Collection Details:

Collection Name and Number: Chamberlain Family Papers (Z/2355).
Creator/Collector: Eric Chamberlain.
Date(s): 1790-2011.
Size: 5.16 cubic feet.
Language(s): English.
Processed by: Archie Skiffer Jr., 2025.
Provenance: Gift of Eric Chamberlain, on March 20, 2016; Z/U/2016.008.
Repository: Archives & Records Services Division, Mississippi Department of Archives & History.

 

Rights and Access:

Access restrictions: Collection is open for research.

Publication rights: Copyright assigned to the MDAH. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to Reference Services. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the MDAH as the owner of the physical items and as the owner of the copyright in items created by the donor. Although the copyright was transferred by the donor, the respective creator may still hold copyright in some items in the collection. For further information, contact Reference Services.

Copyright notice: This material may be protected by copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code).

Preferred citation: Chamberlain Family Papers (Z/2355), Mississippi Department of Archives & History.

Biography:

 

The legacy of the Chamberlain family in the United States began during the nation’s colonial period. Paulina Burch (b. July 25, 1768 – d. January 19, 1849), of Brunswick County, Virginia, was the daughter of John (b. ca. 1721 – d. ca. 1753) and Elizabeth Burch (b. ca. 1719 – d. May 7, 1811). Elizabeth, who was the widow of John Burch, a Revolutionary War soldier, moved Paulina, and her younger brothers: Samuel, Jackie, and Washington to the Natchez District in 1779. Just before or shortly after arriving in Mississippi, Elizabeth married a Lieutenant Truly. The couple’s children included: Betsy and James Truly.

In 1783, Paulina Burch married William Ferguson (b. ca. 1756 – d. February 2, 1801). It is likely that William came from Virginia and settled in the Natchez District around 1770 with a land grant issued by the King of England to a large tract of land that he had purchased approximately eighteen miles north of Natchez. Upon arriving, he discovered that a small Native American community resided on this land and refused to move. Therefore, Ferguson is believed to have permitted them to remain on a small tract of land. Upon reaching Natchez, Ferguson learned that the Spanish actually controlled the territory. Therefore, he was required to purchase the land over again. It is believed that Ferguson made his initial wealth as a land speculator, merchant, and planter. As their family grew, so did their home, Mount Locust also known as Mound House and Mound Plantation, Jefferson County, Mississippi, was likely constructed between 1775 and 1785 by John Blommart, a retired British naval officer. William purchased Mount Locust in 1784.William and Paulina had seven children that included: William, Jr., Philadelphia, Samuel, George, John, James, and Anderson Ferguson. In addition to being a prominent land speculator, trader and planter, Ferguson was also appointed sheriff of Pickering County, later named Jefferson County, in 1800, by Territorial Governor Winthrop Sargent. William Ferguson died on February 2, 1801.

Paulina Burch Ferguson remarried James Chamberlain (b. August 9, 1778 – d. 1812) of Loudoun County, Virginia, on July 31, 1801. It is probable that James resided at Mount Locust prior to William’s death, serving as his personal secretary. Paulina and James had three children that included: Louis Bonaparte (b. 1802 – d. 1844), Ferdinand (b. 1805 – d. 1825), and Thomas Jefferson Chamberlain (b. 1807 – d. 1855). By 1806, the Chamberlains increased their involvement in the state’s growing agricultural sector by purchasing additional black slaves in the amount of $3,000 from James Boyce of Kentucky. The bill of sale identifies the enslaved as Guy and Lucy and their eight children: Rachel, Sam, Bob, Lige, Peter, Mareah, Desey, and Nelson. However, by 1811, James Chamberlain had suffered an economic hardship to the extent that he wrote former president Thomas Jefferson seeking financial assistance. Chamberlain alludes to the U.S. embargo of 1807 and a subsequent drought that had severely reduced the price of cotton as contributing factors for his misfortunes. In 1812, Paulina and James Chamberlain separated. He left Mount Locust returning to Virginia. It is alleged that he was killed in a tavern brawl that year. After their separation, Paulina dropped the surname, Chamberlain, opting instead on using the name Ferguson.

Despite the separation, Paulina and the Ferguson-Chamberlain family continued to operate Mount Locust as an inn and plantation. The couple’s oldest son, Louis Bonaparte married Maria Wilson on January 26, 1821, whose six children included: Paulinus Wilson (b. May 5, 1828 – d. ca. July 1831), Louisa Barbara (b. April 24, 1831 – d. July 21, 1860), Samuel Benjamin (b. November 5, 1833 – d. November 2, 1889), Louis Willis (b. March 15, 1836 – d. November 19, 1865), Ferdinand Jefferson (b. June 18, 1839 – d. December 9, 1907), and John Darden Chamberlain (b. September 16, 1841 – d. April 17, 1918). After residing near Mount Locust for a period, Louis moved to Louisiana where he practiced law for several years. In regard to Thomas Jefferson Chamberlain, he attended Transylvania College in Kentucky, where he studied law. Thomas relied on his training as a lawyer to assist Paulina in the operation of Mount Locust, while also serving as a prominent attorney. In 1844, Thomas married Mabell Jane Duncan (b. March 3, 1826 – d. February 17, 1877). The couple had three children that included: Pauline (b. 1846 – d. 1925), Duncan Holt (b. 1850 – d. 1933), and Thomas Jefferson II (b. October 11, 1852 – d. August 17, 1929). On February 19, 1849, the family’s matriarch, Paulina Ferguson died. At the time of her death, her estate was valued at $27,146. Paulina’s descendants remained at Mount Locust until 1937.

Subsequent Chamberlain heirs continued to advance the legacy of Mount Locust as a self-sufficient plantation, while others, such as Sallie Pauline Chamberlain (wife of Floyd Kroh), would go on to make her mark on society outside of Jefferson County, Mississippi. Pauline Chamberlain married Floyd Myron Kroh (b. August 25, 1886 – d. March 17, 1944), and though the couple did not conceive any children, they were instrumental within their professions. Sallie Pauline served as a nurse at the Touro Infirmary, New Orleans, Louisiana, throughout the 1930s and 40s, and subsequently, the Ochsner Clinic and Foundation Hospital. In regards to Floyd, he was a pitcher for the

Chicago Cubs and played a pivotal role in an early baseball controversy known as the “Merkle Boner” on September 23, 1908. Floyd Kroh would go on to serve as a respected umpire in the Texas League up until 1930. He eventually died of heart disease at the U.S. Marine Hospital in New Orleans on March 17, 1944. Floyd and Pauline both made contributions in the fields of military service, athletics, and healthcare.

Furthermore, throughout the late 19th and early 20th century, the Chamberlain descendants performed various facets in the operating of an agribusiness in Jefferson County and the surrounding region. Presently, members of the Chamberlain family maintain Mount Locust as a historical site. In addition, the Chamberlain family remains active in documenting the history of their ancestors.

Mount Locust

Mount Locust is located approximately twenty miles from Natchez, Adams County, Mississippi. It is alleged that the home was built on top of a Native American mound. Paulina and William Ferguson expanded upon Mount Locust in 1799. Family tradition suggests that the Chamberlain family operated Mount Locust as a tavern. This would appear likely since Natchez was acquired by the United States after Spain withdrew its garrison on March 30, 1798, and Major Isaac Guion hoisted the flag of the United States over the fort. Prior to Spain’s withdrawal, the1795 Treaty of Madrid identified the 31st parallel as the boundary between the United States and Spanish territorial claims. As travel throughout the frontier increased so too was the reliance on the popular Native American trail, known as the Trace, which stretched from Natchez to Nashville, Tennessee. It was common practice for travelers to reside with settlers along this route. It is probable that the Fergusons used this opportunity to address the living needs of travelers. Hence, the expansion of Mount Locust in 1799, which saw the construction of a two-story, four-room, log house placed directly behind the main house called Sleepy Hollow. Moreover, a letter from Louis Bonaparte Chamberlain to Paulina Ferguson congratulates her on providing accommodations to Generals Andrew Jackson and William Carroll. However, as steamboats gained in popularity and with the growth of the cotton industry, inns along the Trace became less relevant. It is believed that Mount Locust ceased operating as a tavern after Paulina’s death in 1849. Nevertheless, Mount Locust is considered one of the oldest homes in Mississippi. Accordingly, the home is a reflection of early frontier life shortly after the founding of the United States.

Scope and Content: The Chamberlain Family Papers include correspondence, photographs, family journals, financial and legal records, news clippings, genealogy research, printed and published, and miscellany materials. The contents predominantly address the Chamberlain family’s daily activities as operators of Mount Locust or Mound Plantation in Jefferson County. Several items among the collection also relate to other members of the Chamberlain family and acquaintances.

Series Identification:

Series 1: Correspondence. 1822-1983.

This series consists of letters and invitations sent between members of the Chamberlain family and close associates. The earliest known letter among this series is from Louis Bonaparte Chamberlain to his mother, Paulina Chamberlain dated February 24, 1822. This item highlights Louis’ experiences in Versailles, Kentucky. Of note, he congratulates his mother on receiving Generals Andrew Jackson and William Carroll during Christmas of 1821. Additional letters to and from Louis relate to financial matters. This series also consists of letters to and from Ellen Spence, John Darden Chamberlain and other members of the Chamberlain family regarding the economic, political, and social life prior to, during, and after the Civil War.

Box 1, Folders 1-23

Box 2, Folders 1-23

Box 8, Folders 1-4

Series 2: Photographs. 1902; n.d.

This series contain seven photographs presumably Louis Bonaparte Chamberlain and his wife, Maria Wilson. In addition, this series contain a 1902 image of Thomas Jefferson Chamberlain II, (b. 1852 – d. 1929) in Natchez, Mississippi. In this image, he is flanked to the right by three unidentified African American men.

Box 2, Folders 24-30

Series 3: Educational Records. 1853-1889.

This series contains a handwritten card from Transylvania University dated December 18, 1829 with Louis Bonaparte Chamberlain’s name listed. The series also consists of John Darden Chamberlain’s report card dated February 11, 1853, while a student at the University of Nashville Western Military Institute. In addition, the report cards for the 1883 school term belonging to Johnnie and Louis Chamberlain are also among this series. Moreover, researchers will also find Irene Chamberlain’s report card for the 1889 school term.

Box 2, Folders 31-32

Series 4: Financial Records. 1790-1948.

This series consists of plantation and tax receipts, account books and bill of sales. The majority of these items concern the business interests of Louis Bonaparte Chamberlain. Of significance is a bill of sale dated November 3, 1836, documenting the transfer in custody of a nineteen-year-old black enslaved person named Matthew, from Joseph McSwann to Louis Bonaparte Chamberlain. Of additional note are invoices relating to land transactions. This series also includes invoices associated with the operating expenditure associated with Mound Plantation.

Box 3, Folders 1-10

Box 8, Folders 5-9

Series 5: Legal Records. 1800-1964.

This series consists of wills, deeds, marriage licenses and summons relating to the Chamberlain family. Of interest is Louis Bonaparte Chamberlain’s father-in-law, Benjamin Wilson’s will dated September 3, 1839, dividing his estate among his heirs. Of significance are the names, ages, and appraised value of his enslave persons of African

descent. Of additional note is Paulina Ferguson’s will dated October 28, 1841. This record also aids African American genealogists in that it lists the names of those enslaved by Paulina Chamberlain. Furthermore, researchers will find a January 1, 1865, Agreement with Freedmen Contract, which also list the names, ages, and marks of the newly freedmen sharecropping Mound Plantation.

Box 3, Folders 11-16

Box 8, Folders 10-18

Series 6: Organizational Records. 1883-1891.

This series contains board meeting minutes and a treasury report for the Moss Side Farmers Alliance. In addition, letters of intent from prospective educators interested in teaching at Moss Side Public School are among this series.

Box 3, Folder 17

Box 9, Folders 1-5

Series 7: News clippings. 1840-1995.

This series consists of clippings related to the political career and death of John Darden Chamberlain. This series also contains coverage of the Spanish-American War. In addition, this series contains an announcement documenting President Woodrow Wilson’s cabinet members. Of interest are news clippings relating to Floyd Myron Kroh’s (b. August 25, 1886 – d. March 17, 1944) professional baseball and career as an umpire. Kroh was the husband of Sallie Pauline Chamberlain (b. December 12, 1890 – d. August 25, 1990).

Box 3, Folders 18-20

Box 9, Folder 6

Series 8: Writings. n.d.

This series consists of poetry, and short stories pertaining to Mount Locust and the Chamberlain family.

Box 3, Folders 21-22

Series 9: Land Surveys. 1940.

This series consists of two sketch drawings of surveys entitled, “The Mound” noting its location and boundaries.

Box 3, Folder 23

Series 10: Family Journals. 1834-1947.

The journals among this collection document the weather, illnesses, and the family’s farming activities through the accounts of Walter Bisland Wade, Johnnie Darden Chamberlain, Thomas Jefferson Chamberlain II, Susan Sillers Darden and Dr. Ross Wade. Each journal provides a record of the economic interests associated with the Chamberlain family. The entries also detail matters relating to social conditions regarding civic and political activities.

Box 3, Folders 24-27

Box 4, Folders 1-27

Box 5, Folders 1-14

Box 6, Folders 1-7

Box 9, Folders 7-10

Box 10, Folder 7

Box 11, Folders 2-3

Series 11: Genealogy Research. 1919-2006.

This series contains family research related to Chamberlain, Burch, Lanier, Washington, Butler, Cocke, Holt, and Fludd families. Of additional interest is research material concerning Reverend Jeremiah Chamberlain, founder of Oakland College, Claiborne County, Mississippi. While no information has been found among the collection to corroborate a relationship between Reverend Jeremiah Chamberlain and the Chamberlains of Jefferson County, it is possible that a distant relationship existed.

Box 6, Folders 8-25

Box 7, Folders 1-9

Box 11, Folder 1

Series 12: Printed and Published Materials. ca. 1881-1980.

This series contains an 1887 report from the National Farmer’s Alliance and Co-operative Union of America. Moreover, this series encompasses a 1941 archaeological report published by the United States Department of the Interior National Park Service examining the history of Mound Plantation. Of additional note are two speeches by Senator James O. Eastland. Likewise, researchers will discover a speech delivered by Senator Daniel W. Voorhees of Indiana. Of particular interest is a souvenir of Mississippi publication detailing the history of the state, while documenting the state’s officers, national congressional leaders and those serving as commissioners with both the Mississippi Highway and Public Service Commissions during the tenure of Governor Cliff Finch.

Box 7, Folders 10-15

Series 13: Miscellany. 1866-1955.

This series encompasses materials such as an envelope from Mrs. J.D. Chamberlain to Mrs. Wm. Robinson, who likely sent the parcel during the Civil War. Additional items include an 1875 voter registration certificate belonging to J.D. Chamberlain. Other miscellaneous items include a YMCA brochure, cigar wrapper, advertisements and an assortment of random materials collected by the Chamberlain family.

Box 9, Folder 11

Box 10, Folders 1-6

Other Finding Aids Available:

CHAMBERLAIN (JOHN DARDEN) DAYBOOK (Z/1161.000/S)

DARDEN FAMILY PAPERS (Z/0082.000/S