Browse Items (377 total)

On January 1, 1866, William H. Eubank hired African Americans Bob, David, George, Patrick, Louisa, and Susan to farm his land for the ensuing year. The labor contract specified what Eubank would pay each of them and that he supplied lodging and…

In April 1868, James B. Carter, an African American member of the constitutional convention, purchased a lot at the corner of Thirteenth and Hull Streets in the town of Manchester and opened a grocery store in partnership with Richard Smith. It's…

This November 1865 contract between William D. Floyd, of Lunenburg County, and six members of the Burnett family is a fairly typical agreement by which a landowner allowed workers to farm his land in exchange of a share of the crop that the workers…

In December 1865 Nancy Arvin contracted with William Arvin Jr., possibly her former owner, to care for his farm for a suit of summer and winter clothing for her and three of her children and for wages for two of her other children. In the aftermath…

Copy of April 9, 1912, Elizabeth City County Circuit Court Judgement sentencing Virginia Christian to death by electrocution at the Virginia Penitentiary on June 21, 1912.

Respite of Virginia Christian granted on July 26, 1912 by Governor William Mann, delaying execution until August 16, 1912. The Newport News Daily Press reported on July 25, 1912, that Governor Mann granted the respite after meeting with a committee…

Respite of Virginia Christian granted on July 18, 1912, by Governor William Mann, delaying execution until August 2, 1912. Mann granted Christian a two week respite in order to see her spiritual advisers.

Respite of Virginia Christian granted on June 12, 1912, by Governor William Mann, delaying execution until July 19, 1912. Mann granted Christian a respite to enable her attorneys to file an amended petition for a writ of error. The Virginia Supreme…