Conditions Governing Use

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction . Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication . Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open to research.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Benjamin E. Cousins Papers, Ms1989-017, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The Benjamin F. Cousins Papers were acquired by Special Collections and University Archives prior to 1990.

Processing Information

The processing and description of the Benjamin F. Cousins Papers commenced and was completed in July, 2022.

Biographical Note

Benjamin Francis Cousins, son of William and Fannie James Cousins, was born in Callands (Pittsylvania County), Virginia on August 25, 1871. Alumni directories identify Cousins as a member of the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College (now Virginia Tech) class of 1892, though he is not listed as a student in any of the university's catalogs after 1888/1889. According to his obituary, Cousins joined the staff of Lynchburg [Virginia] National Bank and Trust on October 22, 1890, eventually rising to the position of assistant cashier before retiring around 1947. He served as secretary-treasurer of Group IV, Virginia Bankers Association for 33 years; helped organize the Piedmont Club, and was a member of Oakwood Country Club and St. John's Episcopal Church. He married Anna Mary Zirkle, and the couple had one daughter. Benjamin F. Cousins died in Staunton, Virginia on July 20, 1957, and was buried in Lynchburg's Spring Hill Cemetery.

Scope and Contents

This collection contains papers received by Benjamin F. Cousins while a student at Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College (now Virginia Tech) during the 1888/1889 academic year. Among the several pieces of personal correspondence in the collection is a letter from VAMC president Lunsford L. Lomax, expressing his regret that Cousins will be leaving school, promising to provide Cousins assistance if needed, and explaining that Cousins' sophomore expenses would be much lower than he'd had as a freshman. Accompanying a letter from VAMC commercial science professor William H. Graham is a letter of recommendation for Cousins and a certificate for completion of a bookkeeping course. The collection also includes Cousins' grade reports, together with account statements and receipts for student fees. Also included are a 1902 form letter from the staff of the Bugle (the university annual) and a copy of Cousins' 1957 obituary.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Students and alumni
• University History

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the Benjamin E. Cousins Papers by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).