Smith, Will

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William Smith was a Philadelphia general merchant.

From the description of Letterbook, 1771-1775. (Historical Society of Pennsylvania). WorldCat record id: 122584914

Moses Greenleaf, Jr., was a surveyor, cartographer, writer, and pioneer Maine settler. William Smith was an agent for Eastern Lands.

From the description of Autograph letter, signed, to Moses Greenleaf, 1815 Feb. 15. (Maine Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 732317151

The Branch Davidians were the offspring of a reform movement that originated within the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Widespread controversy arose in the early 1930s when a Bulgarian immigrant named Victor Houteff claimed to have had personal revelations from God. Houteff published his views in his book entitled The Shepherd's Rod (1932). The new Branch Davidian movement emphasized the need for the gift of prophecy among its leaders and believed that King David's earthly kingdom would be re-established on earth prior to the second coming of Jesus Christ. Upon his official excommunication from the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Houteff settled in Waco, Texas, and continued to teach his followers until his death in 1955.

The 1980s brought about division within the Branch Davidian sect. A newcomer named Vernon Howell joined the Branch in 1981. Three years later, a schism occurred within the Church, with Howell leading his own group of followers to a new site in Palestine, Texas. Through a series of confrontations between Howell and George Roden, control of the Branch Davidians' headquarters in Waco passed to Howell who legally changed his name to David Koresh in 1990. Rumors concerning polygamy, abuse, and arms dealing within the Branch Davidian group aroused the suspicions of the federal government. Thus, federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives began to monitor the group.

In response to a stockpiling of illegal weapons, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives secured a search warrant for the investigation of the Branch Davidians' compound near Waco, Texas. From February 28th until April 19th, 1993, Branch Davidians under the leadership of David Koresh resisted federal agents' attempts to storm Mount Carmel Center. The fifty-day siege ended when the compound erupted in flames, killing David Koresh and most of his followers.

William Smith was a local businessman who collected the documents in this collection concerning the Branch Davidian sect. He worked at Four Star Manufacturing Company in Waco, Texas. He was in constant correspondence with Pam Hawkins, founder of the Mount Carmel Independent Investigation Advocates and fellow sympathizer with the Branch Davidians. Following the Waco Siege of 1993, William Smith devoted his efforts to challenging the conscience of the general public. He was particularly critical of the law enforcement agencies that had resorted to violence against U.S. citizens, likening them to Nazi enforcers under the leadership of Adolf Hitler. Smith's concerns manifested themselves in political activism. His correspondence with federal legislators can be found in the first series of his collection. He donated much of his personal time and money to raising awareness about the Branch Davidians' plight. He even served as the Organizing Chairman of the Mount Carmel Independent Investigative Committee which sought to hold the federal agencies accountable for their alleged crimes against American citizens. William Smith's passion for the Branch Davidian controversy has led to the creation of substantial research collections which have been made available to the public thanks to Smith's generous donations to The Texas Collection.

From the description of (Waco) Branch Davidians : William Smith collection, 1984-1998 1993-1995. (Baylor University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 742616154

Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
referencedIn Land records of Shandaken, Lot No. 2 of the Great Lot No. 6 in the Hardenbergh Patent, Ulster County, New York, and other properties, 1821. American Periodical Series I
referencedIn Boggs, Lilburn W., 1792-1860. Testimony and financial note, 1820. Harold B. Lee Library
referencedIn Ruscoe, Carl E., Mrs.,. Miscellaneous Bedford papers, 1784-1901. Campbell University, Wiggins Memorial Library
creatorOf Wilson, James Southall, 1880-1963. Papers of James Southall Wilson [manuscript] ca. 1904-62. University of Virginia. Library
referencedIn Avery, John, 1739-1779. Ledgers, 1763-1770, 1775-1779. New-York Historical Society
creatorOf Robertson, Duncan, shipbuilder. H.J. Dornbos. Milwaukee Public Library, Milwaukee County Federated Library System
referencedIn Smith, Valentine. Personal and family papers, 1757-1943, 1858-1943 (bulk) Campbell University, Wiggins Memorial Library
referencedIn Rockland County Historical Society (New City, N.Y.). Miscellaneous document collection, 1620-1950. Campbell University, Wiggins Memorial Library
referencedIn Smith, Robert. Guardian bond, 1777 September 18. Harold B. Lee Library
creatorOf United States. Congress. Senate. Records of the United States Senate pertaining to the Territory of Utah, 1849-1870. [microfilm]. Utah Division of State History, Utah Historical Society
referencedIn Child, William, b. 1834. Smith, William. Godfrey Memorial Library
creatorOf Smith, William. Papers, 1841-1885. Duke University Libraries, Duke University Library; Perkins Library
creatorOf Smith, William. Livestock feed guides, agricultural patents and booklets. University of Guelph. McLaughlin Library
creatorOf Smith, William. Papers, 1829. Duke University Libraries, Duke University Library; Perkins Library
creatorOf Noble, Mark, 1754-1827. Autograph letter signed : to Mr. Will. Smith, 1819 Jun. 7. Pierpont Morgan Library.
creatorOf Wells, Samuel. Note of indebtedness, 1771 June 18, Brattleborough, Cumberland County, to William Smith [n.p.]. Dartmouth College Library
creatorOf Smith, William. Account with John Coppinger : AD, 1839-1841. UC Berkeley Libraries
referencedIn Hancock County (Ill.). Legal instruments, 1854. Harold B. Lee Library
creatorOf Smith, William. (Waco) Branch Davidians : William Smith collection, 1984-1998 1993-1995. Baylor University Libraries, Moody Memorial Library
creatorOf United States. Circuit Court (9th Circuit). Proposed amendments to bill of exception in the case of Dennis J. Oliver vs. William Smith : San Francisco : DS, 1855 Apr. 3. UC Berkeley Libraries
creatorOf Freemasons. Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the State of Massachusetts. Certificate of initiation : manuscript, 1799 June 23. Houghton Library
creatorOf Smith, William. Pay book, 1843-1846 [manuscript]. Libraries Australia
referencedIn Smith, Willi, 1948-1987 : [miscellaneous ephemeral material]. Metropolitan Museum of Art, Thomas J. Watson Library
referencedIn Smith, Joseph. Westmoreland Guards notebook, ca. 1847-1883. Arizona Historical Society, Southern Arizona Division
referencedIn Museums at Stony Brook (Stony Brook, N.Y.). Long Island miscellaneous collection, 1780-1960. Campbell University, Wiggins Memorial Library
creatorOf Keller, Keith R. The Keith R. Keller collection, 1862-1864. U.S. Army Heritage & Education Center
referencedIn Adams family. Papers, 1672-1792. Section 17. Virginia Historical Society Library
creatorOf Smith, William. Diary, 1917-1918. Wisconsin Historical Society, Newspaper Project
referencedIn Hampton family. Hampton family papers, 1773-1974. University of South Carolina, System Library Service, University Libraries
creatorOf Monroe, James, 1758-1831. Papers : of James Monroe as minister to England, 1806- 1810. James Monroe Museum & Memorial Library
creatorOf Smith, William. [Instrument of pardon. Libraries Australia
creatorOf Abolition & emancipation [microform]. Part. 6, Papers of William Wilberforce, William Smith, Iveson Brookes, Francis Corbin and related records from the Rare Books, Manuscript and Special Collections Library, Duke University. Libraries Australia
referencedIn Franklin County Historical and Museum Society. Autograph book collection, 1807-1903. Campbell University, Wiggins Memorial Library
creatorOf Allan-Higinbotham Papers, 1834-1955. Agreement Made Between Trustees of St. Andrew's Church to W. Smith, 1862. University of Guelph. McLaughlin Library
referencedIn Brookes family. Brookes family papers, 1751-1840 (bulk 1838-1840). New-York Historical Society Library
creatorOf Nash, Cornelius, fl. 1808-1818. Papers, 1808-1830. William & Mary Libraries
referencedIn Fitzpatrick, Doyle C.,. James Jesse Strang collection, 1829-1987. Library of Michigan
creatorOf Allan-Higinbotham Papers, 1834-1955. Business Correspondence of N. Higinbotham, Registry, Bank Loans, Assets, 1879-1898. University of Guelph. McLaughlin Library
creatorOf Smith, William. Militia commission, 1816 June 19. Tennessee State Library & Archives, TSLA
referencedIn Sterling Ironworks Company. Collection, 1740-1901. American Periodical Series I
creatorOf Smith, William. [Treatise on the duties of a Sheriff], [ca. 1670]. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
creatorOf Knowles, G. B. (George Beauchamp). Autograph letter signed : [n.p.], to William Smith, [n.d.]. Pierpont Morgan Library.
referencedIn East Hampton Free Library. Smith families collection, 1665-1986. Campbell University, Wiggins Memorial Library
creatorOf Smith, William. Bills, 1767-1797. Winterthur Library
creatorOf Smith, William. Papers, 1855-1869. Duke University Libraries, Duke University Library; Perkins Library
creatorOf Smith, William. [99 years of Irons & Russell] / [William Smith]. Rhode Island Historical Society
referencedIn Boulder County (Colo.). Board of County Commissioners. Invoice from deputy clerk of the court, 1862 July. Boulder Public Library
creatorOf [William F. Smith, biographical materials] University of Wisconsin - Madison, General Library System
referencedIn Hawkins, David. Papers, 1804-1914. Campbell University, Wiggins Memorial Library
creatorOf Smith, William. Certificate of appointment, 1824 May 25. Harold B. Lee Library
creatorOf Smith, William. OM82-20 William Smith Papers, 1813-1833. Libraries Australia
creatorOf Walden, Ebenezer, 1777-1857. Ebenezer Walden and William Smith leases to the United States, 1840-1841. Buffalo History Museum, Research Library
creatorOf Smith, William. Letter : to his sister, 1865 February 1. University of California, Santa Barbara, UCSB Library
referencedIn Kagey, Henry. Papers, 1769-1883. Duke University Libraries, Duke University Library; Perkins Library
referencedIn Thompson, Benjamin F. (Benjamin Franklin), 1784-1849. Papers, 1699-1859, 1800-1859 (bulk) Campbell University, Wiggins Memorial Library
creatorOf Quebec Trader (Ship). Logbook, 1833-1834 [microform]. Libraries Australia
creatorOf Murray, F.A. [Discharge note, Yarrowlumla, for William Smith, 1847 Mar. 13] [manuscript]. Libraries Australia
referencedIn Woodhull family. Woodhull and Sell family papers, 1704-1832. Campbell University, Wiggins Memorial Library
creatorOf City of London (England). Corporation. Copy of freedom, City of London : London, 1845 July 2. University of North Texas Library, UNT
creatorOf Smith, William. Autograph letter, signed, to Moses Greenleaf, 1815 Feb. 15. Maine Historical Society Library
creatorOf Smith, William. Diary, 1917-1918. Wisconsin Historical Society, Newspaper Project
creatorOf Little, Jesse C. Correspondence, 1845-1848. Utah Division of State History, Utah Historical Society
creatorOf Rockwood Academy Collection. Land ticket to William Smith for Lot 3, Concession 4, Township of Eramosa, December 24, 1819. University of Guelph. McLaughlin Library
referencedIn Gilson, Smith & Company. Factory invoices : G.S. & Co. American Textile History Museum Library
referencedIn Society for Propagating Christian Knowledge Among the Germans Settled in Pennsylvania. Minutes, 1754-1756. American Philosophical Society Library
creatorOf Smith, William. Letter to the firm of Parker & Poor. 1802. University of Pennsylvania Libraries, Van Pelt Library
creatorOf Frith, William Powell, 1819-1909. Autograph letter signed : Osnaburgh St. [London], to William Smith, 1845 Apr. 10. Pierpont Morgan Library.
creatorOf Bell, Robert, 1841-1917. Papers, 1873-1907. Dartmouth College Library
creatorOf University of Guelph. Library. Photographs of Library Book Presentations, 1988-1999. University of Guelph. McLaughlin Library
referencedIn Morgan, John, 1735-1789. Correspondence, 1763-1788. American Philosophical Society Library
referencedIn Schuyler, Philip John, 1733-1804. Release, 1768 January 16. American Periodical Series I
creatorOf Bogie, Mary. Schoolmistress's contract, 1772 December 31, with Robert Hill. Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library
referencedIn Rudge, Charles Van Horn,. Charles Rudge collection, ca. 1853-1914. Mahoning Valley Historical Society, Arms Museum
creatorOf Smith, William. Correspondence with Henry Charles Lea, 1886-1887. University of Pennsylvania Libraries, Van Pelt Library
creatorOf Smith, William. [Papers]. American Textile History Museum Library
referencedIn Porter, Andrew, 1743-1813. Memoranda book, 1793-1813. Historical Society of Pennsylvania
creatorOf André, John, 1751-1780. Prologue on opening the [John Street] Theatre in New York on Jan. 9, 1779 : manuscript, undated. Pierpont Morgan Library.
creatorOf Ashley, Jonathan, 1712-1780. Manuscripts, 1753-1780 [microform] Historic Deerfield Library
creatorOf Smith, William F. William F. Smith letter : Sierra Madre, Calif., to Frank S. Baker in Salinas, Calif. : ALS, 1923 June 12. California historical society
creatorOf Tennessee Company. Land grant, 1790. University of Tennessee, John C. Hodges Library
creatorOf Boston (Mass.). Tax collector. [Tax bill for David Slaton, 1806 October 1]. New England Historic Genealogical Society
referencedIn Howard, Doran,. Mr. and Mrs. Howard Doran genealogy collection, 1841-1965. Campbell University, Wiggins Memorial Library
creatorOf Smith, Samuel. Letters, 1851-1858. Harold B. Lee Library
referencedIn Baldini, John. John Baldini collection, 1950-1988. Mclean County Historical Society Library
creatorOf Smith, William. Decree of emancipation. Oberlin College Library
creatorOf United States. Army. Corps of Engineers. Wilmington District. Sketch showing location of the Phillips-Thompson Co's new wharf : [in Christina River at Wilmington, Del.] / U.S. Engineer Office, Wilmington, Del. Independence Seaport Museum
referencedIn Davis, Harriet Smith, b. 1901. Smith family papers, 1725-1979. Campbell University, Wiggins Memorial Library
creatorOf Hancock, John, 1737-1793. Letter to John Watts, 1773 May 14. University of Pennsylvania Libraries, Van Pelt Library
creatorOf Smith, William. Recipe book : manuscript, 1828-1844. University of Pennsylvania Library
referencedIn Van Cortlandt family. Van Cortlandt-Van Wyck family papers, 1759-1874. Campbell University, Wiggins Memorial Library
creatorOf Smith, William. Letterbook, 1771-1775. Historical Society of Pennsylvania
creatorOf Smith, William. Papers, 1781-1920. Duke University Libraries, Duke University Library; Perkins Library
creatorOf Hayes, James. Reindeer. Milwaukee Public Library, Milwaukee County Federated Library System
referencedIn Haugowout, Leffert. Deed, 1749. Campbell University, Wiggins Memorial Library
creatorOf Cary, Henry Francis, 1772-1844. Letter : Westminster, to William Smith, [1843?] May 13. Bryn Mawr College, Mariam Coffin Canaday Library
creatorOf University of Guelph. Library. Staff. Collection of photographs during Dave Hull's 28 years working in the Library, 1973-2001. University of Guelph. McLaughlin Library
creatorOf Boylston family. Boylston family papers, 1688-1979. Massachusetts Historical Society
Role Title Holding Repository
Relation Name
associatedWith Adams family. family
associatedWith Allan-Higinbotham Papers, 1834-1955. corporateBody
associatedWith Allan-Higinbotham Papers, 1834-1955. corporateBody
associatedWith André, John, 1751-1780. person
associatedWith Ashley, Jonathan, 1712-1780. person
associatedWith Ashley, William Henry, 1778-1838. person
associatedWith Avery, John, 1739-1779. person
associatedWith Baker, Frank S. person
correspondedWith Baldini, John. person
associatedWith Barrosa 2 (Ship) corporateBody
associatedWith Bell, Robert, 1841-1917. person
associatedWith Boggs, Lilburn W., 1792-1860. person
associatedWith Bogie, Mary. person
associatedWith Boston (Mass.). Tax collector. corporateBody
associatedWith Boulder County (Colo.). Board of County Commissioners. corporateBody
associatedWith Boylston family. family
associatedWith Branch Davidians. corporateBody
associatedWith Brookes family. family
associatedWith Cary, Henry Francis, 1772-1844. person
associatedWith Child, William, b. 1834. person
associatedWith City of London (England). Corporation. corporateBody
associatedWith Coppinger, John. person
associatedWith Davis, Harriet Smith, b. 1901. person
associatedWith East Hampton Free Library. corporateBody
associatedWith Fitzpatrick, Doyle C., person
associatedWith Franklin County Historical and Museum Society. corporateBody
associatedWith Freemasons. Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the State of Massachusetts. corporateBody
associatedWith Frith, William Powell, 1819-1909. person
associatedWith Gilson, Smith & Company. corporateBody
associatedWith Great Britain. Army. Enrolled Pensioner Force. corporateBody
associatedWith Great Britain. Army. Regiment of Foot, 50th. corporateBody
associatedWith Great Britain. Parliament corporateBody
associatedWith Greenleaf, Moses, 1777-1834. person
associatedWith Griffen Ranch (Calif.) corporateBody
associatedWith Hampton family. family
associatedWith Hancock County (Ill.). corporateBody
associatedWith Hancock, John, 1737-1793. person
associatedWith Harvey, Eliab, Sir, 1634-1698. person
associatedWith Haugowout, Leffert. person
associatedWith Hawkins, David. person
associatedWith Howard, Doran, person
associatedWith Irons & Russell Company. corporateBody
associatedWith Kagey, Henry. person
associatedWith Karson, Robert. person
associatedWith Keller, Keith R. person
associatedWith Knowles, G. B. (George Beauchamp) person
associatedWith Koresh, David, 1959-1993. person
associatedWith Little, Jesse C. person
associatedWith Monroe, James, 1758-1831. person
associatedWith Morgan, John, 1735-1789. person
associatedWith Mount Carmel Center (Waco, Tex.) corporateBody
associatedWith Murray, F.A. person
associatedWith Museums at Stony Brook (Stony Brook, N.Y.) corporateBody
associatedWith Nash, Cornelius, fl. 1808-1818. person
associatedWith Noble, Mark, 1754-1827. person
associatedWith Online Archive of California. corporateBody
associatedWith Pellus, William G. person
associatedWith Porter, Andrew, 1743-1813. person
associatedWith Quebec Trader (Ship) corporateBody
associatedWith Rhode Island Historical Society. corporateBody
associatedWith Rockland County Historical Society (New City, N.Y.) corporateBody
associatedWith Rockwood Academy Collection. corporateBody
correspondedWith Rudge, Charles Van Horn, person
associatedWith Ruscoe, Carl E., Mrs., person
associatedWith Schuyler, Philip John, 1733-1804. person
associatedWith Smith & Ackerman. corporateBody
associatedWith Smith & Cook. corporateBody
associatedWith Smith, John. person
associatedWith Smith, Joseph. person
associatedWith Smith, Peter T. person
associatedWith Smith, Robert. person
associatedWith Smith, Samuel. person
associatedWith Smith, Valentine. person
associatedWith Society for Propagating Christian Knowledge Among the Germans Settled in Pennsylvania. corporateBody
associatedWith Sterling Ironworks Company. corporateBody
associatedWith Tatterson, James. person
associatedWith Tennessee Company. corporateBody
associatedWith Thompson, Benjamin F. (Benjamin Franklin), 1784-1849. person
associatedWith United States. Army. Corps of Engineers. Wilmington District. corporateBody
associatedWith United States. Army. Infantry Regiment, 127th. Company G. corporateBody
associatedWith United States. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. corporateBody
associatedWith United States. Circuit Court (9th Circuit) corporateBody
associatedWith United States. Congress. Senate. corporateBody
associatedWith University of Guelph. Library. corporateBody
associatedWith University of Guelph. Library. Staff. corporateBody
associatedWith Van Cortlandt family. family
associatedWith Walden, Ebenezer, 1777-1857. person
associatedWith Wells, Samuel. person
associatedWith Wilson, James Southall, 1880-1963. person
associatedWith Woodhull family. person
Place Name Admin Code Country
Maine
Penobscot River Valley (Me.)
Maine--Penobscot River
Great Britain
Australia
France
Tennessee
United States
Pennsylvania--Lancaster
California, Northern
Missouri
Lincoln County (Tenn.)
California
Texas
Essex (England)
Australia--Tasmania
Pennsylvania--Philadelphia
New Jersey--Hightstown
Hightstown (N.J.)
Western Australia
Subject
Claims against decedents' estates
Convicts
Dye industry
Food prices
Furniture
Indians of North America
Industry
Invoices
Jewelry trade
Landowners
Liquor
Pardon
Real property
Ranches
Reels (Textile machinery)
Seventh-day Adventists
Sheriffs
Society emblems
Soldiers
Spinning machinery
Textile chemicals
Textile industry
Textile machinery industry
Trials (Conspiracy)
Waco Branch Davidian Disaster, Tex., 1993
World War, 1914-1918
World War, 1914-1918
Yarn
Occupation
Cartographers
Merchants
Pioneers
Surveyors
Activity

Person

Birth 1701

Information

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Ark ID: w6w37txm

SNAC ID: 5790163