Darden Family Papers
Darden Family Papers digital collection contains selected materials from its corresponding physical collection. Putnam Darden, son of John P. Darden, was born on a plantation in 1836 in Fayette County, Mississippi. He graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1856, and worked as a farmer until the Civil War broke out in 1861. During the war, he served in the Jefferson Flying Artillery, later known as the Jefferson Artillery and Darden’s Battery. Darden served under Beauregard, Hardy, Joe E. Johnston, and Hood. After the war he was active in the Grange movement, led by the Patrons of Husbandry. Formed in 1967, individual chapters, known as Granges, were created to educate people about farming and to support farmers. Darden was also a key player in the development of the Morrill Land Grant Act, which enabled the founding of Mississippi State A&M in 1878, now known as Mississippi State University (MSU) and the Hatch Experiment Act, which enabled the creation of the MSU Experiment Station in 1886. Known as a gifted orator, Darden gave many speeches in support of Missisisppi State. Putnam Darden died in 1888. He was married four times, had eight children, and was a member of the Christian Church in Fayette and superintendent of the Sunday School. A memorial to him may be found on the MSU campus, located across from the SMART bus stop next to McCool Hall. This digital collection has receipts, checks, and other business documents. For more information, contact the Special Collections faculty and staff at this link.
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Bill of Sale for 4 Teenagers
Collier & Carter
Bill of sale from Collier & Carter to John P. Darden for 4 slaves: Willis (age 18), Hariet (age 18), Mary (age 14), and Agnes (age 13).
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Letter, Land Office, Thomas W. Newman to John P. Darden, June 15, 1848
This handwritten letter, dated June 15, 1848, is written from Thomas W. Newman at the land office in Washington, Mississippi to John P. Darden clarifying ownership of some tracts of land, including where Darden's land is located and how it is situated against George Elliot's land.
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Bill of Sale for Caroline
Charles T. Miles
Bill of sale from Charles T. Miles to John P. Darden for a slave girl named Caroline.
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Receipt for Purchase of Land, December 7, 1845
This receipt, dated December 7, 1845, is for the sale of land from J. P. Darden to C. L. Miles for the price of ten dollars. The payment was received by C. L. Heiler.
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Statement of Payments, 1847
This statement of payments details payments made by John P. Darden from 1838-1847 during the case, W. B. Minnsnife vs. Edwin Shadelfor, et al. The bottom edge of the paper is jagged from having been torn. A series of numbers is on the back of the page.
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Bill of Sale from Sheriff
Samuel Laughman
Bill of sale from Jefferson County sheriff Sam Laughman to John P. Darden for 3 slaves sold at legal auction: Henry, Sarah, and Caroline.
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Bill of Sale from Sheriff
Samuel Laughman
Bill of sale from Jefferson County sheriff Sam Laughman to John P. Darden for 8 slaves sold at legal auction: Jake, wife Esther, and children Henry and Alexander; and Brister, wife Ann, and children Green and Margaret.
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Bill of Sale for Jane
Leatherman & Morgan
Bill of sale from Leatherman & Morgan to John P. Darden for a slave woman named Jane. Transaction took place in Vidalia, Louisiana and was witnessed by R.C. Cawley and Noah Leavs.
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Document Fragment
Pages 3 and 4 of an organization's guidelines, including ""Inspections"" and ""Conducting Experiments.""
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Bill of Sale for 4 Teenagers
William H. Browning
Bill of sale from William H. Browning to John P. Darden for four teenage slaves: Martha (age 17); Mary (age 17); Smith (age 15), and Emily (age 14). On the reverse, Darden relinquishes Mary, who 'proved defective.' Transactions took place in Port Gibson, Mississippi.
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Letter of Certification, Land Office, Thomas W. Newman to David Darden, September 5, 1838
This handwritten letter, dated September 5, 1838, is written from John W. Newman to David Darden, certifying that Darden purchased land and paid for it in full. The Newman's signature identifies him as the register.
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Bill of Sale for Henry
Ro H. Bayly
Bill of sale from Jos. McVoy to John P. Darden for a slave boy named Henry. Transaction took place in Egypt, Mississippi.
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Bill of Sale for 5 Slaves
William H. Browning
Bill of sale from William H. Browning to John P. Darden for five slaves: Ruben, William, Henry, Fanny, and Jane. Transaction took place in Gibson, Mississippi.
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Letter, Father to Harold, December 20, 1835
This handwritten letter, dated December 20, 1835, is written to from Father (John p. Darden?) to Harold discussing the weather and Christmas.
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Bill of Sale for Rachael
Thomas J. Redmond
Bill of sale from Thos. J. Redmond to John P. Darden for a slave woman named Rachael, aged 20. Transaction took place in Port Gibson, Mississippi.
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Bill of Sale for 3 Slaves
A. B. J. Rice
Bill of sale from A.B.J. Rice to John P. Darden for 3 slaves named Dennis (age 20), Lewis (age 13), and Susan (age 14). Transaction took place in Port Gibson, Mississippi.
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Receipt for Special Taxes Paid, 1818
This handwritten receipt documents the payment of one hundred and twenty dollars made by Thomas L. Darden for special taxes for three dogs for the 1818 fiscal year. The receipt is signed by D. P. Farley, assessor per D. McCormick Shiff. The left and bottom edge of the paper is jagged from having been torn. There are mildew stains on the right side of the paper.
