George Alfred Smythe was born in London, England, on February 27, 1826.
He emigrated to the United States and was later granted citizenship on
June 16, 1859. Smythe became a prominent minister in Jackson, Mississippi,
and also held minor political offices. He shared the pastorate of the First
Christian Church from 1867 to 1880 with Judge George L. Potter. Smythe
conducted the morning service, while Judge Potter led the evening service.
He was commissioned an alderman for the city of Jackson in 1867 and served
as city clerk the following year. Smythe was appointed a trustee of the
Institute for the Blind by Governor John M. Stone in 1880. He also belonged
to the Jackson Literary Association and was a member of the board of trustees
of Fair Lawn Institute. Smythe died on December 17, 1880, in Jackson.
Scope and Content:
The most important item in the collection is a letter written by George
Alfred Smythe to Governor John J. Pettus seeking exemption from military
service because of his status as a clergyman. The collection also contains
various legal and business papers of Smythe. Of interest are his citizenship
papers, 1859; his certificate of exemption from military service, 1864;
and his commission signed by Governor John M. Stone appointing him a trustee
of the Institute for the Blind, 1880. There are also several land deeds
for Hinds County properties purchased by Smythe and a few promissory notes
signed by Smythe.
Series Identification:
Correspondence. 1863; 1867. 2 items. This series contains a letter written
by George Alfred Smythe to Governor John J. Pettus concerning Smythe's
request for an exemption from service in the Hinds County Militia during
the Civil War. Smythe sought exemption from military service because he
was a clergyman. The letter is endorsed by the enrolling officer who acknowledged
Smythe's entitlement to the exemption. Also present is a letter signed
by D. N. Barrows, mayor of Jackson, recommending Smythe as pension agent
for the state of Mississippi. Arranged chronologically. Box 1, Folder 1.
Legal Papers. 1859; 1864; 1867; 1880; 1886. 7 items. This series contains
various legal papers of George Alfred Smythe including his citizenship
papers, 1859; his certificate of exemption from military service, 1864;
his voter registration papers, 1867; and his commission signed by Governor
John M. Stone appointing him a trustee of the Institute for the Blind,
1880. Arranged chronologically. Box 1, Folder 2.
Land Deeds. 1847; 1851–1853; 1859–1860; 1863; 1883; n.d. 10 items. This
series contains various land deeds for Hinds County properties purchased
by Smythe. Arranged chronologically. Box 1, Folder 3.
Promissory Notes. 1875; 1880; 1882–1883. 5 items. This series contains
various promissory notes signed by George Alfred Smythe. Arranged chronologically.
Box 1, Folder 4.
Invoices and Receipts. 1888; 1921. 6 items. This series contains various
invoices and receipts. Arranged chronologically. Box 1, Folder 5.
