A Guide to the Papers of James A. Bear, 1922-1957 and undated Bear, James A., Papers of 8483-f

A Guide to the Papers of James A. Bear, 1922-1957 and undated

A Collection in
The Special Collections Department
Accession Number 8483-f


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Funding: Web version of the finding aid funded in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Processed by: Sharon Defibaugh

Repository
Special Collections, University of Virginia Library
Accession number
8483-f
Title
Papers of James A. Bear, 1922-1957, and undated
Physical Characteristics
This collection consists of one scrapbook and about 65 other items, formerly placed in the front of the scrapbook.
Language
English

Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Use Restrictions

See the University of Virginia Library’s use policy.

Preferred Citation

Papers of James A. Bear, Accession #8483-f, Special Collections Dept., University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, Va.

Acquisition Information

These papers were given to the University of Virginia Library by James A. Bear, Jr., Ivy, Virginia, on November 27, 2000.

Biographical/Historical Information

James A. Bear was born in Rockingham County, Virginia, and graduated from Salem High School. He earned his degree in law at the University of Virginia and practiced law in Roanoke from 1903 until his death. Bear was an attorney in Roanoke when he first ran for the Virginia House of Delegates in 1923, being elected for the terms in 1924, 1926-1927, 1928, 1930, and 1946-1947. He also served as the president of the Roanoke Bar Association; member (1914-1918) and president of the Board of Alderman of the City of Roanoke (1916-1918); member of the Council of the City of Roanoke (1934-1940); and a member of the first State Highway Commission. Bear was also one of the founders of the First Federal Savings and Loan Association. He was married to Elise Sheppard, and they had two children, Mrs. Martin P. Burks and James Adam Bear, Jr.

Scope and Content Information

This collection consists of a scrapbook belonging to James A. Bear (1881-1956) of Roanoke, Virginia, and includes miscellaneous loose items of correspondence, printed materials and programs, news clippings, and speeches, ca. 65 items, 1922-1957 and n.d., formerly placed in the front of the scrapbook, and chiefly concerning Bear's civic and political activities.

The collection includes the following correspondents: H.S. Bales, George Preston Coleman (1870-1948), E. Griffith Dodson, Bill Harmon, L. D. James (City Clerk of Roanoke), J. Kenneth McCotter, Thomas B. Stanley, and Jim White. The speeches were all given when James A. Bear was a candidate for Roanoke City Council.

Also present is an oversize certificate issued upon Bear's election to the General Assembly in 1929 for the 1930 term.