Printer Friendly VersionA Guide to the Bridgewater Women Voters Roll, 1920-[1922-1948]-1951
Collection Number SC FLAT 3016
A Collection in the Special Collections
of Carrier Library, James Madison University
Processed by: Julia Merkel, October 2005
Preferred Citation: Bridgewater Women (White) Voters Roll. SC FLAT 3016, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.
Descriptive Summary
Physical Characteristics: Consists of one bound and alphabetically tabulated ledger with faux marbled print paper and cloth binding, 15-1/2” x 10-1/2.”
Abstract: Consists of one bound and handwritten ledger listing white women voters registered at Bridgewater Precinct in the Ashby Magisterial District Rockingham County, Virginia.
Scope and Content: This ledger dates from 1922-1948 with a few entries back-dated to 1920, and one other listing 1951 as a date of transfer.
The pre-printed label with handwritten blanks (indicated by italics) on the front of the ledger reads:
“Roll of* Women (White) Voters
Registered at Bridgewater Corp[?] Precinct
Ashby Magisterial District
Rockingham County, Virginia
1948
*White or Colored.”
The headings for the roll include: date of registration; number; name; date of birth; age in years; occupation; residence; length of residence in state, county and precinct; “Is he exempt from payment of poll tax as a prerequisite to voting?”; If naturalized, date of papers and by what court issued; if transferred, when and to what precinct. The earliest registrants listed are Frances Arey and Jessie Beydler in January 1922. The earliest birth date listed is Martha Diehl born 1861. Occupations are varied from predominantly house-wives and house-keepers, to teachers, book keepers, secretaries, stenographers, nurses, students, clerks and seamstresses. The more unusual occupations listed are: Dean of Women, Assistant Post Master, dietician, and dental assistant. Almost all of the registrants are local, or were transferred from a neighboring precinct. All entries are handwritten in blue ink.
Acquisition Information: Purchased from Scott Suter (via eBay) in October, 2005.
