Charles D. Atkins Tax Receipts, 1859/1861

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Dr.
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 26041-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

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.

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.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Atkins, Charles D., 1815-1882 (Orange County, Va.), Robinson, James L. (Sheriff, Orange County, Va.), and Bell, James R. (Constable, Orange County, Va.)
Language:
The materials in this collection are in English.
Abstract:
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.
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.

Background

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.

Biographical / historical:

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.

Acquisition information:
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.