MSS. Manuscript Collections

Abstract This collection contains the diary of Margaret Selden Kennedy Ross (1902-1982) of Warrenton, Virginia. The diary dated February-September 1915 depicts the daily life of a young girl in the early 20th century. Ross mostly talks about school, teachers, and classmates, with whom she spent most of her time. Her great-grandfather was Maryland Senator Anthony Kennedy, and her grandmother was Mary Selden Kennedy, author of the book Seldons of Virginia and Allied...

Abstract This collection contains the ledger dated 1853-1881 of Thomas Hill Bernard (1824-1905), an enslaver and manager of Big Meadows Plantation in Franklin County, Virginia. This ledger is also signed by his daughter Mary E. Bernard (1874-1952). The ledger lists the names, occupations, ages, and "value" of of five enslaved people: Terry, [Tom?], [Amistead?], James, and [Banks?] The majority of the ledger includes the farming activities of the farm and the daily activities of Bernard and his...

Abstract This collection contains correspondence, receipts, and leaflets belonging to Peter Saunders (1823-1904), a lawyer and farmer from Franklin County, Virginia. Additionally, three letters dated January 1884 discuss the appointment of Peter Saunders' son, Edward Watts Saunders (1860-1921), as the judge of Franklin County, Virginia. Edward W. Saunders would go on to be a member of Congress, judge of the Circuit Court, and a justice of the Supreme Court of Appeals. Three letters dated 1873-1874...

Abstract The Granville Skidmore Kennedy Family Papers contain several letters, documents, cards, and photographs mostly addressed to Granville Skidmore Kennedy (1899-1986), the Director of the Dairy Division of the Virginia State Health Department, and his wife Wilma Hoyt Kennedy (1906-1989), an elementary school teacher in Henrico County and Roanoke County, Virginia. The letters contain general information about topics like health, work, and life. Most of the letters from 1960-1962 and some...

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The collection comprises three poems, "Irish Blessings", "November", and "September's Song" by Helen Crigger.

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This collection is a ledger or day book used by enslaver and farmer William Q. Thomson of Happy Valley, Louisa County, Virginia, dated 1845-1854, 1882-1891. The book includes debts to associates, purchases, and bills paid, including for family members. Some of the early entries are for hiring the labor of enslaved people. Thomson (ca. 1825-1891) enslaved at least 22 people, inlcuding Georgeanna and her baby Peter Dudley.

Abstract This collection contains a diary maintained by Union officer William T. Morgans in 1865 during the American Civil War. The diary has daily accounts of the weather and Morgans' life, as well as detailed military happenings as his regiment moved from Goldsboro, North Carolina, to Richmond, Virginia, to Washington, D.C. He mentions the surrender of General Robert E. Lee, the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, and his promotion from Sergeant Major to Lieutenant, all in April 1865. After...

Abstract This collection contains 14 letters from John T. (J. T.) Price to his wife, Frances Price, between 1862-1864, while J. T. Price (1841-1864) was fighting in the American Civil War for the Confederacy. The letters contain information about Price's physical health, his regiment's movements, and everyday living conditions. Ten of the letters are accompanied with transcriptions and photocopies. There are also 5 original envelopes and 1 photocopied envelope, all undated, to Frances Price. There is...

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The photograph album includes photos taken at Virginia Polytechnic Institute throughout 1916-1919.

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This collection contains a letter written by Mary Cole Meriwether sent to Nannie W. Read. The letter includes local news and was used as writing practice for Mary.