Buckingham Mystery: Farm For Sale
Buckingham County (2009), Photo by Joanne Yeck
Following the Civil War, many Virginians fell on hard times and citizens of Buckingham County were no exception. In 1868, an advertisement for a Buckingham farm ran in a Richmond newspaper. The contact for the sale was J.D. Imboden, Office Virginia Lands. The owner of the farm is unnamed; however, the description of the farm and of Buckingham County creates an extremely desirable picture of rural life.
In Buckingham County. – A Farm, containing six hundred and fifteen acres, in the county of Buckingham, five miles from the county seat, six miles from James river and Kanawha canal, and near the chartered line of railroad from Richmond to Lynchburg. Four hundred acres cleared and well enclosed, remainder in original growth of Hickory, White Oak, Chestnut, Poplar and Heart Pine. Forty acres of meadow land well taken in Timothy, Herds Grass and Clover. Is well watered with streams through each field. Produces well all the cereals, shipping tobacco of the finest quality, and all the crops usually found in Eastern Virginia. The neighborhood excellent, convenient to schools and churches of the Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Methodist and Baptist denominations. The blue grass is of spontaneous growth, an excellent opportunity offered for making a Dairy farm. Improvements consist of a NEW MANSION containing twelve room(s), Tobacco and Grain Barns, Stables, Servants’ Houses, and all improvements generally found on a Virginia farm.
TERMS — For the whole, including improvements, $18,000, one half cash, or all if desired by purchaser, the remainder on satisfactory terms. Would exchange for property in the city of Richmond.
If a Slate River Ramblings reader recognizes the property, please comment.
slate river ramblings . . . . 
In my years of research, I’ve never come across the “exchanging” of property. Interesting concept! I will keep this “in mind” as I continue to do research.
Especially when cash is tight, as it certainly was in Virginia after the Civil War, exchanging property makes good sense.
Given the geographical description, it appears the farm would almost have to be in the vicinity of Alcoma or Wheatland on Rte. 56. Also, the date of 1868 sounds like it may have been a farm lost due to the spoils of reconstruction or tax debt. I believe CSA General John D. Imboden (Virginia Land Sales) was known for his reconstruction period land transactions perhaps taking advantage of his political connections (good treatment of union soldier captives near the end of the war most likely placed him a favorable position). I suspect he may have been the one who would have benefited from a land exchange in Richmond and not the original Buckingham land owner 🙂
Thanks, Hal.
Never thought about “exchanging” property. As we know, lots of Buckingham natives moved to Richmond, some moved back. I wonder if there are some sort of records for trading properties, instead of purchasing them. I assume deeds would mention this sort of transaction.
Jeremy, This was a new idea to me as well.