Scope and arrangement
The Rufus King genealogical research papers consist primarily of the notes and correspondence generated and collected by King in the course of tracing his family's lineage, as well as an assortment of family papers dating from 1720 to 1866. King was aided in this project by contributions of materials from fellow genealogist and distant relations Frank E. Randall and George A. Morrison. Much of the research is arranged by geographic regions and offers an accounting of the King clan's English heritage and marks the family's spread throughout America, with particular emphasis given to Massachusetts and New York. The family papers contain an assortment of account books, deeds and a diary as well as correspondence, including letters from John King (1825-1840) and a 1785 letter from Rufus King regarding the arrest in Spain of Jonas Hartwell.
The Rufus King genealogical research papers are arranged in two series:
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This series consists primarily of notes and correspondence, organized into general research, geographic location or family line. The correspondence reflects King's communications with distant relations, archives, historical societies and other record holders. The locations represented most heavily in the research are England, Massachusetts and New York. The notes include charts, copies of original documents, sketches of family arms, and clippings with notations. Also contained in this section are certificates and honors presented to Rufus King, as well as a scrapbook of clippings and letters relating to his personal research and the various genealogical societies in which King participated. A postcard collection documents locations in England and New England, with numerous views of the town of Orient, Long Island.
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The family papers contain an assortment of account books kept by Nehemiah King (1850-1863) and Nathaniel King (1859-1866); with the latter including brief diary entries for each day as well as accounts. In addition, original correspondence includes letters from John King (1825-1845) and New York State Senator Rufus King. Family documents include a 1752 bill of sale from Sam Young to John King; a deed given to M. King by Y. Wills (1790); a deed from Nathaniel King (1765); and a quitclaim deed to the same from 1825. There is also a small selection of photographs, both of individuals (most unidentified) and locations, which includes photographs of family homes and other sites important to the King family history.