Legislative Petition of Martha A. and William D. Bishop, 1864 Jan. 13

Access and use

Location of collection:
Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia
800 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Archives Reference Services
Phone: (804) 692-3888
Restrictions:

There are no restrictions.

Terms of access:

Use microfilm (Legislative Petitions, Reel 25).

Preferred citation:

Virginia General Assembly, Legislative Petitions: Legislative Petition of Martha A. and William D. Bishop, 1864 Jan. 13. Accession 36121, State Records Collection, The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.

Summary

Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Virginia General Assembly, Legislative Petitions: Legislative Petition of Martha A. and William D. Bishop, 1864 Jan. 13. Accession 36121, State Records Collection, The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.

Background

Scope and content:

Legislative petition of Martha A. and William D. Bishop of Botetourt County who were executors of the will of William C. Dobson. They ask for an act declaring null and void the clause in his will freeing his slaves and removing them to some free state. Includes copy of will.

Biographical / historical:

Petitions to the General Assembly were the primary catalyst for legislation in the Commonwealth from 1776 until 1865. Public improvements, military claims, divorce, manumission of slaves, division of counties, incorporation of towns, religious freedom, and taxation were just some of the concerns expressed in these petitions. The petitions often contain hundreds of signatures and are a useful tool in genealogical research. Frequently, the petitions contain supplementary support documents useful in research including maps, wills, naturalizations, deeds, resolutions, affidavits, judgments, and other items.

Acquisition information:
Acquired prior to 1905 (no other acquisition information available).
Arrangement:

Legislative Petition collection is arranged alphabetically by locality, and chronologically thereunder.

Physical location:
State Records Collection, General Assembly (Record Group 78), Legislative Petitions, Box 34, Folder 71, Reel 25.
Physical description:
1 item (part of General Assembly, Legislative Petitions, 1776-1865, 273 cubic feet).