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Papers of David Goff (ca. 1804-1878) of Beverly, West Virginia, an attorney and land promoter for Harrison, Randolph, and Tucker Counties. Goff became prosecuting attorney in 1835, served as a Colonel in the Virginia militia in 1844, was superintendent of Randolph County schools in 1853, served as a member of the Virginia Assembly, and was a West Virginia State Senator from Randolph County (1875-1877). Includes letters, surveys, land grant, bonds, and receipts. The correspondence includes ALS (autograph letters signed) from Caleb Boggess, Samuel Price, Joseph Sprigg, John S. Carlile, J. M. Bennett, Thos. S. Haymond, J. H. Diss Debar, P. G. Van Winkle, Alex. H. H. Stuart, Adjutant General R. S. Garnett, A. I. Boreman, Geo. W. Munford, John J. Jacob, Charles J. Faulkner, and Henry M. Matthews. Subjects of correspondence include politics, state and national; Civil War; Randolph county schools; land; West Virginia constitutional convention of 1872; Washington and Ohio Railroad; establishment of mail routes; estates; and Goff family history.

Hereford was a lawyer and politician and served in the House of Representatives from 1871 to 1877 when he was elected to the Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Allen T. Caperton. He served until 1881. The papers include letters of recommendation; congratulations on his election to the Senate; correspondence on West Virginia politics; an editorial letter on the "salary grab;" and letters urging Hereford to run for re-election in 1881.

Correspondence and business papers of Henry Gassaway Davis (1823-1916), a successful businessman and politician from West Virginia. He was the Democratic Party's nominee for Vice President of the United States in 1904. The collection largely documents his business and political career, although there are personal papers in the collection as well. His business interests were largely concerned with coal mining, timber, and railroads. Types of documents include letters, reports, account books, and maps, among other material. Much of the correspondence is arranged alphabetically. The scope and content note of each record series provides substantial detail regarding content.