Smyth and Wythe Counties, Virginia, Ledger Smyth and Wythe Counties, Virginia, Ledger, 1852-1865 Ms.1988.029

Smyth and Wythe Counties, Virginia, Ledger, 1852-1865 Ms.1988.029


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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

John M. Jackson, Archivist

Repository
Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech
Identification
Ms.1988.029
Title
Smyth and Wythe Counties, Virginia, Ledger 1852-1865
Quantity
0.2 Cubic Feet, 1 box
Language
The materials in the collection are in English.
Abstract
The ledger contains entries apparently made in Smyth and Wythe counties, Virginia. Includes records of sales of iron, wood, groceries, and tobacco and labor records--including an entry for labor performed by a free Black woman and enslaved men and boys hired out. Also included are estate appraisements for J. J. and Mary Snavely.

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.

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Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open to research.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Smyth and Wythe Counties, Virginia, Ledger, Ms1988-029, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The Smyth and Wythe Counties, Virginia, Ledger was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 1988.

Processing Information

The processing and description of the Smyth and Wythe Counties, Virginia, Ledger commenced and was completed in December 2021.


Historical Note

Though the owner of this ledger is unidentified, evidence suggests that at least some of the entries may have been made by William Davis (see repeated appearance of "Wm. Davis" signature on page [iv] and short entries signed by Wm. Davis on pages [30] and [72]. A note on page [18] suggests that this William Davis may have been married to a Frances Davis. No further information could be found.

Scope and Content

This collection consists of a single ledger with entries apparently made in Smyth and Wythe counties, Virginia. The entries are made in several different hands and are largely unorganized. Many of the entries concern sales of iron, wood, tobacco, and various groceries; others record the hauling of wheat and the threshing of wheat. Among the names most frequently appearing in the ledger are those of Carter A. Johnson and Elizabeth Johnson, both of whom apparently performed work or provided labor for the ledger's owner. Other surnames appearing in the ledger are Morris, Moore, Six, Umbarger, and others. An 1865 entry documents work performed by Betty Noel, "a free woman of color." Other entries appear to document the hiring out of enslaved men and boys. A few entries made during the Civil War seem to document military compensation for food and livestock. The ledger also contains appraisements of the estates of Jos. J. Snavely (1860) and Mary Snavely (1862).

Subjects and Indexing Terms

  • Civil War
  • Local/Regional History and Appalachian South
  • United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the Smythe and Wythe Counties, Virginia, Ledger, Ms1988-029 by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).

Container List

box 1
Ledger
1852-1865