A Guide to the Gravely Family Papers, 1753-1988 Gravely Family Papers, 1753-1988, 34126

A Guide to the Gravely Family Papers, 1753-1988

A Collection in
the Library of Virginia
Accession Number 34126


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© 2002 By the Library of Virginia.

Funding: Web version of the finding aid funded in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Processed by: Library of Virginia Staff

Repository
Library of Virginia
Accession number
34126
Title
Gravely Family Papers, 1753-1988
Physical Characteristics
55 cubic feet (135 boxes)
Physical Location
Personal Papers Collection, Acc. 34126
Language
English

Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Use Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

Gravely Family Papers, 1753-1988. Accession 34126, Personal Papers Collection, The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.

Acquisition Information

Gift of the Estate of Richard P. Gravely, Jr., 1989.

Biographical/Historical Information

The Gravely family resided primarily in Henry County, Virginia. They are early tobacconists and industrialist in the area. Their interest expanded to include furniture manufacturing. The principals in this collection are Henry Clay (1857-1942), Hope Thomas (1861-1947), Benjamin F., Richard P. Gravely, Sr. (1885-1962); C. Y. and Bettie Sheffield, and Mary Ann Reamey Thomas (1834-1911); and Alberta Gravely and William L. Fernald.

Scope and Content Information

Papers, 1753-1988, of the Gravely family of Henry County, Virginia, including business papers, correspondence, genealogical notes, photographs, legal documents, and transcripts. Major correspondents are Harry C. Gravely, his wife Hope T., their son Richard P. Gravely, Sr., her parents Christopher Y. and Mary Ann Reamey Thomas, and her sister in law Betty Sheffield.

The collection has been arranged into series including: Incoming Personal Correspondence, Personal Files, Genealogical Notes, Subject Files, Legal Documents, Ledgers, Miscellaneous, Transcripts, Business Records, and Photographs.

The incoming personal correspondence is arranged into 7 subseries. Subseries have been designated for Harry C. Gravely, Hope T. Gravely, Richard Gravely, Sr., Betty Sheffield Thomas, Christopher Y. Thomas, Mary Thomas, and miscellaneous. The integrity of the personal files of Richard P. Gravely, Jr. has been maintained. Included in his personal files is substantial information on philatelic matters. There follows an extensive genealogical collection arranged alphabetically by family. Artificially-created subject files follow. These were compiled from unarranged loose items and include some biographical information. Legal documents relating to the Fernald, Gravely, and Thomas families follow. There are typed transcripts of Benjamin F. and Peyton Gravely, and Christopher Y. Thomas correspondence, S. J. Mullins diary, and the ship's log of the "Omega."

A large collection of early business records is included in the collection. Family and individual business accounts, letters and receipts is the first part of this section. A section of private business papers for numerous individuals, arranged alphabetically, follows. B. F. Gravely, B. F. Gravely and Co., and B. F. Gravely and Sons business correspondence comprises the bulk of the company business records. Original order was maintained and there is private correspondence of B. F. Gravely mixed in this material. Additional business records for Peyton and Willis Gravely, Peyton Gravely, D. H. Spencer and Sons, Inc., as well as smaller concerns completes the business records section. Business ephemera consist substantially of catalogues, circulars, and flyers and alphabetically arranged covers. Included are records relating to the slaves of the Gravely family, including Bible records (see Acc. 39625) and account books.

Photographs and negatives of family members and for Henry and Patrick counties, and Martinsville (Henry County), Virginia people, former slaves of the Gravely family, and scenes complete the collection.

Contents List

Series I: Incoming personal correspondence
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Series II: Personal files, Richard P. Gravely, Jr.
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Series III: Personal files, Philately, Richard P. Gravely, Jr.
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Series IV: Genealogical notes
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Series V: Subject files
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Series VI: Legal documents
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Series VII: Miscellaneous
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Series VIII: Transcripts
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Series IX: Business records
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Series X: Ledgers
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Series XI: Postcards
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Series XII: Photographs and negatives
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