Carte de visite photograph of James Scruggs, 1895

Access and use

Location of collection:
Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library
Special Collections and Archives
James G. Leyburn Library
Washington and Lee University
204 W. Washington Street
Lexington, VA 24450
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Tom Camden
Phone: (540) 458-8649
Phone: (540) 463-8109
Fax: (540) 463-8964
Restrictions:

This collection is open for use.

Terms of access:

The materials from Washington and Lee University Special Collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used should be fully credited with the source.

Preferred citation:

Carte de visite Photograph of James Scruggs (WLU Coll. 0313), Special Collections and Archives, James G. Leyburn Library, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.01 Linear Feet 1 folder
Creator:
McCown, James L.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Carte de visite Photograph of James Scruggs (WLU Coll. 0313), Special Collections and Archives, James G. Leyburn Library, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of a carte de visite photograph of local African American man, James Scruggs, taken by Lexington photographer James L. McCown, circa 1895. McCown's photographer stamp appears on the back as well as an inscription in pencil which identifies the subject as James Scruggs.

Biographical / historical:

James Scruggs was likely born around 1850 and the 1880 census lists his occupation as Servant/Laborer. He died in 1915. James L. McCown returned to Lexington after the American Civil War to continue his photography career. He died in 1922.

Acquisition information:
Purchased in April 2025
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Indexed terms

Subjects:
African American men
Names:
Scruggs, James
Places:
Lexington (Va.)