Barnhart Family Papers

The Barnhart Family Papers, 1836-1944, are comprised of assorted documents chiefly relating to the Barnhart family of New Hope, Virginia in Augusta County, particularly George Barnhart II and his son Gideon Barnhart. Materials include correspondence, bills, receipts and invoices, deeds, and envelopes. The collection also includes many documents concerning the estate of George Barnhart II. There are also materials within this collection pertaining to persons not directly related to the Barnharts.

Papers relating to George Barnhart II chiefly comprise estate documents, specifically lists of property sold by the administrators of George II’s estate in April 1857. Types of items sold from George II’s estate include sundry household items, farm implements, and livestock. His widow Polly and son Gideon are listed as buyers of multiple items. There are several variations of the list of property sold, though they all appear to date to April 1857. Additional materials include receipts, financial accounts, and a deed between George II and Polly and their son Gideon for a tract of land on the south side of Round Hill.

Papers specifically relating to Polly Barnhart include financial and estate documents. Of particular interest is a document dated April 25, 1857 in which Polly Barnhart grants power of attorney to her son Gideon. In this role, Gideon was to attend to his mother’s interests in the estate of the recently deceased Lydia Barnett, likely Polly’s sister. Two documents relate to George II’s estate. One document, written on behalf of her children, allows Polly to take whatever property she wants from her husband’s estate. The second document, written on behalf of Polly, surrenders all but one fourth share in the estate. She elects to divide the estate with her three living children.

The Gideon Barnhart papers include financial documents and accounts, receipts, and correspondence. Included is an August 2, 1837 letter to Gideon from his cousin Nancy Cullen (1819-1910) in Holland Grove, Illinois. Earlier that year, Gideon spent time traveling back home from Illinois where he visited with his Uncle John P. Cullen and his family. Nancy’s expresses pleasure that Gideon has arrived safely home. She provides updates on the happenings in Holland Grove. Of particular interest is a document that evidence suggests is a love letter from Gideon Barnhart to Martha Ann Weade. It is dated June 3, 1844 and was written less than one year before their marriage. The letter is only addressed “Dear Miss,” but within the body of the letter, the author, presumably Gideon, writes: “[I] am pleading my own cause Miss Marth when I think of the pleasant hours I have spent with you I must conclude there is yet thousand more yet unspent.” He goes on: “I turn over one page and take the liberty of asking you whither my future visits will meet with your approbation not only as a parcial visitor but one who is trying to clime to the top of the top of the matrimonial chain. I do not wish to flatter you by saying to you your beautiful features and sparkling eyes rosey cheaks and prattling toung have left impressions uppon my mind.” Lastly, this folder includes an April 17, 1857 document in which Gideon Barnhart purchases from the estate of George Barnhart a "negro Man Nathan" for the amount of $550.00. Several of Gideon’s documents, including the love letter presumably penned by him to Martha Ann Weade, exhibit evidence of his signature having been clipped.

One folder contains documents relating to other Barnhart family members excluding George II, Polly, and Gideon. Materials include correspondence, financial documents, and empty envelopes. Persons featured in these documents William F. Cullen, son-in-law of George Barnhart I, Henry George Barnhart, Walter W. Barnhart, George Gray Barnhart, and Laura Ruth Barnhart.

Lastly, all other documents seemingly unrelated to the Barnhart Family are housed in one folder. These items include accounts between a Mr. Whitmore and Philadelphia merchants Schaffer & Roberts and Inskeep, Molten & Woodruff; a letter from W. H. Carrington to his uncle James Smallwood of South River in Augusta County; two letters penned by Francis Sigler of Indiana; a letter penned by Louisa D. Clagett; a family record outlining Clagett family marriages, births and deaths; and other miscellaneous papers and financial documents.