Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Use Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

Henry County (Va.) Election Records, 1870-1940 circa. Local government records collection, Henry County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va. 23219.

Acquisition Information

These items came to the Library of Virginia under accession number 53372.

Historical Information

Henry, like Patrick County, was named for Patrick Henry, who was the first governor of the commonwealth of Virginia. It was formed from Pittsylvania County in 1776. The county court first met on 20 January 1777. Part of Patrick County was added later in 1858. The county seat was previously in Martinsville but has been moved near Collinsville.

The 1902 voter registration books were created following the passage of the 1902 Virginia state constitution. The purpose of the 1902 state constitution was to maintain white suffrage while eliminating African-American voters by means of literacy tests as well as property and poll tax requirements.

Scope and Content

The Henry County (Va.) Election Records, 1870-1940 circa, consists of List of Colored Voters Registered, 1870-1890 circa for Martinsville Precinct and Horse Pasture Precinct; List of White Voters Registered, 1870-1940 circa for Martinsville Precinct; and miscellaneous election related records. Information found in the volumes includes date of registration; name of registered voter; date of birth; age; occupation; residence; length of residence in state, county, and precinct; if transferred from another precinct, and if so, when and to what precinct.