Series IV. Nathaniel Ropes IV covers the years 1805 to 1876, and contains the business and personal papers of Nathaniel Ropes IV (1793-1885) and his wife Sarah (Brown) Ropes (1807-1873). The letter books and unbound letters contain both personal and business letters, and document Ropes' various moves and business ventures in the West. Numerous letters concern Swedish theologian Emmanuel Swedenborg and his theology. Of interest are copies of correspondence between Ropes' cousin Margaret Prescott and the minister Samuel Worcester on various religious issues (box 14, folder three), and Ropes' correspondence with the prominent Swedenborgian George Bush (1796-1859) about his writings (volume 15). Included in the financial records are several early banknotes, 1814 to 1838 (box 14, folder six), issued by banks in Cincinnati, Lexington, and Louisville. Also included in this series are a number of titles and deeds, most of which are for property in Ohio and Kentucky, including his cemetery plot. It is possible that some of the titles and deeds belonged to his son, Nathaniel Ropes V, but that is not easily discernable due to the dates. Contained in the miscellaneous and personal papers are membership certificates, advertisement cards from Nathaniel Ropes' Lard Oil Company, poems, and a copy of the eulogy delivered at Ropes' funeral in 1885.