Reference code: GB-0298-UC/P12
Title: John Smith Papers
Dates of creation: 1769-1865
Extent: 2 files
Held by: Ushaw College
Origination: John Smith (1769-1839)
Language: English
John Smith (1769 - 1839), Esq., of the Brooms, in the parish of Iveston, and brother of Bishop Thomas Smith, vicar apostolic of the Northern District.
Mostly correspondence between Smith and others, notably Thomas Eyre, William Hogarth and Philip Kearney. The correspondence mostly concerns the management of his estates, but also contains information on the development of Catholic missions in
County Durham from the 1790s to the 1830s, as well as the development of Ushaw College.
Also includes a series of receipts for annual rentals on tenements and colliery lands in the Lanchester area.
Collection brought together by Rev Michael Sharratt as part of the Old Series of documents in Ushaw College Library.
Previous reference number OS 1 D
Open for consultation.
Permission to make any published use of the photocopied material from the collection must be sought in advance from ushaw.library@durham.ac.uk and, where appropriate, from Lancashire Record Office (the copyright owner). The Library will assist
where possible with identifying copyright owners, but responsibility for ensuring copyright clearance rests with the user of the material.
The letters and other papers follow the original arrangement of the collection which is broadly chronological. The exception to this arrangement is a handful of letters added to the end of the numbering sequence at a later date.
1. Card catalogue with calendared list for the correspondence.
2. Transcript of correspondence and diary by Fr William Vincent Smith (UC/P45/1/93/8)
Book Archives
Typed transcripts of letters 1-19 in this collection have been made by the Rev W.V. Smith and can be found in the Book Archives.
UC/P12/1 8 May 1793
Letter from Thomas Eyre to John Smith concerning the offer of land by Smith's father to Silvertop at Pontop for a house and chapel, the conveying of land to Silvertop as trustee, and requesting funds from Mrs Witham and the Swinburnes with a
public subscription later.
2f
UC/P12/1b [May 1793] - 9 May 1793
Letter from Smith to Eyre (draft) concerning Silvertop's plan to build a chapel at Pontop, and his belief that it is unlikely to be built this year.
Reverse: letter from John Darnett to Smith (9 May 1793) asking him to attend the election of a clerk and treasurer for building a new road [to Durham].
1f
UC/P12/2 24 March 1794
Letter from Eyre to Smith agreeing with whatever Smith, Rutter and Silvertop decide about the new chapel, the need to obtain subscriptions and will apply to the Hamsterley family. Also includes a draft of Smith's reply with progress of work
carried out so far and the difficulty of leading stone in the winter.
2f
UC/P12/3 3 December 1807
Letter from Smith to John Bell (draft) concerning a complaint made against Bell by his family and congregation for refusing to light the fire in the priest's house, the attitude of the Crook Hall gentlemen towards it, and deploring his conduct
generally.
2f
UC/P12/4 27 December 1807
Letter from John Smith (jr) to John Smith concerning details of his and his brother, Robert's, studies at Sedgley Park.
2f
UC/P12/5 21 March 1808
Letter from John Smith (jr) to John Smith, concerning details of his and his brother, Robert's, studies at Sedgley Park.
On the same letter: Joseph Harbutt to Smith concerning John and Robert Smith's bill and John's desire to become a priest.
2f
UC/P12/6 16 May 1808
Letter from John Smith (jr) to John Smith, concerning details of his and his brother, Robert's, studies at Sedgley Park.
1f
UC/P12/7 12 June 1808
Letter from John Smith to Joseph Richardson (draft) concerning the health of his family and friends, the transfer of students from Crook Hall to Ushaw College, and the depression in the coal trade.
On the same letter: John Smith to [?] seeking the payment of a debt for hay.
1f
UC/P12/8 4 October 1808
Letter from John Smith (jr) and Robert Smith to John Smith, on his wish to write to Bradley, details of their studies at Sedgley Park, and their desire to learn drawing.
2f
UC/P12/9 6 July 1810
Letter from Robert Smith to John Smith concerning family news, his brother John and his studies at Ushaw, as well as details of his (Robert's) studies at Sedgley Park.
1f
UC/P12/10 February 1778 - January 1811
Typescript transcripts of an occasional diary of John Smith with brief entries which include many names of local Catholics, and records many deaths and marriages, as well as events.
14f
Another typed transcript by Rev W.V. Smith exists in the Book Archives.
This is located in the oversize sheet archives.
UC/P12/11 2 April 1819
Letter from George Dunn to his cousin, John Smith, concerning Worswick and Lingard's visit to Durham to request the bishop for a priest for Lancaster, the bishop's decision to appoint Brown in this capacity, and seeking Smith's opinion of a
possible purchase of Cornsay Low Row estate.
1f
UC/P12/12 11 July 1825
Letter from Robert Smith to John Smith seeking work as business is slack.
2f
UC/P12/13 15 October 1828
Letter from William Hogarth to John Smith relating to F. Storey as Thomas Storey's executor, report on confirmation, his attendance at a bible meeting, and the possible use of Field House for the Cocken nuns.
1f
UC/P12/14 3 February 1830
Letter from Hogarth to Smith thanking him for his money for the Darlington poor, his opinion that there are no opulent people in his congregation but glad he remained there instead of going to Hull, and the railway.
1f
UC/P12/15 21 September 1832
Letter from Philip Kearney to Smith concerning the cholera in Stockton, and a debt owed to Smith by Mr Angus.
2f
UC/P12/16 29 November 1832
Letter from Kearney to Smith on the loan of £200 to Dugdale.
2f
UC/P12/17 22 January 1833
Letter from Kearney to Smith concerning the difficulties of the Angus family, and the inability of Angus to pay debt because of the depression in the shipping trade.
2f
UC/P12/18 1 February 1833
Letter from Smith to Kearney (draft) requesting that Angus try to pay his debt, and passing the matter over to his solicitor, Mr Leadbitter.
1f
UC/P12/19 8 April 1834
Letter from Kearney to Smith suggesting how to interpret the Stephenson trust to assist a poor relative without going against the donor's intentions, and his belief that Worswick could distribute the money in instalments.
1f
UC/P12/20 1835 - 1839
Book of draft letters from John Smith to Miss Taylor (with one letter to John Knight):
31f
UC/P12/20a 11 August 1835
Detailing a journey from Cannington via Acton Burnell to Ormskirk (Fletcher) and Durham, information on the Wards of Norton, and Sir Edward Smythe's visit to Esh.
UC/P12/20b 27 August 1835
Inventory of items to be sent to Cannington.
UC/P12/20c 9 September 1835
Awaiting instructions on what is to be sent to Cannington, requesting their votes for Shaw as surgeon at Durham University, and the purchase of land by Lady Peat.
UC/P12/20d 1 October 1835
Informing her that Thomas Hall, former Ushaw joiner and landlord of the Fighting Cocks in Durham, packed the items which will go by sea to London, George Barker's wish to give up his farm, and his payment of Fletcher's expenses.
UC/P12/20e 11 December 1835
Concerning Hooper's affairs, and his wish for a suitable tenant farmer, details of the estate and tenants, and Fletcher having trouble with the Anglican minister, Rev Temple Chevalier, at Esh, who has established a school in the village in
competition with the Catholic school.
UC/P12/20f 11 March 1836
His wish to give expenses to the Sunday school or the chapel, the request of Briggs for a priest, the need for considerable repairs on his estate, his offer of £5 to Charles Newsham for Carmel House, and Kearney's request for a vestment.
UC/P12/20g 7 April 1836
Outlining the repairs needed on his estate and news of tenants, the lack of funding for Esh, and the spiritual revival in the area.
UC/P12/20h 20 May 1836
Concerning the lack of progress in the building work, the expansion of the railway in the county and advising on Rippon's plan to run a line on their land which he considers to be a dubious scheme.
UC/P12/20i 20 September 1836
Relating to the completion of the building work, the abandonment of the proposed railway scheme, the use of the new chapel gallery, and Cummings' threat to give up the farm.
UC/P12/20j 4 November 1836
Seeking direction on rent abatement, his dissatisfaction with the new tenant Pattison, the murder of his stone mason; and his concerns over bad weather and low stocks of food.
UC/P12/20k 16 December 1836
Concerning estate news, Esh's poverty preventing the village having its own priest in contrast to Brooms which is experiencing a revival, and Rippon's plans for the railways.
UC/P12/20l 11 March 1837
Concerning estate news, seeking support for the Esh fund and the need to find a suitable replacement for Fletcher, Youens resigning the presidency at Ushaw and Newsham as a possible successor.
UC/P12/20m 21 April 1837
Planning to let the farm at a lower rent, and Hopper's enquiries into Taylor's finances.
UC/P12/20n 9 June 1837
Concerning rent abatement, Hopper causing difficulties, and local election news.
UC/P12/20o 31 July 1837
Relating to the need for urgent repairs, and the growing election excitement, and his belief that a Tory victory is not certain in the North Durham constituency.
UC/P12/20p 6 October 1837
Relating to Hopper's obstinance, the Esh fund, and estate news.
UC/P12/20q 4 April 1838
Concerning estate news, Fletcher's replacement by an Ushawman (Gillet) at Esh, preparing for the commutation of tithes.
UC/P12/20r 8 June 1838
Seeking a meeting with the Taylors to discuss business matters, a visit from Newsham and Kirk, and the work continuing on the college kitchens, and Cornsay house requiring repairs.
UC/P12/20s 27 July 1838
Relating to progress on the Cornsay tithes.
UC/P12/20t 29 September 1838
Concerning his search in Ushaw for a map of Cornsay, trouble caused by land valuation of tithes in the district, repairs required, and his poor health.
UC/P12/20u 16 November 1838
Relating to the poor harvest, and Kirk and Newsham's advice on the ruinous effects of unwise farming, the congestion at Ushaw and its need for extension, the possibility of Cornsay being used for Ushaw outings, plans for a junior seminary at
Flass.
UC/P12/20v 19 April 1839
Settling accounts with Ushaw, and the possibility of the professors' salaries, Slavin's will, and the slow progress over tithes.
UC/P12/20w 29 April 1839
Offering condolences on her sister's death, and masses at Ushaw and elsewhere.
UC/P12/20x 9 May 1839
[To John Knight] relating to complications over Miss Taylor's will, and his hopes that Frances Taylor will visit Durham, and a donation to Dr Briggs.
UC/P12/21 17 September 1821
Letter from Matthew Gibson to Smith inviting Smith to be godfather to his expected child.
1f
UC/P12/22 5 December 1826
Letter from Charles Gibson to Smith concerning Bowes' title deeds, and Elliott's (Smith's joiner) will.
1f
UC/P12/23 24 May 1826
Letter from George Robson to Smith offering his services as a joiner to replace Elliott, and his inability to pay his debts.
1f
UC/P12/24 17 January 1827
Letter from J. Gibson to Smith concerning the failure of getting Elliot's property accepted as security for a loan to Bowes, and Singleton's desire to visit Ushaw.
1f
UC/P12/25 12 March 1831
Letter from William Stoker to Smith concerning Mesnard's bill.
1f
UC/P12/26 27 December 1831
Receipt by Henry Magee acknowledging Smith's receipt of £195 from Stephenson's estate.
1f
UC/P12/27 18 February 1832
Letter from William Heaton to Smith concerning the inability to complete the Stephenson trust, and elections for the infirmary.
1f
UC/P12/28 17 March 1832
Letter from Heaton to Smith concerning the surprise at the haste of the
Orient's sailing.
2f
UC/P12/29 24 March 1832
Letter from Magee to Smith seeking a loan to cover the cost of ship repairs.
2f
UC/P12/30 30 March 1832
Letter from Smith to Magee (draft) agreeing to give him a loan on the understanding that the legacies and other costs are paid.
1f
UC/P12/31 5 April 1832
Letter from Magee to Smith thanking him for the loan.
2f
UC/P12/31b 4 November [1830s]
Letter from Smith to Heaton concerning his method which would have proved to be an expensive mistake so he will follow Leadbitter's advice.
1f
UC/P12/32 8 December 1832
Letter from Heaton to Smith concerning the need for Magee's cash book to put the accounts in order.
1f
UC/P12/33 22 December 1832
Letter from Heaton to Smith on the progress with the accounts, and results of a corrupt election.
1f
UC/P12/34 2 November 1833
Letter from Heaton to Smith concerning his approval of Smith's suggestion.
1f
UC/P12/35 4 January 1834
Letter from Heaton to Smith concerning the forwarding of money.
1f
UC/P12/36 14 January 1834
Letter from Robert Leadbitter to Smith informing him that Palin's property is not part of Stephenson's will, and that Miss Stephenson would have to be made a ward of court.
1f
UC/P12/37 14 February 1834
Letter from Leadbitter to Smith sending the draft of the conveyance of Stephenson's estate and will.
1f
UC/P12/38 28 February 1834
Letter from Leadbitter to Smith concerning Stephenson's estate.
1f
UC/P12/39 [1838]
Letter from Heaton to Smith concerning the requirement of Williamson's legal opinion and Williamson's opinion of it being “a queer business”.
1f
UC/P12/40 [1838]
Letter from Heaton to Smith concerning the poor wording of the will which was not a safe basis for parting with the legacies.
1f
UC/P12/41 [1838]
Letter from Heaton to Smith arranging to meet Magee.
1f
UC/P12/42 [1838]
Letter from William Stoker to Heaton concerning cousins who may be entitled to Stephenson's legacies.
1f
UC/P12/43 [1838]
Letter from Heaton to Smith on the settling of the infirmary business but the continual problem of the
Orient ship, and the possibility of its resale.
1f
UC/P12/44 [1830s]
Memorandum of money found by Jane Palmer in Stephenson's house.
1f
UC/P12/45 23 January 1865
Letter from Hugh O'Neal to [?] concerning Canon Eyre and his discouragement from a civil action with a recommendation for an ecclesiastical hearing instead.
2f
UC/P12/46 [1830s]
Draft articles of agreement between John Smith, on the part of George Baker, letting Baker's farm at Hownes, Lanchester parish.
1f
UC/P12/46b 22 October 1833
Scheme of husbandry at Armondside with a plan of fields.
1f
UC/P12/47 20 February 1837
Letter from William Fletcher to Smith concerning his father's funeral, and an influenza epidemic.
2f
UC/P12/48 21 January 1837
Letter from I. and A. Craggs to Smith apologising for not being able to repay Smith's loan at present.
1f
UC/P12/49 6 September [1830s]
Letter from Thomas Fenwick to Smith sending payment of his account.
1f
UC/P12/50 4 June 1816
Promissory note from George Robson to Smith.
1f
UC/P12/51 6 October 1820
Letter from Robson to Smith promising to pay a proportion of his loan next month.
1f
This letter is described as such in the card catalogue but the original cannot be found (22 February 2012)
UC/P12/52/1-16 1769 - 1784
Receipts for an annual rent by Smith owed to the dean and chapter of Durham relating to a tenement and colliery at Iveston and Broomledge.
16f
UC/P12/52/17-76 1781 - 1836
Receipts for an annual rent by Smith (father and son) owed to the bishop of Durham relating to lands allotted on the division of Lanchester Common.
60f
UC/P12/52/77-78 1775 - 1782
Receipts for fines by Smith owed to the Dean and Chapter of Durham relating to a tenement and colliery at Iveston.
2f
UC/P12/52/79-83 1826 - 1831
Promissory notes from Smith to the Liddle family.
4f
UC/P12/52/84-93 [1770s x 1830s]
Smith's miscellaneous receipts.
10f
