Richard family papers, 1826-1901 | Louisiana Research Collection

By Anna Richards

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Collection Overview

Title: Richard family papers, 1826-1901

ID: LaRC/Manuscripts Collection 496

Primary Creator: Richard family

Extent: 15.0 Folders

Arrangement: This collection is arranged within folders according to general topic. Within each folder the documents are arranged in chronological order. There is a folder that contains empty envelopes. The collection consists of 15 folders.

Scope and Contents of the Materials

This collection contains certificates, indentures, and correspondence between the Richard family and other individuals. Spanning from 1826 to 1901, these documents provide insight into the management of their Sugar Grove Plantation in Alachua County, Florida, as well as the personal relationships between the members of the family.

Biographical Note

The Richard family resided in Alachua County, Florida from at least 1826 to 1926. Melinda Richard, the matron of the family, maintained control of the Sugar Grove Plantation in Newmansville, Florida, and had many children, most notedly John. C. Richard. Captain John C. Richard served in the 5th Regiment of the Florida Volunteers during the Civil War and was captured at Appomatox Court House, Virginia, where he received permission to return home peacefully. Over the years, the Richard family saved their important documents concerning the plantation, primarily certificates granting them the land, as well as Melinda Richard's last Will and Testament, which declares land for each child and grandchild once she passed.

Administrative Information

Repository: Louisiana Research Collection

Access Restrictions: Collection is open to the public. No known restrictions.

Use Restrictions: Physical rights are retained by the Louisiana Research Collection. Copyright is retained in accordance with U.S. copyright laws.

Preferred Citation: Richard family papers, Manuscripts Collection 496, Louisiana Research Collection, Howard-Tilton Memorial Library, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118.

Processing Information: Collection finding aid created by intern Anna Richards.

Box and Folder Listing

Browse by Folder:

[Folder 1: Correspondence and other papers, 1826 November - 1849 July 20],
[Folder 2: Correspondence, 1853 June 10 - 1853 July 8],
[Folder 3: Certificates of Land, 1855 April 19 - 1855 May 1],
[Folder 4: Correspondence and other papers, 1855 May 2 - 1855 October 10],
[Folder 5: Certificates of Land, 1857 February 19],
[Folder 6: Correspondence, Certificates, and other papers, 1857 May 23 - 1860],
[Folder 7: Correspondence and other papers, 1861 September 3 - 1869 February 9],
[Folder 8: Correspondence, 1862 June 9 - 1862 July 30],
[Folder 9: Correspondence, 1862 August 2 - 1862 August 29],
[Folder 10: Correspondence, 1862 September 5 - 1862 December 26],
[Folder 11: Note from Appomatox Court House and correspondence, 1863 February 1 - 1865 April 10],
[Folder 12: Indentures and Correspondence, 1866 May 24 - 1878 March 21],
[Folder 13: Certificates and Correspondence, 1883 April 13 - 1887 January 21],
[Folder 14: Last Will and Testimate and Correspondence, 1894 January 13 - 1901 April 15],
[Folder 15: Papers, Empty Envelopes, No Date],
[All]

Folder 6: Correspondence, Certificates, and other papers, 1857 May 23 - 1860

1857 May 23: Official indenture for the land settlement and the payments and divisions included within the case. Summary and conclusion of case.

1859 January 4: John Richard receives a letter from his father saying that he has sent him two ewes, that his mother has decided upon two names for the "little dear babe," Bonita and Estalina, and that he hopes his son will come see him soon.

1859 February 9: Official document from the Postmaster General granting John Richard the position of Postmaster of Alachua County.

Contains two separate pages from the ledger of Melinda Richard, dating around 1859 and 1860.

Tulane University Special Collections