A History of the Franklin Society and Library Company of Lexington, Virginia

Abstract

To the compiler of any sort ot history the greatest task is the unearthing of source material, whether that history be the narrative of a nation's progress through the centuries or an humble account ot the deeds of an individual. In an undertaking of this sort one would naturally expect to discover a plenitude of data trom which to select the predominant features and set them forth in an illuminating manner. The Franklin Society had an uninterrupted existence of nearly a century, during which time its records were painstakingly preserved through the vicissitudea ot war and reconstruction, Mr. John W. Fuller being custodian ot its books and records for almost fifty years. This gentleman seems to have had an acute conception of the duties of his office, for he was constantly reminding tbe Secretary and other officiala to maintain their books in proper order. . . . The compilation and arrangement of the data has proved an attractive burden, for the obstacles confronting the writer gave to his endeavor something ot the nature of an adventure, at once stimulating as well as inspiring. It is his earnest hope that this paper will be of value in perpetuating the history and ideals of the Franklin Society. [From Introduction]