William Q. Thomson Day Book, 1845-1854, 1882-1891, Ms.2025.006

Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech

Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
Business Number: 540-231-6308
specref@vt.edu
URL: http://spec.lib.vt.edu

Vibeka JensenOyaski, Student Assistant

Abstract

This collection is a ledger or day book used by enslaver and farmer William Q. Thomson of Happy Valley, Louisa County, Virginia, dated 1845-1854, 1882-1891. The book includes debts to associates, purchases, and bills paid, including for family members. Some of the early entries are for hiring the labor of enslaved people. Thomson (ca. 1825-1891) enslaved at least 22 people, inlcuding Georgeanna and her baby Peter Dudley.

Administrative Information

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], William Q. Thomson Day Book, 1845-1891, Ms2025-006, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

This collection was purchased by Special Collection and University Archives in 2017.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the William Q. Thomson Day Book was completed in January 2025.

Biographical Note

William Q. Thomson (also Thompson) was born in Louisa County, Virginia, around 1825. He married Nicie H. Daniel on September 22, 1851, and they had three children together. Thomson was a farmer and plantation owner, who enslaved at least 22 people, inlcuding Georgeanna and her baby Peter Dudley. He died on April 25, 1891, at the age of 65 from paralysis.

Sources:

U. S. Federal Censuses, 1850-1880

"Peter Dudley" in the Virginia, U.S., Birth Registers, 1853-1911, Ancestry.com, https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/search/collections/62153/records/582333 , accessed January 24, 2025.

"William Q. Thomson" in the Virginia, U.S., Select Marriages, 1785-1940, Ancestry.com, https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/search/collections/60214/records/316948 , accessed January 24, 2025.

"Wm Q Thomson" in the Virginia, U.S., Death Registers, 1853-1911, Ancestry.com, https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/search/collections/62152/records/377624 , accessed January 24, 2025.

"Wm Q Thompson" in the 1850 U.S. Federal Census - Slave Schedules, Ancestry.com, https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/search/collections/8055/records/92844636 , accessed January 29, 2025.

"Wm Q Thompson" in the 1860 U.S. Federal Census - Slave Schedules, Ancestry.com, https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/search/collections/7668/records/92456803 , accessed January 29, 2025.

Scope and Content

This collection is a ledger or day book used by William Q. Thomson of Happy Valley, Louisa County, Virginia, dated 1845-1854, 1882-1891. The book includes debts to associates, purchases, and bills paid, including for family members. Some of the early entries are for hiring the labor of enslaved people.