Samuel Williams 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], Samuel Williams Ledger, c. 1839-1840, Ms2023-055, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.2 Cubic Feet 1 box
Creator:
Williams, Samuel, 1769-1840
Abstract:
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.
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], Samuel Williams Ledger, c. 1839-1840, Ms2023-055, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

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.

Biographical / historical:

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.

Acquisition information:
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.