Darden Family Papers

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  Invoice for Cotton Sold, September 18, 1860

  This handwritten invoice is for the sale of 4 bales of cotton sold by JC and BS Ricks and Co. on behalf of John P. Darden for $151.16.

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  Invoice for Cotton Sold, September 28, 1860

  This handwritten invoice is for the sale of 9 bales of cotton sold by JC and BS Ricks and Co. to P. S. Sanchez on behalf of John P. Darden on September 29, 1860 for the cost of $497.

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  Invoice for Cotton Sold, September 29, 1860

  This handwritten invoice is for the sale of 1 bale of cotton sold by JC and BS Ricks and Co. to William Cunningham on behalf of John P. Darden on September 29, 1860 for $41.80.

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  Ledger Pages, Undated

  These undated ledger pages list purchases and balances owed by the Darden family to multiple proprietors for food, household items, clothing, and building supplies.

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  Ledger Page, Undated

  This undated ledger page includes the names of multiple people and the calculations of money owed and money credited, including money owed by John P. Darden.

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  Letter, A. L. Sholinh, December 13, 1860

  This handwritten letter, dated December 13, 1860, is written from A. L. Sholinh to John P. Darden, concerning his intent to honor the deal they made about the sale of land. Sholinh goes on to say that he believes that they are all responsible gentlemen and should be able to hand this business and all do what is right but that if they cannot, he is willing to let the courts decide. He assures Darden that he intends to address Darden's concerns and will make sure that a lawful title is made.

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  Letter, A. L. Sholinh, October 15, 1860

  This handwritten letter, dated October 15, 1860, is written from A. L. Sholinh to John P. Darden notifying Darden that a blank title bond has been delivered to Sholinh's brother, Bourbon Sholinh, to be forwarded to Darden. Sholinh provides the land description and asks Darden to notify him when the title arrives.

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  Letter, A. L. Sholinh, October 27, 1860

  This handwritten letter, dated October 27, 1860, is written from A. L. Sholinh to John P. Darden informing Darden that Sholinh's brother, Bourbon was absent when the bonds that he needed to sign arrived and thus caused a delay. Sholinh assures Darden that the matter will be settled as he is intent on being a responsible gentleman. Sholinh concedes that the title can be handled in the manner in which Darden suggested.

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  Letter, C. Barksdale to John P. Darden, January 9, 1860

  This handwritten letter, dated January 9, 1860, from E. Barksdale to John P. Darden acknowledging Darden's $5 payment for his subscription to the Mississippian.

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  Letter, J.C. and B. S. Ricks, September 19, 1860

  This handwritten letter, dated September 19, 1860, is written from J. C. and B. S. Ricks and Co. to John P. Darden informing him that they received 9 bales of cotton for his account to be sold at the first favorable opportunity. The letter goes on to inform Darden that 8 bales were sold on his behalf the previous day.

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  Letter, J. Cz. R. s. Ricks and Co. to John P. Darden, 1860

  This handwritten letter, dated 1860, is written from J. Cz. R. R. Ricks and Co. to John P. Darden addressing his account and the status of cotton.

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  Letter, Robert Sholinh to John P. Darden, October 11, 1860

  This handwritten letter, dated October 11, 1860, is written from R. Sholinh to John P. Darden concerning some land owned by Sholinh and his sons that Darden is purchasing. Sholinh advises Darden that he and Mr. Hicks can proceed to work on the land but that the land belongs to Sholinh's sons and Darden needs to come to his house mid-November to resolve the matter.

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  Receipt for Clothing and Household Items, January 23, 1860

  This handwritten receipt, dated January 23, 1860, is for clothing and household items purchased by John P. Darden from Meyer Deutsch from March to May 1859 for the coast of $72.00. The payment is marked as received on January 23. 1860. The bottom edge of the paper is ripped.

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  Receipt for Gold Spectacles, March 30, 1860

  This handwritten receipt for the purchase of gold spectacles for the cost of $7.50 by John P. Darden from S. Cockrell is marked paid March 20, 1860.

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  Receipt for Livery and Stable Services, 1861

  This handwritten receipt is for livery stable services for the year 1860 at a total of $18.00 marked paid in full and received by N. Duncan. The full date is illegible but the year of the receipt is identified as 1861.

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  Receipt for Payment Made to T. C. Redde and R. W. C. Wade by John P. Darden, February 9, 1860

  This handwritten receipt, dated February 9, 1860, declares payment received in Natchez from John P. Darden through the hands of Mason Fleming and Baldwin Forten for eight dollars for a total of $14.05, paid to T. C. Redde and R. W. C. Wade.

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  Receipt for pharmaceuticals, February 14, 1860

  This receipt is for pharmaceuticals purchased by John P. Darden from James Brown Druggist and Apothecary in Fayette, Mississippi. The payment was received on February 14, 1860.

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  Receipt for Purchase from James Brown, Druggist and Apothecary, April 9, 1860

  This receipt is for payment made by John P. Darden to James Brown, Druggist and Apothecary in Fayette, Mississippi for the cost of $17.90. The payment was received on April 9, 1860 by James Brown per G. H. Doren. The left bottom corner is torn.

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  Receipt for Subscription to Fayette Times, September 10, 1860

  This receipt is for the three dollar payment made by John P. Darden for the subscription to the Fayette Times from September 12, 1860-September 12, 1861. The payment was received on September 10, 1860 by King and Jeffers.

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  Receipt for Transcripts, December 10, 1860

  This handwritten receipt details the cost and payment of transcripts from a legal case on behalf of John P. Darden to be paid by J. J. Whitney to Dawn Dougall. The back of the receipt documents the payment date as December 10, 1860.

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  Receipt for Tuition and School Supplies, Undated

  This undated receipt is for five months of tuition and some school supplies for Thomas L. Darden at a cost of thirty-five dollars and forty-eight cents. The receipt was paid by John P. Darden to W. P. Gibson. The receipt is on blue paper and the bottom and right edge are ripped.

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  Receipt for Tuition, Undated

  This undated receipt is for twenty-four months of tuition at a cost of eleven dollars and twenty-five cents total paid from J. P. Darden to Arthur Fobson. The receipt is on blue paper that has been ripped along the left edge.

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  Statement of 1 Bale Purchased, September 2, 1861

  This statement details the purchase of a bale of, presumably cotton, purchased by T. L. Darden for $44. 33. The statement is written on the back of an M. Eisenman and Son General Merchandise ticket.

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  Statement of Money Owed for The Mississippian Subscription, January 9, 1860

  This statement details the payments made by John P. Darden for a subscription to the Mississippian from May 11, 1855 to May 16, 1860 with a remaining balance of $5 on January 9, 1860. The statement is on a receipt slip of the Mississippian Office and includes an illustration of a Greek goddess statue on the left edge.

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  Receipt for H. L. Winters

  H. L. Winters

  Receipt for $19.40 paid to H. L. Winters' Tinware Manufactory in Rodney, Mississippi.

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  Account Statement, 1859

  This handwritten account statement details items purchased by John P. Darden from W. G Orr from April to October 1859 for a total of $1920.00 with a note that payment had been received.

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  Account Statement for Clothing Materials, 1859

  This handwritten account statement lists clothing materials purchased by John P. Darden from Thomas Davenport from May to October 1858 for a total of $16.35. The payment on the account was received by M. Rubell and Co. on January 2, 1859.

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  Account Statement for clothing Materials, January 2, 1859

  This handwritten account statement lists clothing and materials purchased by John P. Darden from Thomas Davenport for a total of $16.35. Payment is marked as received on January 2, 1859 by M. Rubell and Co. and Thomas Davenport.

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  Account Statement for Household Items, January 1, 1859

  This handwritten account statement lists household items purchased by John P. Darden from B. F. Fry from January to November 1858 for a total of $33.17. Payment on the account was received by B. F. Fry on Jun 1, 1859.

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  Account Statement for household Items, November 21, 1859

  This handwritten account statement lists food and household items purchased by J. P. Darden from J. C. and B. S. Ricks and Co. on November 21, 1859 for a total price of $161.81.

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  Account Statement for John P. Darden to C. L. Coffey, 1858-1859

  This handwritten account statement details John P. Darden's charges for leather and shoes purchased from C. L. Coffey in Fayette, Mississippi during 1858 and 1859. The statement includes $10.25 of charges and $12.90 of credits to equal $2.75 due to Darden. The statement also includes a note from Coffey explaining the statement.

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  Account Statement for Legal Services, December 31, 1859

  This handwritten statement of account, dated December 31, 1859, lists legal services provided by John P. Darden for Fleming H. Baldwin for a total of $774.99.

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  Current Account Page, 1859

  This handwritten account page lists transactions for John P. Darden's account with J.Cg. B. L. Ricks and Co. from March to September 1859. The balance due is listed as $181. 77.

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  Letter, G. M. Rice to John P. Darden, August 19, 1859

  This handwritten letter, dated August 19, 1859, is written from G. M. Rice to John P. Darden informing Darden of the cost breakdown of a subscription to The Review.

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  Letter, J. C. Ricks and Co. to John P. Darden, February 17, 1859

  This handwritten letter, dated February 17, 1859, is written from J. C. Ricks and Co. to John P. Darden addressing Darden's account and informing Darden of his balances.

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  Promissory Note, January 1, 1859

  This handwritten promissory note, dated January 1, 1859, is a declaration that E. R. Roberts promises to pay John P. Darden the sum of one hundred dollars at ten percent interest on a loan from the date identified on the note. The note is signed by E. R. Roberts.

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  Account Statement for Food and Household Items, February 15, 1858

  This handwritten statement of account, dated February 15, 1858, lists food and other household items purchased by John P. Darden from Flemming Baldwin for a total of $194. 32.

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  Account Statement, John P. Darden to Farman Z.J. Purcell, 1858

  This account statement lists transactions on Forman Z. J. Purcell's account with John P. Darden from January 1858 to February 9, 1859. The account is marked as paid by John P. Darden.

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  Account Statements for Food, Household Items, and Clothing, 1858

  The first handwritten statement of account, dated October 18, 1858, lists food and other household items purchased by John P. Darden from J. B. Carpenter from October 1857 to August 1858 totaling $60.36. The second undated statement lists various items of clothing purchased by John P. Darden from D and E. Scharffe from May to December of 1858 for a total of $23.36.

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  Letter, Thomas J. Heard to John P. Darden, July 27, 1858

  This handwritten letter, dated July 27, 1858, is written from Thomas J. Heard to his cousin, John P. Darden expressing his pleasure at having received a letter from Darden previously and his excitement at hearing from his relations from that area. The letter goes on to express apprehension about the health of Darden's county and the effect that any overflow of the Mississippi River might have on it and their relatives there. The letter concludes by updating Darden on Heard's family and the economics in his area.

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  Receipt for Clothing Items, February 24, 1858

  This handwritten receipt is for clothing items purchased by Josephine Darden at Frankenbush and Englesing in Port Gibson, Mississippi. Payment of $26.93 is recorded as received on February 24, 1858.

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  Receipt for Clothing, January 1, 1858

  This handwritten receipt, dated January 1, 1858, is for the purchase of two items of clothing by John P. Darden from L. Deutch on January 3, 1857 at a cost of $6.13.

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  Receipt for School Tuition, December 27, 1858

  This handwritten receipt, dated December 27, 1858, documents payments made to G. G. Davids for tuition for Thomas W. Darden, son of John P. Darden, for t three months of school for a total of $15.00. A note at the bottom of the receipt declares the receipt as a certification that Thomas W. Darden attended G. G. Davis's school in Fayette, Mississippi for fifty-six days form September 28, 1858.

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  Receipt for State, County, and Special Tax, 1858

  This receipt documents the eight dollar and thirty-five cent payment made by John P. Darden the Franklin County, Mississippi for State, County, and Special Tax for fiscal year 1858. The receipt is signed by W. M. Wentworth, Sheriff and Tax Collector. The receipt has decorative stamping along the top, left, and bottom edges.

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  Account Statement, 1855

  This handwritten account statement details items purchased and money owed by John P. Darden from January 1856 to January 1857 in the amount of $387.52 with the balance noted as paid in full on January 28, 1857. The payment was received by E. W. Whitney.

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  Damaged Account Statement, 1859

  This handwritten statement for household goods is dated for Sept and December 1857. The majority of the statement is illegible due to a large water and mold stain.

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  Letter, Ann Eliza to John P. Darden, September 10, 1857

  This handwritten letter, dated September 10, 1857, is written from Ann Eliza to her brother, John Darden discussing education of orphans and personal updates.

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  Letter, F. H. Farrar to John P. Darden, March 5, 1857

  This handwritten letter, dated March 5, 1857, is written from F. H. Farrar to John P. Darden discussing poetry and his preference for modern poetry. Farrar encourages Darden to send his work to him with the caveat that he should do so only if he is comfortable with Farrar's taste in poetry.

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  Letter, John P. Darden to Sarah M. Showers, November 3, 1857

  This handwritten letter, dated November 3, 1857, is written from John P. Darden to Sarah M. Showers in Fayette, Mississippi to ask her opinion on a letter that written to Mary explaining his fear that his previous response to her may have sounded harsh and why he fears it could be interpreted that way. He has included a copy of the letter to Mary with his letter to Sarah and explains that he "would be glad for her to read it for I wish to do nothing that will offend anyone..." The third page has a small portion torn from the right edge.

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  Letter, Robert Sholinh to John P. Darden, E. J. Hicks, October 9, 1860

  This handwritten letter, dated October 9, 1860, is written from Robert Sholinh to John P. Darden and H. J. Hicks discussing land that was sold to them and the transfer of the deed and other legal matters concerning the sale. There is water damage on the pages.

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  Letters, John P. Darden to J. W. Collier and Bro. Brown, December 12 and 28, 1857

  These handwritten letters, dated December 12 and 28, 1857, are written from John P. Darden to Bro. Horace and J. W. Collier discussing their debts owed him. A not at the bottom of the letter to Collier is written to an unknown recipient explaining the attached letters discussing the debt and the abuse he received from them when he approached Horace and Collier about the debt. The page is ripped along the bottom edge.

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  Receipt for Coach Harness, February 11, 1857

  This handwritten receipt, dated February 11, 1857, is a receipt for payment of sixty dollars for the purchase of a coach harness by John B. Flemming from Livingston and Routine in Natchez, Mississippi.

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  Receipt for Food and Clothing,1857

  This handwritten receipt is for items purchased in December 1856 and January 1857 by John P. Darden from Weis and Eiseman for the total of $27.39. Payment was recorded on December 28, 1857 by Weis and Eiseman.

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  Receipt for Household Items, February 13, 1857

  This handwritten receipt, dated February 13, 1857, documents the payment of $5.40 for the purchase of household items during 1856 by Josephine Darden from D. L. Wilbur. The items were purchased in February, March, April, and May of 1856.

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  Receipt for Services, January 3, 1857

  This handwritten receipt documents payments made by John P. Darden and Norman Frisly for services in the amount of $2010 on January 3, 1857 in New Orleans.

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  Receipt for Subscription to The Mississippian, January 30, 1857

  This receipt, dated January 30, 1857, documents a one dollar payment made by Captain J. P. Darden for a subscription to the Mississippian. The receipt is blue with a decorative illustration on the left edge.

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  Bill from Franklin College

  Tolbert Fanning

  Detailed list of expenses at Franklin College for Thadeus Darden and Horatio Read.

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  May-day Speech for Little Lelico, 1856

  This handwritten speech, titled May-day Speech for Little Lelico, 1856, poetically speaks of the joys and beauty of the spring month of May.

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  Receipt for Household Items, January 28, 1856

  This handwritten receipt, dated July 28, 1856, documents payment for household items purchased by John P. Darden for the cost of $11.00 total. The payment was received by Thomas Bud Trustor and J. B. Carpenter. John P. Darden's name is written on the back.

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  Receipt for Items purchased in 1856

  This handwritten receipt, dated April 2, 1856, documents payment in full for clothing and other items purchased by John P. Darden in Fayette, Mississippi during April, July, and September 1836.

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  Receipt for Payment to John C. Hall, December 30, 1856

  This handwritten receipt, dated December 30, 1856, is for payment of $11.50 made by John P. Darden to John C. Hall. The item purchased is illegible on the receipt.

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  Bill from Dr. B. F. Fox

  B. F. Fox

  Bill for John P. Darden's 1856 purchases from Dr. B. F. Fox in Fayette, Mississippi.

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  Bill from Joseph Deutsch

  A. Roos

  Detailed list of John P. Darden's purchases from Joseph Deutsch in 1856.

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  Bill from Weis & Eiseman

  Weis & Eiseman

  Detailed bill of John P. Darden's 1956 purchases from Weis & Eiseman in Natchez, Mississippi.

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  Envelope Labeled "Important Papers", 1855

  This envelope reads "Holly Springs Miss Important Papers where Papa and Aunt Joe Withney went to College. 1855" The top is ripped.

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  Poem, Draft "What Is, Is Right," 1855

  This handwritten poem, titled "What Is, Is Right" speaks of the human condition of the many ways people behave and the affects and consequences of their behaviors. Portions of the essay or marked through and the essay is numbered as "4" at the top of the front page.

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  Poem, "What Is, Is Right," January 1855

  This handwritten poem, titled "What Is, Is Right" speaks of the human condition of the many ways people behave and the affects and consequences of their behaviors.

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  Statement of Purchase, 1855

  This handwritten statement lists items purchased by John P. Darden from Adams and McClure on March 10, May 5, and October 9, 1855 for what appears to be building supplies. The total billed is $7.45.

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  Letter, Tolbert Fanning to John P. Darden; 10/22/1855

  Tolbert Fanning

  Letter from Tolbert Fanning at Franklin College to John P. Darden about the progress of Thadeus Darden and Horatio Read.

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  Legal Statement of Inheritance, June 1854

  This handwritten legal statement testifies that John G. Flemming has receive the inheritance left to him by Sarah Flemming and thus releases his attorney, John P. Darden from all responsibility. The document is signed by Flemming and witnessed by Samuel A. Patterson. June 1854 is written at the top of the page. The page is torn along the bottom edge.

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  Receipt for Painting

  John N. Bates

  Receipt for $7.85 paid to John N. Bates by Charles T. Miles for painting the Fayette Christian Church.

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  Letter, Tolbert Fanning to John P. Darden; 01/14/1850

  Tolbert Fanning

  Letter from Tolbert Fanning at Franklin College to John P. Darden about the progress of Thadeus Darden and Horatio Read.

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  Letter, Tolbert Fanning to John P. Darden; 12/22/1850

  Tolbert Fanning

  Letter from Tolbert Fanning at Franklin College to John P. Darden about the progress of Thadeus Darden and Horatio Read.

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  Receipt from Franklin College

  Tolbert Fanning

  Receipt for $150 paid to Franklin College for the expenses of Thadeus Darden.

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  Letter, Horatio Read to John P. Darden; 06/09/1854

  Horatio Read

  Letter from Horatio Read at Franklin College to his uncle, John P. Darden.

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  Letter, W. C. H. Brown to John P. Darden, August 22, 1853

  This handwritten letter, dated August 22, 1853, is written from W. C. H. Brown at the District Court Clerk's Office in Jackson, Mississippi to John P. Darden informing Darden that his certificate of copyright for "Secret of Success" is enclosed and offering him advice on where to do further research on the subject. The paper is ripped along the right edge.

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  Receipt for Payment in Full Probate Court, May 5, 1853

  This handwritten receipt, dated May 5, 1853, details the payment of five hundred and forty-seven dollars and three cents paid by John P. Darden to Charles T. Miles, the guardian of two minors, via probate court.

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  Receipt for Subscription to Volume two of "Southern Watch Tower", April 30, 1853

  This handwritten receipt, dated April 30, 1853, is for a three dollar subscription to volume two of "Southern Watch Tower" by Captain John P. Darden. The payment was received by Mom's and Harper, publisher of the "Watch Tower."

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  Church Building Expenses

  Jesse Bager

  Detailed list of building expenses for Fayette Christian Church.

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  Letter, Tolbert Fanning to John P. Darden; 01/05/1853

  Tolbert Fanning

  Letter from Tolbert Fanning at Franklin College to John P. Darden about the progress of Thadeus Darden and Horatio Read.

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  Letter, Tolbert Fanning to John P. Darden; 10/12/1853

  Tolbert Fanning

  Letter from Tolbert Fanning at Franklin College to John P. Darden about the progress of Thadeus Darden and Horatio Read.

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  Church Bill

  H. N. Young

  Bill for items puchased for a church.

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  Drug Store Bill

  Bill from T. R. Mitchell's drug store for window glass, turpentine, and white lead.

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  Letter, Tolbert Fanning to John P. Darden; 09/21/1852

  Tolbert Fanning

  Letter from Tolbert Fanning at Franklin College to John P. Darden about the progress of Thadeus Darden and Horatio Read.

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  Contract for Roofing

  A. I. Tubbs

  Contract for roofing the Fayette Christian Church.

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  Payment Contract

  A. I. Tubbs

  Contract for $37.90 payment on building Fayette Christian Church.

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  Letter, T. Ganning to John P. Darden, January 28, 1851

  This handwritten letter, dated January 29, 1851, is written from T. Ganning to John P. Darden updating him on Thadius and Horatio's progress at Franklin College including financial payments and other expenses.

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  Receipt for Shoes, July 18, 1851

  This handwritten receipt, dated July 18, 1851, for payment in full for the purchase of two pairs of shoes for the total cost of $3.60. The purchase was made between Horatio Read and M. D. Small and the payment was received by M D. Smaus.

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  "Damon and Balinda" A Tale of the 18th Century

  This handwritten essay tells the story of how Damon met and fell in love with this wife, Balinda.

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  Essay, Early Recollections

  This handwritten essay, titled Early Recollections, is written about the author's interactions and friendship with a woman throughout life. There is an overlay of a different handwritten paragraph on the second page.

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  Essay on Life

  This handwritten essay speaks on the joys, highs, and lows of life and how to find success.

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  Poem About Humanity

  This untitled, handwritten poem, speaks of the various ill and rewards of humanity.

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  Poem, "Bertha's Grave 7 years Old"

  This handwritten poem, titled "Bertha's Grave" is about how much the writer loves to visit the graveside of a child named Bertha. The poem describes the surroundings and how meaningful and peaceful it is.

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  Poem, "I Dream of Thee"

  This handwritten poem, titled "I Dream of Thee", speaks of the writer's love for someone and how they long to see their love again. The paper has visible tears and stains.

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  Poems, "To Carrie's Album"

  This is a handwritten set of poems written by Jimmy Goranly. The first poem, titled "To Carrie's Album" is a love poem about going through the darkness until fair skies bring them together. The second poem is untitled and wishes the reader to find peace through "Life's troubled ocean" and is joyful in death.

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  Poem, Untitled

  This handwritten, untitled poem speaks of love and the human condition and questions how to know what is right.

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  Use of Basil and Clarissy

  Betsy Darden

  Document signed by Betsy Darden, acknowledging that John P. Darden pays her for ""the hire & use of my negroes Basil & Clarissy"".

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  Minutes from a PCA Directors' Meeting

  Thomas L. Darden

  Thomas L. Darden's minutes from a meeting of the Phoenix Cooperative Association's Board of Directors.

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  Letter, S. B. Chambless to Unknown, August 26, 1849

  This handwritten letter, dated August 26, 1849, is written from S. B. Chambless to an unidentified recipient reassuring the recipient that they have not been forgotten and he is still tending to the recipient's business as he has been entrusted to do.

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  School Tax Receipt, February 28, 1849

  This receipt, dated February 28, 1849, documents the payment of five dollars and ninety-nine cents made by Elizabeth Darden to Jefferson County, Mississippi for State, County, and School Tax for the year 1848. The receipt is signed by Sam Laughman, Sherriff and Tax Collector. The receipt is numbered 376 in the upper left corner and has some tearing in the top center. There are visible wrinkles throughout the receipt.