Pastor's Diary

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:

The 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], Pastor's Diary, Ms2008-056, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Abstract:
The collection includes the diary documenting the life of a Methodist circuit pastor, salesman, and farmer from Washington, Ohio, from 1878 to 1881, including comments on religious practices, death and disease, farming, business, and elections.
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], Pastor's Diary, Ms2008-056, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The Pastor's Diary documents the life of a Methodist circuit pastor, salesman, and farmer from Washington, Ohio, from 1878 to 1881. The collection includes one handwritten, leather-bound diary. Salient topics cover the weather, milling of corn, raising livestock, church activities, local festivals, funerals, marriages, yellow fever outbreaks, local and national elections, and a hanging. The author also mentions twice attending a sermon at a camp meeting for people of color. Mentioned geographic locations are Cincinnati, Groveport, Rees Station, Yankeetown, Lockburn, Lancaster, Darbyville, and Circleville, among others.

Biographical / historical:

Although no information exists on the author's identity, much biographical data can be gleaned from diary entries. The author lived in Washington, Ohio, was married to a woman named Alice, and had more than one daughter. As a Methodist pastor of the Groveport Circuit and as a salesman, the author often traveled to Groveport, Cincinnati, Columbus, Circleville, Logan, and Yankeetown. The author also practiced a degree of farming and husbandry. After getting involved in a buggy-selling scheme, the author filed for bankruptcy, but later attempted financial gain by selling padlocks. The author was often self-professedly "gloomy."

Acquisition information:
The Pastor's Diary was purchased by Special Collections in 1994.
Processing information:

The processing and description of the Pastor's Diary occurred in August 2008.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard