E. H. Baines
Date of Birth
Unknown
Date of Death
Unknown
Letters Authored
1
Letters Received
0
Letters Authored in Collection
| Date | Recipient | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 10, 1852 | John Fitzgerald | Virginia slave owner complains about the abuse of his slave |
History
INTRODUCTION
The author of this letter, E. H. Baines, has not yet been identified. There are several Baines in Nansemond County, Virginia, but it is not known if E. H. Baines was related to them. The person to whom he was writing has been identified. The letter was addressed to John Fitzgerald, Black’s and White’s, Virginia. The name, Black’s and White’s, originates from the names of two tavern owners who lived in Nottoway County, a Mr. Schwartz, which means black in German, and a Mr. White. Since 1888, the settlement of Black’s and White’s, Virginia has been known as Blackstone. John Fitzgerald was a successful Blackstone merchant and slave owner. The 1850 Census lists 96 slaves owned by Mr. Fitzgerald and the 1860 Census lists 291.
THE LETTER
The obvious significance of this letter is in the cruelty of slavery.
FAMILY
John Fitzgerald (b. 1807, d. 1878) was married to Martha Wilson Scott (b. 1809) 11 August 1825.
1850 CENSUS
John Fitzgerald, 43, is enumerated in the 1850 Census as living in Nottoway County, Virginia. Enumerated in his household are the following: Martha, 41, John S., 21, Louisa, 20, Martha A., 18, Mary E., 16, Emily W., 14, Patrick A., 12, Mariah F., 10, Freeman, 8, Archer I., 7, Andrew S., 5, and Miller F., 2. John Fitzgerald’s real estate value is noted as $15,550.
1860 CENSUS
John Fitzgerald, 53, is enumerated in the 1860 Census as living in District 4, Nottoway County, Virginia. Enumerated in his household are the following: Martha W., 50, Emily W., 24, P. H., 22, Maria, 20, F., 18, Archer, 17, A. S., 15, W. F., 12, George C., 9, James S., 8, Ann K., 20, Sallie H., 17, Wm. 15, John, 8, and James, 7.
1870 CENSUS
John Fitzgerald, 63, is enumerated in the 1870 Census as living in Blendon Township, Nottoway County, Virginia. Enumerated with him is Patrick H., 32, Emily W., 30, Fanny M., 28, Cralle B., 19, and James S., 17. The real estate value is noted as $500.