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ABBITT, Watkins Moorman

ABBITT, Watkins Moorman
Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives, Photography Collection
1908–1998

Biography

ABBITT, Watkins Moorman, a Representative from Virginia; born in Lynchburg, Campbell County, Va., May 21, 1908; graduated from Appomattox Agricultural High School, Appomattox, Va., 1925; LL.B., University of Richmond, Richmond, Va., 1931; lawyer, private practice; Commonwealth attorney of Appomattox County, Va., 1932-1948; member of the Virginia Constitutional Convention, 1945; delegate, Democratic National Convention, 1964; bank executive; elected as a Democrat to the Eightieth Congress, by special election to fill the vacancy caused by the death of United States Representative Patrick H. Drewry, and reelected to the twelve succeeding Congresses (February 17, 1948-January 3, 1973); was not a candidate for reelection to the Ninety-third Congress in 1972; died on July 13, 1998, in Lynchburg, Va.; interment in Liberty Cemetery, Appomattox, Va.

View Record in the Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress

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External Research Collections

The University of Richmond Libraries
Boatwright Special Collections

Richmond, VA
Papers: 1948-1973, 285 boxes. The congressional papers of Watkins Abbitt are organized into the following series: miscellaneous matters, Requests, Post Offices, Personal/Political, Agriculture, Old Speeches, Academics, Publications, Legislation, Democratic State Central Committee, Election Files, Segregation, Invitations, Miscellaneous correspondence, Fish Applications, Endorsements, Telephone & Electric Services, Camp Pickett, Buggs Island, Allotment Problems, Tobacco, Immigration, Miscellaneous. An unpublished finding aid is available in the repository.

College of William and Mary
Manuscripts and Rare Books Department, Swem Library

Williamsburg, VA
Papers: In the Violet McDougall Pollard Papers, ca. 1907-1976, 46 boxes. Correspondents include Watkins Moorman Abbitt. An inventory is available in the library.

The Library of Virginia
Archives Branch

Richmond, VA
Papers: 1948, 4 leaves. Campaign ephemera from Watkins Abbitt's campaign for Congress in 1948. The materials contain information ballots publicizing Watkins Abbitt's stance on certain issues, correspondence from C.M. Aderholt in support of Watkins Abbitt, and a flyer for a Conservative Unity luncheon.
Microfilm: 1946-1972, 7 microfilm reels. The scrapbooks contain news clippings relating to Watkins Abbitt's campaign and his congressional career. A finding aid is available in the repository.

University of Oklahoma
The Julian P. Kanter Political Commercial Archive, Department of Communication

Norman, OK
Film Reel: 1970, 2 commercials on 1 film reel. The commercials were used during Watkins Abbitt's campaign for the 1970 U.S. congressional election in District 4 of Virginia, Democratic Party.

University of Virginia Library
Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library

Charlottesville, VA
Papers: In the Harry Flood Byrd Papers, ca. 1813-1994, approximately 20,000 items. Correspondents include Watkins M. Abbitt. A guide is available in the repository.
Papers: In the Lewis Preston Collins Papers, 1862-1952, 7 feet. Correspondents include Watkins Moorman Abbitt. A finding aid is available in the repository.
Papers: In the John Hannah Daniel Papers, 1863, 1921-1971, 22800 items. Correspondents include Watkins Moorman Abbitt. A guide is available for the papers.
Papers: In the Charles R. Fenwick Papers, 1934-1973, 11303 items. Correspondents include Watkins M. Abbitt. A guide is available to the collection.
Papers: In the Joseph Collier Hutcheson Papers, 1930-1972, 3 feet. Correspondents include Watkins Moorman Abbitt. A guide is available to the collection.
Oral History: In the Howard Worth Smith Oral History Interviews, 1975-1984, 27 cassette tapes. Interviews conducted by Bruce J. Dierenfield for his book on Howard Worth Smith. Interviewees include Watkins Abbitt.
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