Weaver-Brady Papers 1824-1878

Access and use

Location of collection:
University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.
Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library
University of Virginia
P.O. Box 400110
160 McCormick Rd
Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4110
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Brenda Gunn
Phone: (434) 924-1037
Phone: (434) 243-1776
Fax: (434) 924-4968

Summary

Creator:
Douglas E. Brady
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

Spanning the years 1824-1878, the Weaver-Brady Papers comprise ca. 1,500 items and 79 bound volumes. These are the business papers of William Weaver(1780-1863) ironmaster and pioneer in scientific agriculture. Correspondence, bills and receipts, legal papers, ledgers, daybooks, journals, timebooks, records of free and slave labor, provision account books, cash books and farm and dairy journals concern Weaver's mines, furnaces and forges in Rockbridge, Rockinghamand BotetourtCos., grist mills in Rockingham Co., corn production experiments, beef and hide dealings, and land sales. The names of his operations are as follows: Bath Iron Works, Buffalo Forge, Emma Mines, Etna Furnace, Liberty Furnace, Lydia Furnace, Potosi Mineand Spring Mills.

An index to correspondents and recipients has been prepared with the letters being listed individually. The phrase "(In non correspondence)-indicates that other items (bills, receipts, loose accounts and legal papers) appear through out the collection, except in the folders labeled "Letters". It is realized that this method creates confusion in locating specific items. However, the sheer bulk of receipts, etc. prohibits an individual listing.

Acquisition information:
The Weaver-Brady Papers were acquired in 3 groups over a period of 6 years. Douglas E. Brady deposited the initial batch (38-98) in 1938. Nos. 1590 1993 were purchased in 1943 1944. As the 3 groups complimented each other it was decided to interfile them.
Physical location:
Physical description:
ca. 1500 item and 79 volumes