Thomas Harrison was a generous father. When the Virginia planter died in January 1835, he left his entire Henrico County plantation and all its contents to his son, Randolph, to deal with however he saw fit. As the executor of his father's estate, Randolph decided to turn his father's gift into a fresh start by selling off everything from farm machinery and supplies to animals and utensils....
By 1835, the Industrial Revolution had swept up Richmond in its wave of innovation and change. At a time when massive advancements were being made in the areas of agriculture, factory production, transportation, and communication, Richmond's General Assembly was still reeling from the logistics of such a massive overhaul. In early January, an advertisement was taken out in the Richmond Whig...
Walk down the streets of any major city in America today and it is hard to miss the fliers. Leaflets advertising a lost dog or runaway cat grace lampposts and telephone poles on every street corner, many including descriptions, names, and last known whereabouts of beloved family pets. Like modern neighbors across America, slave owners in antebellum Richmond, Virginia advertised for the return of...
In 1835 somewhere between Athens, Georgia and Montgomery, Alabama an Indian shot Reverend Mr. Davis while he was traveling. The Presbyterian Clergyman was wounded but was expected to recover. In Athens, the Southern Banner reported this incident stating that though they did not know the details, they feel fully justified in saying that no provocation whatever, was given by [Mr. Davis], to cause...
In the first few decades of Mississippi statehood, the fast-track to fame and wealth for young East-coast educated men was law. By presenting themselves before judges, and passing a series of examinations, aspiring young lawyers declared their new vocations.
One such man, a young Mississippian known only as Harvey, parleyed this process to Virginian Robert Whitehead, his former schoolmate,...