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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
Sterling Bryant, Student Assistant
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], Samuel Williams Ledger, c. 1839-1840, Ms2023-055, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
Source of Acquisition
The Samuel Williams Ledger was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in February 2021.
Processing Information
The processing, arrangement, and description of the Samuel Williams Ledger was completed in June 2023.
Biographical Note
The creator of the ledger is probably Samuel Williams (1769-1840), a Virginian enslaver in Wythe and Smyth counties. Williams married Sarah "Sally" Buster (c. 1776-1836) on September 25, 1795, in Wythe County, and together they had ten children. The 1830 U. S. Federal Census indicates Williams enslaved 13 persons and the 1840 census lists 11 enslaved people, including 6 under 10 years old. The ledger includes the names of 18 enslaved men, women, and children.
External Sources:
Dealer's description
U.S. Federal Census, 1830-1840
"Samuel Williams", Findagrave.com, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/219008167/samuel-williams , accessed March 14, 2024.
"Samuel Williams" in the Virginia, U.S., Select Marriages, 1785-1940, Ancestry.com, https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/discoveryui-content/view/3800030:60214 , accessed March 14, 2024.
Scope and Content
The Samuel Williams Ledger contains a "Memorandum of the amount Paid to Each of my Children Toward Their Legacies" with accompanying pages identifying ten children by name along with associated inheritance. The names of 18 men, women, and children enslaved by Williams are listed as well as property such as horses, cows, beds, and land.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
- African Americans -- History
- Local/Regional History and Appalachian South
- Slavery -- United States
Rights Statement for Archival Description
The guide to the Samuel Williams Ledger by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).