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Research papers of Donovan Bond, a professor of Journalism at West Virginia University, regarding the 1772 proposal for a Colony of Vandalia in western Virginia territory, and histories of frontier forts (ca. 1749-1794) in western Virginia. Also includes photocopies of original 18th century documents. Material covers the years 1754-2002.

Two maps and one description of the Fort Van Metre property; a copy of the will of Abraham Van Metre, 1780; sketch of Major Samuel McCulloch; and a picture of Shaw Hall, West Liberty College, thought to be the site of the fort.

Five typescripts pertaining to Ice's Ferry and the Ice family. The first typescript is "Ice's Ferry," (8 pp., undated) an account of the Ice family and of Ice's Ferry in Monongalia County, with comments on frontier and pioneer life in western Virginia, apparently written by Virginia H. Conaway of Marion County. The second item is a variant copy of the "Ice's Ferry," typescript (10 pp., undated). The third typescript is a copy of "Historical Notes on Ice's Ferry," written by John L. Johnston (6 pp., 1920). Covering the time span of 1758-1920, the narrative describes early settlements, roads, forts, Indians, industries, land offices, and families prominent in the development of areas near Ice's Ferry. Mention is made of the proposed construction of a dam and recreation area on the Cheat River. The fourth item is a facsimile typescript of "Some of the Earliest History of the Ice Family" (9 pp., undated), which covers roughly 1680 through the 1900s. The fifth typescript is a magazine article facsimile about Adam Ice (1 p., undated).

Mainly letters written to Bassel from U.S. Army officers from various forts and camps in several western states and territories. There are no copies of Bassel's correspondence in the collection, but his career in the army to about 1870, his subsequent military service in Egypt, and his employment in China and Japan, ca.1874-1875, as the representative of an American ship builder, are covered in the letters. There are a few letters from Thomas Handbury, a cadet at West Point in 1862; also materials on political affairs in West Virginia, including Bassel's candidacy on the People's Party ticket for governor of West Virginia in 1892, and certificates of election returns from several counties in 1892.

An account of the founding of Fort Lewis on the Cowpasture River in western Virginia as related during the early 1860s to James Woodzell.

A collection of court records, genealogies, historical sketches and other materials relating to Hampshire and Mineral counties in West Virginia and surrounding areas in Virginia and Maryland. Subjects include a naturalist description of the area and an early history of the region including Indians, white settlement, the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. There is material on the Civil War and World War I and World War II veterans.

Six page typescript by John L. Johnston, 1920, titled "Historical Notes, Ice's Ferry." Covering the time span of 1758-1920, the narrative locates and describes early settlements; roads; forts; Indian trails, villages and tribes; industries; the land office; and men and families prominent in the development of Monongalia County. Mention is made of the proposed construction of the dam and recreation area on the Cheat River.

John W. M. Appleton (1833-1913) was an officer in the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, the Union's first regiment of African American soldiers, during the Civil War. Appleton's letters to his wife, memoirs, military records, and other materials provide a detailed account of his military service with this regiment, including the daily operations and activities of his company, troop movements and engagements, and the challenges facing black troops. Appleton also drew detailed sketches in his memoir and letters that depict the battlefield landscape and his unit's positions, including fortifications, encampments, and quarters. Significant topics include the geography around Charleston, South Carolina; the assault on Fort Wagner and other engagements in the Charleston Harbor in the summer and fall of 1863; the fatigue work and picket duty of the 54th Massachusetts; and the battle of Olustee and related engagements near Jacksonville, Florida, in February and March 1864. Also included are family materials and business papers. The family materials include genealogy as well as books about Hon. William Appleton and Samuel Appleton. The business papers contain a ledger from Appleton's time as an agent with Oriental Powder Mills. See Scope and Content Note for more details. See Historical Note for more information about Appleton.