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Collection includes original copies of correspondence relating to Virginia and West Virginia, as well as newspaper clippings, photographs, and research notes. Events pertaining to the Civil War and the formation of West Virginia are covered. Among the most important items are the private correspondence of Waitman T. Willey (1835-1861 and 1866-1868); data pertaining to education in Mason County, West Virginia (1861-1875); typescript copies of letters of Samuel Woods (see also A&M 1445); typescript copies of diary of Lieutenant Fabricius Augustus Cather (for originals, see A&M 3633); private correspondence (1939-1941); Mercer County records; Marion County records; McDowell County records; and Jackson, Mineral, Raleigh, Taylor, Pendleton, Pleasants, Greenbrier, and Wood County items. Also includes information relating to Harpers Ferry, Shepherdstown, and Parkersburg. Other matters of interest are contained in letters written by John Brown, Wills DeHass, and Alexander Boetler, and references to Stonewall Jackson, James Rumsey, genealogy of the Robertson family, and battles of the Civil War.

Correspondence of David Goff (ca. 1804-1878) of Beverly, West Virginia, an attorney and land promoter for Harrison, Randolph, and Tucker Counties. Goff became prosecuting attorney in 1835, served as a Colonel in the Virginia militia in 1844, was superintendent of Randolph County schools in 1853, served as a member of the Virginia Assembly, and was a West Virginia State Senator from Randolph County (1875-1877). Includes ten original letters, seven of which have been transcribed. Subjects include a proposed turnpike from Beverly to Fairmont; a Parkersburg to (Tygart) Valley River railway, Sons of Temperance, and West Virginia politics, 1871. Correspondents are Samuel Woods, Gideon D. Camden, William F. Wilson, and D. W. Shurtliff.