University of Chicago Library

Guide to the Smyth Family Papers 1602-1692

Descriptive Summary

Title:	Smyth Family. Papers
Dates:	1602-1692
Size:	.25 linear ft. (1 box)
Repository:	Special Collections Research Center University of Chicago Library 1100 East 57th Street Chicago, Illinois 60637 U.S.A.
Abstract:	The collection contains correspondence, legal records, estate and other property documents relating to the Smyth family of Gloucestershire, England, and to the Berkeley and Overbury families. Includes notes prepared by Mary McEldowney concerning the papers.

Information on Use

Access

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Citation

When quoting material from this collection, the preferred citation is: Smyth Family. Papers,[Box #, Folder #], Special Collections Research Center, University of Chicago Library

Scope Note

These papers are concerned with the Smyth family of Gloucestershire in England, and the connections of this family with others in the neighborhood, particularly the Berkeleys (the local nobility), and the Overburys. There are approximately thirty-five letters and legal documents, from about 1602 to about 1686. A few are undated, but appear to belong to this general period. The papers include some personal letters among different members of the family, but for the most part are concerned with such matters as defining property boundaries; listing a harvest of crops; lawsuits over inheritance; etc. Typed copies of most of the original documents are included. Also included are a number of bibliographical sources of contemporary local history of this section of England in the seventeenth century, and biographical and other notes, presumably compiled by Mary McEldowney at the time she was working with these papers.

Related Resources

The following related resources are located in the Department of Special Collections:

http://www.lib.uchicago.edu/e/spcl/select.html

Subject Headings

INVENTORY

Box 1 Folder 1

Typescript

Eight pages of typescript which contain copies of parts of articles from the Gloucestershire Notes and Queries, plus a list of references pertinent to the Smyth family papers. The articles quoted are concerned with the Smyth family of Nibley, England; possible American descendents in New England, New York, and Virginia; and relations between the Smyths and the Berkeleys of Gloucestershire

Box 1 Folder 2

Documents

Undated, Account of lawsuit concerned with the title to a farm, transcribed from old to modern handwriting
June 11, 1678 Oath of Robert Cornock, that he has no money to pay his poll tax.
Undated, Typed transcript. Reasons why the King cannot pardon on impeachments in Parliament
Undated, 1 sheet. Continuation of similar argument
Undated, Typed transcript. Lawfulness of commissions
Undated, Another document, not transcribed

Box 1 Folder 3

Correspondence (all with typed transcriptions)

October 17, 1620, Letter to John Smith from Robert Bridges
February 17, 1626, Letter to John Smith from Mr. Battersey
August 28, 1627, Letter to nephew John Smith from Mr. Webb
September 20, 1627, Letter to John Smith from Be. Webb
December 3, 1627, Letter to John Smith from Mr. Battersey
February, 1630, Letter to Lady Elizabeth, Berkeley, in London from Mr. Smyth and Mr. Battersey
May 18, 1632, May 18, 1632 Letter to John Smyth from Rebecca Goldisbrough (sp?)
August 23, 1650, Letter to John Smith from Humphrey Hooke
Undated, Letter to John Smyth from Richard Baughe, includes estimated value of a farm, itemized
March 2, 1692, Letter to George Smyth from Edward Smith, father
May 23, 1672, Letter to John Smyth from Dick Stephens
Undated, Letter to Edward Smyth from Alex Blagrave
December 9, 1678, Letter to Mr. Smyth, unsigned, perhaps from his sister
June 11 (no year), Letter to Edward Smyth from H. Overbury
June 29 (no year), Letter to Edward Smyth from H. Overbury
Undated, Letter to Rose Smyth, unsigned
October 20, 1679, Letter to Edward Smyth from Tho. Overbury
June 4, 1681, Letter to Edward Smyth from Tho. Overbury

Box 1 Folder 4

Legal papers

July 15, 1625, Receipt, typed transcript
April 1634 Receipt, typed transcript
December 18, 1648, Bond of John Driver, typed transcript, in Latin and English
Undated, untranscribed, another bond

Box 1 Folder 5

Real estate and other property documents

A sketch of map of Hipe's land, recently drawn from information in the papers
November 5, 1621, Corne leaft in the cockloft (also wheat, barly, malt, pease & beanes)
no date, 1 folded sheet, with writing on three sides, only a few sentences transcribed, concerning a description of property that had been occupied by two Welldones and a Stephen Arnold
No date, 1 sheet, with writing, untranscribed
April 3, 1602, 1 folded sheet, writing on three sides, transcribed, property boundary descriptions in three parts; The land occupied by Carter; the house called the Netherplace; and the lands of John Buttler, the Niller
Undated, A map of the Mansion House, with its surrounding fields, roads, brook, mill, etc

Box 1 Folder 6

Notes concerning the papers, presumably by Mary McEldowney

List of persons involved in the papers
List of names (presumably, those names relevant to the papers) mentioned in Gloucestershire Notes and Queries, with volume and page references
Rough drafts of typed transcriptions
List of dates of correspondence and other papers. Does not include all listed here, included in collection
Relationships of various members of the Overbury family, and further lists of names