Ovid T. Simmons Letter Book

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], Ovid T. Simmons Letter Book, Ms2008-082, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.2 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Simmons, John and Simmons, Ovid T. (Ovid Topham)
Abstract:
The Ovid T. Simmons Letter book is a bound book of letters written by Simmons during the American Civil War. Ovid Simmons served as manager of the Ulster Iron Works in Saugerties, New York and there are many letters concerning the business dealings of the Iron Works. The subjects of other letters range from the purchase of a boat to marital problems. There are several letters about or written by Ovid Simmons's father, John Simmons, who also worked as manager at the Ulster Iron Works and developed the double puddling, hoop making, and cold-rolling processes.
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], Ovid T. Simmons Letter Book, Ms2008-082, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection is made up of a letter book containing the letters of Ovid T. Simmons of Saugerties, New York. The letters are related to the business of Ovid T. Simmons during the American Civil War. Many of the letters originate from the Ulster Iron Works in Saugerties, where Ovid Simmons worked as manager. Simmons writes about everything from problems with his wife to labor issues. Some of the letters were written by John Simmons, Ovid's father.

Biographical / historical:

Ovid Topham Simmons worked as the manager of the Ulster Iron Works in Saugerties, New York. Ovid was the son of John Simmons of Deepfeild; Staffordshire, England. John Simmons was hired by Henry Barclay in 1882 to manage the Ulster Iron Works; there he developed the double puddling, hoop making, and cold-rolling processes. Ovid was married to Eva Loretta Schoonmaker and they had a daughter, Emma Campbell Simmons.

Acquisition information:
The Ovid T. Simmons Letter Book was purchased by Special Collections in 1994.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Ovid T. Simmons Letter Book was completed in December 2008.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged by material type.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard