Henry Gassaway Davis (1823-1916) Papers
Collection
Collection Number: A&M 1028
Papers and news clippings of Democratic politician and industrialist Henry Gassaway Davis (1823 - 1916) regarding his political and business career. Includes newspaper clippings, private account books, correspondence, and other personal papers relating to West Virginian and national politics and industry in the Gilded Age.
The original collection was one reel of microfilm containing two private account books (1867-1915), a letter book (1898-1916), and miscellaneous clippings, newspapers, letters, and printed items. The 1996 addendum added an additional letter book (January 4 - March 16, 1914), and three scrapbooks of newspaper clippings and other papers regarding West Virginian Politics, National News, and Industry. The 1997 2011addendum added an additional scrapbook containing invitations and newspaper clippings regarding Davis's political and business career.
The Private Account books record Davis's various financial ventures, including his various businesses, land bought and sold, campaign expenses, charitable contributions, and the personal expenses of himself and his family. The assorted papers on microfilm are interspersed between the record books, and include newspaper clippings, correspondence, and financial papers. The scrapbooks are mostly newspaper clippings regarding Davis's political career and businesses, as well as news relevant to these ventures. Topics include elections; parties and platforms; legislation and public opinion relating to railroad and coal industry; markets, trade and tariffs; as well as some on labor unrest and Reconstruction. In addition to newspaper clippings, scrapbooks also include other personal papers such as correspondence and invitations. Letter books have a last name index at the front and include copies of correspondence from Davis. Correspondence and invitations are related to his personal, political, and business affairs, and are with employees, associates, as well as national and international figures.
The microfilm was made from materials loaned by the Davis Estate in 1958; the WVRHC does not have the original materials.
No special access restriction applies.
Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website.
0.94 Linear Feet (1 reel of microfilm, 1.75 in.; 2 flat storage boxes, 3 in. each; 1 flat storage box, 3.5 in.)
English
West Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown, WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536 / URL: West Virginia & Regional History Center
Part of the West Virginia and Regional History Center Repository