Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

Collection is open to research.

Use Restrictions

Permission to publish material from the Sessler Watkins Letter must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Sessler Watkins Letter, Ms2008-084 - Special Collections, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Acquisition Information

The Sessler Watkins Letter was purchased by Special Collections in 1994.

Processing Information

The processing and description of the Sessler Watkins Letter commenced and was completed in October, 2008.

Biographical Information

Sessler Watkins, an employee of a West Virginia mining company at the turn of the twentieth century, was likely Joseph Sessler Watkins, the son of James B. and Mattie Watkins, born in Haymakertown (Botetourt County), Virginia on March 1, 1892. In 1918, Watkins was living in Detroit, where he worked as a conductor on the Detroit United Railway. During World War I, he served as a corporal in the U. S. Army. Registering for the draft during World War II, Watkins listed his residence as Troutville, Virginia and his employer as the Hercules Powder Company of Radford, Virginia. Joseph Sessler Watkins died on March 22, 1966

Scope and Content

This collection consists of a letter from Sessler Watkins, an employee of a mining company in Cary, West Virginia at the turn of the twentieth century. Addressing his mother in Troutville, Virginia, Watkins describes his experiences living and working in a mining town. Watkins discusses entertainment, boarding arrangements and rates, and company housing. Included as well is the letter's envelope.