isle of Man
Folder  27

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

Physical Description: 3 p.

Bordeaux, France
Folder  28

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

Physical Description: 3 p.

Bordeaux, France
Folder  29

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

Physical Description: 2 p.

Bordeaux, France
Folder  30

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

Physical Description: 4 p.

Belfast
Folder  31

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

Physical Description: 2 p.

Aberdeen, Scotland
Folder  32

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

Physical Description: 2 p.

Bordeaux, France
Folder  33

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

Physical Description: 2 p.

Dublin
Folder  34

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Bordeaux, France
Folder  35

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

Physical Description: 2 p.

Douglas, Isle of Man
Folder  36

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

Physical Description: 3 p.

Douglas, Isle of Man
Folder  37

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Dublin
Folder  38

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Belfast
Folder  39

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

Physical Description: 2 p.

Douglas, Isle of Man
Folder  40

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

Physical Description: 2 p.

Dublin
Folder  41

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

Physical Description: 2 p.

[Aberdeen?, Scotland]
Folder  42

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Belfast
Folder  43

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

Physical Description: 3 p.

Belfast
Folder  44

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Belfast
Folder  45

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

Physical Description: 3 p.

Belfast
Folder  46

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

Physical Description: 2 p.

Folder  47

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Dublin
Folder  48

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

Physical Description: 2 p.

London
Folder  49

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

Physical Description: 2 p.

Douglas, Isle of Man
Folder  50

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

Physical Description: 2 p.

Dublin
Folder  51

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

Physical Description: 3 p.

Dublin
Folder  52

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Dublin
Folder  53

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

Physical Description: 3 p.

Belfast
Folder  54

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

Physical Description: 2 p.

Douglas, Isle of Man
Folder  55

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

Physical Description: 2 p.

Belfast
Box 2

1765-1832

Physical Description: 48 items
Folder  1

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

Physical Description: 3 p.

Douglas, Isle of Man
Folder  2

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Belfast
Folder  3

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Belfast
Folder  4

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

Physical Description: 3 p.

Dublin
Folder  5

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

Physical Description: 4 p.

Belfast
Folder  6

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

Physical Description: 4 p.

Castlehill, North Ireland
Folder  7

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Newton Ards, County Down, North Ireland
Folder  8

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Belfast
Folder  9

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

Physical Description: 2 p.

Albion Place (London)
Folder  10

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

Physical Description: 2.p

London?
Folder  11

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

Physical Description: 3 p.

London
Folder  12

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

Physical Description: 4 p.

London
Folder  13

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

Physical Description: 3 p.

London
Folder  14

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

Physical Description: 2 p.

London
Folder  15

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

Physical Description: 3 p.

Newton Ards (County Down, North Ireland)
Folder  16

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Edinburgh
Folder  17

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

Physical Description: 2 p.

Canton, China
Folder  18

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Edinburgh
Folder  19

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

Physical Description: 2 p.

Edinburgh
Folder  20

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Edinburgh
Folder  21

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

Physical Description: 2 p.

Birmingham
Folder  22

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Edinburgh
Folder  23

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Edinburgh
Folder  24

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

Physical Description: 3 p.

Edinburgh
Folder  25

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Edinburgh
Folder  26

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

Physical Description: 2 p.

Edinburgh
Folder  27

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

Physical Description: 2 p.

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

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Edinburgh
Folder  29

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Belfast
Folder  30

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Dublin
Folder  31

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

Physical Description: 2 p.
Folder  32

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

Physical Description: 3 p.

London
Folder  33

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

Physical Description: 4 p.

Prince of Wales Island (Pinang, Malaysia)
Folder  34

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

Physical Description: 2 p.

St. George's (London)
Folder  35

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

Physical Description: 3 p.

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

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Dublin
Folder  37

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

Physical Description: 4 p.

Stranmillis (Belfast)
Folder  38

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

Physical Description: 3 p.

Stranmillis (Belfast)
Folder  39

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

Physical Description: 2 p.

Dublin
Folder  40

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

Physical Description: 4 p.

Stranmillis (Belfast)
Folder  41

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

London
Folder  42

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

Physical Description: 2 p.

Newton (Wakefield, Yorkshire)
Folder  43

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Newton near Wakefield (Yorkshire, England)
Folder  44

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Dublin
Folder  45

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

Physical Description: 3 p.

Newton near Wakefield (Yorkshire, England)
Folder  46

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

London
Folder  47

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

Physical Description: 1 p.

Wakefield (Yorkshire)
Folder  48

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

Physical Description: 4 p.

Dublin
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