The collection is open to research.
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Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Smyth and Wythe Counties, Virginia, Ledger, Ms1988-029, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
The Smyth and Wythe Counties, Virginia, Ledger was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 1988.
The processing and description of the Smyth and Wythe Counties, Virginia, Ledger commenced and was completed in December 2021.
Though the owner of this ledger is unidentified, evidence suggests that at least some of the entries may have been made by William Davis (see repeated appearance of "Wm. Davis" signature on page [iv] and short entries signed by Wm. Davis on pages [30] and [72]. A note on page [18] suggests that this William Davis may have been married to a Frances Davis. No further information could be found.
This collection consists of a single ledger with entries apparently made in Smyth and Wythe counties, Virginia. The entries are made in several different hands and are largely unorganized. Many of the entries concern sales of iron, wood, tobacco, and various groceries; others record the hauling of wheat and the threshing of wheat. Among the names most frequently appearing in the ledger are those of Carter A. Johnson and Elizabeth Johnson, both of whom apparently performed work or provided labor for the ledger's owner. Other surnames appearing in the ledger are Morris, Moore, Six, Umbarger, and others. An 1865 entry documents work performed by Betty Noel, "a free woman of color." Other entries appear to document the hiring out of enslaved men and boys. A few entries made during the Civil War seem to document military compensation for food and livestock. The ledger also contains appraisements of the estates of Jos. J. Snavely (1860) and Mary Snavely (1862).
See also
The guide to the Smythe and Wythe Counties, Virginia, Ledger, Ms1988-029 by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 (https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/).