PUBLIC "-//Radford University::University Archives::McConnell Library//TEXT (US::ViRa::ViRa7070::A Guide to the Dr. James Lewis Early Collection, 1891-1938)//EN" "ViRa7070.xml" A Guide to the Dr. James Lewis Early Collection, 1891-1938 Early, James Lewis 031 Andy Bristol Radford University, University Archives, McConnell Library © 2013 By Radford University. All rights reserved. Machine-readable finding aid derived from Database, created by Aaron Spelbring, November 2016 Description is in English A Guide to the Dr. James Lewis Early Collection, 1891-1938 A Collection in University Archives, McConnell Library, Radford University 031

University Archives, McConnell Library, Radford University 2013 Andy Bristol University Archives, McConnell Library, Radford University Descriptive Summary University Archives, McConnell Library, Radford University Dr. James Lewis Early Collection, 1891-1938 031 1.0 Linear feet (1 archival box). English Contains various newspaper clippings and numerous letters to Miss Melita Rorer Wilson (fiance and later wife) collected by Dr. James Lewis Early. Early, James L., 1876- Administrative Information Access Restrictions

An appointment for research is required. The collection is open for research. No interlibrary loan.

Use Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Dr. James Lewis Early Collection, Appalachian Collection, McConnell Library, Radford University, Radford, VA. Dr. James Lewis Early Collection, Accession # 031, University Archives, McConnell Library, Radford University

Accruals

No accruals are expected.

Biographical Information

Dr. James Lewis Early was a son of William K. Early and Miss Mary Louisa Belo. Dr. Early's father was a Veteran Confederate Soldier and served as a Private to Colonel A. C. Dunn and General W. E. Jones for about four years before being honorable discharged from Service. William K. Early also appears to be a close relative to General Jubal Early, Robert E. Lee's "Bad Old Man." - information came from Ancestry.com and from the materials in this collection.

James Lewis Early was born about 1876 in Virginia. He Resided in Saltville, Smyth, Virginia and worked for Mathieson Alkali Works as an Assistant Surgeon. On the evening of June 30, 1910 at 8:00 PM Dr. J. L. Early and Miss Melita Rorer Wilson were married in Radford. The Couple soon moved back to Saltville where they had a home established. Mrs. Dr. James Lewis Early was the daughter of William A. Wilson and Miss Mary Miller Wilson.

James Lewis Early was not only a prominent physician in Saltville, but he was also a prominent shooter. He loved the sport and even held onto newspaper clippings that recorded how well he did. He was also a member of the Elk's Lodge and received a postcard from the Elk House in Jacksonville, Florida.

In 1922 at the annual convocation of the Grand Lodge of Virginia he was elected deputy grand master of the Free and Accepted Masons - information came from Virginia Medical Monthly, volumes 47-48 page 727.

 Scope and Content

Correspondence, photographs, and printed materials (1891-1938) document the activities of Dr. James Lewis Early and his family.

Index Terms Early, James L., 1876- Virginia, Southwest Saltville (Va.)--History Contents List Photos of Dr. J. L. Early and other miscellaneous people, undated 1 1 Newspaper food recipes and clothing advertisements, undated 1 2 Dr. J. L. Early's shooting scores listed in the newspaper, undated 1 3 Check of 15 dollars to First National Bank, 1929 1 4 Southwest Corner - newspaper clipping , undated 1 5 Miscellaneous newspaper clipping, undated 1 6 Normal Review, Vol. 7, No. 9 - Stuart, VA, 1891 1 7 Correspondence between Rev. F.B. Layman and John Preston McConnell regarding General Early and Daniel Boon - Deed, 1935 1 8 Happenings in Saltville - newspaper clipping, undated 1 9 Early/Wilson Marriage - newspaper clipping, 1910 1 10 Death of William A. Wilson - newspaper clippings, 1923 1 11 Golden Wedding Announcement - newspaper clipping, 1923 1 12 Death of Mrs. W. K. Early - newspaper clipping, undated 1 13 Postcard from Jacksonville, Florida with mention to membership to the Elks Lodge, undated 1 14 Letter to Mrs. W. A. Wilson from Addie Bradley Puig, 1910 1 15 Letter to Dr. Early from friend, 1927 1 16 Correspondence between M'ledge Moffett and Miss Anderson, 1938 1 17 Letters to Melita, August 23-December 24, 1909 1 18 Letters to Melita, January 2-February 7, 1910 1 19 Letters to Melita, February 8-March 28, 1910 1 20 Letters to Melita, April 5-28, 1910 1 21 Letters to Melita, May 4-June 23, 1910 1 22 Letters to Melita, undated 1 23