Viola James 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], Viola James Collection, c. 1920s, Ms2023-032, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
James, Viola Ethel Cox, 1892-1965
Abstract:
The Viola James Collection contains membership cards for James as a member of the Clarksburg, West Virginia chapter of the Women of the Ku Klux Klan, which are in a wallet marked with the initials "KKK". The collection also has a blank application form and printed Christian literature related to the organization. It also includes a small framed tintype of two unidentified little girls.
Language:
The material in this collection is in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Viola James Collection, c. 1920s, Ms2023-032, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The Viola James Collection contains membership cards for James as a member of the Clarksburg, West Virginia chapter of the Women of the Ku Klux Klan, which are in a wallet marked with the initials "KKK". The collection also has a blank application form and printed Christian literature related to the organization. It also includes a small framed tintype of two unidentified little girls.

Biographical / historical:

Viola Ethel Cox James (1892-1965) was born to Newman M. Cox and Martha Martin in Clarksburg, West Virginia. She was a member of the Women of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s. She married Charles Burrell James (1885-1949) in 1912, and they had a son, Festus Burrell James (1921-2016). She worked as a homemaker.

External sources:

U.S. Federal Census, 1930-1950

"Viola Ethel Cox James", findagrave.com, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/5953961/viola-ethel-james, accessed on May 31, 2023.

"Festus Burrell James", findagrave.com, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/167963443/festus-burrell-james, accessed on May 31, 2023.

"Viola James" in the West Virginia, U.S., Deaths Index, 1853-1973, Ancestry.com, https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/discoveryui-content/view/1208160:2568, accessed on December 7, 2023.

"Viola E Cox" in the West Virginia, U.S., Marriages Index, 1785-1971, Ancestry.com, https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/discoveryui-content/view/10099128:2538, accessed on December 7, 2023.

"Charles B. James" in the West Virginia, U.S., Deaths Index, 1853-1973, Ancestry.com, https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/discoveryui-content/view/1723285:2568, accessed on December 7, 2023.

Acquisition information:
The Viola James Collection was donated to Special Collections and University Archives in June 2015.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Viola James Collection was completed in May 2023.