Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction . Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication . Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open to research.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], James Morris Hicks Letter, Ms1988-065, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The James Morris Hicks Letter was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 1988.

Processing Information

The processing and description of this letter commenced and was completed in April, 2021.

Biographical Note

James Morris Hicks, son of Robert William and Frances Ann Morris Hicks, was born in Bedford County, Virginia, on July 29, 1877. Hicks studied mechanical engineering at Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute (VPI), graduating in 1901. While at VPI, he held various positions of leadership, serving as class secretary, treasurer, vice president and president; edited the Gray Jacket (1898-1899); and belonged to the Maury Literary Society and the Engineering Club. After graduating, Hicks worked as a colliery superintendent at the Hudson Coal Company in Scranton, Pennsylvania and also managed his father's tobacco farm. James Morris Hicks died in April 3, 1966, and was buried in Fort Hill Memorial Park, Lynchburg, Virginia.

Scope and Content

This collection consists of a four-page letter written by James Morris Hicks, a student at Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute (now Virginia Tech). Writing to his father on December 5, 1897, Hicks thanks his father for a seven-dollar money order. He continues by discussing cadet drills, his work in the foundry, and his election as vice president of the freshman class. He finishes by responding to his father's news about his crops and cattle and other family matters.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Campbell County (Va.)
• Local/Regional History and Appalachian South
• University History
• Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute (1896-1944)

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the James Morris Hicks Letter by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).