Francis Bell Letter, 1860

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Dr.
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 26041-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
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], Francis Bell Letter, 1860, Ms2024-088, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Bell, Francis, 1820-1893
Language:
The material in this collection is in English.
Abstract:
This collection contains a letter from Francis Bell (1820-1893), a cattle dealer from Augusta County, Virginia, to Major James R. Kent, an enslaver and plantation owner in Montgomery County, Virginia. In the letter dated October 18, 1860, Bell asks Kent to sell him his stock of cattle directly rather than going through the firm of Crouse and [Sons?].
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Francis Bell Letter, 1860, Ms2024-088, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains a letter from Francis Bell, a cattle dealer from Augusta County, Virginia, to Major James R. Kent, an enslaver and plantation owner in Montgomery County, Virginia. In the letter dated October 18, 1860, Bell asks Kent to sell him his stock of cattle directly rather than going through the firm of Crouse and [Sons?].

Biographical / historical:

Francis Bell (1820-1893) was an international cattle dealer from Augusta County, Virginia. He frequented Pulaski County and Montgomery County, Virginia, for business. He became well acquainted with Major James R. Kent, an enslaver and plantation owner in Montgomery County, through his work as a cattle dealer. Bell later married Kent's daughter, Sarah, in 1855. They settled in Pulaski County, where Bell would go on to become one of the largest land owners in the post-American Civil War era.

External Sources:

National Register Of Historic Places Registration Form. National Register of Historic Places. [Washington, D. C.: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places, 2003] Web. https://www.dhr.virginia.gov/VLR_to_transfer/PDFNoms/077-0045_Rockwood_2005_Final_Nomination.pdf, accessed on September 4, 2024.

"Francis Bell" entry, Findagrave.com. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/37956086/francis-bell, accessed on September 4, 2024.

Acquisition information:
The Francis Bell Letter was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in March 2017.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Francis Bell Letter was completed in September 2024.