William Lee Cosby papers

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Commonwealth University, Cabell Library
James Branch Cabell Library
Virginia Commonwealth University
P.O. Box 842003
901 Park Avenue
Richmond, VA 23284-2003
Contact for questions and access:
POC: SCA Staff
Phone: (804) 828-1108
Fax: (804) 828-0151
Restrictions:

The collection is open to research.

Terms of access:

There are no restrictions.

Preferred citation:

William Lee Cosby papers, 1904-1980, Accession number 1984.02.04, Special Collections and Archives, Health Sciences Library, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA.

Summary

Extent:
0.2 Linear Feet One 2.5" document case
Creator:
Kellam, E. Polk, Mrs., 1916-2014
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

William Lee Cosby papers, 1904-1980, Accession number 1984.02.04, Special Collections and Archives, Health Sciences Library, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of correspondence to and about Dr. Cosby, photographs of time in the Richmond Ambulance Corps and at the Medical College of Virginia, photographs of his family, a 1909 MCV commencement program and diploma seal, and newspaper clippings detailing Dr. Cosby's life on the Eastern Shore.

Biographical / historical:

William Lee Cosby was born September 14, 1885 in Powhatan County, VA. He attended Liberty Hall School in Lodi, Virginia, and graduated from the Medical College of Virginia (MCV) in Richmond, VA in 1909. After graduating from MCV, he was part of Richmond's first ambulance service, and also practiced in Gloucester County for a short time. In 1910 he moved to Painter, VA on the Eastern Shore to be the town's doctor. He married Amine Cobb in 1914, and together they had 5 children. He was well-loved in Painter for his work and kindness, and worked until his retirement in 1955. After a long illness, Cosby died November 13, 1965 in Accomack County, VA.

Arrangement:

The materials had no discernable order when acquired. The materials have been grouped together to easily facilitate research, consisting of correspondence, photographs, commencement materials, and newspaper clippings.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard