Wampler Family Papers, 1798-1962

Repository:

Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University

Creator:

Wampler Family

Title:

Wampler Family Papers

Collection No.:

SC 0150

Date:

1798-1962

Extent:

1 box, .2 Cubic Feet

Language of the Material:

English

Abstract:

The Wampler Family Papers contain family items, legal and financial documents, and agricultural information related to the Wampler family in Dayton, Virginia.

The Wamplers have been one of the most influential families in Rockingham County, Virginia. 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 Virginia House of Delegates from 1954-1966.

The Wampler Family Papers, 1798-1962, consist of five folders of letters, deeds, and agricultural information from 1798 to 1962 related to the Wampler family of Dayton, Virginia. The collection is arranged topically into five folders.

The collection is comprised of family papers which includes mostly letters on agricultural, family, and church matters and an 1871-1971 Wampler Family Reunion booklet; land surveys; and legal documents containing mostly tax receipts and deeds. Of particular interest is an 1844 patent describing an improved Wheat Farm invented by David Watkins of Port Republic, with a receipt for purchase by John Wampler of exclusive rights to use it. There is also the will of John Wampler from 1861, with 1863 codicil. Financial documents include promissory notes, receipts for miscellaneous purchases, and receipts for inheritance monies received. A stock certificate for Mt. Jackson and Howard's Lick Turnpike Co., a sale of right to use Cray's Washing Machine from 1872, letterhead receipts for sales by Wampler Feed & Seed Co., and receipts for payment of yearly toll on Warm Springs and Harrisonburg Turnpike are also included. Agricultural information is comprised of lists of books, three photos, several brochures produced by Wampler's Feed & Seed Co. describing the poultry business. The Yearbook of Agriculture is heavily annotated with many inserts and notes, as well as information sheets and brochures, mostly concerning poultry.

This collection is arranged topically into five folders.

Wampler, Charles W. My Grandfather, my grandchildren, and me; an autobiography. Harrisonburg, VA. Dayton, VA: Shenandoah Press, 1968.