Collections : [Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library]

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
Primary Collecting Areas:
American and Virginia history, regional genealogy, history of propaganda, Southern literature, theater, local and regional portraiture, landscapes and architecture, late 19th-century travel
Description:

The Washington and Lee University Special Collections and Archives Department houses over 1,000 unique manuscript collections including those of the Rockbridge Historical Society, The American Shakespeare Center, and the Mountain Valley Preservation Association. These collections vary greatly in size, format, and scope. Subjects covered within the collections are diverse and include concentrations in American and Virginia history, regional genealogy, history of propaganda, Southern literature, and theater.

It also houses over 10,000 photographs and prints. Beyond our photograph and print collections, which include scrapbooks, images can also be found within the manuscript collections and University Archives described above. Our photographic holdings vary greatly in size and include numerous formats representative of the evolution of the photographic process. Strengths are local and regional portraiture, landscapes and architecture, W&L University history, including athletics, and late 19th-century travel.

POC: Tom Camden
Phone: (540) 458-8649
Phone: (540) 463-8109
Fax: (540) 463-8964
Start Over Repository Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library Date range 1856
Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library

Ellinor Porcher Gadsden Papers, 1839/1975

1 Linear Feet 2.3 linear ft.

This collection came from the estate of Ellinor Gadsden in 1985. Highlights of the collection include the letters of Alexander Swift(Sandie) Pendleton, a Washington College graduate who was a top aide to Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson during the American Civil War. These approximately 70 letters were a major source for the book. Sandie was the uncle of the Gadsden sisters. Included in the collection are also a few items of Gen. William Nelson Pendleton who was Robert E. Lee's friend and colleague. There are two ALS of Mildred Lee to Lella Pendleton and two copies of a poem written by and in the hand of Margaret Junkin Preston. There is also an ALS (25 Jan. 1873) from Gen. Joseph E. Johnston to W.N. Pendleton. Other major parts of the collection are photographs (ca. 60), the Misses Gadsden's account books and their memorabilia from their travels.

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Ellinor Porcher Gadsden Papers, 1839/1975 1 Linear Feet 2.3 linear ft.

Gadsden, Ellinor Porcher

This collection came from the estate of Ellinor Gadsden in 1985. Highlights of the collection include the letters of Alexander Swift(Sandie) Pendleton, a Washington College graduate who was a top aide to Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson during the American Civil War. These approximately 70 letters were a major source for the book. Sandie was the uncle of the Gadsden sisters. Included in the collection are also a few items of Gen. William Nelson Pendleton who was Robert E. Lee's friend and colleague. There are two ALS of Mildred Lee to Lella Pendleton and two copies of a poem written by and in the hand of Margaret Junkin Preston. There is also an ALS (25 Jan. 1873) from Gen. Joseph E. Johnston to W.N. Pendleton. Other major parts of the collection are photographs (ca. 60), the Misses Gadsden's account books and their memorabilia from their travels.

Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library

Dillon Family Papers, 1805/1944

3 Linear Feet

This collection contains the family and personal correspondence (1806-1897), business correspondence, deeds, legal papers, account books (1849-1862) of Dr. Alexander S. Dillon (1813-1870), and family Bible along with ledgers and employee time books of various Dillon limestone companies, especially Edward Dillon and Co. in Botetourt County. Correspondents include Dr. Alexander S. Dillon (1813-1870), Edward Dillon (1835-1897), Edward Davis Dillon (1766-1818), Fanny Polk Dillon, and Patrick Henry Dillon (1804-1862).

Top 3 results view all 5

Dillon Family Papers, 1805/1944 3 Linear Feet

Dillon, Alexander S.

This collection contains the family and personal correspondence (1806-1897), business correspondence, deeds, legal papers, account books (1849-1862) of Dr. Alexander S. Dillon (1813-1870), and family Bible along with ledgers and employee time books of various Dillon limestone companies, especially Edward Dillon and Co. in Botetourt County. Correspondents include Dr. Alexander S. Dillon (1813-1870), Edward Dillon (1835-1897), Edward Davis Dillon (1766-1818), Fanny Polk Dillon, and Patrick Henry Dillon (1804-1862).

Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library

Administration records collection, 1776/1976

6.73 Linear Feet 14 boxes, 3 oversize folders

This collection includes early Washington and Lee University papers and miscellaneous materials supplementary to the university's trustee's records, faculty meeting minutes, and treaurer's records. Much of this collection was found over decades from various locations on campus and housed in the Treasurer's Office.

Top 3 results view all 7

Administration records collection, 1776/1976 6.73 Linear Feet 14 boxes, 3 oversize folders

Washington College (Lexington, Va.)

This collection includes early Washington and Lee University papers and miscellaneous materials supplementary to the university's trustee's records, faculty meeting minutes, and treaurer's records. Much of this collection was found over decades from various locations on campus and housed in the Treasurer's Office.

Broadsides, 1840/1924 Box University Archives Oversize Box 2, Oversize Folder 11

includes "Standing Rules Adopted by the Trustees of Washington College" (1840 September 19)

  1. Printed Material Series

Business Records, 1829/1866 Box University Archives Oversize Box 2, Oversize Folder 9

Of particular note is a payroll of "hands employed at Washington College buildings" who are described as "white employees" on the reverse (1866).

  1. Business Records Series
Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library

Martha Spencer Historical Research Collection, 1812/1975

.75 Linear Feet

Families included are as follows: Beach, Douty, Drummond, Ford, Goodbar, Hickman, Higgins, Hollaway, Langhorne, Lackey, Little, McFadden, Martin, Mitchell, Moyers, Pullen, Ridgway, Scott, Sensabaugh, Smith, Spencer, Toman, Walker

2 results

Martha Spencer Historical Research Collection, 1812/1975 .75 Linear Feet

Spencer, Martha

Families included are as follows: Beach, Douty, Drummond, Ford, Goodbar, Hickman, Higgins, Hollaway, Langhorne, Lackey, Little, McFadden, Martin, Mitchell, Moyers, Pullen, Ridgway, Scott, Sensabaugh, Smith, Spencer, Toman, Walker

Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library

Martha Spencer research collection, 1825/2013

2 Linear Feet

Includes Borgus and Edmondson families.

3 results
Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library

African and African American photograph collection, 1850/1945

2.5 Linear Feet one document case, 1 folder in a shared box, 1 oversize folder

This collection contains images of both African and African American individuals. The subjects photographed include military personnel, men, women, and children. Some individuals were photographed inside of a photographer's studio. The images vary in size and format and range in date from circa 1850s-1945. Each item has a description at the file level.

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African and African American photograph collection, 1850/1945 2.5 Linear Feet one document case, 1 folder in a shared box, 1 oversize folder

This collection contains images of both African and African American individuals. The subjects photographed include military personnel, men, women, and children. Some individuals were photographed inside of a photographer's studio. The images vary in size and format and range in date from circa 1850s-1945. Each item has a description at the file level.

Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library

Alexander, Fultz, and Willson Families Collection, 1770/1970

1 Linear Feet
1 result
Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library

Alexander Lockhart Nelson papers, 1848/1902

0.5 Linear Feet

The Alexander Lockhart Nelson Papers consist of materials related to Nelson's life as mathematician at Washington and Lee University; Nelson, Guy, Matthews, Archer, and Rennick family genealogy; an address by Nelson on his teaching experience during Robert E. Lee's presidency of Washington College; some family and miscellaneous correspondences; and photographs. Included and, perhaps, the primary aspect of the collection is Nelson's notebook used during his time as both student and professor of mathematics during the mid through late 19th century. The notebook also contains a range of content unrelated to his career as mathematician such as an extensive family tree, a journal/day book which includes details about weather from December 1880 through March 1881 in Lexington, Va.; a pencil drawing of his property and its improvements in downtown Lexington; and notes about payments made to a hired laborer for his Lexington home and grounds. There is an albumen photograph of a group of young girls of the Ann Smith Academy in Lexington – including an image of Nelson's daughter Evelyn. The collection is in two series – each formerly a unique accession from unique sources and different dates. The collections have recently been combined. Each series includes a control folder explaining its provenance. Series two includes a letter from WLU student Jack C. Desha in 1871 to his father Lucius Desha of Kentucky. In the letter Jack shares his travel experiences from Cincinnatti, Ohio to Lexington, Va., including an overnight visit in Washington DC. Series two also includes student Randolph Preston's (WLU class of 1902)typescript reminiscence of his Washington and Lee University student experience fifty years earlier.

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Alexander Lockhart Nelson papers, 1848/1902 0.5 Linear Feet

Nelson, Alexander Lockhart, 1827-1910

The Alexander Lockhart Nelson Papers consist of materials related to Nelson's life as mathematician at Washington and Lee University; Nelson, Guy, Matthews, Archer, and Rennick family genealogy; an address by Nelson on his teaching experience during Robert E. Lee's presidency of Washington College; some family and miscellaneous correspondences; and photographs. Included and, perhaps, the primary aspect of the collection is Nelson's notebook used during his time as both student and professor of mathematics during the mid through late 19th century. The notebook also contains a range of content unrelated to his career as mathematician such as an extensive family tree, a journal/day book which includes details about weather from December 1880 through March 1881 in Lexington, Va.; a pencil drawing of his property and its improvements in downtown Lexington; and notes about payments made to a hired laborer for his Lexington home and grounds. There is an albumen photograph of a group of young girls of the Ann Smith Academy in Lexington – including an image of Nelson's daughter Evelyn. The collection is in two series – each formerly a unique accession from unique sources and different dates. The collections have recently been combined. Each series includes a control folder explaining its provenance. Series two includes a letter from WLU student Jack C. Desha in 1871 to his father Lucius Desha of Kentucky. In the letter Jack shares his travel experiences from Cincinnatti, Ohio to Lexington, Va., including an overnight visit in Washington DC. Series two also includes student Randolph Preston's (WLU class of 1902)typescript reminiscence of his Washington and Lee University student experience fifty years earlier.

Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library

duPont family papers, 1897/1950

33 Linear Feet

This series is related to the duPont genealogy in France and the United States, family relics, and tributes to Alfred I. duPont. It also includes correspondence and notes and galley sheets by Marquis James in preparation for publication of his biography, "Alfred I. duPont: The Family Rebel."

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Nemours Papers, 1831/1947, bulk 1915/1935 15 Linear Feet

The Nemours Papers are part of the Du Pont Family Collection and consist of 15 linear feet of records dating from 1831 to 1947. The bulk of the material dates from 1915 to 1935 and reflects the business, financial, and family affairs of Alfred I. duPont (1864-1935). In addition, the Papers include some of the records of Alfred's second wife, Alicia Bradford Maddox duPont (1875-1920), and his third wife, Jessie Ball duPont (1884-1970).

Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library

Alfred Leyburn Papers, 1823/1899, bulk 1830/1839

.2 Linear Feet

Contains c.55 items, of Dr. Alfred Leyburn and the Leyburn family of Lexington, Va., including 22 letters between Leyburn and his wife, Ann Eliza, 1835-36; patents of Edward J. Leyburn.

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Alfred Leyburn Papers, 1823/1899, bulk 1830/1839 .2 Linear Feet

Leyburn, Alfred

Contains c.55 items, of Dr. Alfred Leyburn and the Leyburn family of Lexington, Va., including 22 letters between Leyburn and his wife, Ann Eliza, 1835-36; patents of Edward J. Leyburn.

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