Scott, R. A., Diary R. A. Scott Diary, 1877-1882 Ms.2008.053

R. A. Scott Diary, 1877-1882 Ms.2008.053


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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

Emily Cook, Student Assistant

Repository
Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech
Identification
Ms.2008.053
Title
R. A. Scott Diary 1877-1882
Quantity
0.1 Cubic Feet, 1 folder
Creator
Scott, R. A.
Language
The materials in the collection are in English.
Abstract
The diary of R. A. Scott documents the life of the "overseer of [rail] roads " from Augusta County, Virginia, from 1877 to 1882. The collection includes one diary and two receipts. Information on the railroad, farming, religion, and local deaths also appears.

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.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], R. A. Scott Diary, Ms2008-053, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

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 Note

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.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

  • Local/Regional History and Appalachian South
  • Railroad

Rights Statement for Archival Description

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

Container List

folder 1
Diary
1877-1882