Name/Title
James G. Vail Dairy, 1879Entry/Object ID
2008.002.4Scope and Content
Although this is a diary printed for the year 1878 Vail writes that it is for the calendar year 1879. The first half of the diary is mostly filled with notations that he "Wrote a letter to M.E.B." or "Read a letter form M.E.B." (M.E.B. being his future wife Mary Elizabeth "Libby" Boughton.) Every other Friday or Saturday he writes of riding the 5:20 train from Geneva to Victor to visit with Libby and her family. He stayed for church services on Sunday and then returned to Geneva. Occasionally there is mention of "new readers" with names listed. The latter half of the diary is empty except for December 3rd which announces that he and Libby were married.Context
James Gardner Vail was born in Romulus, NY in 1842. He was a prominent photographer In Geneva, NY. He married Mary Elizabeth "Libby" Broughton of Victor, NY on December 3rd 1879. In 1881 he moved to Victor, NY. For many years he worked there in the store of William Gallup, his wife's uncle. Aside from five years spent in the south, including Morganton, NC, they lived in Vitor until 1908 when they moved to Romulus to live on the old Vail homestead. After his wife passed away James lived the last years of his life with his son, Robert W. G. Vail in New Rochelle, NY. James Vail passed away in 1929.
Enos Smith Vail, the father of James, was instrumental in the formation of the Romulus Female Seminary. The building was moved to the GCV&M in 1970.Collection
James Gardner Vail CollectionLexicon
Search Terms
Autopsy, Babies, Premature, Christmas, Retail TradeArchive Details
Creator
Vail, James GardnerDate(s) of Creation
1868 - 1925Archive Size/Extent
10 small volumes, several with loose documents associatedPrimary Language
EnglishArchive Items Details
Title
1879 Diary of James G. VailDescription
Diary from 1879Creator
Vail, James GardnerDate(s) of Creation
1879Notes
Included in this diary are two pieces of paper with prayers and one advertisement card with an eagle on it.Dimensions
Height
3-7/8 inWidth
2-5/8 inDepth
3/8 inParts
Count
4Parts
1 diary, 2 pages of prayers, 1 advertisement cardRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Vail, James Gardner, Vail, Mary Elizabeth Boughton (Libbie)Related Places
Place
City
GenevaState/Province
New YorkCountry
United States of AmericaContinent
North AmericaTown
Victor
