Charles Spitzer Letters

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 #], Charles Spitzer Letters, 1833-1886, SC 0137, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.08 cubic feet 1 folder
Creator:
Spitzer, Charles, 1807-1865 and Green Valley Auctions, Inc.
Abstract:
The Charles Spitzer Letters, 1833-1886, are comprised of 35 letters written between members of the Charles Spitzer family of New Market, Virginia.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Charles Spitzer Letters, 1833-1886, SC 0137, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The Charles Spitzer Letters, 1833-1886, are comprised of 35 letters written between members of the Charles Spitzer family of New Market, Virginia. Selected letters of interest include eight letters (May 19-October 14, 1833) between Charles and fiancé Elizabeth Amiss discussing preparations for marriage; a December 2, 1838 letter from Thomas Amiss to sister Elizabeth in which he expresses his preference for life in St. Louis, Missouri, his business is good and life is cheaper than in New Market, mentions Moses Spitzer, who in A History of Shenandoah County by John Wayland (1927) is said to have died with the infamous Donner party in the California Sierras in 1846; and a July 25, 1849 letter from Thomas Amiss in which he describes a massive fire and cholera outbreak in St. Louis. Also included are two Sunday school certificates (1850, 1851) and two tax receipts (1849, 1852). Most letters deal with day to day matters including illness and birth and death of family members. Two letters (1861, 1886) concern Charles Spitzer's services as a gunsmith.

Biographical / historical:

Charles Spitzer (1807-1865) was a gunsmith based out of New Market, Virginia who learned the trade under his father Henry Spitzer. Charles married Elizabeth Frances Amiss in 1833 and they went on to have four children.

Acquisition information:
Purchased by Friends of Carrier Library at Green Valley Auctions, Inc. on July 23, 1994.
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 3065.

Arrangement:

The letters are arranged in one folder.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard