Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
Business Number: 540-231-6308
specref@vt.edu
URL: http://spec.lib.vt.edu
Laura Katz Smith, Archivist
Administrative Information
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 for research.
Existence and Location of Copies
Some of this collection has been digitized and is available online .
Preferred Citation
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], James Randal Kent Papers, Ms1987-031, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
Source of Acquisition
The collection was donated to Special Collections and University Archives over several accruals from 1987 to 1990.
Processing Information
The processing, arrangement, and description of the James Randal Kent Papers was completed in 2001.
Biographical Note
James Randal Kent was a wealthy land owner and enslaver in Montgomery and Pulaski counties, Virginia.
Scope and Contents
The collection includes court records, correspondence, titheables to the Sheriffs of Montgomery and Pulaski counties, photographs, court summons, and other notes concerning Kent's property (Kentland), his business affairs, and estate. The collection also includes a letter from Kent at Bank of Blacksburg to William H. MacFarland of Richmond, Virginia.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged in chronological order.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
- Blacksburg (Va.)
- Kent family
- Kentland Farm
- Local/Regional History and Appalachian South
- Montgomery County (Va.)
Rights Statement for Archival Description
The guide to the James Randal Kent Papers by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).
Container List
A. Original materials
1. Legal documents (1825-1839): four of fines against various members of the Kent family.
2. Tax receipt (1864) for Montgomery County taxes received.
B. Photocopies of original materials
1. Financial records: tax receipts for Pulaski and Montgomery Counties (1849-1870), Confederate Army requisition receipt (1865)
2. Correspondence
Staunton, Va., Francis Bell to Maj. James R. Kent (February 11th, 1833[?]): concerns bad weather during his journey, and debt payment [copy is barely legible].
New River Montgomery, Sallie [?] to Gin [?] (May 1st, 1848): concerns their friendship, her impending marriage, and news of their friends.
[Illegible location], Samuel [?] Brownlee to Francis Bell (November [?] 21st, 1857[?]): concerns cattle and other business transactions [copy is barely legible].
Belle Meade, Susanna to "My kind and affectionate master," (June 3rd, 1862): concerns news about the Franklin relatives, their farm, her delay in returning due to a sick baby, and the death of "Uncle Alek" and Aunt Isabel. [typed transcription]
Spring Dale, to Cousin Sarah (February 6th, 1869): [subject unknown as the copy is barely legible].
Includes documentation such as wills, depositions, court decisions, and appeals relating to the legal battles over the Cloyd and Kent estates.
Includes documentation such as court and other legal fees; court suits, responses, and amendments; finances and assets; depositions; summons; commission decrees; copy of Kent will; and accounts of Kent estate assets.
Includes documentation such as court and other legal fees; court petitions, suits, responses, amendments, and judgements; depositions; summons; list of assets of Kent estate; list of judgements against the Kent estate; list of disbursements from Kent estate. [Photocopies and original documents].
Includes documentation such as court and other legal fees; court motions, rulings, and orders; receipts of payments from Kent estate; sale of stock in White Sulfur Springs from Kent estate; summons; accounts of Kent estate assets; lists of judgements against the Kent estate; and lists of disbursements from Kent estate.
Includes documentation such as court and other legal fees; court suits and amendments; depositions; tax list of land in Pulaski County (1866 and 1868); and contemporary correspondence and notes.
images of the main house and outbuildings, as well as one of James Randal Kent.
Kentland Farm Historic and Archaeological District (1994): copy of the National Register of Historic Places documentation for the Kentland Farm.