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Octavius Hileman Papers

 Collection
Identifier: Ms-2008-085

Scope and Content

This collection contains papers of Octavius Hileman, secretary/treasurer of the Luster Manufacturing Company. Written primarily by J. O. Luster, a manufacturer and dealer in tin and sheet iron ware in Fincastle, Virginia and president of Luster Manufacturing, the letters relate mostly to the company's business. He mentions the dissolution of the company and the unsettled accounts of stockholders. Luster writes that Hileman has not paid his salary and that he is prepared to take legal steps. The last letter relates to the sale of the company's machinery and Hileman's approval of the transaction.

The collection also contains letters from Alleghany County Treasurer Joseph T. Fudge, relating to Fudge's campaign for re-election and his party's slate of candidates. Fudge mentions his opponent's campaign, particularly among African American voters, and the people who are trying to defame him by publishing untrue allegations. Fudge ends with his capabilities and the reasons why people will vote for him.

Dates

  • Creation: 1890 - 1899

Creator

Access Restrictions

Collection is open to research.

Use Restrictions

Permission to publish material from the Octavius Hileman Papers must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.

Biographical Information

Octavius Hileman, the son of Joseph B. and Anne R. Hileman, was born in Pennsylvania in 1853. He lived with his family in Altoona and attended Gettysburg College from 1870 to 1871. After working in the lumber business in Michigan during the 1870s, Hileman moved to Virginia, where he engaged in the mining and shipping of iron ore, under the company name Hileman & Waring (later, the West Iron Gate Land Company). During the 1890s, Hileman served as the secretary/treasurer of the Luster Manufacturing Company. He retired to Athens, Georgia in 1931 and died there in 1943. In 1874, he had married Sarah A. Kimberley; the couple had three children: Marjorie, Joseph, and Grace.

Full Extent

0.1 Cubic Feet (1 folder)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Letters written to Octavius Hileman, secretary/treasurer of the Luster Manufacturing Company, mostly from company president and manager J.O. Luster, containing details of accounts, proposed dissolution of the company, and Luster's unpaid salary. Also contains letters from Alleghany County Treasurer Joseph T. Fudge concerning Fudge's 1899 campaign for re-election.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged chronologically.

Acquisition Information

The Octavius Hileman Papers were purchased by Special Collections.

Related Material

WEST IRON GATE LAND COMPANY. LEDGERS, 1879-1900. 5 vols. Clifton Forge, Allegany County, Virginia, pig iron manufacturer. Name changed from Hileman, Waring & Co. in 1890. Ledgers of expenditures and income, and a letterbook. Ms89-012.

General Physical Description note

1 container; 0.1 cu. ft.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement and description of the Octavius Hileman Papers commenced and was completed in October, 2008.

Title
A Guide to the Octavius Hileman Papers, 1890-1899
Status
Completed
Author
Katie Hunter
Date
© 2008 By Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. All rights reserved.
Language of description
English
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
Description is in English

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections, Virginia Tech Repository

Contact:
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg Virginia 24061 US
540-231-6308