viblbv01546Johnston, P., DiaryP. Johnston Diary, 1874 Ms.1991.012John M. JacksonSpecial Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech

2022 (CC0 1.0)

Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)560 Drillfield DriveNewman Library, Virginia TechBlacksburg, Virginia 24061Business Number: 540-231-6308specref@vt.eduURL:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2023-08-07 13:39:24 -0400.Description is written in: English, Latin script.Describing Archives: A Content Standard Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech P. Johnston Diary Johnston, P. Virginia State Agricultural Society Ms.1991.012 0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder 1874 Diary maintained by P. Johnston (possibly Peyton Johnston), agent for the Virginia State Agricultural Society, with entries describing his travels throughout Virginia on behalf of the VSAS in 1874. The materials in the collection are in English. Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open to research.

 Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

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 Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], P. Johnston Diary, Ms1991-012, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

 Source of Acquisition

The P. Johnston Diary was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 1991.

 Processing Information

The processing and description of the P. Johnston Diary commenced and was completed in October, 2022.

 Biographical Note

The keeper of this diary is identified as P. Johnston, an agent of the Virginia State Agricultural Society. Published accounts of the time period identify Peyton Johnston as an officer of the VSAS. Born in Ireland on December 16, 1810, Peyton Johnston Sr. is described by the 1860 federal census as a merchant living in Richmond, Virginia with wife Ann and seven children. The 1880 census lists his occupation as "retired druggist." Peyton Johnston died in Richmond on February 3, 1887, and was buried in the city's Hollywood Cemetery.

 Scope and Content

This collection consists of a diary maintained by P. Johnston, identified as an agent of the Virginia State Agricultural Society. The diary is written on blank pages within a copy of Virginia State Agricultural Society, Officers, Rules and Regulations, and Schedule of Premiums, for 1874, and Johnston's entries commence with his riding from the home of Mr. Moorhead in Fauquier County to see Robert Beverly on October 1, 1874. Through successive entries, Johnston recounts his travels throughout the state on behalf of the society, apparently charged with promoting the society and its upcoming 1874 fair. He names the many farmers that he meets along the way and describes their encounters. The nine-page diary ends on October 23, with Johnston arriving in Richmond from Lynchburg, where he had attended the local agricultural fair.

 Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the P. Johnston Diary by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 (https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/).

 Agriculture Diaries Diary18741