Contract with freedmen on Plains Plantation, 1865 June 8-August 28

Using These Materials Teaser

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials

Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
More about accessing and using these materials...

Summary

Abstract:
Collection comprises a contract, dated 1865 June 8, made with 28 male and female former slaves for the growing of cotton on the "Plains" plantation in Fayette, Jefferson County, Mississippi. The laborers committed to working every day "from sun to sun," except Sunday, with other possible days off. They were to be paid one quarter of the net proceeds for the crop. The contract was witnessed by O.H. McGinty[?] and signed by executors E.G. Woods and Stephen Ireland; the last name of the deceased owner is illegible. The document was recorded by the sub-commissioner for the Freedmen's Department in Jefferson County, A.M. Brobst[?], on 1865 August 28, with notes regarding the executors, the contract's attachment to a lien, and $45 taxes paid on 15 laborers on August 21.
Extent:
1.0 Linear Foot (1 item)
Language:
Materials in English
Collection ID:
RL.11593

Background

Scope and content:

Collection comprises a contract, dated 1865 June 8, made with 28 male and female former slaves for the growing of cotton on the "Plains" plantation in Fayette, Jefferson County, Mississippi. The laborers committed to working every day "from sun to sun," except Sunday, with other possible days off. They were to be paid one quarter of the net proceeds for the crop. The contract was witnessed by O.H. McGinty[?] and signed by executors E.G. Woods and Stephen Ireland; the last name of the deceased owner is illegible. Surnames of the freedmen include: Wilson, Thompson, Digg, Turner, Lonsway, Hatton, Clement, Willis, Payne, West, Blair, Garner, Kelley, Arran, and Johnson. The laborers range in age from 17 to 68. Fifteen children living on the plantation are listed as dependents on the back of the contract. The document was recorded by the sub-commissioner for the Freedmen's Department in Jefferson County, A.M. Brobst[?], on 1865 August 28, with notes regarding the executors, the contract's attachment to a lien, and $45 taxes paid on 15 laborers on August 21. The contract was completed using iron gall ink; there is some associated corrosion of the paper. Acquired as part of the John Hope Franklin Research Center for African and African American History and Culture.

Acquisition information:
The Contract with Freedmen on Plains Plantation was received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book Manuscript Library as a purchase in 2018.
Processing information:

Processed by Alice Poffinberger, January, 2018

Accessions described in this collection guide: 2018-0001

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Contents

Using These Materials

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

Before you visit:
Please consult our up-to-date information for visitors page, as our services and guidelines periodically change.
Preferred citation:

Contract with Freedmen on Plains Plantation, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.