Records of ante-bellum southern plantations - LexisNexis

Howerton Family Papers cont.
Series 1. Loose Papers, 1817–1896 and Undated cont.
Subseries 1.1: 1817–1858 and Undated cont.
0001 Folder 12, Tax Receipts, 1841. 45 frames.
0046 Folder 13, Tax Lists, 1841. 38 frames.
0084 Folder 14, Other Papers, 1841. 38 frames.
0122 Folder 15, Tax Receipts, 1842. 49 frames.
0171 Folder 16, Tax Receipts, 1842. 54 frames.
0225 Folder 17, Other Papers, January–April 1842. 52 frames.
0277 Folder 18, Other Papers, May–December 1842. 44 frames.
0321 Folder 19, Tax Receipts, 1843. 53 frames.
0374 Folder 20, Tax Receipts, 1843. 80 frames.
0454 Folder 21, Tax List and List of Insolvents, 1843 and 1840–1843. 56 frames.
0510 Folder 22, Other Papers, 1843. 86 frames.
0596 Folder 23, 1844–1858. 17 frames.
0613 Folder 24, Undated (Antebellum). 69 frames.
Omissions
0682 List of Omissions from the Howerton Family Papers. 1 frame.
Cornelius Dabney Diary, 1863–1869,
Albemarle and King William Counties, Virginia
Description of the Collection
This collection consists of two items, an original and a typescript copy of a diary, kept
between 1863 and 1869. The diary was chiefly kept by Cornelius Dabney; there is one entry
written by his father in April 1863, on the date of his birthday. Cornelius began his diary on 10
August 1863 while he was spending his summer at his parents’ home in King William County,
Virginia. He wrote about his daily activities and the activities of his family, including work on the
farm as well as social activities. One of the Dabney’s major crops was wheat, and Cornelius
wrote about their taking the wheat to the mill. He and his brothers would occasionally help Mr.
Harris, the miller, with his work. Other crops mentioned are corn, potatoes, and oats.
In addition to the farm work, the family engaged in many social activities with their relatives,
friends, and neighbors. Cornelius’s Uncle Bushrod and Aunt Jennie lived close by at Oakwood.
Cornelius also occasionally mentioned his Uncle James White and other relatives. The families
visited and dined with each other, and went on fishing expeditions together. A friend, Dr. Tucker,
was also visiting during this period, and Cornelius played many games of chess with him. Dr.
Tucker was later to become his brother-in-law.
Cornelius was a member of the Baptist Church, and he recorded his attendance at prayer
meetings and Sunday school at churches in Beulah and Hebron, Virginia. On 19 September, he
mentioned attending a meeting of the “Association” in Beulah, probably meaning the Baptist
Association.
There are scattered references in the diary to the Civil War and its effects. On 15 August,
Cornelius mentioned that a friend of his had been killed at Gettysburg. While on an expedition to
Richmond, he noted the high prices of some articles he purchased. He also mentioned meeting
with Lt. Roane and his squad, who were searching for deserters and conscripts.
On 30 September 1863, Cornelius left for the University of Virginia with his friend, Josie
Gwathmey, who was perhaps a cousin. They boarded with two other young men, Luther
Broaddus and Joe Clarke, at the home of Dr. William F. Broaddus, a Baptist preacher. Cornelius
described matriculating at the University, attending lectures, and studying Latin and other
subjects. He commented on his professors, including Basil Lanneau Gildersleeve (1831–1924)
42