Albert G. Smith papers, 1805-1916, bulk 1839-1842

Summary

Abstract:
This collection consists of the records of Rochester, New York based merchant, entrepreneur and contractor Albert G. Smith. The materials date between 1805 and 1916, with the bulk dating from 1839 to 1842. The records include letters, bills, receipts, contracts, mortgages, deeds, bonds, legal briefs and filings, title and judgement searches, cancelled checks and other documents.
Extent:
1.15 Cubic Feet Two letter boxes, one oversize box, one custom box., .87 Cubic Feet, .278 Cubic Feet, and 3 Volumes
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Albert G. Smith Papers. [box #,folder #]. Local History and Genealogy Division, Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County N.Y.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection documents the activities of Albert G. Smith, a Rochester, New York grocer with diverse business interests. The bulk of the collection dates from 1839 to 1842, and is related to his business interests of the period, including his grocery and dry goods business, managing a flour mill, distributing fruit trees from one of Rochester's pioneer nurseries, and a contract to construct a portion of the New York and Erie Railroad. His personal finances, real estate holdings and legal matters are also documented. The collection includes letters, bills, receipts, contracts, mortgages, deeds, bonds, legal briefs and filings, title and judgement searches, cancelled checks and other documents. The collection also includes materials related to the family of Smith's partner, Latham Burrows, and Burrows' descendants in Albion, New York.

Biographical / historical:

Albert Gallatin Smith was born in Groton, Connecticut on March 29, 1804. There is little record of his early life, but it is likely he moved to Rochester soon after his elder brother, Elijah, came to the city in 1826. Albert joined his brother in a grocery business on Exchange Street, the firm of E. F. and A. G. Smith. Albert returned to Groton to marry Julia Ann Burrows on May 12, 1830. Julia Ann was the sister of Latham Burrows, who also moved to western New York and was in involved with the Smith brothers in multiple business endeavors.

Besides the mercantile business with his brother, Albert G. Smith was involved in numerous other business interests. These included flour milling, fruit tree sapling distribution, and railroad construction. He also served as one of the directors of the Bank of Monroe from at least 1839 to 1843. However, as this collection demonstrates, Smith and his partners ran into some financial difficulties in 1842, and he was forced into bankruptcy by the courts in that year. He quickly recovered from this financial setback and returned to the business world, but was again struck by tragedy when his house burned in May of 1844. Throughout his years in Rochester, Smith was also known as a temperance advocate and for his membership in the Second Baptist Church, in which he ultimately served as a Deacon. Albert G. Smith passed away on March 29, 1855

Acquisition information:
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert G. Watkins of Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1965.
Arrangement:

This collection consists of 4 boxes divided into 8 series:

Series I: Grocery and Dry Goods Business, 1839-1842, Undated
Series II: Fruit Tree Business, 1843-1852, Undated
Series III: Mill Business, 1840-1842
Series IV: New York and Erie Railroad contract, 1841-1843
Series V: Finance, Real Estate and Patents, 1827-1850
Series VI: Court Cases, 1838-1860
Series VII: Other Business Records, 1839-1850
Series VIII: Papers of the Burrows Family and of Erastus Lee, 1805-1916
Physical description:
Mostly good to very good. Much of the collection is on rag paper, and shows little fading or foxing. Expected problems with iron gall ink on some documents. Most items were rolled or folded and required extensive flattening.
Dimensions:
Two letter boxes, each 15 x 10 x 5; one oversize box, 24 x 20 x 1 (inches); one custom box 8 x 3 x 4 (inches).
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the collection.

Terms of access:

Permission to publish, reproduce, distribute, or use in any current or future manifestations must be obtained in writing from the Rochester Public Library Local History and Genealogy Division.

Preferred citation:

Albert G. Smith Papers. [box #,folder #]. Local History and Genealogy Division, Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County N.Y.

Location of this collection:
Rundel Memorial Building
115 South Avenue
Rochester, NY 14604, United States
Link to repository site
Contact:
585-428-8370
lochist@libraryweb.org