Cushing Family Papers

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 open to 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 #], Cushing Family Papers, 1843-1894, SC 0263, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Summary

Extent:
0.2 cubic feet 1 box
Creator:
Cushing family and Green Valley Auctions, Inc.
Abstract:
The Cushing Family Papers, 1843-1894, are comprised chiefly of correspondence between members of Edwin M. and Bettie Cushing's immediate and extended family. Additional papers related to Edwin M. Cushing's appointments to local masonic lodges are included.
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Cushing Family Papers, 1843-1894, SC 0263, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Background

Scope and content:

The Cushing Family Papers, 1843-1894, are comprised chiefly of correspondence between members of Edwin and Bettie Cushing's immediate and extended family. Several folders of financial and personal papers are included though they do not all demonstrate a clear connection to the Cushings.

Biographical / historical:

Elizabeth E. "Bettie" McCoy Cushing (1829-1906), daughter of Jane Isabel Carson McCoy (1808-1884) and Judson McCoy, married Edwin M. Cushing (1830-1903), son of Merrill Cushing and Anne Barnes Cushing, in 1851. Both were Augusta County natives and continued to reside in Staunton, Virginia after their marriage. They were also devoted congregants of the local Methodist church. The Cushings had five children – William Amiss Cushing (1855-1907), Edwin Judson Cushing (1861-1930), Henrietta Cushing Harman (1864-1895), Gertrude Cushing Miller (1869-1904), and Katie Cushing Anderson (1858-1930).

During the Civil War, Edwin M. Cushing was a member of the Confederate commissary department and was an organizer and charter member of the Stonewall Brigade Band. He also served as the band's first president. Before and after the war, Cushing worked as an auctioneer. Cushing was also an active member in community organizations including the local Masonic lodges and the Knights of Pythias.

Acquisition information:
Acquired at Green Valley Auctions' January 12, 2018 sale.
Custodial history:

Based on a label present on the binder that originally housed the collection, it is presumed that these papers were consigned to Green Valley Auctions by Charles Culbertson, Augusta County historian.

Processing information:

The collection was acquired with individual documents housed in plastic protectors and further housed in a three-ring binder. The archivist arranged the correspondence chronologically and by recipient.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged into two series. Each series is further arranged chronologically.

  1. Correspondence, 1846-1894
  2. Papers, 1843-1889
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard