Skip to main content

Ellicott-King family papers

 Collection — Box: 1
Identifier: MS-0161

Scope and Contents

The Ellicott-King papers (1804-1837) which form this collection consist of a bound, holographic notebook (1804-1826) of Eliza Ellicott, a bound, holographic notebook (1819-1851) of Tacy E. (Ellicott) King, and a bound, holographic autograph album (1835- 1837) of Thomas King.

The notebook of Eliza Ellicott is dated 1804 and contains poetry, some of which is signed by persons other than Eliza Ellicott. At times, the notebook may have been used to record favorite passages written by friends, including Charlotte Cape and R.D. Davis. Of particular interest is the genealogical information of the Ellicott family which is recorded in the back of the notebook. Several generations are recorded including the family of Elias and Mary Thomas Ellicott. An obituary of James Ellicott (1804-1826), son of Elias and Mary Thomas Ellicott and brother of Tacy E. King, is attached in the notebook.

The notebook of Tacy E. King contains a compilation of solutions for household problems and illnesses. It appears to be a household reference assembled by Tacy E. King over a period of years as a practical source of information for the 19th century household. Recipes for making cold cream, paint, cologne water, and ink are given. The notebook also contains a collection of clippings removed from 19th century newspapers which offer remedies for complaints such as hiccups, asthma, headaches, and dysentery. Tacy E. King's final entry in her notebook is a catalog of her plants.

The autograph album of Thomas King is the final item in the collection. It contains poetry and messages addressed to Thomas King by friends at Haverford College, 1835-1837, including John Brown, Jr., David C. Murray, Joseph D. Falwell, and Joseph H. Coates.

Dates

  • Creation: 1804-1851

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is housed off-site and requires 48-hours' notice for retrieval. Contact Special Collections for more information.

This collection is open for use.

Conditions Governing Use

Single copies may be made for research purposes. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions. It is not necessary to seek our permission as the owner of the physical work to publish or otherwise use public domain materials that we have made available for use, unless Johns Hopkins University holds the copyright.

Biographical Note on the Ellicott Family

The Ellicott family of Howard County, Maryland settled in Maryland in 1772 on the Patapsco River about 10 miles west of Baltimore, where Ellicott City now stands. The family carried on an extensive milling business and were interested in the development of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Elias Ellicott (1759-1827) was a merchant-miller in Baltimore and attended to the different milling interests of himself and his brothers. Elias married Mary Thomas (1769-1809), the daughter of Evan Thomas (1738-1826), a minister of the Society of Friends, and the sister of Philip E. Thomas (1776-1861), the first president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company.

Tacy E. (Ellicott) King was born in Baltimore, Md., January 14, 1795. She was the daughter of Elias and Mary Thomas Ellicott. In 1817, Tacy married Joseph King, Jr. (1784-1865), a wealthy, dry-goods merchant. Tacy and Joseph King, Jr. resided on Charles St. in Baltimore, and were the parents of five children: Francis T. King (1819- ), Thomas (1820- ), Mary Ellicott (1823-1856), Joseph (1825- ), and Elias (1823- ). Francis T. King was the executor of the Johns Hopkins estate. Apparently, Tacy's son, Thomas enrolled at Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania in 1835.

The relationship of Eliza Ellicott to Tacy E. and Thomas King has not been verified. A sister of Tacy was named Elizabeth, born in 1787. The notebook of Eliza Ellicott contains an obituary of James Ellicott (January 3, 1804 to April 24, 1826), brother of Elizabeth and Tacy Ellicott.

Tacy E. King died in 1872. It is unknown when Thomas King died.

Extent

0.19 Cubic Feet (1 letter half-size document box)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The Ellicott-King papers (1804-1837) which form this collection consist of a notebook (1804-1826) of Eliza Ellicott, a notebook (1819-1851) of Tacy E. (Ellicott) King, and an autograph album (1835- 1837) of Thomas King. The Ellicott family of Howard County, Maryland settled in Maryland in 1772 on the Patapsco River about 10 miles west of Baltimore, where Ellicott City now stands.

Custodial History

The items formerly formed the following collections: Charles H. Carey Notebook (Ms.161); Eliza Ellicott Notebook (Ms. 163), and the Thomas King Album (Ms. 169). When the relationship of the items was verified, they were combined to form a single collection, MS.0161, in January 1990.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The papers of the Ellicott and King families were received by the University from the estate of Charles H. Carey, April 9, 1946. Charles H. Carey was a descendant of the Ellicott family.

Processing Information

Finding aid prepared by Joan Grattan in 1990.

Title
Ellicott-King papers
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Repository

Contact:
The Sheridan Libraries
Special Collections
3400 N Charles St
Baltimore MD 21218 USA