John W. Wilson Collection

Access and use

Location of collection:
James Madison University
Second Floor Room 203, MSC 1704
Carrier Library
James Madison University
880 Madison Drive
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Tiffany Cole
Phone: (540) 568-3444
Phone: (540) 568-3612
Fax: (540) 568-3405
Restrictions:

Collection is open for research. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the James Madison University Special Collections Library to use this collection.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have been transferred to the James Madison University Special Collections Library. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).

Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], John W. Wilson Collection, 1766-1963, SC 0122, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.39 cubic feet 2 boxes
Creator:
Wilson, John W.
Abstract:
This collection is comprised of a variety of documents, including letters, deeds, indentures, receipts, and accounts, all relating to Jacob Bear, Benjamin Graves, Jacob Sipe, and the Dean (Deane, Deen) and the Harnsberger family.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], John W. Wilson Collection, 1766-1963, SC 0122, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The John W. Wilson Collection, 1766-1963, consists of a variety of documents (receipts, deeds, accounts, and letters) relating mostly to Jacob Bear, Benjamin Graves, Jacob Sipe, and the Dean (Deane, Deen) and Harnsberger (Hansberger) families of Rockingham, Madison, Orange, and Augusta counties, Virginia from 1766 to 1963. Of particular interest are the 1842 Elk Run Class Book; the 1858-59 Housekeeping Book, which lists household and farm items needed for life at the time; and accounts of the Mt. Vernon Iron Works (Rockingham County) from 1878-1879.

Biographical / historical:

The Mount Vernon Iron Furnace was located in Brown's Gap, Virginia, and was started by the Faussett family. It was built in 1848 and was operated by the Miller family, John F. Lewis, and a variety of others until 1878.

Custodial history:

Donated by John "Bill" Wilson Jr. of Port Republic, Virginia in December 1995.

Processing information:

In order to streamline the process of applying collection numbers, Special Collections staff completed a large-scale renumbering campaign in the spring of 2017. This collection was previously cataloged as SC 3012.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged chronologically.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard