Conditions Governing Use

This collection is restricting pending a consultation with Conservation.

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is restricted pending consultation with Conservation.

Preferred Citation

MSS 16841, James Palmer Morgan papers, Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia Library.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

This collection was purchased from McBride Rare Books by the Small Special Collections Library at the University of Virginia Library on 26 March 2024.

Biographical / Historical

African American noted horse racing driver, trainer, and veterinarian, James Palmer Morgan was born June 27, 1916 to Lewis "Pap" and Martha Palmer Morgan in Zanesville, Ohio. He was ranked 12th driver in the world of horse racing in the United States in 1955.His career spanned from the 1950's through the 1970's where he dominated in a traditionally white sport. In addition to horse racing, he and his wife Lora raised their children and grandchildren. Other family members include his mother Mrs. Morgan, his sister, Dorothy Burke, and Aunt Cad.

Content Description

This collection contains the papers and photograph album that documents the life and career of a noted African American horse racing jockey, trainer, and self-taught veterinarian, James Palmer Morgan (1916-2002).He was sought out across the country for his knowledge and was ranked as the 12th driver in the United States in 1955.

The album has ten leaves, containing thirteen photographs, assorted newspaper excerpts, and ephemeral items. Tipped into the front of the album are roughly sixty loose photographs, most 8 x 10 inches, and some newspaper excerpts and ephemera.

The album includes pictures of horses, race scenes, and Morgan's family members. Also included are newspaper clippings of his accomplishments, his grandchildren's schoolwork and report card, and Morgan's obituary. The loose photographs in the front of the album, are a mix of professional and family photographs. About a half dozen black-and-white photographs feature Morgan's forebears and other family, including "Mrs. Morgan", "Sis Burke," (his sister Dorothy Burke), and "Aunt Cad." The remainder are primarily black-and-white, although a few are in color, and depict Morgan and others during races. Many are photo-finish shots featuring Morgan finishing races at the win, show, or place positions. Others show training exercises, the horses in stables, and posed shots of Morgan with one horse or another. These photos sometimes include the names of the horses and other information, like dates, on the verso, and occasionally the photographer's or studio's name. They show Morgan and other racers at tracks across Ohio, such as Mt. Vernon, Canton, Painesville, and Northfield Park.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• African American jockeys
• Horses
• Photograph albums