Thomas Dickerson Ledger

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
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], Thomas Dickerson Ledger, 1805-1850, Ms2023-031, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Dickerson, Thomas (Nottoway County, Va.)
Abstract:
This ledger includes notes and business transactions of the plantation owner Thomas Dickerson (also Dickenson and Dickinson), of Nottoway County, Virginia. The plantations grew tobacco, wheat, and corn. Entries include sale of these goods, purchase of others, purchase of medical services for enslaved persons, and cash loans.
Language:
The material in this collection is in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Thomas Dickerson Ledger, 1805-1850, Ms2023-031, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains a ledger of plantation owner Thomas Dickerson (also Dickenson and Dickinson), owner of several plantations in Nottoway County, Va. Kept between 1805 and 1850, the ledger includes notes and business transactions. The plantations grew tobacco, wheat, and corn. Entries include sale of these goods, purchase of others, purchase of medical services for enslaved persons, and cash loans.

Biographical / historical:

Thomas Dickerson (also known as Dickinson or Dickenson) was a plantation owner from Nottoway County, Virginia who enslaved 139 people by 1860. The 1850 U. S. Federal Census lists him as Thomas Dickenson, owning a residence and two plantations, known as 'Belgrove' and 'Turkey island'. In his ledger kept from 1805-1850, Thomas Dickerson lists the events and transactions regarding enslaved persons. A noteable name mentioned in Dickerson's ledger is Dr. James Jones (1772-1848), a U. S. Representative from Virginia who also served as the Surgeon General for Virginia during the War of 1812.

External sources:

"Thomas Dickemons", ancestry.com, http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&db=1850usfedcenancestry&h=15402288, accessed 5/31/2023.

"Mountain Hall", Virginia Department of Historic Resources, https://www.dhr.virginia.gov/historic-registers/067-0031/, accessed 5/31/2023.

Acquisition information:
The Thomas Dickerson Ledger was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in September 2016.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Thomas Dickerson Ledger was completed in May 2023.