James Graham Leyburn collection

Collection

Identifier: WLU-Coll-0288

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains many materials relating to the South African mission. Dr. Leyburn saved a number of newspaper articles concerning South Africa which are contained herein. Reports on various industries and other aspects of South Africa are included. Also within this collection are an assortment of Dr. Leyburn's speeches, some of which address South Africa. The remainder of the speeches concern the future of Washington and Lee University.

Among the correspondence in this collection are letters concerning Yale, W&L, and South Africa. There are also letters to his family, including his sister Ellen. A number of reviews of Dr. Leyburn's books, The Haitian People and The Way We Lived, as well as Dr. Leyburn's own reviews of other books are included.

The more telling items of this collection are the numerous student comments that Dr. Leyburn preserved. A voluminous journal of his world travels provides for interesting reading as does the poetry written by John Alexander Graham. Includes one photograph of Leyburn and three other professors (Riegel, Barritt, and Myers).

Appended to this collection are three scrapbooks which provide a record of Dr. Leyburn's activities at W & L and afterward.

There are also Leyburn's musical compositions and diplomas.

Dates

Creation: 1902 - 1993

Creator

Leyburn, James Graham (Person)

Conditions Governing Use

The materials from Washington and Lee University Special Collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used should be fully credited with the source. Permission for publication of this material, in part or in full, must be secured with the Head of Special Collections.

Biographical / Historical

James Graham Leyburn was born in Hedgesville, West Virginia, on January 17, 1902. He became a professor of sociology and Dean of the University at Washington and Lee in 1947 and held the post of Dean until 1956 continuing as Professor of Sociology until 1972. In the 1920s and 1930s Dr. Leyburn held professional positions at Hollins College, Princeton University, and Yale University. In 1943 he was engaged by the U. S. Government Foreign Economic Administration's Office of the Lend-Lease Administration to participate in a mission in South Africa.

Extent

10.5 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Series 1 of this collection was given by Dr. Leyburn following his retirement from Washington and Lee University in 1972. Additional materials were donated by Dr. Kenneth Rockwell (Class of 1952).