DeJarnette as a Superintendent
DeJarnette ran an institution that was highy praised. Doctors frequently visited both Western State Hospital and DeJarnette Sanitarium while DeJarnette was in charge. Along with doctors stopping by, patients' relatives often visited as well. When writing DeJarnette letters, people commented on the beautiful views, delicious food, a clean hospital and a great staff.
 Visiting HoursLibrary of Virginia, Box 72 Folder 12 |  Letter from Laura CarterDecember 3, 1931 Library of Virginia, Box 72 Folder 20 |  Letter from the WrightsMay 23, 1937 Library of Virginia, Box 72 Folder 22 |
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 Letter from James M. GrahamMay 19, 1937 Library of Virginia, Box 72 Folder 22 |  Letter R. S. ReeseOctober 9, 1918 Library of Virginia Box 72 Folder 13 |  Letter from Governor TrinkleFebruary 1, 1926 Library of Virginia, Box 72 Folder 15 |
 Letter from J. S. DavisMarch 8, 1927 Library of Virginia, Box 72 Folder 13 |  Letter from Henry KerfoolSeptember 29, 1934 Library of Virginia, Box 72 Folder 21: Possible ex-patient or ex-employee |  Letter from Alex Hamilton, page 1July 24, 1939 Library of Virginia, Box 74 Folder 13 |
 Letter from Alex Hamilton, page 2Library of Virginia, Box 74 Folder 13 |  Letter from Toch BrothersJanuary 2 1918 Library of Virginia, Box 72 Folder 13: shows that DeJarnette wanted the best asylum conditions for patients |  Letter from Westbrook SanatoriumDecember 16, 1929 Library of Virginia, Box 72 Folder 18 |
 Letter from State Hospital Dix HillDecember 10, 1928 Library of Virginia, Box 72 Folder 17 |  Letter from State Hospital Dix HillDecember 10, 1928 Library of Virginia Box 72, Folder 17 |
The Characterof DeJarnette
DeJarnette was described as many things: saint-like, humane, sympathetic, caring, dedicated, and having integrity. Patients adored him. Doctors respected him. Relatives loved him. He threw Christmas parties yearly for the patients, wrote poems for friends and relatives, traveled to doctors when they experienced troubling times, and reached out to people he knew. Through these letters of correspondence and the wide variety of people who wrote him, a glimpse of his character will hopefully become evident.
 Letter from J.R. Whited, page 1December 29, 1927 Library of Virginia, Box 72, Folder 15, click here for a transcribed version of letter |  Letter from J.R. Whited, page 2Library of Virginia, Box 72 Folder 15 |  Letter from J.R. Whited, page 3Library of Virginia, Box 72 Folder 15 |
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 Toast from Mrs. CroghanMay 28, 1934 Library of Virginia, Box 72 Folder 21 |  Letter from Chas. J. SmithJuly 18, 1939 Library of Virginia, Box 74 Folder 6 |  Letter from T.H. DanielJuly 14 1939 Library of Virginia, Box 74 Folder 6 |
 Poem of DeJarnette by W. MaddoxJuly 21, 1939 Library of Virginia, Box 74 Folder 13 |  Letter from Eastern State HospitalOctober 6, 1930 Library of Virginia, Box 72 Folder 9 |  Letter from E. Lee TrinkleDecember 21, 1929 |
DeJarnette as a Doctor
DeJarnette led Virginia in the sterilization period. He advocated eugenics, and with the help of Dr. Albert Priddy from Lynchburg, Virginia's Colony, he helped get sterilization legalized in 1924. He was respected and looked to as a role model. He led the conversation concerning eugenics. Doctors frequently wrote him either seeking answers and guidance or complimenting his publications concerning the need for sterilization. These letters below provides just a sampling of the way doctors, ex-patients, relatives, and the community viewed him as a medical doctor.
 State Teachers CollegeApril 2, 1934 Library of Virginia, Box 72 Folder 21 |  Letter from Carter ReddFebruary 6, 1936 Library of Virginia, Box 72 Folder 22 |  Letter from John Wackene (?)January 2, 1935 Library of Virginia, Box 72 Folder 21 |
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 Letter from H.M. DavesJanuary 1, 1931 Library of Virginia, Box 72 Folder 20 |  Letter from E.W. MagruderJuly 19, 1939 Library of Virginia, Box? Number ? |  Louis SpilmanJuly 18, 1939 Library of Virginia, Box 74 Folder 6 |
 Telegram from Harry ByrdJuly 21, 1939 Library of Virginia, Box 74 Folder 6 |  World Biographical EncyclopediaOctober 16, 1939 Library of Virginia, Box 72 Folder 23 |  Letter from Senator ByrdJuly 17, 1939 Library of Virginia, Box 74 Folder6 6 |
Letter from cousin EdmundJuly 28, 1939 Library of Virginia, Box 72 Folder 23 |  Letter from Charles PageJune 20, 1939 Library of Virginia, Box 74 Folder 6 |  Letter from Attorney George PerryJune 26, 1939 Library of Virginia, Box 74 Folder 6 |
 Letter from Governor ByrdJuly 25, 1927Library of Virginia, Box 72 Folder 15 |  Letter from P.V.D. ConwayAugust 21, 1914 Library of Virginia, Box 72 Folder 12 |  Letter from Paul BlandfordJuly 14, 1939 Library of Virginia, Box 74 Folder 6 |
 Letter from Howard MitchellAugust 4, 1935 Library of Virginia, Box 88 Folder 29 |  Letter from Dr. ArnoldMarch 12, 1935 Library of Virginia Box 88 Folder 29 |  Letter from Dr. Arnold, page 2March 12, 1925 Library of Virginia Box 88 Folder 29 |
 Letter from Armstrong of HillbourneNovember 16, 1931 Library of Virginia Box 88 Folder 29 |  Letter from St. Elizabeth's HospitalOctober 28, 1929 Library of Virginia, Box 72 Folder 18 |  Letter from Dr. BellJanuary 5, 1931 Library of Virginia, Box 88 Folder 29 |
 Letter from Eugenics SocietySeptember 19, 1930 Library of Virginia, Box 88 Folder 29 | Letter from State Teachers CollegeApril 2, 1934 Library of Virginia, Box 72 Folder 21 |