William Holman Sorrells papers

Descriptive Summary
Title: William Holman Sorrells papers
Creator: Sorrells, William Holman
Inclusive Dates: 1911-2008
Language(s): English
Extent: 3 Linear Feet (2 boxes)
Collection Number: UA0085
Repository: University of Georgia Archives

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Collection Description

Biographical/historical note

William Holman Sorrells (April 1890-September 1969) attended the University of Georgia from 1912 until his graduation in 1916 with a degree in Agriculture. During his time at UGA, Sorrells managed to support himself through odd jobs while at the same time participating in numerous student activities. He was a skilled debater who won numerous awards for his efforts and served as president of Demonsthenian (one of UGA's literary societies) in 1916. Some of his other college era activities included being the treasurer of the Agricultural Club in 1913-1914 and a member of the Junior Cabinet Club, Senior Round Table (Sigma Upsilon) and Pi Kappa Delta. Sorrells was also the first agricultural student to be elected into the Sphinx Honorary Society and was a charter member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. During his busy and productive life, Sorrells had numerous interests and did many things including being a school teacher, community leader, insurance salesman and farmer. In 1917, he married Lola Ruth McLeroy who was a graduate of the Georgia State Normal School. The couple returned to Athens in 1966 where they attended Sorrells' 50th UGA class reunion. The Sorrells had 2 children, both college graduates of Georgia schools. Their son, William McLeroy Sorrells, served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years retiring as a LT Col. followed by other work before his death in 1977. He left behind a wife and 3 sons. The sons are William McLeroy Sorrells of Pultneyville, NY, John Stark Sorrells of Roberta, GA and Dan Richard Sorrells of Somerville, AL. Their daughter, Martha Sorrells Hymerling, lives in Albany, GA near her daughter Marsha Young Johnston.

Scope and Content

The majority of the collection dates from Sorrells' time at UGA. These items include 10 original debates prepared and presented by Sorrells as well as photographs and other artifacts. In addition to materials from his school years, the collection contains such items as a 50th class reunion badge and correspondence with Benjamin E. Mays in regards to Mays' 1968 eulogy at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s funeral. Sorrells wife, Lola Ruth (McLeroy) Sorrells, is also represented in the 'The William Holman Sorrells Papers". Mrs. Sorrells' Normal School diploma and a CD containing scans of her early 20th century "Memory Book" are found in this collection.

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Administrative Information

Preferred citation note

William Holman Sorrells papers, UA0085, University Archives, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.

General Notes

RG 2-1

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Related Materials and Subjects

Subject Terms

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Series Descriptions and Folder Listing

 

box

folder

Request box

1

1

Biography of William Holman Sorrells by Martha S. Hymerling [Sorrells' daughter]

 

1

2

[Photocopies from Pandora and photocopy from History of the University of Georgia], 1913-1916, 1949

 

1

3

[Photographs-Sorrells, family and friends], 1912-1917

 

1

4

Orations/debates. "The Federal Income tax-affirmative and...U.S. Government should own and control the railroads of the U.S.", 1911

 

1

5

Orations/debates. "Farewell address - Philomathean Society and ...gunpowder has been more beneficial to mankind than literature and ...graduated income tax, constitutionally granted, would be a desirable part of our present scheme of taxation", 1912

 

1

6

Orations/Debates. "Spirit of justice"-(argument relating to representative government), "Digressive tendency in our government: a plea for Cuba" and...the agricultural interests of the South would be subserved by bringing foreign immigration to the South", 1915

 

1

7

Orations/debates. "Cotton school debate" and debate on U.S. government, circa 1915

 

1

8

Valedictory address-on Locust Grove Institute letterhead, circa 1916

 

1

9

Student notebook, 1916

 

1

10

[Certificates-Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and Sigma Upsilon fraternity], 1915

 

1

11

[Broadsides, notes, newspaper clippings and programs], circa 1915-1920

 

1

12

[Newspaper clippings], circa 1913-1914

 

1

13

Othello-[annotations by Sorrells], circa 1915

 

1

14

A message by Carroll R. Folsom-[handwritten], circa 1915

 

1

15

Mazeppa-annotated by Sorrells, circa 1915

 

1

16

RUS: a biographical register of rural leadership in the United States and Canada [includes listing for Sorrells] , 1925

 

1

17

RUS [CD and printouts]

 

1

18

Photograph and blueprint of Sorrell's Macon, Georgia property, 1934

 

1

19

50th reunion badge-Class of 1916, circa 1966

 

1

20

[Scans of Mrs. Sorrells' Memory Book (includes photographs) and other materials from W.H. Sorrells collection], circa 1960s

 

1

21

Benjamin E. Mays acknowledgement letter and copy of MLK, Jr. eulogy, 1968

 

1

22

[Misc.-newspaper clipping and envelope addressed to "Miss Ruth McLeroy"], 1917, 1966

 

1

23

[Scans of materials-CD (PDFs)], circa 2008

 

1

24

[Newspaper clippings-anniversary and obituary notices], circa 1977

 

box

folder

Request box

2

1

Demosthenian certificate, 1916

 

2

2

Sorrell's UGA diploma, 1916

 

2

3

Lola Ruth McLeroy's [Mrs. Sorrells] State Normal School diploma, 1917