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Curry Family Letters, 1851 - 1881

 File — Folder: 1

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

This collection contains 11 letters, all seemingly addressed to members of the Curry family of Greenbrier County, (West) Virginia, and written by relatives in Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and Virginia. Correspondents include Joseph K. Newton and Nancy Perry of Stark County, Illinois; Catherine R. McHaney of Kings Mills [Montgomery County], Missouri; Isaac A. Curry, M. K. Curry, and J. H. Curry of Atchison County, Missouri; and Lena R. Bell of Long Glade [Augusta County, Virginia]; together with three letters from partially identified correspondents. The letters focus on news of family members and mutual acquaintances, with frequent mentions of relocations and deaths. Other areas of focus include crops (particularly wheat), the weather (including a description of a devastating 1851 flood in Illinois), and church activities. An undated letter from Ruth Perry of Stark County, Illinois, discusses high taxes and an epidemic of measles. In an 1856 letter, I. A. Curry of Atchison County, Missouri, mentions having heard rumors of the pending sale of the White Sulphur Springs hoping that he will receive his share of the proceeds. Lena R. Bell, writing from Long Glade [Augusta County, Virginia] in 1881 notes that "boys are a great big humbug" and mentions having recently received an anonymous Valentine card. The letters are accompanied by a lock of hair and swatch of fabric, most likely from the Nancy Perry letter.

Dates

  • 1851 - 1881

Creator

Language of Materials

From the Collection:

The materials in the collection are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open to research.

Extent

From the Collection: 0.1 Cubic Feet (1 folder)

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech Repository

Contact:
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg Virginia 24061 US
540-231-6308