Inventory of the Person Family Papers, 1754-1971

Abstract

Family active in Louisburg, Franklin Co., N.C. and also in Nash Co., N.C.

Correspondence, accounts, diary (1869), bills, deeds, wills, legal documents, and other papers (largely 1829-1897). The bulk of the collection relates to Thomas A. Person and his family, and includes letters written from Harrison Co., Tex., and New Orleans (ca. 1850s); student letters from various North Carolina schools (1835-1860); letters of Confederate soldiers concerning military life; and family and business letters with Civil War reminiscences. The early material mostly concerns Thomas A. Person's father, Presley Carter Person, of Louisburg, N.C., and the settlement of his estate. Later material concerns patent medicines manufactured by a member of the family. Other correspondents and names mentioned include W. P. Montgomery, Harriett Person Perry, Levin Perry, Theophilus Perry, Jesse H. H. Person, Joseph Arrington Person, M. P. Person, and Willie Mangum Person. Addition comprises primarily land deeds and surveys, other deeds of sale, receipts, personal wills, and other financial information. Also includes personal correspondence and memory books. An 1834 deed of gift to John W. Harris from P. C. Person includes five named slaves, one gray horse, 12 head of cattle, and 12 head of sheep. An 1808-1864 ledger book of Presley Person includes Person family genealogy and names and birth dates of his slaves and of the slaves owned by his son, Thomas A. Person. Other names mentioned include Matthew Culpepper, Arthur W. Person, Prudence Person, and W. M. Person.

Descriptive Summary

Repository: David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University
Creator: Person Family
Title: Person Family Papers, 1754-1971
Language of Material: English
Extent: 6 Linear Feet, 3000 Items
Location: For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.

Series Quick Links

1944 Accession, 1767-1910and undated
Accession (2005-0110), 1754-1971 and undated

Collection Overview

Addition (05-110) (200 items, 1.7 lin. ft.; dated 1754-1971 and undated) comprises primarily land deeds and surveys, other deeds of sale, receipts, personal wills, and other financial information. Also includes personal correspondence and memory books. An 1834 deed of gift to John W. Harris from P. C. Person includes five named slaves, one gray horse, 12 head of cattle, and 12 head of sheep. An 1808-1864 ledger book of Presley Person includes Person family genealogy and names and birth dates of his slaves and of the slaves owned by his son, Thomas A. Person. Other names mentioned include Matthew Culpepper, Arthur W. Person, Prudence Person, and W. M. Person.

Administrative Information

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Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

However, collection may contain materials to which the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights form applies. Patrons must sign this form before using this collection.

Also, all or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke University's Library Service Center. Consequently, there may be a 24-hour delay in obtaining these materials.

Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library to use this collection.

Use Restrictions

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

Contents of the Collection

Browse List of Series

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1944 Accession, 1767-1910and undated

(5 boxes)

Information folder

Box 1

Papers, 1767-1863

Box 1

Papers, 1864-1897

Box 2

Papers, 1897-1915

Box 3

Financial papers, 1774-1863

Box 3

Financial papers, 1864-1914

Box 4

Undated papers

Box 4

Financial volumes

Box 4

Undated papers

Box 5

Accession (2005-0110), 1754-1971 and undated

(3 boxes)

This container list accompanied this accession from the donor and has been only slightly modified to correct and/or add to dates and names. Some materials need conservation treatment before use.

1754-1854, authorization from John Earl Granville of London to attorneys in N.C.

Box 1

1803, receipt from Matthew Culpepper to Dr. Isaac Hillard

Box 1

1805, 1817, fifteen pages prepared for court record of property acquired by grant or purchased over a period of time. Property located in Warren County, Franklin County, Halifax County, Raleigh, Fayetteville and the State of Tennessee

Box 1

1808, deed from John Culpepper to Osborne Culpepper

Box 1

1808-1864, ledger book of Dr. Presley C. Person, Franklin County Trustee.

Box 1

Includes the listing of his marriage, his children’s birth dates, and names of his slaves with birth dates (all in back of book).

Box 1

1809, sale of lot 30 in town of Louisburg from John Perry to Jesse Person

Box 1

1812, Promisary note by John Ward to Matthew Culpepper

Box 1

1813, sale of lot 25 in town of Louisburg from Jeffrey’s to William Freeman, recorded in 1819

Box 1

1814, license issued to Matthew Culpepper by state of N.C. to make distilled spirits for one month

Box 1

1814, payment of taxes by Matthew Culpepper

Box 1

1815, payment of taxes by Matthew Culpepper

Box 1

1816, payment of taxes by Matthew Culpepper

Box 1

1816, copy of C. Wright’s will

Box 1

1822, deed of trust for tracts of land sold by Sheriff Jordan Denson to take care of debts-foreclosure in Franklin County, North Carolina

Box 1

1825, list of town of Louisburg citizens paying corporation tax

Box 1

1825, list of people who have paid taxes in town of Louisburg

Box 1

1825, true copy-ordinance of town of Louisburg levying $1.00 poll tax and twenty cents on each $1.00 real property

Box 1

1827, list of taxables of Captain Darby

Box 1

1828, ordinance of town of Louisburg for poll tax and real property tax

Box 1

1828, deed from J.J. Alston to P.C. Person

Box 1

1828, deed between P.C. Person and Jesse Person

Box 1

1828, deed from J.J. Alston, Sr. to J.J. Alston, Jr.

Box 1

1829, Matthew Culpepper account for Jno. Arrington. Account paid in 1832

Box 1

182?, Order of Court template letter-not addressed to anyone

Box 1

182?, valuation of town property in Louisburg

Box 1

1830, sale by Matthew Culpepper to Jno. Arrington for Brandy

Box 1

1831, bill from Matthew Culpepper to Jno. Arrington, Sr.

Box 1

1834, deed-gift to John W. Harris from P.C. Person consisting of 5 negros (named), one gray horse, 12 head of cattle, and 12 head of sheep

Box 1

1837, deed sale by Charles Johnston to Jesse Person

Box 1

1840, deed from Benjamin Davis and wife to Jesse Person and subsequent registration by William Whitfield

Box 1

1840, court order for Drury Andrew (also includes 1842, property of Ann Debnam to be sold to satisfy debt)

Box 1

1845, agreement between P.C. Person and Azariah Card for overseer job of his land

Box 1

1845, listing of property of P.C. Person

Box 1

1845, deed from Sheriff Guston Perry to Joseph A. Person and Weldon E. Person

Box 1

1845, affidavit from Sheriff of Franklin County that personal property of William Montgomery had been taken to satisfy debts.

Box 1

1846, reward of merit for Harriet E. Person

Box 1

1847, account of sale of personal property of P.C. Person

Box 1

1849, account of Thomas A. Person to J.G. King

Box 1

[1851, book titled “The Element of Moral Science” written by Francis Wayland. Book was owned and signed by Harriet Person in 1853: removed from accession and cataloged separately.]

Box 1

1852, authorization to Thomas Person and others to hold pole for elections

Box 1

1853, personal letter from H. Person to his sister

Box 1

1853, memory book of Harriet E. Person

Box 1

Needs conservation treatment before use.

Box 1

1858, notes of Joseph J. Davis relative to collections to be made for Sally Person

Box 1

1860, receipt from Louisburg Female College for the partially paid tuition of W.E. Person’s two daughters.

Box 1

1860, receipt from Louisburg Female College to W.E. Person for the tuition of his two daughters signed by C.C. Anderson

Box 1

1861, order from Elais Carr to Mr. Bartholomew ordering two blade saws and a boor (hog)

Box 1

1862, letter from Jesse H. Person to his mother during Civil War

Box 1

1863, resolution from camp near Culpepper, VA honoring the bravery and service of Jesse H. Person who was killed at Gettysburg

Box 1

1864, receipt from John Foster to Thomas Person for service rendered as overseer

Box 1

1864, portion of document by Confederate States of America as a receipt of twenty two hundred dollars from Mrs. Sarah Person for bonds

Box 1

1864, letter from A.P. Person to his brother about farming

Box 1

1865, private letter from Anna Person to her Uncle Tom

Box 1

1865, photocopy of parole issued to A.A. Person by USA for fighting in Civil War

Box 1

1866, note from C.H. Champion to T.A. Person about cutting hay

Box 1

1868, personal letter from Cousin Hattie to Cousin Harriet

Box 1

1893, personal letter from Aunt Tempie from Arthur Person

Box 1

1906, 1909, 1915, list of newspapers found in accession, but discarded

Box 1

1910, memory book of Marguerite Person from classmate at Louisburg College

Box 1

1911, several affidavits as to the ability of Mrs. P.J. Person to write her will

Box 1

1913, receipt for Mary Montgomery paid on note of W.P. Montgomery

Box 1

1914, order of Railroad Telegraphers card of J.H. Person

Box 1

1914, survey map of plat of A.W. Person’s residence lot

Box 1

1914, receipt of Mary Montgomery to satisfy judgment in Superior Court of Franklin County

Box 1

1917, letter from E.H. Malone (lawyer) to Mrs. Montgomery

Box 1

1917, resolution presented to General Assembly by Franklin County Ladies and passed re Veterans and flags

Box 2

1918, transfer of deed of trust from R.W. Hicks to Josephine Williams (additional notes added to the document in 1940)

Box 2

1918, promisary note by W.M. Person to W.M. Person to W.P. Montgomery

Box 2

1920, deed from W.M. Person and wife Prudence A. Person to A.W. Person

Box 2

1920, copy of will of Mrs. W.T. Montgomery

Box 2

1922, holograph will of Prudence A. Person

Box 2

after 1923, booklet giving the “Argument of W.M. Person: The Crucifixion of Tax-payers of North Carolina” in the Supreme Court of N.C.

Box 2

1924, newspaper clipping re: Louisburg College Campaign, The Franklin Times

Box 2

1926, sale of property by A.W. Person

Box 2

192?, newspaper clipping on death of Judge Cook

Box 2

1931, personal checks of Arthur W. Person written on First National Bank which were returned to him because the First National Bank closed because of the Depression

Box 2

1933, invitation to Louisburg Female College Commencement Exercises

Box 2

1936, original and copy of title, mortgage, and other legal documents to land owned by A.W. Person and wife, Louisburg, Franklin County, N.C.

Box 2

1941, Office of N.C. Governor, Selective Service, appointing A.W. Person member of Draft Board for District No. 1

Box 2

1948, map of lot in Franklin County, N.C. surveyed for A.W. Person

Box 2

1957, one share of stock in Green Hill Country Club purchased by A.W. Person

Box 2

1963, a State Magazine featuring Franklin County

Box 2

1971, aerial photocopy of farm from U.S. Department of Agriculture and letters on farm certification

Box 2

Undated, valentine to Harriet Person

Box 2

Undated, copy of Dr. William M. Person’s will

Box 2

Undated, plat of land of Thomas Person

Box 2

Undated, affidavit by Mrs. Joseph Blake as to the last will of William Montgomery

Box 2

Undated, personal information about Thomas Person

Box 2

Undated, provosts Marshall’s Office in Weldon, N.C. to Thomas Person thanking him for getting flour but unable to have delivered because of closed road

Box 2

Undated, brochure relative to raising money to build Franklin Dormitory at Louisburg College

Box 2

Undated, photograph of a man

Box 2

Undated, newspaper article regarding the lynching of a Louisburg man

Box 2

Undated, building information about a house built for Thomas A. Person called “Old Place of Louisburg” at 603 N. Main St.

Box 2

Undated, newspaper clipping of photograph of Senator William Person

Box 2

Undated, miscellaneous photographs of land

Box 2

Undated, miscellaneous papers on loans and payments

Box 2

Undated, miscellaneous receipts (four folders)

Box 2

Undated, loose materials

Box 2

1886, diploma of Prudence Person from Louisburg Female College

Box 3

1887, Supreme Court certificate issued to William M. Person to practice law

Box 3

1889, sheet music by Mrs. Joe Person

Box 3

1911, certificate to Mrs. Wiley M. Person from the United Daughters of the

Box 3

1917, survey and, 1956, legal description, of A.W. Person Estate, Nash Co., N.C.

Box 3

Historical Note

Family active in Louisburg, Franklin Co., N.C. and also in Nash Co., N.C.

Genealogy List

Date	Event(s)
1768 Nov. 13	Mary Person born
1774 July 28	Dr. Presley C. Person born
1807 Oct. 22	Dr. Presley C. Person and Mary Person married
1808 Oct. 8	Thomas Person born. Later married Abiah.
1809 Dec. 10	Lucy Person born
1811 July 7	Joshua Perry Person born
1812 Sept. 15	Mourning R. Person born
1814 Jan. 23	Joseph Abringham Person born
1815 May 15	Levin Person born
1817 April 21	Anthony Person born
1819 March 19	Weldon Edwards Person born
1820 Aug. 9	Presley C. Person born
1822 March 7	Willie A. Person born
1824 Feb. 28	Mary C. Person born
1826 June 3	Lucy Person died
1843	Mourning R. Person married John W. Harris

Dr. Presley C. Person and Mary Person's slaves and birth dates

Date	Event(s)
1808	Champion(?)
1810	Hasy(?)
1811	Louis
1812	Mariah
1813	Harriet
1814	Clusey
1815	Thursney(?)
1816	Dick
1816	Nelson
1818	Isesy(?)
1818	Rachel
1819	Maple(?)
1820	Essex
1829	Seeley
1822	Henry
1822	Frederick
1823	Peter
1824	Burwell
1820	Anachile(?)
1825	Robert Hill
1825	Ellen
1825	Lucy
1826	Dice
1826	Isaac(?)
1827	Caroline
1827	Nancy
1828	Mariah
1828	Rosetta
1828	Matilda
1830	Rudy
1830	Ellick
1830	Cany Benton(?)
1830	Emily
1830	Ephrom
1830	Rebecca
1832	John
1832	Easter
1833	Emily

Thomas A. Person and wife Abiah's slave and birth dates

Date	Event(s)
1832	Nash Pete
1834	Harriet
1835	Robin
1836	Iain
1836	Mal
1837	Roger
1837	Isham
1838	Alford
1838	Mill
1839	Selvy(?)
1839	Herrily
1840	Mariah
1840	Ann
1841	Iam
1842	Lucy
1842	Izabella
1843	Frank
1843	Fred
1844	Chany
1845	Bob
1845	Isaac
1846	Dun
1847	Daniel
1848	Sarrir
1847	Abner
1849	Osbun
1850	Green(?)
1850	Matilidy
1852	Dennis
1852	Cary
1854	Beck
1854	Amy
1854	Dick Dirt
1854	Delun
1856	Penny
1856	Arch
1857	Lewis
1857	Anderson
1859	Sallie
1854	John
1858	Dennis
1860	Beck
1860	Fred
1860	Ester
1861	Jef
1861	Ellick
1861	Alford
1862	Isham
1862	Morgin
1863	Mary Oliver
1863	Nancy
1863	Linny
1864	Lawrence
1864	Iad
1862	Isham(?)

Subject Headings

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Person Family Papers, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.

Provenance

The Person Family Papers were acquired by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library in 1944 and 2005.

Processing Information

Processed by RL Staff, 2005

Encoded by Meghan Lyon, October 2012

Accession(s) described in this finding aid: unnumbered 1944 accession, 2005-0110

This collection is minimally processed: materials may not have been ordered and described beyond their original condition.

Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS, EAD, NCEAD guidelines, and local Style Guide.

This finding aid is NCEAD compliant.