Dates: 1867 - 1901 (scattered); 1902 - 1931; 1932 - 1943 (scattered)
Boxes 15-17, 19, 24, 37-41, 42a, and 43-47 are restricted. Microfilm edition must be used for access to the contents of these boxes.

Biography:
LeRoy Percy

LeRoy Percy was born on the Percy plantation in Washington County, Mississippi on November 9, 1860. He was the son of Willliam Alexander and Nancy Armstrong Percy. LeRoy Percy was educated in the private schools of Greenville, Mississippi. He attended the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee, and received a law degree from the University of Virginia in 1881. In 1883, he returned to Greenville to begin his law practice. In December of 1883, Percy married Camille Generalie Bourges. He practiced law in Greenville until 1910, when he was elected as United States senator to replace Anselm J. McLaurin who died in office. He was defeated for reelection in 1911 by James K. Vardaman. Percy returned to Greenville to practice law and manage his plantation until his death on December 24, 1929.

William Alexander Percy

William Alexander Percy, son of LeRoy Percy, was born on May 14, 1885. He also attended the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee, and then received a law degree from Harvard University. Percy returned to Greenville to practice law with his father. He also served on the Belgium Relief Commission and in World War I. Percy was a noted author who wrote and published poetry. He was also editor of the Yale Series of Younger Poets from 1926 until 1931. Perhaps his most important work was Lanterns on the Levee: Recollections of a Planter's Son (1941), an autobiography published shortly before his death on January 21, 1942. Percy never married.

Scope and Content Note:

Among the topics addressed in the collection are the Belgium Relief Commission; boll weevil; congressional and senatorial correspondence; flood control; hunting in Alaska and Mississippi; Italian labor on Sunny Side plantation; Ku Klux Klan; legal matters; literary figures of the early twentieth century; literary works of William Alexander Percy; Mississippi River flood of 1927; Mississippi River levees; national and state politics; northern migration of black farm labor from the Mississippi Delta; Panama Canal bill; Percy family relationships; plantation financing; plantation management; railroads; social life in Washington, D.C.; social-service organizations; James K. Vardaman; and World War I.

The collection has been divided between the papers of LeRoy Percy and the papers of William Alexander Percy. Despite this physical division of the papers, it is difficult to separate much of the material into such distinct areas. Thus, one will often find much documentation on LeRoy Percy in the William Alexander Percy portion and vice-versa. The collection contains thirty series: series one through thirteen comprise the LeRoy Percy portion, and series fourteen through thirty comprise the William Alexander Percy portion. A detailed description of each series appears in Appendix 1.

While a large percentage of the original papers are available for research, a limited number of items have been registered to microfilm viewing due to their fragility or rare nature. In instances where originals have been restricted, a corresponding microfilm roll number is provided. The microfilm edition of the Percy Family Papers was created by the Hill Memorial Library at Louisiana State University prior to their donation to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Due to this fact, the order of the microfilm does not correspond exactly to the finding aid for the originals. If a portion of the microfilm is illegible, curatorial permission is required for access to the original.

Visit the Percy Family Papers (Z/2231) Box and Folder List.

Series Identification:
 
Subgroup 1: Leroy Percy Papers
 

Series 1: Correspondence. 1894-1930; n.d. 4.50 cubic ft.
This series contains the incoming and outgoing correspondence of LeRoy Percy. The majority of this correspondence is business-related. It concerns his law practice, plantation management, and political involvement. There is also some personal correspondence regarding such matters as membership in hunting clubs, hunting trips, and letters from relatives and friends. Series 7-12 contain related correspondence of LeRoy Percy.

Box 1 (1894-1906)
Box 2 (1907)
Box 3 (1907-1908)
Box 4 (1908-1910)
Box 5 (1910)
Box 6 (1911)
Box 7 (1911)
Box 8 (1912-1915)
Box 9 (1915-1917)
Box 10 (1917-1919)
Box 11 (1919-1924)
Box 12 (1924-1926)
Box 13 (1927-1928)
Box 14a (1929-1930; n.d.)

Series 2: Photographs. n.d. 2 folders.
This series contains LeRoy Percy family photographs. Included are portrait photographs, as well as photographs taken on various hunting trips.

Box 14b, folders 1-2

Series 3: Printed Material. 1907-1929; n.d. 1 folder.
This series includes printed speeches made by LeRoy Percy and articles concerning him.

Box 14b, folders 3

Series 4: Newsclippings. 1874-1933; n.d. 1.00 cubic ft.
This series contains newsclippings concerning LeRoy Percy or subjects of interest to him. Most articles in this series relate to Percy's term in the United States Senate. Access to original newsclippings found in boxes 15-17 is restricted. Consult roll 37964 of the LeRoy Percy microfilm to view newsclippings.

MF 37964

Series 5: Invitations and Calling Cards. n.d. 0.33 cubic ft.
This series contains invitations and calling cards received by LeRoy Percy. Many of these items were received during the time in which Percy served in the United States Senate.

Box 18

Series 6: Scrapbooks. 1889-1909; 1929-1930. 0.33 cubic ft.
The series contains two scrapbooks. The first scrapbook was compiled by LeRoy Percy and primarily contains poetry clipped from newspapers. The second scrapbook was probably compiled by William Alexander Percy and contains newspaper articles regarding the illness and death of LeRoy Percy in 1929. The articles were clipped from newspapers across the nation. A third volume contains a resolution of the board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Missouri, commemorating Percy’s death. Access to the originals in box 19 is restricted. Consult roll 37964 of the LeRoy Percy microfilm to view this series.

MF 37964

Series 7: Correspondence (Personal). 1879; 1902-1912; n.d. 4 folders.
This series includes the personal correspondence of LeRoy Percy and various family members. Many letters were written to William Alexander Percy from his parents while he was in school. Other letters are from LeRoy Percy to his wife, Camille. There is also personal correspondence between LeRoy Percy and non-family members, including several letters from Theodore Roosevelt. Other family correspondence will occasionally be found in series 1.

Box 20, folders 1-4

Series 8: Telegrams (Senatorial Election). 1910-1911. 1 folder.
This series contains telegrams received by LeRoy Percy, primarily regarding his election as United States Senator from Mississippi.

Box 20, folder 5

Series 9: Johanna Reiser File. 1901; 1907-1911. 7 folders.
This series contains correspondence relating to the management of the plantation of New York resident Johanna Reiser on Lake Washington in Washington County, Mississippi. The correspondence is between LeRoy Percy and Johanna or Sophie Reiser or between Percy and tenants on the plantation or prospective renters or buyers.

Box 21, folders 1-7

Series 10: Sarah Compton File. 1905-1910. 1 folder.
This series reflects LeRoy Percy's management of a plantation in Washington County, Mississippi. The Compton plantation was located six miles south of Greenville. Although not as well documented as in series 9, the problems associated with managing a plantation are evident in this series, which is primarily comprised of correspondence.

Box 21, folder 8

Series 11: Levee-Construction Case Files. 1912-1914; n.d. 0.33 cubic ft.
This series reflects LeRoy Percy's involvement in the building of levees along the Mississippi River and several claims resulting from disputes with the Mississippi River Commission. There are legal case files regarding levee construction from 1912 through 1914 and correspondence relating to the case, W. B. Swain v. United States of America.

Box 22

Series 12: Ku Klux Klan File. 1922-1925; n.d. 0.66 cubic ft.
LeRoy Percy was a leader in the opposition to the activities of the Ku Klux Klan in Mississippi, and he made numerous speeches and wrote articles bitterly attacking the organization. This series contains correspondence between Percy and individuals around the nation supporting Percy's position. In addition, there is a large amount of printed matter relating to the Ku Klux Klan, including Percy’s speeches and articles regarding their activities, as well as Ku Klux Klan publications. Access to original newspapers and newsclippings found in boxes 24 and 40 is restricted. Consult rolls 37962 and 37963 of the LeRoy Percy microfilm to view these items.

Box 23 (1922-1925; n.d.)
MF 37962
MF 37963

Series 13: Nathaniel Harrison Harris Files. 1867-1920; n.d. 0.33 cubic ft.
This series contains correspondence and financial papers of N. H. Harris of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Most of the material concerns land acquisition and Harris's presidency of the Mississippi Valley and Ship Island Railroad. There are also some personal financial papers of Harris in the series.

 

Subgroup 2: William Alexander Percy
 

Series 14: Correspondence (Personal). 1902-1930; n.d. 1.33 cubic ft.
This series contains the incoming personal correspondence of William Alexander Percy from family and friends. Most of the correspondence is before 1924.

Box 26 (1902-1915)
Box 27 (1916-1919)
Box 28 (1920-1928)
Box 29 (1919-1930; n.d.)

Series 15: Business Correspondence. 1910-1922; 1926. 0.66 cubic ft.
This series contains correspondence relating to William Alexander Percy's law practice with his father in Greenville, Mississippi. Other business correspondence relating to Percy’s law practice can be found in his father's files, including series 1, 9, and 10.

Box 30 (1910-1922)
Box 31 (1925-1926; n.d.)

Series 16: Correspondence (Yale Series of Younger Poets). 1924-1931. 1.00 cubic ft.
For several years, William Alexander Percy was editor of the Yale Series of Younger Poets that published collections of poetry of outstanding young poets. This series contains the correspondence of Percy and those submitting poetry for his consideration. Included are Percy’s criticism of their writing style and examples of some of the poetry submitted.

Box 32 (1924-1926)
Box 33 (1926-1928)
Box 34 (1928-1931; n.d.)

Series 17: Correspondence (Literary). 1908; 1914-1923; 1929-1930; 1941. 1.00 cubic ft.
This series contains correspondence of William Alexander Percy regarding his literary work. Access to the original correspondence in box 37 is restricted. Consult roll 37968 of the William Alexander Percy microfilm to view this material.

Box 35 1908-1921
Box 36 1922
MF 37968

Series 18: Poetry Manuscripts and Typescripts. 1920-1927; n.d. 0.66 cubic ft.
This series contains original manuscripts and typescripts (some corrected) of the poetry of William Alexander Percy. Series 27 also contains poetry manuscripts in bound form. Access to original manuscripts and typescripts found in box 37, folders 8-13, and box 38, folders 1-3, is restricted. Consult roll 37968 and roll 37969, folders 21-29, of the William Alexander Percy microfilm to view this series.

MF 37968
MF 37969

Series 19: Poems by Others. n.d. 2 folders.
This series contains typescripts of poetry written by individuals other than William Alexander Percy. Apparently, the poems were sent to Percy for his comment. Access to the original items found in box 38, folders 4-5, is restricted. Consult roll 37969, folders 30-31, of the William Alexander Percy microfilm to view this series.

MF 37969

Series 20: Arthur W. E. O'Shaughnessy Manuscripts. n.d. 1 folder.
This series contains two documents written by Arthur W. E. O'Shaughnessy, the British poet for whom William Alexander Percy selected, edited, and wrote the introduction for a volume of his poetry. Access to the original documents in box 38, folder 6, is restricted. Consult roll 37969, folder 30, of the William Alexander Percy microfilm to view this series.

MF 37969

Series 21: Galley Proof of Selected Poems. n.d. 1 folder.
This series contains a galley proof of selected poems of William Alexander Percy.

Access to the original items found in box 40, folder 2, is restricted. Consult roll 37969, folder 32, of the William Alexander Percy microfilm to view this series.
MF 37969

Series 22: Prose Manuscripts and Typescripts. 1941; n.d. 0.75 cubic ft.
This series contains original manuscripts and typescripts of William Alexander Percy's works in prose. Included is the original manuscript of Lanterns on the Levee: Recollections of a Planter’s Son. Series 27 also contains Percy’s work in prose in bound form. Access to the original manuscripts in box 38, folders 8-9; box 39; and box 40, folder 3, is restricted. Consult roll 37969, folders 33-40, of the William Alexander Percy microfilm to view this series.

MF 37969

Series 23: Certificates. 1904; 1919. 1 folder.
This series contains a certificate of appreciation presented to William Alexander Percy for his work with the Belgium Relief Fund and Percy's diploma from the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee. Access to the original items found in box 40, folder 4, is restricted. Consult roll 37969, folder 41, of the William Alexander Percy microfilm to view this series.

MF 37969

Series 24: Printed Material. 1917-1941; n.d. 1 folder.
This series contains broadsides, imprints, and publications regarding William Alexander Percy, primarily his literary career. Access to the original items found in box 41, folder 1, is restricted. Consult roll 37969, folder 42, of the William Alexander Percy microfilm to view this series.

MF 37969

Series 25: Newsclippings. 1907-1943. 0.66 cubic ft.
This series contains newsclippings regarding William Alexander Percy's activities with the Belgium Relief Fund during World War I and reviews of Percy's writings. Access to original newsclippings in box 42a is restricted. Consult rolls 37969 and 37970 of the William Alexander Percy microfilm to view the newsclippings.

MF 37969
MF 37970

Series 26: Photographs. 1927; n.d. 1 folder.
This series contains family photographs of William Alexander Percy, including portrait photographs.

Box 42b

Series 27: Volumes. 1908; 1910; 1917; 1924-1942; n.d. 2.00 cubic ft.
This series contains bound volumes of poetry, prose, reviews of Lanterns on the Levee: Recollections of a Planter’s Son, diaries, financial ledgers, a field message book, and a portion of Art Work in Mississippi. Access to the original volumes in boxes 43-46 and box 47, folders 1-2, is restricted. Consult rolls 37970 and 37971 of the William Alexander Percy microfilm to view this series.

MF 37970
MF 37971

Series 28: World War I Papers. 1916-1917. 1 folder.
This series contains documents relating to William Alexander Percy's service on the Belgium Relief Commission and in the United States Army during World War I. Access to the original items found in box 47, folder 3, is restricted. Consult roll 37965, folder 12, of the William Alexander Percy microfilm to view this series.

MF 37965

Series 29: Diary. 1869. 1 folder.
This series consists of a typescript of "A Voyage to New Orleans in the Sailing Ship Rosalie with Captain Grandison, September 1869," written by the ancestor of a friend, Roger Howman.

Box 47, folder 4

Series 30: Miscellany. n.d. 1 folder.
This series includes press releases, letter fragments, a motion, and notes of William Alexander Percy.

Box 47, folder 5