Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction .

Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication . Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Thomas Dickerson Ledger, 1805-1850, Ms2023-031, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The Thomas Dickerson Ledger was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in September 2016.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Thomas Dickerson Ledger was completed in May 2023.

Biographical Note

Thomas Dickerson (also known as Dickinson or Dickenson) was a plantation owner from Nottoway County, Virginia who enslaved 139 people by 1860. The 1850 U. S. Federal Census lists him as Thomas Dickenson, owning a residence and two plantations, known as 'Belgrove' and 'Turkey island'. In his ledger kept from 1805-1850, Thomas Dickerson lists the events and transactions regarding enslaved persons. A noteable name mentioned in Dickerson's ledger is Dr. James Jones (1772-1848), a U. S. Representative from Virginia who also served as the Surgeon General for Virginia during the War of 1812.

External sources:

"Thomas Dickemons", ancestry.com, http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&db=1850usfedcenancestry&h=15402288 , accessed 5/31/2023.

"Mountain Hall", Virginia Department of Historic Resources, https://www.dhr.virginia.gov/historic-registers/067-0031/ , accessed 5/31/2023.

Scope and Content

This collection contains a ledger of plantation owner Thomas Dickerson (also Dickenson and Dickinson), owner of several plantations in Nottoway County, Va. Kept between 1805 and 1850, the ledger includes notes and business transactions. The plantations grew tobacco, wheat, and corn. Entries include sale of these goods, purchase of others, purchase of medical services for enslaved persons, and cash loans.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• African Americans -- History
• Ledgers (account books)
• Local/Regional History and Appalachian South
• Slavery -- United States

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the Thomas Dickerson Ledger by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).