Record of the Morhead Family by Charles Robert Morehead Sr. of Leavenworth City Kansas 1870
1870. Marbled boards. Very impressive November 1870 diary and genealogy of a thoughtful, highly-literate Missouri and Kentucky man named Charles Robert Morehead, who ultimately recorded this diary and lived out his life in Leavenworth, Kansas. This album represents a broad slice of mid-19th century American life, including references to running tobacco to New Orleans on flat-bottom boats and giving "50 cents per head for the Negroes in Lafayette County (Missouri)". Morhead shows a keen political awreness (and self-awareness) in the narrative. He has thought through some of the vexxing issues of the day and has recorded his beliefs without equivocation: "I was an old line Whig. I had never favored Nullification or Secession and was conscientiously an unconditional Union man. I could not feel that my Government had so aggrieved me as to justify me in rebelling against her. I had twice taken a solemn oath, to support the Constitution of the United States (once as as member of the State Legislature of Missouri, and once upon assuming a military office) and I could not consent to, or advise a dismemberment of the Union." The first 3/4 of the diary consists of a meticulous, thoroughly-researched genealogy of the Morehead family, the final 1/4 the "Autobiography of Charles Robert Morehead Sr.". Bound in its original red leather over marbled boards, with a handwritten title pasted onto the front board. The boards and spine show understandable wear and light scuffing, the interior is clean and very bright. Fortunately, Morehead's penmanship was superb and the text is clear and eminently legible throughout. 83 handwritten pages, with each verso left blank. A nice piece of 19th century Americana. Very Good. Item #20754
Price: $2,500.00