James Davis Papers
Scope and Content
The collection consists of photocopies of James Davis' personal journals for July 6, 1861 - April 1, 1863, and May 2, 1864 - July 9 1865. Written while Davis was confined to his house by injuries, these journals offer detailed, educated comments of local events, the Civil War, literature, national politics, and a variety of other subjects. Consequently they serve as an excellent source for the personal thoughts of a prominent Vermonter in reaction to the events and issues in the state and around the country in the period 1861 to 1865.
Dates
- 1783-1868
Creator
- Davis, James, 1783-1868 (Person)
Language of Materials
English
Access:
Collection is open for research.
Publication Rights:
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to Mrs. Thaddeus L.L. Zelasko, 2 Tuxedo Place, Morristown, New Jersey 07960.
Biography
Born in North Kingston, Rhode Island, on August 8, 1783, James Davis graduated from Union College in 1809 and moved to St. Albans, Vermont, the following year. Admitted to the Vermont bar in 1812 Davis opened an office in North Hero and practiced law in a number of northwestern Vermont towns until 1819, when he moved back to St. Albans. He became a prominent figure in Franklin County, serving on the Governor's Council in 1829-30 and filling several terms in the 1840's and '50's as Judge of Franklin County Court and Judge of Probate. Davis suffered severe injuries in two falls in 1859 and 1860, and became an invalid the last eight years of his life. He died in St. Albans in 1868, after a "short and painful" illness.
Extent
1.0 Linear feet (2 boxes)
Abstract
The collection consists of photocopies of James Davis' personal journals for July 6, 1861 - April 1, 1863, and May 2, 1864 - July 9 1865. Written while Davis was confined to his house by injuries, these journals offer detailed, educated comments of local events, the Civil War, literature, national politics, and a variety of other subjects.
Physical Location
Silver Special Collections, Library Research Annex; contact uvmsc@uvm.edu for access.
Acquisition Information
The James Davis Journals were loaned to the University of Vermont for photocopying in August of 1978 by Mrs. Thaddeus L.L. Zelasko (2 Tuxedo Place, Morristown, New Jersey 07960), who has retained possession of the originals.
- Title
- Guide to the James Davis Papers, 1783-1868
- Status
- Completed
- Date
- 1998
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- English
Repository Details
Part of the University of Vermont Libraries, Special Collections Repository
Silver Special Collections Library
48 University Place, Room B201
Burlington Vermont 05405 U.S.A. US
(802) 656-2138
(802) 656-4038 (Fax)
uvmsc@uvm.edu
