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], Charles D. Atkins Tax Receipts, 1859, 1861, Ms2022-033, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

This collection was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 2014.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Charles D. Atkins Tax Receipts was completed in August 2022.

Biographical Note

Charles D. Atkins (1815-1882) was born in Orange County, Virginia; he married Mary Evans in 1845. He is listed in the 1870 United States Federal Census as living in the town of Madison in Orange County with the occupation of farmer. The 1880 census lists him as living in the town of Taylor in Orange County and working as a carpenter.

James L. Robinson was a commissioner in the court in Orange County as early as 1850, sheriff of Orange County from 1859-1863, and treasurer from 1879-1882. The United States Federal Census for 1850 shows Robinson enslaved five people, one 50 year old woman and four young boys. The 1860 census lists Robinson as having been born in Virginia around 1820 and holding the position of sheriff.

James R. Bell is listed in the 1860 United States Census as having been born around 1838, living in Orange County, married to Mary E. Bell, and working as a constable. The 1860 U.S. Federal Census Slave Schedules show that he enslaved one seven-year-old girl. The 1870 census lists him as living in Madison in Orange County and working as a traveling agent. He is listed again in the 1910 census as being 71 years old, still living in Madison, and working as an agent with the Steam Railway Depot.

Scope and Content

This collection contains two tax receipts issued to Charles D. Atkins for taxes paid on one enslaved person and land property. Payment is received by James L. Robinson, Sheriff of Orange County, Virginia, and James R. Bell, Constable. There is no name listed on either receipt for the enslaved person.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Local/Regional History and Appalachian South
• Orange County (Va.)
• Receipts (financial records)

Rights Statement for Archival Description

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