John Janney Papers (1820-1871)
Ms2001-019, 8 cu. ft.
INTRODUCTION
Biographical Sketches
John Janney:
On November 8, 1798, John Janney was born in Alexandria, Virginia to Elisha and Mary Janney. The Janneys were members of the religious denomination of Friends or Quakers. Janney obtained little formal education; instead he learned life lessons working for his father at his mill. As a young man, John Janney left the mill to study law, and at the age of eighteen he entered the Bar in Loudoun County. On January 26, 1826 Janney married Alcinda (Alice) Marmaduke and started a loving relationship that lasted the rest of his life. When separated, they wrote almost daily letters to one another.
Janney became a well-respected lawyer and trusted friend to many, and in 1850 he represented Loudoun County at the Virginia Constitutional Convention. Janney also served his state when he begrudgingly accepted the position as President of the Virginia Secession Convention in 1861. As a strong Whig and Unionist, Janney fought against secession and voted against it twice. When secession finally passed, Janney embraced it fully. He signed the Ordinance of Secession and formally appointed Robert E. Lee as commander of military forces of Virginia. Janney continued to serve as a lawyer in Loudoun until his death in 1872.
Charles Janney:
Charles Janney, nephew of John Janney, was born may 27, 1839 to James and Rebecca Janney. Charles Janney attended the Benjamin Hallowell School in Alexandria, Virginia until his eighteenth birthday. After graduation, Janney worked for his father's flourmill while also studying the law. Janney ran for office and was elected clerk of the county court for Loudoun and served in that position until he entered the Bar in 1871. Like his uncle before him, Charles Janney received a reputation as an excellent lawyer and responsible citizen. In 1921, he was elected as mayor of Leesburg and served for two years.
He married Nannie Lee Pollock on November 23, 1868; they had eight children, Thomas, Rebecca, Lilas, Charles P., A.D. Pollock, Phillip, Nannie, and John.
Series Description
The John Janney Papers are arranged into three series:
Arranged in four sub-series: John Janney, Charles Janney, Journal of the Convention, and misc. Government Documents. This series includes biographical information, newspapers, inventory of property, and Convention minutes.
Arranged in ten sub-series: John Janney with Alice Janney (wife); Alice Janney with John Janney; Janney Family Letters; Letters to Alice Janney; Pollock Family Papers; Charles Janney Papers; John Janney Letters; John Janney Legal Letters and Court Cases; Court Cases; and Misc. Letters.
Series 3. Books, Periodicals, and Pictures
Arranged in three sub-series: books, periodicals, and other media.
Scope and Content
The John Janney Papers consist of over 800 letters written to John Janney and members of his family. The most influential letters are ones written between John Janney and his wife while Janney served as President of the Virginia Secession Convention. In these letters Janney gives brief details of the Convention and comments on the other delegates in attendance. Other letters are between Charles Janney and his wife and family. The bulk of the letters describes legal matters and is from John Janney during his many years as a lawyer.
Provenance
Donated by Mr. And Mrs. Lacy McClain, Roanoke, VA.
Box Inventory
- John Janney to Alice Janney (wife)
- Alice Janney to John Janney
- Janney Family Letters 1868-1890
- Letters to Alice Janney, dealing with the sickness and death of John Janney
- Pollock Family Papers
- Charles Janney Papers
- John Janney Letters
- John Janney Legal Letters and Court Cases
- Letters to Charles Miller (Law Partner)
- Court Cases
- Misc. Letters
Series 3: Books, Periodicals, and Pictures
Go to Guide to the Civil War Manuscript Collections
Comments and questions about the Civil War materials in Special Collections? Contact Special Collections (specref@vt.edu).
