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], Rockbridge County, Virginia, Legal Document for Bastardy, Ms2009-093, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va

Source of Acquisition

The Rockbridge County, Virginia, Legal Document for Bastardy was purchased by Special Collections in May 2009.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Rockbridge County, Virginia, Legal Document for Bastardy commenced and was completed in June 2009.

Scope and Content

This legal document details the process by which Mary McDowell–an unmarried woman of color–names the father of her child. She was brought before the Justice of the Peace, J. T. Figgat, and asked to name the father of the child. McDowell named William Bowyer. Figgat ordered Bowyer to be arrested and brought into court so as to settle the matter. Figgat ordered Bowyer to pay a sum of "$140 for 7 years in 7 equal payments of $20 each."

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Bowyer, William
• Figgat, J. T.
• Legal instruments (Legal documents)
• Local/Regional History and Appalachian South
• McDowell, Mary

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the Rockbridge County, Virginia, Legal Document for Bastardy by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).