Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
Business Number: 540-231-6308
specref@vt.edu
URL: http://spec.lib.vt.edu
John M. Jackson
Administrative Information
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 to research.
Preferred Citation
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], P. Johnston Diary, Ms1991-012, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
Source of Acquisition
The P. Johnston Diary was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 1991.
Processing Information
The processing and description of the P. Johnston Diary commenced and was completed in October, 2022.
Biographical Note
The keeper of this diary is identified as P. Johnston, an agent of the Virginia State Agricultural Society. Published accounts of the time period identify Peyton Johnston as an officer of the VSAS. Born in Ireland on December 16, 1810, Peyton Johnston Sr. is described by the 1860 federal census as a merchant living in Richmond, Virginia with wife Ann and seven children. The 1880 census lists his occupation as "retired druggist." Peyton Johnston died in Richmond on February 3, 1887, and was buried in the city's Hollywood Cemetery.
Scope and Content
This collection consists of a diary maintained by P. Johnston, identified as an agent of the Virginia State Agricultural Society. The diary is written on blank pages within a copy of Virginia State Agricultural Society, Officers, Rules and Regulations, and Schedule of Premiums, for 1874 , and Johnston's entries commence with his riding from the home of Mr. Moorhead in Fauquier County to see Robert Beverly on October 1, 1874. Through successive entries, Johnston recounts his travels throughout the state on behalf of the society, apparently charged with promoting the society and its upcoming 1874 fair. He names the many farmers that he meets along the way and describes their encounters. The nine-page diary ends on October 23, with Johnston arriving in Richmond from Lynchburg, where he had attended the local agricultural fair.
Rights Statement for Archival Description
The guide to the P. Johnston Diary by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).