Rockbridge County, Virginia, Legal Document for Bastardy

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

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.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Rockbridge County, Virginia, Legal Document for Bastardy, Ms2009-093, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Abstract:
This legal document details the process by which Mary McDowell–an unmarried woman of color–names the father of her child. The Justice of the Peace orders the father to make payments in support of his child.
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Rockbridge County, Virginia, Legal Document for Bastardy, Ms2009-093, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va

Background

Scope and content:

This legal document details the process by which Mary McDowell–an unmarried woman of color–names the father of her child. She was brought before the Justice of the Peace, J. T. Figgat, and asked to name the father of the child. McDowell named William Bowyer. Figgat ordered Bowyer to be arrested and brought into court so as to settle the matter. Figgat ordered Bowyer to pay a sum of "$140 for 7 years in 7 equal payments of $20 each."

Acquisition information:
The Rockbridge County, Virginia, Legal Document for Bastardy was purchased by Special Collections in May 2009.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Rockbridge County, Virginia, Legal Document for Bastardy commenced and was completed in June 2009.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard