Papers of the Preston and Related Radford Families, 1744-1895

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

Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of ca. 1300 items (4 Hollinger boxes, ca. 2 linear shelf feet), 1744-1895, chiefly correspondence, financial, land, legal, military correspondence and other records pertaining to four generations of the Preston and later, the Radford family.

The correspondence, 1763-1895, includes several letters from University of Virginia students (see folders for the years 1819 to 1828) mention: negotiation difficulties with a Mr. and Mrs. D. F. Carr, the reputation of "Mr. Jefferson" (1819 August 2) and the intention of General John Hartwell Cocke to "petition to cut a double moat, or construct some kind of barrier to prevent the students from visiting Charlottesville." (1828 June 1)

Land records, 1744-1810 & 1858, include surveyors' field notes and sketches as well as records of transactions involving large acreage of lands in Augusta County and adjoining counties.

Financial records, 1745-1865, include estate settlements, receipts, promissory notes, bills and ledgers.

Military records, 1756-1766 & 1792, are concerned with Fort Miller and Fort George on the Virginia frontier in British North America. These mention "obligations of the country" to various individuals and accounts of provisions for Cherokee Indians. Morning report dated 1792 are also present.

Acquisition information:
This collection was a gift to the Library from Mrs. William P. Moore of Charlottesville, Virginia, on June 22, 1960.
Arrangement:

The documents are arranged chronologically within the individual folders.

Physical location:
Physical description:
ca. 1300 items