Browse Items (1533 total)

This document is a contract between William B. Cocke and “his former servants.” The agreement specifies that his servants are to “bind themselves to go on to work on the farm and to do and attend to all the business…faithfully and…

This photograph was likely taken in the fields of Westend Farm during WWI, when there would have been a need for farmers to supply food to the soldiers overseas.

Lucy and Nancy Taylor stayed on Westend and kept it going as a farm while two male…

Early African American schools were designed to advance younger generations of African Americans. Within this community of individuals there was a belief that, as an African American became more educated and continued to exceed in society, the…

In this document, a friend of Robert Harris prescribes him to make a pill using household ingredients that he believes will break his fever. These ingredients include "casteel soap, brown sugar, and rhuberd." He also recommends a liquid cure to take…

The Assistant Assessor for the County of Louisa visited the farm of Mr. Robert Harris and, not finding anyone to answer certain questions, left this note in which he asked Robert Harris to send answers to the home of Mr. Overton Harris, as he (the…

ESTATE OF WILLIAM MORRIS-- 1830

In the name of God amen; I William Morris of Louisa County and State of Virginia, do make this my last will and testament hereby revoking all wills and testaments by me heretofore made.
Item x I give to my beloved…

This is a stone road marker placed by General John Hartwell Cocke, the Fluvanna County Overseer of Roads, in 1828. This specific marker directed people from the Fluvanna County seat at Palmyra to the James River at New Canton. There were multiple…

In 1836, Sarah Ann Quarles Chandler reluctantly left Louisa County for Cooper County, Misssouri. To read her full journal in pdf format, click on the associated file tab on the right. Her journal begins:

September 16th 1836:
This day set off…

Page from the account records of William Jackson Walton, later Superintendent of Louisa County Schools 1884-1886. Last date on account is Jul 1, 1859. W.J. Walton lived in the Jackson District off of what is now Paynes Mill Road.

Items on…

This small booklet is among the 1860 tax records. It contains the names, family relationships, location and occupation of free persons of color on the eve of the Civil War. The list contains many names but does not seem to be comprehensive.

A…