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Wampler, Charles W., Jr. Collection. SC # 3095

Carrier Library, James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA 22807

Compiled by Lindsay Mannell and Chris Bolgiano, Oct. 1998

Historical Note.

The Wamplers have been one of the most influential families in Rockingham County, VA. John Wampler and family, members of the Brethren Church, moved from Pennsylvania to the Timberville area of the county in 1811. In 1871, John Wampler III purchased a farm in Dayton that he named Sunny Slope and built a house there. His son, Charles W., began various agricultural experiments, particularly in poultry raising, and was one of the earliest farmers to hatch eggs in incubators. He served as the first Rockingham County Extension Agent and in 1927, with two brothers, founded the Wampler Feed and Seed Company. His son Charles Jr., born at Sunny Slope in 1915, continued and furthered these business ventures and community endeavors, including serving in the VA House of Delegates from 1954-1966.

Scope and Content.

This collection comprises five folders of letters, deeds, and agricultural information from 1798 to 1962 related to the Wampler family of Dayton, VA.  A photocopy of Wampler's Practical Turkey Methods, (Harrisonburg, Va: 1929) was removed from the boxed collection and placed in Special Collections' book collection for ease of use, and given the call number SF507.W36 1929. A second photocopy is also available in Carrier Library's circulating collection.

Provenance. Gift of Mr. Charles W. Wampler, Jr. in March, 1998.

Bibliography. Wampler, Charles W. My Grandfather, my grandchildren and me; an autobiography. Harrisonburg, VA; Dayton, VA: Shenandoah Press, 1968. Available in the Brethren Room of Bridgewater College Library (call no. 926.3 W243m 1968).

Organization.

Folder 1. Family Papers. 16 items and 2 envelopes, 1854-1971 and undated. Mostly letters on agriculture, family and church matters, and an 1871-1971 Wampler Family Reunion booklet.

Folder 2. Land surveys & measurements. 5 surveys and 1 list of measurements, 1838-1882 and undated.

Folder 3. Legal Documents. 35 items, 1798 (typed transcript of original)-1962. Mostly tax receipts and deeds involving the Wampler family, but also:

• 1844 - Patent describing an improved Wheat Fan invented by David Watkins of Port Republic, with receipt for purchase by John Wampler of exclusive rights to use it.
• 1861 - Will of John Wampler, with 1863 codicil.

Folder 4. Financial Documents. 52 items, 1858-1930 and undated. Mostly promises to pay, receipts for miscellaneous purchases, and receipts for inheritance monies received, but also:

• 1859 - Stock certificate for Mt. Jackson and Howard's Lick Turnpike Co.
• 1872 - Sale of right to use Cray's Washing Machine.

• 1927, 1930 - Letterhead receipts for sales by Wampler Feed & Seed Co.
• 1888, 1889, 1901 - Receipts for payment of yearly toll on Warm Springs and Harrisonburg Turnpike.

Folder 5. Agricultural Information. 14 items, 1895-1959 and undated. Lists of books, three photos. Includes several brochures produced by Wampler's Feed & Seed Co. describing the poultry business.

Folder 6. Agricultural Information Continued. 1 item,1959 Yearbook of Agriculture with many inserts and notes, and information sheets and brochures, mostly concerning poultry