George E. May Papers

Access and use

Location of collection:
James Madison University
Second Floor Room 203, MSC 1704
Carrier Library
James Madison University
880 Madison Drive
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Tiffany Cole
Phone: (540) 568-3444
Phone: (540) 568-3612
Fax: (540) 568-3405
Restrictions:

Collection is open for research. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the James Madison University Special Collections Library to use this collection.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the James Madison University Special Collection Library. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).

Preferred citation:

[Identification of Item], [folder #], May, George E. Papers, 1930s, SC 0094, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 cubic feet 5 folders
Creator:
May, George Elliott, 1869-1960 and Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society
Abstract:
The George E. May Papers, 1930s, contain 44 chapters (some missing) of a carbon-copy typescript manuscript plus handwritten drafts and other notes on the history of Port Republic, Virginia. The manuscript is a draft of May's book Port Republic: The History of a Shenandoah Valley River Town that was published for the first time in 2002 - the 200th anniversary of the founding of Port Republic.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Identification of Item], [folder #], May, George E. Papers, 1930s, SC 0094, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The George E. May Papers, written in the 1930s, consist of approximately 44 numbered chapters of a typed manuscript, with some chapters missing, plus handwritten materials on the history of Port Republic, Virginia. The manuscript begins with a portrait of the land and the American Indians who inhabited it and goes on to detail the establishment of the town and its subsequent growth. Information concerning farming (references to the invention of the notched sickle used on the McCormick reaper), boating, industry, and schooling is included. Several chapters are devoted to the Civil War and Stonewall Jackson's victory at the Battle of Port Republic in 1862. Citizens of the town who were involved in wars through World War I are discussed, with additional genealogical chapters on the Carthrae, Burgess, Harper, Kemper, Harnsberger, Trout, Scott, Downs and Madden families. Other individuals mentioned include Zachariah Raines and local slave trader, George W. Eustler.

Biographical / historical:

Born in 1869, George Elliott May was a lifelong resident of Port Republic, Virginia. His primary occupation was woodworker and mill builder, but May's passion was local history, particularly that of Port Republic. He spent much of his life researching and collection information about his hometown, and his manuscript, entitled "A History of Port Republic," was the culmination of that endeavor. May died February 6, 1960 and is buried at Port Republic Cemetery.

Port Republic, Virginia, founded in 1802, is one of the oldest towns in Rockingham County. It particularly flourished during the 1820s and 1830s after the South Shenandoah River was made navigable for flatboats. It is best known today as the site of the Civil War Battle of Port Republic in 1862.

Acquisition information:
On deposit from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society, May 27, 1987.
Processing information:

In order to streamline the process of applying collection numbers, Special Collections staff completed a large-scale renumbering campaign in the spring of 2017. This collection was previously cataloged as SC 2055.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged in five folders divided by manuscript chapters.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard