John A. Frenger diary and account book

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 #], John A. Frenger diary and account book, 1901-1914, SC 0414, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Summary

Extent:
0.08 cubic feet 1 folder
Creator:
Frenger, John Alonzo, 1847-1922 and Forbes, Timothy L.
Abstract:
Pocket-sized memoranda book containing brief diary entries, personal account information, and to-do lists, kept by John A. Frenger.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [box#, folder #], John A. Frenger diary and account book, 1901-1914, SC 0414, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Background

Scope and content:

Pocket-sized memoranda book containing personal account information, to-do lists, and brief diary entries, kept by John A. Frenger. Includes note about the 1904 death of Sevie B. Frenger, John A. Frenger's wife, as well as funeral details (hymns). Frenger wrote detailed entries for a January 1906 trip to Richmond which included a visit to Virginia Penitentiary, Hollywood Cemetery (Jefferson Davis grave), Virginia Legislature (talked with Rep. John W. Churchman of Augusta), Confederate Museum, St. John's Episcopal Church, and the Robert E. Lee monument. During this trip, Frenger also visited Norfolk and Newport News. Frenger detailed December 1908 trip to Richmond, Newport News, Portsmouth, and Norfolk.

Biographical / historical:

John Alonzo Frenger (1847-1922) lived in Greenville in Augusta County, Virginia. Frenger married Severine Bell Muse (1849-1904) and together they had at least three children, Robert Muse (1872-1948), Mary, and Odessa. He was a farmer by trade.

Acquisition information:
Donated by Timothy L. Forbes of Smithfield, Virginia in October 2025.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard