Relevant Virginia Baptist Historical Society Records
by Bessida White
The Virginia Baptist Historical Society (VBHS), located at the University of Richmond, maintains a library and archives of primary and secondary research materials on Baptist history in Virginia, primarily that of white congregations. I searched VBHS records for any references to the Menokin enslaved, to Richard Henry Harwood, and to the beginning of Clarksville Baptist Church. VBHS has compiled a listing of the names of the African Americans, both enslaved and free, who are mentioned in their antebellum and postbellum records. I reviewed the listing as well as the original records from which the listing was taken. The listing contains the following codes (with no further explanation) for how the person’s membership ended:
D - deceased/died
DI - dismissed
E - erased
ES - excommunicated
S - sold
The following persons are listed in VBHS records as members of Menokin Baptist Church and enslaved by Richard Henry Harwood.
*The transcription of this entry says “E,” implying “Erased,” whereas the original document says “Excommunicated.”
I searched for the Menokin Baptist Church members who were listed as owned by Richard Henry Harwood: Alice Gaines, Richard Gaines, Amanda Kelly, and Fanny (no surname given).No further information about these persons is found in VBHS records. Their names do not appear in the Richmond County cohabitation records nor do I find them in other Richmond County records.
A husband and wife, Richard and Alice Kelly, live in Essex County in 1870 and in 1880. They have three children, Maria, Phillip, and Nicey, To date I have not found this couple or their children in other records. Richard and Alice Kelly were born about 1830 and 1833, respectively, so they would have been old enough to have joined Menokin Baptist Church in 1856. However, I am unable to conclude that these are the same persons. In fact, there is no indication that the Richard and Alice Gaines enslaved by Richard Harwood are related to each other.
I do not find an Amanda Kelly in Richmond County. There is a 45-year old Amanda Kelly living in Lancaster County in 1880. However, I am unable to connect this person to the Amanda Kelly who is owned by Richard Henry Harwood in 1856.
Further observations with regard to Menokin Baptist Church records at VBHS are as follows:
1. Richard H. Harwood and Mary Harwood joined Menokin Baptist Church in 1840 and were received by letter.
2. A review of Menokin Baptist Church minutes indicates that Richard Harwood was quite involved in church affairs. He served as superintendent of the Sabbath School, was appointed to ad hoc committees, and frequently served as moderator (presider) of church meetings. Apparently church meeting minutes only mentioned a few of the members who were present for a given meeting; however, Harwood was usually mentioned, e.g.: “Present, Elder G.H. Northan, mod; Brethren Harwood, Van Ness, Mitchell, and others.”
3. In 1860, the total membership of Menokin Baptist Church was 365 persons, 150 white and 215 colored.. At the same time nearby Rappahannock Baptist Church had 448 members, 363 white and 85 colored.
4. The minutes of Menokin Baptist Church are not legible between December of 1865 and December of 1866.