Abner Fawcett - 1828-02-24

Febry 24th Harrisonburg, Va Mf.. Lyle B. Fawcett                            Richmond

 

Harrisonburg  24th Feby 1828

Dear Branson,
          Your letter of the 18th Instant is to hand and in pursuance of its suggestions I have rode several days in search of cattle but found none. Crawford’s and Bowma’s were sold just the day before I called with a view of buying them,  nor is there one left on Sinules Creek or Smiths creek.  so far as I can learn, it is said that there are some good cattle on the south Branch, but I have no money.  I have therefore concluded to buy some sheep.  I shall probably set out on Tuseday [sic] or Wednesday next with from fifty to eighty sheep.  let Noland & Co. know that I will be in Richmond by next Tuseday [sic] week.  also write to Frank Price at Petersburg apprizing him of the time I expect to be with you.  you may tell them that these sheep are real good..
I have learned that one of the Bowmans in the forrest [sic] has a fine lot of 117 sheep.  I am not personally acquainted with him and shall if I buy them be obliged to pay him money.  If you think the speculation an object you may provid [sic]  yourself with as much money as will buy them and pay expenses of one half of them, and I will furnish the money for the other half and will markent
father has done nothing yet with respect to settlement.  he is still unwilling to remain here under the cold supercillious [sic]  contempt of his old associates.  I saw Rader the day before yesterday.  he is willing to let us have the stand and a few acres of land for cultivation, but the Idea of having to hold in here among our old creditors and with Raders depotism

All well,
Abner Fawcett

P.S. from your remarks on the subject of Peter father has directed Col. Kenny to advertise him for sale at the April court, together with the balance of the other property.  father desires you will not act too precipately [sic]  with respect to the house, possibly Allen would aid you in establishing your self rather than let you leve [sic]  the house, but at the same time he does not want you to persavere [sic]  against hope.  the Idea of getting into the sheriffship [sic]  at Moorefield he thinks not a bad one.
A. F.

Notes:
Abner Fawcett was the eldest son of Joseph Fawcett and Lucretia Keyes. He was the only Fawcett to stay behind in Harrisonburg after the Fawcetts either moved to Alabama or MO in the 1830s. Like his brother, E.R. Fawcett, he was a tanner. This letter documents the entry of Fawcetts into sheep business. Later Willis raised sheep in MO, before moving to central Texas where he herded sheep with his brothers-Niles, Benj Keyes & eventually E.R. Fawcett. The Fawcetts owned property along Smiths Creek in Rockingham County where they tried smelt/forge iron. Noland & Co, Frank Price & Allen were all probably merchants known to Joseph. Abner married into the Crawford family, and his widow was still living in nearby Augusta County during the Civil War. The Bowmans were neighbors.  In 1828 Joseph Fawcett's mercantile store went under, probably because he was too generous with credit. This eventually led to his moving to MO with most of his family. Peter was a slave (see census records). The Fawcetts-like others-were divided over slavery. Some owned them, while others like Willis married into a Quaker family and later sided with the Union during the Civil War. Soon after this letter was written Lyle headed to Alabama, to work for Beirne & McMahon. Beirne was the wealthiest man in what is now WVA, and a business friend of Joseph Fawcett. His house still stands in Monroe County.

email from William Bloys Fawcett 10/4/98