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Special Collections Research Center
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Thomas G. Wynne Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.
Acc. 2015.167 was received by Special Collection from the donor, a descendant of Thomas G. Wynne, in 2015.
This collection contains letters, sermons, financial records and other material pertaining to Thomas G. Wynne of James City County Virginia. Wynne graduated from William & Mary as the valedictorian in 1854, and a copy of his valedictory speech is included in the collection along with his diploma. After graduation, Wynne taught in the James City County schools, and a sample report card from the 1880s can be found in the collection. Also included in the collection is Wynne's William & Mary Phi Beta Kappa key.
The fragile nature of this material may limit handling.
Diploma located in MS Oversize Box 8, 2283 P
Correspondence includes letters with Thomas Wynne and others who are relatives or of unknown relationships: Laura Newman, Margaret A. Jones, J. R. Baxter, H. Halstead, Louisa Coulling, Linda Watts, C.S.M. See. Sallie Coulling, Henry Preston and unknown.
1854 Diploma from William & Mary for Thomas Wynne who was the valedictorian of his class.
"Thomas George Wynne, Elder of Lebanon Church", by Frederick W. Boelt, typescript, 3 pp.
"Dear Maggie", signed "Ever your friend, Laura Newman." Appears to be addressed to "Hon.[Mrs?] T. G. Wynne, At home". "Take care of my piano for a few months?"
"Aunt" apparently is Miss Louisa Baxter (end of 2d letter) from Hampden Sidney College, Prince Edward. Wishes letters didn't have to be answered. In 1860 she writes that she dislikes college and studying; not interested in pleasure or popularity; never expect to be a Christian; hope this doesn't pain you; please don't repeat it; give Sally [ ] in Lexington my compliments; Will has not written; my love to all my aunts.
Sheriff of James City County, H. Halstead, notifies unknown that he shall claim the property levied on him and the property will be "as a part of my homestead."
Correspondence from Unknown to his brother, Cutter."Dear Bro. Cutler" [perhaps bro in Christ, not actual bro]; have succeeded in making Lebanon fit for worship; when will you preach to us? We love you as a man & admire you as a speaker. 1 small sheet, unsigned, with notes in another hand on back.
A note from H.K.Harwood about cutting wood, 1868 Oct 26, postcard from R.H.Wynne, Newport News, 1891 July 14, about going to teach at Bethany College and not being able to preach at Lebanon after September, and a postcard from C. Yeuell (?), Toano, 1903 Aug 27, about getting an appointment at Lebanon Church.
(1) To Cousin Luly, from cousin Ellen Stubbs, Richmond, 1856 Jan 21; have not written to you before; went to Grand Pa's & wished you were there; had school today; Uncle Robert did not teach but Miss Margaret did; you must call me Ellen, no longer Douggie; with a P.S. on back from Jennie: miss you badly, and Aunt Mary. 1 sheet (2) My dearest one, from your husband Jas. D. Coulling, Danville, 1865 Nov 23; attending Conference; do not know where I'll be assigned. On back: Another letter, from someone who is sick; mentions not knowing where new home will be; Sid wishes you were here; perhaps JDC's wife, to her son, forwarding JDC's letter. 1 sheet. (3) To "Miss Lou", from Joseph W. Shackford, Orange Grove, 1866 Oct 24; remember pleasant hours in your society, especially on the old Mattapony river; many changes since we parted in Richmond a year ago; how is little Sidney? I expect to come to NC this winter to school in Lenoir. P.S.: "Direct to Bruington P.O. King & Queen Co". 1 folded sheet, 3 pp. (4) "Dear Lou", from your cousin Mallory A. Sheild, University of Va, 1866 Dec 9; eloquent expression of sympathy "to ease your mourning" for her father's death (who served God). 1 sheet, 2 pp. (5) Same, 1867 Feb 17; in midst of intermediate exams; knew each other in childhood; blames war for loss of ambition; refers to self as "picayune country physician"; "remember me to Mrs Coulling; your little brother I expect has forgotten me. 1 sheet, 2 pp. (6) To Miss Louisa T[?] Coulling (Dearest Cousin), Sweetwater, TN; from Bettie [Mrs C. P. Edwards?], Portsmouth VA, 1879 June 1; I'm a happy wife & mother of 3; your aunt Mary Finley now lives next door to me. 1 small folded sheet, 4 pp, w/env.
(1) To Miss Louisa T. Coulling, ??? College, Bristol, TN, from Bettie, Portsmouth, VA, 1880 Dec 7; sorry you've been so sick; Mr Edwards has moved his store to Norfolk, but we'll not move there; much about relatives; my love to your brother Sidney. 4 small sheets, w/env. (2) "My dear friend, Miss Louisa Baxter, Lexington, from E[?], Charleston, WV, 1887 Feb; sympathy in loss of your sister, whom you cared for many months; don't know where we will go. 1 sheet, 2 pp, w/env. (3) My dear Miss Louisa [Baxter], Lexington, from your friend & pupil John D. Letcher[?], Gallipolis, OH, 1887 Feb 27; sympathy upon Miss Lavina's[?] death; 1 folded sheet, 2 pp, w/env. (4) To Miss Louisa Baxter, Lexington, "Mr & Mrs T. M. Semmes – At Home – Fri, June 13" [1890]; card of Mr & Mrs B. B. Semmes enclosed; 1 sheet, w/env. (5) "My Dear Cousin" [Miss Louisa Baxter], Lexington, from Corinne[?], Greenville, Alabama, 1890 Aug 25; much about travels & relatives; hopes to be a music teacher. 2 folded sheets and 1 half sheet, 10 pp, w/env.
(1) "Dear Sister Coulling", from T. Edward & Mary E. Martin, Concord, Campbell County, April 24; glad to receive the photo of late minister Bro. C., whose memory we'll cherish; please visit. 1 sheet, 2 pp. (2) "My Dear Aunt Lou" [Miss Louisa Baxter], Lexington, from MLC[?], Richmond]?], May 6[?]; Willie is much better, got a discharge from the army; what a glorious victory we had at Chancellorsville. 1 torn sheet, w/env. (3) "My Dearest Lou", from Your poor mother, MLC[?], Jeffersonville, May16; apparently nervous and sick; if you come it will save me all trouble with Sid, who's learning to do for himself; gives directions for trip; come at once. 1 folded sheet & 1 half sheet, 6 pp. (4) :My Dear Lou, from ???, Richmond, 1871[?]Sept 26; received letter from Mr Taylor; sign the receipt]?] instead of the one I last sent. 1 small sheet.
(1) Miss Lina[?] Watts, Blue Stone, Va (My Dear Little Friend), from Your true friend, W. H. Leith [?], Marion, VA, 1885 Dec 26; your card made me sad; why will you not return? Have they not treated you well? I'm deeply concerned for you happiness; I know you're happy with your cousin Miss Lou; how can I think of seeing you no more? With much love. 1 long folded sheet, 3 pp. (2) My Dear Miss Lina [Watts], Blue Stone, Va; from Rev D. S. Hearon, Sullins College, A Christian home for school girls, Bristol, TN, 1885 Dec 26; you gave me a pleasant surprise yesterday; sorry you are to leave the S. West; remember me to Miss Lou & Douglas. 1 sheet (Sullins College stationery), w/env.
(1) "Dear Sister Coulling", from W. P. Beaman[?], Murfreesboro, NC, 1867 Feb 25; I did not present your name to the Board for the situation spoken of; regret not having you with us. 1 small sheet. (2) "My Dear Sister"; envelope not very clear: to Mrs[?] Coullling, care of Mr. Baxter, Wytheville, Va.; from Sister ?, Richmond, 1869 April 15; we miss you all here dreadfully; will you go to Alabama? About others; I'm in the schoolroom and only the girls know I am writing. 1 folded sheet, 4 pp. (3) Note to Wm Coulling, Lancaster & Co, Richmond, from Tazwell Taylor[?], Norfolk, 1869 Nov 11; thank Souly[?] for the photo of his dear mother. 1 small sheet, w/env. (4) To Mary Coulling, Tazewell, VA, from Cousin Martha, Farmville, 1944 May 31 [??? With envelope postmarked 1948 May 26]; Mrs Pohst[?] will take me this summer in Tazewell for room & board; will be so glad to be near you. 1 small sheet, w/env.
(1) "My dear aunts", 1880 Feb 18, from Monterey, Va.; rec'd notice of Uncle Sidney's death; can't visit anyone & neglect duties to my churches. 1 folded sheet, 4 pp. (2) To Rev. Danl. A Penick, from Milford, TX, 1892 March 29; sympathy to you and the children, upon cousin E's death; need to move from TX for my wife's health and mine; might seek to spend summer in Lexington Presby. & then work east of Blue Ridge in Va or NC. 1 folded sheet, 4 pp.
One sheet apparently torn off a larger sheet; Much is undecipherable, but seems to be about old people in a home.
"To whom it may concern", from Henry Preston, Bank of Clinch Valley, Tazewell, VA, 1914 July 1; on envelope: "Recommending Miss Lou T. Coulling"; Miss Coulling, through long experience of successful teaching, is worthy of the high esteem in which she is held in the profession; my children have been under Miss C the past few years; she cannot be recommended too highly. 1 sheet (Bank of C V stationery), w. env.
(1) "My dear sister"; from Walnut Grove, 1863 Sept 26; 1 folded sheet, 4 pp; possibly in two handwritings: letter and answer ? about relatives and friends, teaching positions, getting books and corsets, men going off to war. . .; no signature. (2) "My own dear son"; from Glenwood[?], 186? June 27; love you, often think of you, want you with me; much about Lizzie's[?] sickness and death; 1 folded sheet, 4 pp. (3) "My dear Friend", Feb 3; from M.?. C.; got news of the death of dear Miss Louisa[?]; so sorry for you; 1 folded sheet, 4 pp.
Blanks for seller, county name, price, slave girl's name; 1863 June [blank for day]; no signature; 1 sheet; one side only
(1) "Contract between Thos G. Wynne & Jacob Smith"; 1866 April 12; for ¼ of crop, JS to have use of a tenement and lot of land, 2-20 acres, being part of TGW's farm, known as Green Mount, in Jas City Count, for I year; with signature of Wynne and X of Smith; 1 small sheet, handwritten; apparently a copy without the seals. (2) "Contract between Thomas G. Wynne Agt & Wm. W. Lee & Lewis S. Charles"; 1867 November 6; TGW is agt of Wm. B. Wynne; for ¼ of crop, Lee & Charles to have use of WBW's farm known as Helicon in Jas City County, for I year; with 3 signatures; 1 small sheet, handwritten; apparently a copy without the seals. (3) "Contract between Thos G. Wynne Agt & James Paterson from January 1st 1868 to [ditto] 1869"; 1868 January 2; TGW is Agt for Wm. B. Wynne; for 15 Dollars, JP to have use of a piece of land known as "Low Quarter", belonging to Locust Grove Farm, James City Co., for 1 year; with signature of TGW and X of JP; 1 small sheet, handwritten; apparently a copy without the seals. (4) Contract between Thomas G. Wynne and Jacob Smith; 1868 March 27; for 36 Dollars, JS to have use of 18 acres, a part of Green Mount Farm, for the time necessary to have a crop of corn; with signature of TGW and mark of JS; 1 small sheet, handwritten; apparently a copy without the seals.
(1) Lee Hall, Va, Jan 1st/ '83, Thos G. Wynne, for shoes; one small handwritten sheet. (2) Meyers Bros. Dry Good, Newport News, Va., Aug[?] 22, 1892, Mrs. E. W. Milstead, for salad bowls, plaque, and glasses; handwritten on a small printed form.
One blank check, with blank date, 18--.
Typescript on four one-sided sheets; at end: "Valedictory Address delivered by Thomas George Wynne on July 4, 1854, on the occasion of his graduation from the College of William and Mary. Transcribed by Frederick W. Boelt"; the speech focuses on two heroes: James Otis and Patrick Henry; includes a tribute to college instructors, and thanks to Friends of Williamsburg.
Handwritten of the Valedictory Address on ten one-sided sheets, sewn together with thread
Photocopy of undated article about a yellowed clipping from a Norfolk paper of unknown date that had been received by the W&M alumni office; clipping included list of a number of graduates of the college; using the names, the alumni office dated the clipping as June 1853; then quoted the clipping, with list of degree recipients and 8 speakers, the last of whom was "T. G. Wynne–Subject: The patriots of '76 with the valedictory". 1 sheet.
Five handwritten notes for religious services, including a marriage.
Five handwritten sheets, apparently notes for religious services, including a marriage ceremony.
Transcription of a poem by Nathaniel Cotton.
Blank form.
(1) "Edmund Wynne, born Mar 26th 1744. . ."; 1 folded sheet, 4 pp; various handwriting. (2) "Wm Whitaker, of Warwick Co Va who married Franky Wynne . . . 1783. . ."; 2 folded sheets, 8 numbered pp; handwritten. (3) "Col Myles Cary born in Bristol England in 1619 or 1620 . . ."; 2 sheets, 4 numbered pp; handwritten. (4) "Warwick Co Va July 6, 1880; Mr. E. S. Whitaker, Sir, Your letter and circular to my husband H. H. Wynne clerk of Warwick courts. . . [I] have intended writing you 'What I know about the Whitakers'. . . "; unsigned; 2 sheets, 3 numbered pp; handwritten. (5) "'What I Know About' Whitakers who intermarried with Wynnes"; 2 sheets, 4 numbered pp; handwritten. (6) "Richard Harrison[?] Whitaker was born October 17th 1794. . ."; names wives and children of RHW; 1 small sheet, 2 pp; handwritten. A typewritten note in front of folder, [probably written by F. W. Boelt], discusses compilers and provenance of these documents. Compiler of (1) is not known. Documents on Whitaker and Cary families were compiled by Mary Elizabeth Cary Wynne, wife of Humphrey Harwood Wynne, Jr. Docs passed down through relatives to F. W. Boelt.
(1) Appendix C: Descendants of Edmund & Mary Wynne; typewritten transcript of (1) in previous folder; 3 pp. Note at bottom of p. C-1 indicates "writer not identified but later part and additions made by Miles Wills Wynne (1876-1961), indicated as "B" and underlined". (2) Appendix E; typewritten transcript of (4) and (2) in previous folder; 5 pp. Note at bottom of p. E-1: "Transcribed by Myles Johnson, Washington, D.C. – April 1985. . . The author of this unsigned letter was Mary Elizabeth Cary Wynne (1830-1909), daughter of William H. Wynne, Jr. (1806-1846) and husband [sic] of Humphrey H. Wynne, Jr. (1814-1892)." Note on p. E-2 at 'End of letter' indicates that (2) was apparently an attachment to the 1880 July 6 letter. (3) Appendix G: Descendents of Colonel Myles Cary; typewritten transcript of (3) in previous folder; 4 pp. Note at bottom of p. G-1 indicates the transcriber was Myles Johnson, June 1985,and the manuscript was written by Mary Elizabeth Cary Wynne. (4) Appendix H: "What I Know About" Whitakers who intermarried with Wynnes; typewritten transcript of (5) and (6) in previous folder; 3 pp. Note at bottom of p. H-1 indicates the transcript is by Myles Johnson, January 1986, from the manuscript written by Mary E. C. Wynne, undated. Note on p. H-3 at end of transcript of (5) indicates that the small note (6) apparently was attached to (5). (5) A second transcript of (6); 1 typewritten page, unattributed.
Eulogy for Wm. H. Wynne, son of H. H. and Mary E. Wynne of Warwick Co.
Handwritten, on one side of many sheets, with about 4-7 days per sheet; 1861-1-1 thru 1862-1-4; month and year at top of each page, along with 'Green Mount'; weather and farm observations, along with visitors, war news, etc.
(1) "Greenmount Farm Journal, January 1, 1861 – January 6, 1862"; by Frederick Wills Boelt; 6 typewritten pages; 3 paragraphs with property owners, from 1768, and brief description of the farm journal; the remaining entries are notes on people and places mentioned in the journal. (2) A typewritten transcript of the journal in previous folder; approximately 85 sheets.
One printed sheet; "on Tuesday Evening, November 28th, 1894, For the Sole Benefit of the Widow and Children of the late W. T. Bromley, 3rd Officer of the S.S. 'Berlin,' who was lost overboard on her last voyage. . ."; piano solos, recitations, and songs.
One partial, stapled booklet of tear-out, printed tickets: "1924 . . . Democratic National Convention, New York, June 24th; DELEGATE; ______ Session [tickets here for 7th-15th session]; Main Floor . . . Entrance 26th Street. . ."
Printed copies of several color photos of exterior and interior of house, with a brief account of Greenmount's history and layout, by Frederick Wills Boelt, Toano. "The house was destroyed by fire in November 1994."
Five sheets with photocopies of seven photographs of Wynnes and Emmett W. Milstead.
One photograph (early 1880's) on a stiff board, and one typewritten sheet (2015) with notes on Lebanon Church and Dr. Humphrey Harwood and Maria Eliza Curtis in the photo, by Frederick Wills Boelt.
Keepsake Album, Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott & Co.; bound, 7x8 in.; alternating blank white and blue leaves, with an occasional engraved illustration; inside front cover, in ink: "Miss Louisa T. Coulling, Dec 25th 1859"; in ink on title page: "Louisa T. Coulling from her Mother"; in ink on leaf after title page: "Dedication", signed by W.E.J., Charlottesville Va, Nov. 9th 1860; among the few scattered entries: a 'letter' to Dear Lou, from your Paster Wm. E. Judkins, Charlottesville Va. Nov. 9th 1860; a 'farewell' to Lulie? from Ginnie?, S. F. College[?], 1863; another 'farewell' to Dearest Lou, from Your attached cousin [illegible], Charlesville [sic] Va., Sept 30th, 1862; "Wishing to be remembered, dear friend . . .", signed Orie, Fern Lea, October 7th, 1862; and near back: To Loulie, a poem, With much love, signed H. A. Rouzie [?], Fern Lea, Oct. 9th 1863. Four inserted items: (a) a handwritten poem on one page of a folded sheet, addressed to Mary [?] Baxter, from her affect. Cousin, Selina Wheaton[?] (b) a handwritten poem, "A Vision", on both sides of a folded blue sheet; illegible signature at end; (c) a note on one side of a small lined sheet: Dear Lou, "I did not know I was so sick. . . Do with my body as you think best. . ." signed Mary Coulling; (d) a handwritten poem, "To Little Brother", on both sides of a small sheet, unsigned.
Newport News Va, Aug. 16, 1899; E. W. Milstead. . . to J. H. Madison my salary as ship keeper. . . [signed] O. G. Derring; note at bottom: "As security for $100 borrowed by Joe Madison"; handwritten.
Three typewritten sheets, by Frederick Wills Boelt; with brief biographical info on Emmett Ward Milstead, and transcript of a newspaper article, "The Secrets of Fox-Hunting Laid Bare", by The Raconteur, that mentions Sgt Milstead; the article is undated, but possibly 1899.
The Standard Diary 1893 Published for The Trade: bound, 3x7 in.; inside front cover, in pencil: "E. W. Milstead, Feby 17th 1893, Newport News, Va."; front matter includes calendar, weights & measures, interest table, postal rates, poison antidotes, population figures, legal holidays, presidents of the US, tide tables, sun & moon tables by month, etc.; bulk of volume is a diary with one page per day; back matter includes cash account pages per month, bills payable by month, and several pages for addresses. Inserts inside front cover: (a) a 'promise to pay' to E. W. Milstead, for $400, dated 1914-12-14; (b) a Victory Liberty Loan note, Citizens and Marine Bank, Newport News, undated, E. W. Milstead deposited $5000. There are a few scattered diary entries: a cure for dyspepsia (Jan 1), notes on official duties as sheriff, "went out fox hunting…" (Feb 21), bills paid, notes on weather, "started for Washington to day to the Inauguration of Cleveland (Mar 1), left Wash for Balti…, secured prisoner & left for Washington, took steamer Norfolk for home (Mar 5), sold my horse buggy…(Apr 6), "Nannie & Mother discussed the subject of love very elaborately: (Jun 16); some entries are cryptic/illegible.
Leather notepad with notes generally about money matters. Notepad was used with a carbon. Notes are scattered thoughout the pad. Inside front cover, in pencil: T. E. Milstead Sheriff Warwick Co, Va, Thomas E. Milstead Died Sept 21st 1880, Written by his son E. W. Milstead; E. W. Milstead Sept 24th 1880. Handwritten receipts for payments by T. E. Milstead, sheriff, for allowance (wages?) and various payments, 1869-1872, signed by payees; lists of contents (plants, apparently) of several Flats; numerous blank pages; "To my sweetheart, If you love me Keep my Commandments, R. E. Drummond"; near back: Accounts of 1877, Eliz. H. & E. A. Milstead.
One gold Phi Beta Kappa Key that belonged to Thomas G. Wynne while attending the College of William and Mary. The front of the key has 6 stars, the Greek letters for Phi Beta Kappa, and a hand pointing towards the Beta letter. The reverse of the key is inscribed "Tho. G. Wynne," the letters P, B, and K in cursive, and Dec. 5th, 1776, the year of the founding of Phi Beta Kappa.
One gold Phi Beta Kappa Key that belonged to Thomas G. Wynne while attending the College of William and Mary. The front of the key has 6 stars, the Greek letters for Phi Beta Kappa, and a hand pointing towards the Beta letter. The reverse of the key is inscribed "Tho. G. Wynne," the letters P, B, and K in cursive, and Dec. 5th, 1776, the year of the founding of Phi Beta Kappa.
1.5 diameter coin with Good Conduct Coin on one side and Reward of Superior Merit on the other. Made from a silverish metal.