Joseph Funk & Sons Correspondence, 1858/1860

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Dr.
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 26041-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
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], Joseph Funk & Sons Correspondence, Ms2008-074, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Joseph Funk & Sons (Rockingham County, Va.)
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
Abstract:
The Joseph Funk & Sons Correspondence predates the American Civil War and includes two letters from a Mennonite hymnbook publisher in Rockingham County, Virginia, to a client in Lewisburg, Virginia [now West Virginia]. The letter discusses book shipments, the settlement of accounts, and the unreliability of shipping to the western counties via the railroad.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Joseph Funk & Sons Correspondence, Ms2008-074, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The Joseph Funk & Sons Correspondence includes two handwritten letters from a Mennonite hymnbook publisher in Rockingham County, Virginia, to a client, James Curry, in Lewisburg, Virginia [now West Virginia]. The letters predate the Civil War and discuss Curry's order of the Mennonite hymnbook, Harmonia Sacra, and the settlement of his account. The unreliability of shipping books to the western counties via the railroad and the burden of increasing shipping fees are also mentioned. Noted geographic locations include Harrisonburg and Staunton, Virginia.

Biographical / historical:

Joseph Funk was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, in 1778 to the former Mennonite bishop, Henry Funk, and Barbara Showalter. In 1786, the Funks moved to Rockingham County, Virginia, in the area called Mountain Valley. In 1804, Joseph Funk built a log cabin and married Elizabeth Rhodes of York County, Pennsylvania. Elizabeth died, after bearing five children, in 1813. Funk was once again widowed by his second wife Rachel Britton in 1833.

A man of many talents, Funk was a landowner, farmer, schoolmaster, teacher of vocal music, and the creator/publisher of music books. In 1832, Funk published Genuine Church Music, a popular Mennonite hymnbook written in shape-note style. (Beginning with the 1851 edition, the title of the work was changed to Harmonia Sacra.) With the success and multiple editions of Harmonia Sacra, Funk established a printing house in 1847—thus making him founder of the first Mennonite printing house in the United States. Joseph Funk died in 1862; his grandsons then took over the printing house and had great success with the publication of gospel songs.

Acquisition information:
The Joseph Funk Sons Correspondence was purchased by Special Collections in 1993.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Joseph Funk & Sons Correspondence commenced and was completed in September 2008.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged chronologically.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard