Farm Journal, 1856-1858

Farm journals consist of six ledgers covering the years 1848-1854, 1854-1856, 1856-1858, 1859-1862, 1862-1866 (the estate of Hugh Davis), and 1880 (N.J. Davis, a son of Hugh Davis). The first five ledgers contain daily entries concerning plantation activities and crop production written by Hugh Davis and his overseers. Also included in the first five books are records of births, sick lists, amounts of cotton picked by slaves, amount of clothing purchased for each slave, records of profits, weather notations, rules for life on the plantation, and other information. The 1856-1858 book includes a list of newspapers taken by Hugh Davis in 1858. The 1862-1866 ledger begins with a detailed explanation of the system of farming at Beaver Bend. The 1880 book, maintained by N.J. Davis, includes notes of purchases made for the plantation, records of cash accounts, and information on individual accounts for workers. Also included is an 1849-1852 large pocket diary containing lists of purchases, lists of accounts, memorandums, and other information and an 1853-1858 large pocket diary that includes daily activities, lists of slaves, lists of purchases, notes on crop production, and records of family births. Also included are bills of sale for slaves and a copy of the 1845 Catechism of Agricultural Chemistry and Geology by James F.W. Johnson.