The John F. Early papers consist of the letters and diary of cadet John F. Early (1830-1894), who attended VMI from 1848 to 1850. The one volume diary-notebook contains short and sporadic entries regarding daily routines and special events. The diary contains one of the earliest references to Superintendent Francis H. Smith as "Spex" (April 30, 1850). The diary also contains lists of cadets, room occupants, and the poetry of Sara Henderson Smith ("The Old Gray Coat") and others. The five letters were written to family members and include details of cadet life and family and personal news.
John Fletcher Early was born in Lynchburg, Virginia on June 7, 1830 to Methodist Bishop John Early and Elizabeth Rives. He attended VMI from August 4, 1848 through July 4, 1850, but did not graduate. Prior to the Civil War he moved to Louisiana, where he was affiliated with the Southern Methodist publishing house. In May 1862 he enlisted in Captain C. E. Fenner's Battery, Louisiana Artillery and served until the end of the Civil War. His military records describe him as being 5 feet and 11 1/2 inches and having a dark complexion, gray eyes, and dark hair. Following the War, Early was employed by railroads in Nashville, Tennessee and Sanford, Florida. He married Eliza Bostwick and the couple had four children. Early died on September 28, 1894 in Sanford.
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John F. Early papers, 1848-1850. MS 0012. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.