Barrell family papers, 1751-1929, bulk 1791-1889

Summary Information

Abstract

The collection consists primarily of personal correspondence between members of the Barrell family in London, the United States, Barbados, and Demerara which was then a part of British Guiana. The collection also contains several family chronicles, a diary and cashbook belonging to Theodore Barrell, autograph albums belonging to Walter Newberry Barrell and Theodora Barrell, and photographs and silhouettes.

At a Glance

Arrangement

Arrangement

This collection is arranged in five series.

• Series I: Correspondence, 1751-1853
• Series II: Autograph Albums, Diaries, and Exercise Book, 1814-1881
• Series III: Visual Materials, Undated, 1864-1889
• Series IV: Geanealogical Material and Family Documents
• Series V: Books Owned by the Barrell Family

Description

Summary

The collection consists primarily of letters to Theodore Barrell from members of the Barrell family in London, the United States, Barbados. The collection also contains geneological chronicles, a diary and cashbook belonging to Theodore Barrell, autograph albums belonging to Walter Barrell and Theodora Barrell, an exercise book belonging to John Stayner Barrell, and silhouettes and photographs of the Barrell family and of their property.

• Series I: Correspondence, 1751-1853

  This series is composed of primarily letters from various members of the Barrell family to Theodore Barrell, There are also a few letters to other members of the Barrell family, however the bulk of the correspondence is addressed to Theodore. The largest single group comprises the letters of Walter Barrell in London to his son, Theodore who was then a merchant in Demarara. These letters mention such family affairs as births, deaths and marriages, business matters including payments received and payments due, and advice from father to son on interpersonal matters often including remarks on religion and faith. Some correspondence makes passing mention of the change of rule in Demarara from British to Dutch and then back to British rule again from 1802-1803 and the beginning of the Napoleonic Wars in Europe. The majority of the correspondence from other members of the family deals with major family events, health of family members and friends of the family and trade matters.

• Series II: Autograph Albums, Diaries, and Exercise Book, 1814-1881

  This series contains autograph books belonging to Theodore Barrell's children, Walter Newberry Barrell and Theodora Barrell, a diary and cashbook belonging to Theodore Barrell from 1841 and an exercise book belonging to John Stayner Barrell dated 1814-1816.

  Theodore Barrell's diary and cashbook of 1841 details his observations on subjects ranging from weather conditions to comparisions of different branches of the Christian faith. The diary and cashbook also lists cash receipts and expenditures and marks important historical dates and Barrell family events.

  John Stayner Barrell's exercise book is mainly composed of his study of the French language including vocabulary, verb conjugations and extensive translations from English to French. The book also contains brief entries on such subjects as social customs in letter writing, shorthand notation, arithmetic and religion. The exercise book also contains lovingly illustrated family trees for the Barrell family and the Stayner family.

  This series also contains a diary compiled by Charles Barrell, Elizabeth Barrell, Elizabeth Massa, and Theodora Barrell including historical events as well as daily occurrences.

• Series III: Visual Materials, Undated, 1864-1889

  This series contains a small number of photographs of members of the Barrell Family and property owned by the family. There are also two silhouettes.

• Series IV: Geanealogical Material and Family Documents

  This series is comprised of notes about the genealogy of the Barrell Family and family and legal documents such as land deeds and wills.

• Series V: Books Owned by the Barrell Family

Using the Collection

Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Restrictions on Access

You will need to make an appointment in advance to use this collection material in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room. You can schedule an appointment once you've submitted your request through your Special Collections Research Account.

This collection is located on-site.

This collection has no restrictions.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred Citation

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Barrell Family Papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Accruals

Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.

Alternate Form Available

Manuscripts and photographs are on: microfilm. 4079759

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Source of acquisition--Walter E. Benjamin. Method of acquisition--gift; Accession number--M59.

About the Finding Aid / Processing Information

Columbia University Libraries, Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Processing Information

Cataloged Christina Hilton Fenn 03/31/89.

Papers Re-processed Jenny Mathias, MSLIS Pratt Institute 2011 2010.

Finding aid written Jenny Mathias, MSLIS Pratt Institute 2011 2010.

Revision Description

2011-02-10 xml document instance created by Carrie Hintz

2019-05-20 EAD was imported spring 2019 as part of the ArchivesSpace Phase II migration.

Subject Headings

The subject headings listed below are found in this collection. Links below allow searches at Columbia University through the Archival Collections Portal and through CLIO, the catalog for Columbia University Libraries, as well as ArchiveGRID, a catalog that allows users to search the holdings of multiple research libraries and archives.

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Genre/Form

Subject

History / Biographical Note

Biographical / Historical

The Barrell Family were noted merchants and businessmen in London and in Colonial Demerara, now part of Guyana.

Theodore Barrell, the son of Walter Newberry Barrell, a London-based businessman, was both in Boston in 1771. He spent most of his career working as a merchant in the Americas, including in Barbados where he met his wife Elizabeth Beckles Barrell (born November 18, 1783) and in Demerara.

Theodore Barrell died in Saugerties, New York in 1846.