1769-74 George Carter Estate Financial Distribution Ledger Virginia Properties For Sale
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1769-74 George Carter Estate Financial Distribution Ledger Virginia Properties:
$1489.13
Historical Context & Importance
This original handwritten financial ledger from 1772 details the distribution of estate funds from George Carter's estate to various prominent members of the Carter family of Virginia, one of the most powerful families in colonial America. This document provides a rare glimpse into 18th-century estate management, inheritance practices, and financial transactions among Virginia's elite planter class.
The Carter family was deeply influential in Virginia’s political, economic, and social spheres, with multiple members serving as planters, politicians, and military officers. This document also references notable individuals from other aristocratic Virginia families, including the Churchills, Corbins, Thomsons, and Fitzhughs, all of whom played crucial roles in early American history.
This is an authentic, period financial document, meticulously handwritten, with names and financial amounts recorded in British currency. A document of this nature is extremely rare, as many estate records from this period have been lost or destroyed.
This piece would make an invaluable addition to any collection focusing on colonial Virginia, early American finance, or the history of the Carter family and their extended network.
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Key Historical Figures Mentioned in the Document
Colonel Charles Carter (1732–1806)
A wealthy Virginia planter and politician, Charles Carter was one of the most powerful landowners in Virginia.
He was a descendant of Robert "King" Carter (1663–1732), one of the wealthiest and most influential men in colonial America.
Charles Carter inherited vast estates, including Shirley Plantation, and was heavily involved in managing land, enslaved labor, and tobacco production.
John Carter
Likely referring to John Carter of Shirley Plantation, another influential member of the Carter lineage.
The Carter family had multiple influential John Carters, many of whom were involved in Virginia’s colonial government and military.
Landon Carter (1710–1778)
A prominent planter, diarist, and statesman, Landon Carter was the owner of Sabine Hall.
His diary, The Diary of Landon Carter, is one of the most significant firsthand accounts of daily life in colonial Virginia.
He was a vocal opponent of British taxation policies and played a significant role in Virginia’s early revolutionary efforts.
William Churchill (d. 1777)
The Churchill family was closely connected to the Carters, and William Churchill was a major Virginia landowner.
He served in various official capacities, contributing to colonial governance and military efforts.
John Champe (1752–1798)
Best known for his role as a double agent in the Revolutionary War, Champe pretended to defect to the British in an attempt to capture Benedict Arnold.
His name appearing in this ledger suggests he had financial dealings or familial connections with the Carters before his espionage activities.
Gawin Corbin (1739–1799)
A Virginia planter and politician, Corbin served in the House of Burgesses and held extensive landholdings.
The Corbin family was deeply intertwined with the Carters, often intermarrying to consolidate wealth and power.
William H. Fitzhugh (1741–1809)
A key member of the Fitzhugh family, one of Virginia’s great plantation dynasties.
Fitzhugh was involved in Virginia’s Revolutionary War efforts and later in the formation of the early U.S. government.
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Full Transcription of the Document
Dr
Col. C. Carter, part of his Brother George’s Est.
1772
Nov.
Col. Ch. Carter Jun. £13.13.2
Mr. John Carter £13.13.2
Mr. Landon Carter £13.13.2
Col. Ch. Carter (Lieutenant) £13.13.2
Mr. Wm. Churchill £13.13.2
Mr. John Champe £13.13.2
Mr. G. Corbin £13.13.2
Mr. Wm. Thomson £13.13.2
Mr. Brown £13.13.2
Miss Caroline Carter £13.13.2
Mr. Wm. H. Fitzhugh for Miss Harriot £13.13.2
Fraction remaining to receive £150.5.6
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Per Contra
1769
May – By the first dividend £62.5.2
1770
May – By the Do. 2nd £40.11.3
1772
Nov – By 3rd portion first £10.17.10
By Do. on 2nd £5.1.3
By the 3rd payment Nov. 1771 £30.0.0
By Do. on 3rd £1.10.0
Total: £150.5.6
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Why This Document is Important
1. Rare Primary Source – This document provides firsthand insight into the financial practices of Virginia’s wealthiest families during the colonial period.
2. Carter Family Significance – The Carters were one of the most powerful families in colonial America, with members involved in government, military, and plantation economies.
3. Interconnected Elite Families – The document lists multiple key Virginia families (Carter, Churchill, Corbin, Champe, Fitzhugh), all of whom played major roles in the Revolutionary War and early American politics.
4. Estate Distribution Records – Estate settlement records from the 18th century are extremely rare, as many were lost during the Civil War and through natural deterioration.
5. British Colonial Currency & Economics – The ledger showcases the continued use of British pounds, shillings, and pence in Virginia’s economy before the shift to U.S. currency.
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Condition & Authenticity
This document is an original, handwritten piece from 1772, showing clear, legible ink with minor fading but overall excellent preservation.
It retains all original writing with no major damage or missing portions.
This is an invaluable piece for historians, collectors, and institutions focusing on colonial Virginia and early American financial history.
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Final Notes
This 1772 Carter Family Estate Ledger is a museum-worthy piece of American history, shedding light on the financial, political, and social workings of Virginia’s most influential families. Whether you are a historian, genealogist, collector, or academic researcher, this document offers a tangible connection to the colonial past.
Don’t miss this chance to own a unique and historically significant artifact from America’s early financial history!
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1769-74 George Carter Estate Financial Distribution Ledger Virginia Properties
$1489.13
