The Early Artisans & Mechanics of Petersburg Virginia, 1607-1860 is a lavishly illustrated exploration of one of the South’s most historically significant cities. This scholarly yet accessible work examines the story of Petersburg through the records of those who built it—the individual artisans and mechanics that literally made Petersburg what it is today. Here are the enlightening stories and backgrounds of the carpenters, brick-layers, coopers, shoemakers, silversmiths, cabinetmakers, gunsmiths, publishers, bookbinders and so many more, gleaned from newspapers, periodicals, private letters and public records. From the town’s founding in seventeenth century through the American Revolution, Great Fire and Civil War, Petersburg emerges as a uniquely American city—where a stunning range of religions, ethnic backgrounds and economic levels came together to create a vibrant and important community.
The Early Artisans & Mechanics is the ultimate historical reference for those interested in Petersburg’s roots, early-American society, or their own ancestry. And it’s a perfect companion for antique collectors, dealers and auctioneers given its hundreds of images of their work.
PRAISE FOR RONALD R. SEAGRAVE
Seagrave is truly a historian’s historian. Michael D’Antonio, author of A Ball, a Dog, and a Monkey and Forever Blue.
Seagrave is a wonderful researcher, an imaginative scholar, and a person who cares about the neglected field of local history. William C. McDonald, Ph.D., Professor of German, NEH Distinguished Teaching Professor, University of Virginia
Coverage Image Courtesy, Sumpter Priddy III, Inc.
About Ronald Roy Seagrave
Born in Middletown, CT., Author, historian and independent scholar, Ronald Seagrave recent award winning book Early Artisans and Mechanics of Petersburg, Virginia, 1607-1860: The building of multi-cultural maritime community brought a renew attention to this once truly important Virginia City. Now, his newest work Jefferson’s Isaac: From Monticello to Petersburg brings an awareness of the importance of Virginia’s African-American citizens played in the building of the Commonwealth, even if enslaved, and less than equal… From 2010 to 2011 Seagrave served on the board of directors of Transplant Recipients International Organization (TRIO) which promotes the miracle and importance of saving lives with the generous gift of Organ Donation. He is a liver beneficiary and now live in Virginia.
The Early Artisans & Mechanics of Petersburg Virginia, 1607-1860 is a lavishly illustrated exploration of one of the South’s most historically significant cities. This scholarly yet accessible work examines the story of Petersburg through the records of those who built it—the individual artisans and mechanics that literally made Petersburg what it is today. Here are the enlightening stories and backgrounds of the carpenters, brick-layers, coopers, shoemakers, silversmiths, cabinetmakers, gunsmiths, publishers, bookbinders and so many more, gleaned from newspapers, periodicals, private letters and public records. From the town’s founding in seventeenth century through the American Revolution, Great Fire and Civil War, Petersburg emerges as a uniquely American city—where a stunning range of religions, ethnic backgrounds and economic levels came together to create a vibrant and important community.
Born in Middletown, CT., Author, historian and independent scholar, Ronald Seagrave recent award winning book Early Artisans and Mechanics of Petersburg, Virginia, 1607-1860: The building of multi-cultural maritime community brought a renew attention to this once truly important Virginia City. Now, his newest work Jefferson’s Isaac: From Monticello to Petersburg brings an awareness of the importance of Virginia’s African-American citizens played in the building of the Commonwealth, even if enslaved, and less than equal… From 2010 to 2011 Seagrave served on the board of directors of Transplant Recipients International Organization (TRIO) which promotes the miracle and importance of saving lives with the generous gift of Organ Donation. He is a liver beneficiary and now live in Virginia.