Alexander Lockhart Nelson Collection

Title

Alexander Lockhart Nelson Collection

Subject

Mathematics -- Study and teaching
Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870
Washington and Lee University
Manuscripts
Genealogy
Nelson family
Nelson, Alexander Lockhart

Creator

Nelson, Alexander Lockhart

Date

ca. 1850-1910

Rights

This material is 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 and Archives.

Collection Items

Letter from A. L. Nelson to R. E. Lee (correspondence)
A letter Nelson wrote to R. E. Lee nearly one year into his presidency at Washington College, in which he comments on the much-improved condition of the school. The letter is brief and describes quotidian elements of Lexington and the University, yet…

Address at the University Chapel regarding R. E. Lee.
Transcribed in this journal is a previously undiscovered address on R. E. Lee, given by Nelson in what is now Lee Chapel in a weekly morning seminar. Describing, in detail, Lee’s initial ride into town through the intricacies of his funeral, he gives…

Envelope to a solution of a problem
The envelope that enclosed the solution of a problem.

Trustee's Papers regarding Nelson
A portion of the Washington and Lee Trustees Papers, specifically regarding Nelson, in the minutes from October 3, 1910. Nelson was eulogized in the Trustee meeting following his recent death. Describing Nelson as gifted, talented, an asset to the…

Notes and Manuscripts Publication
Nelson's keystone publication in mathematics, Points in Space and General Equations of the Second Degree Between Three Variables, was published in 1892 by the Houston family, who were instrumental in founding the city of Houston, Texas. The Houston…

Worked out math problem
Three pages of a solved math problem. Worked out by either Nelson or one of his students.

Draft of a wedding annoucement of the Nelson's daughter, Bessie Moore (correspondence)
Stuffed into the copybook turned math journal of the Nelson family along with other papers, these personal effects – including tailor slips, a draft of a wedding announcement, and the sad posting of the death of a child that would likely be sent to a…

Lithograph of R.E. Lee
A lithograph of Robert E. Lee, date unknown. The rare tint of this picture indicates that it was most likely printed from a painting, making it somewhat unusual.

Nelon's recipts for clothing
Nelson's reciept from Browning, King, & Co., a clothing company. His specific garments are listed, along with his own personal dimensions.

A letter written to A. L. Nelson from Wargant M. Ratcliffe (correspondence)
A letter written from Margant M. Ratcliffe to Nelson.

Notice written by A. L. Nelson to be posted in the newspapers regarding the death of his grandchild
A paper on which Nelson asks for the announcement of the death of his grandchild to be put in the newspapes. This was one of the personal items that were stuffed in the copybook

Carte de physique of A. L. Nelson (photograph)
A carte de physique (a type of smaller photograph) of Alexander Lockhart Nelson.

Loose page stuffed into the copy book, genealogy
One of the loose pages pulled from the copybook / math journal. Most likely the work of Nelson's mother or aunt, this charts the genealogy and family history of the Nelsons and other Rockbridge area families.

Loose page stuffed in the copy book, itinerary written on "Regent Hotel" stationary
One of the loose pages pulled from the copybook / math journal. This document appears to be the itinerary of a trip, though the participants and the date remains unknown.

Loose page stuffed in the copy book, genealogy
One of the loose pages pulled from the copybook / math journal. Unknown creator, charts the Meyer's family history from 1897 to 1904.

Loose page stuffed in the copy book, genealogy
One of the loose pages pulled from the copybook / math journal. Most likely the work of Nelson's mother or aunt, this charts the genealogy and family history of the Nelsons and other Rockbridge area families

Envelope Addressed to Alexander Lockhart Nelson (correspondence)
An example of the personal elements that were pulled from the copybook / math journal, this envelope was addressed to Nelson, though the contents and the sender of the note remain unclear.

Envelope Addressed to Alexander Lockhart Nelson (correspondence)
An example of the personal elements that were pulled from the copybook / math journal, this envelope was addressed to Nelson, though the contents and the sender of the note remain unclear.

Letter from President G. W. C. Lee to the Student Body Regarding the Opening of the Reading Room (correspondence)
A letter from George Washington Custis Lee, son of Robert E. Lee and President of Washington and Lee, regarding the opening of The Reading Room in Newcomb Hall.

A. L. Nelson Obituary, pg 1
Alexander Lockhart Nelson's obituary which was published in the Rockbridge County News on the day following his death. Describes his impact in the Lexington community and at Washington and Lee, along with the details of his death. Nelson died on the…

Cabinet of A. L. Nelson (photograph)
A cabinet (photograph) of Alexander Lockhart Nelson.

Loose page stuffed into the copy book, math
One of the loose pages pulled from the copybook / math journal. Most likely used as a spare page by Nelson, or the work of one of his students, this document is representative of many of the loose pages that were stuffed into the copybook.

Loose page stuffed into the copy book, genealogy
One of the loose pages pulled from the copybook / math journal. Most likely the work of Nelson's mother or aunt, this charts the genealogy and family history of the Nelsons and other Rockbridge area families

Personal Recollections of Washington and Lee
In an article in the Ring Tum Phi, Nelson writes on his experiences at Washington and Lee starting when he matriculated in 1846 providing a unique perspective on the school, and the changes it had sustained over Nelson's 60 years at the University.

Selected pages from the copy book/math jounral
Selected pages from the copybook/math journal of the Nelson family. Exhibits the type of elements contained in the journal - math proofs, personal notes, history records, a type of index, geneological records, etc.
View all 25 items