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Sessler Watkins Letter

 Collection
Identifier: Ms-2008-084

Scope and Content

This collection consists of a letter from Sessler Watkins, an employee of a mining company in Cary, West Virginia at the turn of the twentieth century. Addressing his mother in Troutville, Virginia, Watkins describes his experiences living and working in a mining town. Watkins discusses entertainment, boarding arrangements and rates, and company housing. Included as well is the letter's envelope.

Dates

  • n.d.

Creator

Language of Materials

The materials in the collection are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Biographical Note

Sessler Watkins, an employee of a West Virginia mining company at the turn of the twentieth century, was likely Joseph Sessler Watkins, the son of James B. and Mattie Watkins, born in Haymakertown (Botetourt County), Virginia on March 1, 1892. In 1918, Watkins was living in Detroit, where he worked as a conductor on the Detroit United Railway. During World War I, he served as a corporal in the U. S. Army. Registering for the draft during World War II, Watkins listed his residence as Troutville, Virginia and his employer as the Hercules Powder Company of Radford, Virginia. Joseph Sessler Watkins died on March 22, 1966

Extent

0.1 Cubic Feet (1 folder)

Abstract

The collection contains a letter from Sessler Watkins, of Cary, West Virginia, to his mother, Mrs. J. B. Watkins of Troutville, Virginia, describing Watkins' experiences living and working in a company-owned mining town in West Virginia.

Source of Acquisition

The Sessler Watkins Letter was purchased by Special Collections in 1994.

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the Sessler Watkins Letter by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 (https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/).

Processing Information

The processing and description of the Sessler Watkins Letter commenced and was completed in October 2008.

Title
Sessler Watkins Letter, n.d.
Status
Completed
Author
Patrick Epley, Student Assistant
Date
2008 (CC0 1.0)
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

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