Henry County (Va.) Election Records, 1870-1940 circa

Access and use

Location of collection:
Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia
800 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Archives Reference Services
Phone: (804) 692-3888

Summary

Creator:
Henry County (Va.) Circuit Court
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

The Henry County (Va.) Election Records, 1870-1940 circa, consists of List of Colored Voters Registered, 1870-1890 circa for Martinsville Precinct and Horse Pasture Precinct; List of White Voters Registered, 1870-1940 circa for Martinsville Precinct; and miscellaneous election related records. Information found in the volumes includes date of registration; name of registered voter; date of birth; age; occupation; residence; length of residence in state, county, and precinct; if transferred from another precinct, and if so, when and to what precinct.

Biographical / historical:

Henry, like Patrick County, was named for Patrick Henry, who was the first governor of the commonwealth of Virginia. It was formed from Pittsylvania County in 1776. The county court first met on 20 January 1777. Part of Patrick County was added later in 1858. The county seat was previously in Martinsville but has been moved near Collinsville.

The 1902 voter registration books were created following the passage of the 1902 Virginia state constitution. The purpose of the 1902 state constitution was to maintain white suffrage while eliminating African-American voters by means of literacy tests as well as property and poll tax requirements.

Acquisition information:
These items came to the Library of Virginia under accession number 53372.
Physical location:
Library of Virginia
Physical description:
8 v.