Robert R. Livingston Papers, 1658-1888
Media: 57 reels of 35mm microfilm
Coverage: 1658-1888
Total Sources Covered: Call for more information
MARC Records: NO |
The Robert R. Livingston Papers, 1658-1888, allows scholars and researchers to study the legacy of the Livingston family through their lives, accomplishments, and careers. As one of America's early prominent families, the Livingstons helped shape American government and ideals. The Robert R. Livingston Papers collection incorporates two separate collections from the holdings of The New York Historical Society ­ "The Robert R. Livingston Papers" and "The Livingston Family Papers."
The Robert R. Livingston Papers Chronological Files
The first part of the collection, "The Robert R. Livingston Papers," 1707-1862, is divided into two sections ­ a general chronological file and volumes of personal papers and personal accounts. The chronological material includes correspondence and records spanning the family's history, including letters, drafts for speeches, newspaper articles, business records, wills, estate papers, negotiations for the purchase of Lousiana, and much more. These materials span from family patriarch Robert Livingston to his great-grandson Chancellor Robert R. Livingston, and encompass many other family members. The letters include correspondence to such notable figures as John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Paul Jones, George Washington, Robert Fulton, James Madison, Joseph Bonaparte, and many other historically significant individuals.
The Robert R. Livingston Papers Volumes
The second part of the Robert R. Livingston Papers consists of 88 volumes. Volumes 1-30 relate to Chancellor Livingston, volumes 31-45 derive from Robert L. Livingston, volumes 46-78 encompass the life of Walter Livingston, and volumes 79-88 document lives of various other members of the Livingston family. The collection contains the Chancellor's letterbooks written while he was in France as United States ambassador, account books for land holdings, rent books, land surveys, records of merino sheep, records relating to the North River Steam Boat Company, and much more.
Livingston Family Papers
The second part of the collection is "The Livingston Family Papers," 1658-1888. It is divided into six series:
- Series I­Livingston Family Correspondence, 1743-1886
- Series II­Legal and Financial Papers, 1658-1888
- Series III­Court Cases, 1743-1845
- Series IV­Miscellaneous Papers, 1768-1884
- Series V­Rent Lists, 1742-1879
- Series VI­Volumes, 1761-1885
