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], T. K. Catlett Letter, 1831, Ms2024-085, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The T. K. Catlett Letter was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in January 2017.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the T. K. Catlett Letter was completed in August 2024.

Biographical Note

Thomas K. Catlett (1796-1867) was a Reverand and Master Clergyman in Abingdon, Washington County, Virginia. He preached for the Methodist denomination and was a member of the Holston Conference for 40 years. Reverend T. K. Catlett was also a Free Mason. According to the 1860 census, he enslaved four people, including two children. T. K. Catlett died in a friend's home on February 25, 1867. As a Free Mason, T. K. Catlett was buried with Masonic honors.

External Sources:

United States Federal Census, 1860.

Baker, John A. P., W. F. Campbell, George V. Litchfield Jr. "Rev. Thos. K. Catlett." The Abingdon Virginian, March 01, 1867, p. Page 2, https://newscomwc.newspapers.com/image/584633495/?match=1&terms=Catlett&pqsid=gyjSXhlYMNfup3X6V8L1NQ%3A18479%3A2048517607, accessed on August 30, 2024.

"Rev Thomas K Catlett" entry, findagrave.com, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/158447059/thomas_k_catlett, accessed on August 30, 2024.

Scope and Content

This collection contains a letter from T. K. Catlett, a preacher from Abingdon, Virginia, to a merchant named James O. Lewis in Pemberton, South Carolina. The letter dated December 15, 1831, addresses books that T. K. Catlett purchased but did not receive. Catlett informs Lewis that the book merchants may contact him, and Catlett explains what to do if they do. Catlett also asks Lewis to dispose of the books should he receive them. Notation from Catlett says, "Should they not write to you on the subject, and the books come to hand, I would thank you to dispose of them in the best way you can for the concern." Later in the letter, Catlett discusses the weather and the South Carolina Annual Conference, likely a Methodist Conference.

Please note, the item is very fragile and should be handled with care.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Local/Regional History and Appalachian South

Rights Statement for Archival Description

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