Author

Finding aid prepared by Katie L.B. Henningsen

Title

Smith family papers

Date

Bulk, 1859-1874

Repository

University of Kentucky Special Collections

Arrangement

Collection is arranged chronologically.

Conditions Governing Access note

Collection is open to researchers by appointment.

Preferred Citation Note

64M142 : [identification of item], Smith family papers, 1858-1955, Bulk 1859-1874, University of Kentucky Special Collections.

Extent

0.45 Cubic feet

1 box

Creator

Smith family.

Biography/History

George Washington Smith (1832-1908) was a farmer and, apparently, owner of a sawmill in Henderson County, Ky.

Scope and Content

The collection consists of a diary, a will, a letter and some genealogical material related to the Smith family of Smith Mills and Henderson, Ky. The diary (1854-1874) which comprises the bulk of the collection is that of George Washington Smith. Primarily, the diary is a laconic account of Smith's daily activities, such as supervising slaves, planting and harvesting corn, wheat, rye or tobacco, making trips into Corydon, or into Henderson, attending church or going to parties and other social functions for the purpose of obtaining a wife. The diary sometimes offers insights into the political situation in Henderson County preceding and during the Civil War, the price of slaves throughout the war as well as social and religious life in the area. The original and a typescript of the diary are available.

The will of George Washington Smith's father, Robert Smith, is present as are some pages from the Smith family Bible which records births, deaths and marriages from 1753-1955. Also included is a letter from G. W. Smith proposing marriage (which he apparently did numerous times, without success) to an unknown correspondent.

Subjects

• Corydon (Ky.)
• Henderson (Ky.)
• Henderson County (Ky.)--Genealogy.
• Henderson County (Ky.)--Social conditions.
• Smith Mills (Ky.)
• Smith, George Washington, 1832-1908
• Smith, Robert, 1784-1858
• Agriculture--Documentation.
• Agriculture--Kentucky--History.
• Corn
• Registers of births, etc.
• Rye.
• Slavery--Kentucky--History.
• Tobacco.
• United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865.
• Wheat.
• Wills.

Collection Inventory