William F. Graves Collection

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], William F. Graves Collection, Ms2010-040, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Graves, William F., 1832-1923
Abstract:
The collection contians materials, including biographical sketches and speech texts, relating to William F. Graves, native of Pittsylvania County, Virginia and Confederate major in the 2nd Virginia Cavalry during the American Civil War.
Language:
The material in the collection is in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], William F. Graves Collection, Ms2010-040, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains materials relating to William F. Graves, a native of Pittsylvania County, Virginia and a Confederate major in the 2nd Virginia Cavalry during the American Civil War. The collection contains biographical sketches of Graves and the typescript text of a speech made by Graves at the unveiling of the Bedford Confederate monument. The typescript text of another Confederate memorial speech is also included as is the handwritten text of a third, similar speech attributed to Graves. Also within the collection is a typescript roster for Company F of the 2nd Virginia Cavalry (also known as the Bedford Southside Dragoons), including notes on wounds, deaths, captures, and desertions. The collection also contains a single sheet of genealogical information on the family of Docie Johnson Garrett Wells.

Biographical / historical:

William F. Graves, the son of Peyton Graves, was born in Pittsylvania County, Virginia on September 29, 1832. A few years after the death of his father, Graves moved with his family to Bedford County, Virginia, where he became a farmer. In 1858, he married Mary J. Johnson; the couple would have 11 children. At the outbreak of the American Civil War, Graves enlisted as a Confederate sergeant in Company F of the Second Virginia Cavalry. In August 1861, he was promoted to lieutenant, and soon thereafter elected company captain. Later, he was promoted to major; and just before war's end, to lieutenant colonel. Following the war, Graves returned to Bedford County and resumed farming and milling. In 1871, he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates and continued to serve through five consecutive terms. In later years he would serve as mayor of Vinton, Virginia. He died on July 3, 1923.

Acquisition information:
The William F. Graves Collection was donated to Special Collections in 2000.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the William F. Graves Collection commenced and was completed in June 2010.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged by document type.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard