This subseries contains papers related to the Fenwick family, prominent Catholic landholders and slave holders in St. Mary’s County, Charles County, and Georgetown. The Fenwicks were among the first Catholic settlers in Maryland. The materials reflect the Fenwick family’s financial activity from the early eighteenth century through the mid-1800s; there are also financial records pertaining to Georgetown College. Several Fenwicks entered the Society of Jesus; Benedict Joseph Fenwick, S.J. and Enoch Fenwick, S.J. both became presidents of Georgetown College (in 1817 and 1820, respectively). This subseries contains financial records (account books, daybooks, estate and property records, farm leases, indentures) and correspondence. Financial records document the Fenwick family’s slaveholding, including the selling, appraising, and transferring of enslaved individuals. This subseries also contains one folder (Box 188, Folder 3) of letters from prominent individuals, including James Monroe, Stephen Decatur, and George W. Custis. For the papers of George Fenwick, S.J., see Subseries 7.2.

NOTE: Most materials dated 1900 and later have not been digitized. Materials dating 1900-1939 are available for research use at the Booth Family Center for Special Collections. All materials dated 1940 and later are restricted.