Thomas Swann collection
Abstract
Collection consists of correspondence addressed to Thomas Swann while he was president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company. Correspondence chiefly written by Swann's associates at the B and O, such as James Cooke and B. H. Latrobe. Also includes financial reports, annual reports, Swann's speeches and Swan's essays. The collection also consists of numerous receipts, bills and business papers. Many papers relating to the account of Elizabeth Gilmor Sherlock with Robert Gilmor. Miscellaneous receipts, accounts of Richard Dorsey, papers relating to Cedar Park, the estate of Margaret Mercer, etc.
Dates
- 1815-1886
Creator
- Swann, Thomas, 1809-1883 (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is available for research use.
Conditions Governing Use
The reproduction of materials in this collection may be subject to copyright restrictions. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine and satisfy copyright clearances or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections. For more information visit the MCHC’s Rights and Permissions page.
Biographical Note
Thomas Swann married Elizabeth Gilmor Sherlock in 1834; became president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company in 1848; president of the Northwestern Virginia Railroad; mayor of Baltimore from 1856 to 1860; Governor of Maryland from 1866-1869.
Extent
2.29 Linear Feet (5 full Hollinger boxes; 1 half Hollinger box)
Language of Materials
English
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Mrs. Charles B. Gillette, June 1968.
Scope and Contents
Legal papers include deeds of trust, property indenture, and manumission of Ramey Neale (1852).
Financial papers (1815-1865) include Swann's account with architect Jacob Wall and overseer Charles Cleve, and Elizabeth Sherlock Dorsey's account with Robert Gilmor; financial statements of the Baltimore and Ohio's Main Stem and Washington Branch and expenses of the Board, and Swann's water wharf property at Fells Point; and receipts for a variety of purchases, subscriptions, and services, including labor for various building projects.
Reports (1847-1853) include Swann's 1850 annual report to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company's stockholders; supportive material for annual reports including financial exhibits and special reports on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company administration, organization, expansion, and finances; resolutions for special committees and reports, and the 1852 annual reports for the Northwestern Virginia and Marietta and Cincinnati Railroads.
Addresses, statements and writings of Thomas Swann (1836-1854) include hand-written and printed addresses and essays, notes on historical events and personalities, and personal reflections. Topics include Maryland State involvement in the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company; Baltimore and Ohio Railroad road maintenance, tariff, westward expansion, Ohio line terminus, finances; the American economy and the role of slavery in it; Maryland State and Baltimore City resources and trade development and growth potential; coal trade; Whig politics; and liberty (4th of July speech).
Creator
- Swann, Thomas, 1809-1883 (Person)
- Title
- Guide to the Thomas Swann collection
- Status
- Under Revision
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- English
Revision Statements
- 2019-12-18: Manually entered into ArchivesSpace by Mallory Herberger.
Repository Details
Part of the H. Furlong Baldwin Library Repository
H. Furlong Baldwin Library
Maryland Center for History and Culture
610 Park Avenue
Baltimore MD 21201 United States
4106853750
specialcollections@mdhistory.org