Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

Collection is open to research.

Use Restrictions

Permission to publish material from the R. A. Scott Diary must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: R. A. Scott Diary, Ms2008-053 - Special Collections, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Va.

Acquisition Information

The R. A. Scott Diary was purchased by Special Collections in 1993.

Processing Information

The processing and description of the R. A. Scott Diary commenced in July, 2008 and was completed in August, 2008.

Biographical Information

R. A. Scott held the title of "overseer of [rail] roads" in Augusta County, Virginia, during the late nineteenth century. While no vital information exists on Scott, personal data can be gleaned from his diary documenting the years 1877 to 1882. In addition to his duties for the railroad, Scott was also a committed farmer and grew corn, rye, and wheat, in addition to maintaining hogs, cows, chickens and honey bees. Scott also dedicated much time to his family, as evident in his prolonged maintenance of his "Papa's" field. Religious devotions also figured prominently in Scott's life. Scott and family members, Mary and Bettie, regularly heard the sermons of various (likely itinerant) preachers. Although no record links Scott to a particular railroad company, the frequent mentions of trips to Harrisonburg, Virginia, indicate that his employer was likely the B&O.

Scope and Content

The R. A. Scott Diary documents the daily routine, religious practices, farming schedules, and employment of the "overseer of [rail] roads" in Augusta County, Virginia, during the late nineteenth century. Also provided in the diary are detailed lists of personal finances (debits and credits), livestock births, weather conditions, and the amount of eggs sold in 1878. Brief mentions of local deaths, marriages, and accidents also appear. Among the geographical locations mentioned are Harrisonburg and Rockingham Mineral Springs. The collection includes one handwritten diary and 2 receipts: one from the State School Fund from the Stonewall School District and the other records the failure of a Mr. William Johnson to work on the railroad for one day.