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Preferred Citation

Lyon G. Tyler letter, Special Collections Research Center, William & Mary Libraries.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated by Barbara Glakas on behalf of the Herndon Historical Society.

Processing Information

The collection received container level processing. This finding aid may be updated to reflect new descriptions and acquisitions to the collection.

Biographical / Historical

Letitia Christian Sample was a wealthy American woman born in 1850 to President John Tyler and his first wife, Letitia Christian Tyler. During the American Civil War, Semple served as a volunteer nurse for Confederate Soldiers in Williamsburg, Virginia. Lyon Gardiner Tyler was born in 1853 to President John Tyler and his second wife, Julia Gardiner Tyler. Tyler became President of William and Mary, holding the postiion from 1888-1919. During his presidency, Tyler was dedicated towards preserving the school's history as an active member in the Virginia Historical Society and the founder of the William & Mary Quarterly journal.

Content Description

One letter from the President of William & Mary, Lyon G. Tyler to his half sister, Leticia Tyler Semple. In the letter, Tyler informs Semple that the college board passed a resolution allowing her to erect a monument on the old palace grounds. The monument in question was likely the gravesite of James Semple, a former student at the college and Letitia's husband.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• College of William and Mary--Presidents
• Confederate Memorial (Williamsburg, Va.)
• Letters (correspondence)