Washington and Lee University, University Library Special Collections and Archives
The materials from Washington and Lee University Special Collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used should be fully credited with the source.
This collection is open for use.
Junius M. Fishburn Commonplace Book (RG 62.0061), Special Collections and Archives, James G. Leyburn Library, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Va.
Gift of Margaret Brown in 2025
Junius Matthew Fishburn was born in Waynesboro, Virginia on March 31, 1830. He graduated from Washington College, now Washington and Lee University, in 1848. He joined the faculty of Washington College in 1852 as a Professor of Latin. He was briefly married to Julia Junkin before his death at the age of 27 on March 26, 1858
This collection consists of one manuscript volume created by Junius M. Fishburn. He titled it "Commonplace Book No. 1." It is unclear if he began keeping his commonplace book while he was a student at Washington College, now Washington and Lee University, or if he began after joining the faculty in 1852. The notebook is a collection of information he wanted to remember and/or revisit and includes a variety of subjects including Latin, quotes, European history, and what appear to be his own musings.