William Q. Thomson Day Book

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], William Q. Thomson Day Book, 1845-1891, Ms2025-006, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Thomson, William Q., ca. 1825-1891
Abstract:
This collection is a ledger or day book used by enslaver and farmer William Q. Thomson of Happy Valley, Louisa County, Virginia, dated 1845-1854, 1882-1891. The book includes debts to associates, purchases, and bills paid, including for family members. Some of the early entries are for hiring the labor of enslaved people. Thomson (ca. 1825-1891) enslaved at least 22 people, inlcuding Georgeanna and her baby Peter Dudley.
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], William Q. Thomson Day Book, 1845-1891, Ms2025-006, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection is a ledger or day book used by William Q. Thomson of Happy Valley, Louisa County, Virginia, dated 1845-1854, 1882-1891. The book includes debts to associates, purchases, and bills paid, including for family members. Some of the early entries are for hiring the labor of enslaved people.

Biographical / historical:

William Q. Thomson (also Thompson) was born in Louisa County, Virginia, around 1825. He married Nicie H. Daniel on September 22, 1851, and they had three children together. Thomson was a farmer and plantation owner, who enslaved at least 22 people, inlcuding Georgeanna and her baby Peter Dudley. He died on April 25, 1891, at the age of 65 from paralysis.

Sources:

U. S. Federal Censuses, 1850-1880

"Peter Dudley" in the Virginia, U.S., Birth Registers, 1853-1911, Ancestry.com, https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/search/collections/62153/records/582333, accessed January 24, 2025.

"William Q. Thomson" in the Virginia, U.S., Select Marriages, 1785-1940, Ancestry.com, https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/search/collections/60214/records/316948, accessed January 24, 2025.

"Wm Q Thomson" in the Virginia, U.S., Death Registers, 1853-1911, Ancestry.com, https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/search/collections/62152/records/377624, accessed January 24, 2025.

"Wm Q Thompson" in the 1850 U.S. Federal Census - Slave Schedules, Ancestry.com, https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/search/collections/8055/records/92844636, accessed January 29, 2025.

"Wm Q Thompson" in the 1860 U.S. Federal Census - Slave Schedules, Ancestry.com, https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/search/collections/7668/records/92456803, accessed January 29, 2025.

Acquisition information:
This collection was purchased by Special Collection and University Archives in 2017.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the William Q. Thomson Day Book was completed in January 2025.