Belton-Kirby-Dawson-Todd families papers

ca. 1763-1892 [bulk 1830-1860]

Francis Smith Belton (ca. 1791-1861) was a career officer in the U.S. Army who served in the Mexican War. He was married to Harriet Kirby Belton (1798-1873); their son Winfield Scott Belton (1820-1889) fought with the Confederate Army during the Civil War. Collection consists of the papers of Francis Smith Belton, Harriet Kirby Belton, Winfield Scott Belton, and members of the Dawson, Kirby and Todd families who were related to the Beltons. Papers of Francis Smith Belton, 1818-1853, include correspondence with his wife, military papers (some are copies) and an autobiography. Papers of Harriet Kirby Belton, 1829-1854, consist mainly of correspondence with her husband during the period of the Mexican War. Winfield Scott Belton's papers, 1832-1887, include correspondence with his wife relating in part to his activities during the Civil War. Kirby family papers consist of correspondence of various family members. Dawson papers, ca. 1763-1813, include correspondence of Joshua Dawson who emigrated to the U.S. from Ireland. Todd family papers, 1819-1861, contain correspondence concerning naval service and political and military events during the Mexican War. Other materials include family and legal papers, certificates of commission, 1859 log, commonplace book from 1835 to 1842, photographs of family members, clippings, and issues of various newspapers.