Series I: Massenburg daybook

The Massenburg daybook covers the years 1852-1861. The daily entries deal primarily with agricultural and weather conditions, and progress reports. Social and personal activities are also noted (marriages, deaths, illnesses, meetings, church sermons, etc.). Sales of land, equipment, and enslaved people are sometimes noted, as well as prices. There are numerous monthly summaries, and a yearly list of all enslaved people and overseers at Massenburg’s farms at Woodleaf (bought in 1830) and Egypt. A list of enslaved people and their ages is at the end of the book. Notations from February 2, 1855 through April 17, 1855 were made by another person as Massenburg was ill with pneumonia.