Wilson, John W. Collection, 1766-1963

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Descriptive Summary

 

Repository: Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University

Title: John W. Wilson Collection, 1766-1963

Collection No.: SC 0122
Creator: Wilson, John W.

Extent: 2 boxes; .39 cubic feet

Language: English

Abstract: This collection is comprised of a variety of documents, including letters, deeds, indentures, receipts, and accounts, all relating to Jacob Bear, Benjamin Graves, Jacob Sipe, and the Dean (Deane, Deen) and the Harnsberger family.

 

Administrative Information

Access Restrictions: Collection is open for research. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the James Madison University Special Collections Library to use this collection.

Use Restrictions: The copyright interests in this collection have been transferred to the James Madison University Special Collections Library. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).

Preferred Citation: [identification of item], [box #, folder #], John W. Wilson Collection, 1766-1963, SC 0122, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Va.

Acquisition Information:
Provenance: Donated by John "Bill" Wilson Jr. of Port Republic, Virginia in December 1995.
Processing Information: In order to streamline the process of applying collection numbers, Special Collections staff completed a large-scale renumbering campaign in the spring of 2017. This collection was previously cataloged as SC 3012.

Bio/Historical Note:

The Mount Vernon Iron Furnace was located in Brown's Gap, Virginia, and was started by the Faussett family. It was built in 1848 and was operated by the Miller family, John F. Lewis, and a variety of others until 1878.

Scope and Content:

The John W. Wilson Collection, 1766-1963, consists of a variety of documents (receipts, deeds, accounts, and letters) relating mostly to Jacob Bear, Benjamin Graves, Jacob Sipe, and the Dean (Deane, Deen) and Harnsberger (Hansberger) families of Rockingham, Madison, Orange, and Augusta counties, Virginia from 1766 to 1963. Of particular interest are the 1842 Elk Run Class Book; the 1858-59 Housekeeping Book, which lists household and farm items needed for life at the time; and accounts of the Mt. Vernon Iron Works (Rockingham County) from 1878-1879.

Arrangement:

This collection is arranged chronologically with oversize documents housed together.

Bibliography:

Wayland, John Walter. A History of Rockingham County, VA. Ruebush-Elkins Co.: Dayton, VA, 1912.

Contents:

Folder Title
Box : Folder
1787-1827, 1787-1827
1:1
1830-1848, 1830-1848
1:2
1851-1963, 1851-1963
1:3
Oversize materials, 1766-1879

Compiled by: Chris Bolgiano and Lu Chima, September 1996; Alicia Henneberry, September 2013