Bigler-Sessler-John Family Papers

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials. Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Bigler-Sessler-John Family Papers, Ms1993-011, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.5 Cubic Feet 1 box
Creator:
John family, Bigler family, and Sessler family
Abstract:
The collection contains correspondence, legal documents, and accounting receipts and records relating to the Bigler, Sessler, and John families of southwest Virginia.
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Bigler-Sessler-John Family Papers, Ms1993-011, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection contains correspondence, legal documents, and accounting receipts and records relating to the Bigler, Sessler, and John families who were connected to each other through marriage and resided predominantly in rural Southwest Virginia. The collection contains a varied array of documents including a math workbook from 1803, which belonged to Mark E. Sessler; a share cropping agreement between John Patterson and George Odewait from 1820; and a letter from Priscilla R. John to "Moll," which gives a very detailed description of revival and prayer meeting in Montgomery Co. in 1859. The documents in this collection provide insight into several facets of daily life in Southwest Virginia from the mid eighteenth century through the early twentieth century through the perspectives of members of the Bigler, Sessler, and John families.

Acquisition information:
The collection was acquired by Special Collections in 1993.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Bigler-Sessler-John Family Papers was completed in October 2013.

Arrangement:

Physical arrangement of the collection reflects the order in which the collection was received. The "Contents List" groups like materials together into series.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard