Darbishire family papers

Scope and Contents

The Correspondence series comprises letters representing six generations of the Shelby family of Kentucky and three generations of the Darbishire family of England and America. The earliest letters include letters concerning land titles that relate to Isaac Shelby. There are letters from Thomas Hart Clay on legal matters concerning the Clay family. A letter from Shelby to his son, Isaac Shelby, Jr., dated Frankfort, January 29, 1815, tells of a message received from General Adair reporting the results of the Battle of New Orleans and describing the celebration and victory.

The series includes civil war official orders sent to Isaac Shelby III while he was chief of the commissary department, Buckner's Division, Army of Tennessee. Also the series contains letters between Shelby family members discussing the progress of the Confederate army and the war effects on the south.

The bulk of the Correspondence series consists of family correspondence for the Darbishire family. Robert Dukinfield Darbishire was a well known philanthropist and biologist from Manchester, England. His wife Harriet Ann Cobb sent many letters to their son, Godfrey Darbishire while traveling and exploring in the mediterranean.

Godfrey Darbishire came to the United States in 1881 to work as a civil engineer along the Mississippi River. At some unknown point he met Anna Shelby and began corresponding with her regularly. In 1885 Godfrey and Anna married and settled in Key West, Florida.

After Godfrey's death in 1889 many letters were sent to Anna Shelby Darbishire expressing condolences. Anna, with her son, Robert Shelby Darbishire again relocated in Manchester with her in laws. During their years in England corresponded with Robert Dukinfield and Harriet Ann Cobb Darbishire while they travelled. Also Anna corresponded regularly with her parents and siblings. Robert Shelby Darbishire studied at Balliol College in Oxford. While a student he wrote his mother and grandparents frequently. In 1910, after Robert Dukinfield Darbishire, died Anna and Robert Shelby Darbishire resettled in Danville, Kentucky.

In 1919 Robert Shelby Darbishire travelled to Constantinople (Istanbul) as part of the Near East Relief Expedition. Letters between Robert and his mother included in the series reflect his experiences in Turkey after the First World War.

Scope and Contents

The Diaries series includes four books of writings by Robert Dukinfield Darbishire and Godfrey Darbishire from 1861-1878. The first book with writings by Robert Dukinfield Darbishire describe his sea shell and fossil findings along the beaches of Spain. The diaries by Godfrey Darbishire discuss his studies at Balliol College in Oxford England.

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The Newspaper clippings series includes articles from British periodicals about Robert Dukinfield Darbishire's work as a philanthropist and his works recognition by the royal court. The series also includes many articles written by Godfrey Darbishire that appeared in American newspapers. The articles primarily discuss urban planning and the construction of sewage systems.

Scope and Contents

The miscellaneous series includes materials belonging to Robert Dukinfield Darbishire, Robert Shelby Darbishire and possibly Godfrey Darbishire. A sketchbook contains drawings by Robert Dukinfield. A report on Bishop Percy's 18th century manuscripts discusses religious aspects in ancient English poetry. The Isaac Shelby commemorative pamphlets and articles were collected by Robert Shelby Darbishire in the early 20th century. Also included in the series are calling cards amassed by either Robert Dukinfield or Godfrey Darbishire.

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The Pamphlets series includes short publishings about science, literature, philosophy and historical events. Primarily the pamphlets were published by British education societies and institutions in the late nineteenth century. The Battle of King's Mountain pamphlets commemorate Isaac Shelby's, Anne Shelby's great grandfather, leadership in the decisive American Revolution victory fight.

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The Poems series contains verses translated from Greek to English and possibly written by Robert Shelby Darbishire. Many of the poems are ancient Greek writings and Darbishire includes the Greek and English titles before the verse begins. The origin of most of the poems is unknown.

Scope and Contents

The Essays and Articles series consists of manuscripts written by Robert Godfrey Darbishire. Most of the handwritten and typed articles are undated and range from works he wrote at Balliol College, as a relief worker in the near east, a professor at Athens College, as well as for the Atlantic Monthly magazine. The subjects of the articles include ancient art, history, politics and literature.

Scope and Contents

The Diplomas and Certificates series is primarily official documents presented to Robert Dukinfield Darbishire by the royal crown for his philanthropic works in England. One fabric scroll is included that was given to him giving him the Freedom of the city of Manchester in October 1899. Also in the series is Godfrey Darbishire's diploma from Balliol College in Oxford.