Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)Emily Cook, Student Assistant
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.
The collection is open for research.
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.
The R. A. Scott Diary was purchased by Special Collections in 1993.
The processing and description of the R. A. Scott Diary commenced in July 2008 and was completed in August 2008.
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.
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.
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/ ).