Calhoun Family papers, 1817-1995
The Calhoun Family papers consist of the personal and professional papers of Abner W. Calhoun, F. Phinizy Calhoun, and F.P. Calhoun, Jr. The materials span from 1817-1995. All three men served as leading ophthalmologists in the state of Georgia and at Emory University.
Specific to slavery are three items: an 1892 handwritten copy of William Welborn's will dated 1791 and two receipts, dated 1852 and 1856, for the sale of enslaved people by the Calhoun Family. In the will, Welborn bequeathed to his Hepzibah the plantation where they live and all his enslaved people. In the 1852 receipt, A.B. Calhoun noted the sale of Elzy, aged 30, in exchange for John, aged 15 to an individual with the last name Davis. It is noted in the receipt that John will be renamed Davis. The sale occurred in Newnan, GA (Coweta Co.). In the 1856 receipt, Martha Welborn bought an enslaved man by the name of Frank, presumably from an individual with the last name Steed. Additionally, under the last name Steed is another last name which is Candler. The receipts on are part of the Calhoun Room permanent exhibition.