The collection is open for research use.
Donated by Carlyle P. Clements, 7 November 2018.
John Porter Woody (1853-1912) was born, lived, and died in King William County, Virginia. In the 1890s and 1900s, Woody leased and worked part of the Pampatike farm, which was owned by Thomas Henry Carter (1831-1908). Carter was a former Confederate colonel and after the U.S. Civil War became Virginia's railroad commissioner and the proctor for University of Virginia.
Source: Materials within collection, Woody family site.
MSS 16437, John Porter Woody letters, Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia.
The John Porter Woody letters (1888-1911; 0.5 cubic feet) document Woody's work on a section of the Pampatike farm in King William County, Virginia. The bulk of the letters to Woody are from Pampatike owner Thomas Henry Carter, who updates Woody on business matters including farm finances, equipment, and Carter's travels. Folder 1 contains a copy of Woody's lease from January 1, 1894.
A small number of items in the collection are receipts for purchases of farm equipment, and the last two letters, dated 1911, are from Woody's son Chastine.