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A Guide to the Major William Henry Johnson Papers (1858-1935) 1884-1935 Major William Henry Johnson, Papers 1884-1935 1957-3

A Guide to the Major William Henry Johnson Papers (1858-1935) 1884-1935

A Collection in
Special Collections and Archives
Collection Number 1957-3


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Johnston Memorial Library, Virginia State University

Special Collections and Archives
Johnston Memorial Library
P.O. Box 9406
Virginia State University
Petersburg, Virginia 23806
USA
Phone: (804) 524-5582
Fax: (804) 524-6959
Email: refdesk@vsu.edu
URL: https://library.vsu.edu/

© 2001 By the Board of Visitors of Virginia State University.

Funding: Funded in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Repository
Special Collections and Archives, Johnston Memorial Library, Virginia State University
Collection number
1957-3
Title
Major William Henry Johnson Papers 1884-1935
Language
English
Abstract
The William Henry Johnson papers include correspondence, speeches, photographs and other documents. They reflect William Henry Johnson's life as an educator, soldier and community leader.

Administrative Information

Access

There are no restrictions.

Use Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

Major William Henry Johnson Papers, Accession #1957-3, Johnston Memorial Library, Virginia State University.

Acquisition Information

The papers of Major William Henry Johnson were given to Virginia State University around 1957.

Biographical/Historical Information

In 1935 the highest-ranking black officer in the disbanded 6th Virginia Volunteer Infantry, Spanish American War, died. Few Virginians have ever heard of the 6th Virginia, let alone their commander, Major William Henry Johnson.

His story is unique, also, because he was one of the most successful post-bellum blacks in Petersburg who was not a descendant of the antebellum free black population. (There were around 3,200 free blacks in 1860). Major Johnson was from the slave population (which numbered around 5,000 in 1860). Free blacks had a slight advantage over the larger slave population, although they themselves were not truly free. They did have a bit more freedom of movement than their slave brethren did. In addition, some had some property that could be sold or borrowed upon to finance to own or accumulate property; therefore at emancipation they were truly penniless.

Major Johnson's father, Henry Johnson, was born a slave around 1835 in Ettrick on Fleets Farm, what is now Virginia State University, and he grew up in the old plantation house. He remained a slave until the Union Army moved through Ettrick following Robert E. Lee in April of 1865.

William Henry Johnson's mother, Malinda, was also a slave; she resided in Petersburg. October 1, 1858, her only child was born on Old Street (which is now Grove Avenue). In fact, in 1865 when Ulysses S. Grant entered Petersburg, her owner, Major P. Branch, fled to Danville taking Malinda and her six-year old son with him. William Henry's early years were spent in several places in Petersburg. At one time he lived on Old Street near Market, opposite Dunlop's Tobacco Factory. Another home was on the site of the old Titus Foundry. He also lived for some time on High Street and South Sycamore Street.

After General Lee's surrender, his mother and father were reunited. Later in the year his father brought a piece of property in the old field area in the vicinity of what is now Rome Street. Here his father built a small house, which is still standing, at what is now 1151 Rome Street. The family moved in at Christmas 1865.

Henry Johnson for 45 years was a teamster, driving his own horse and wagon. For a brief time he was a partner in an oyster house near the corner of Union and Oak Streets.

Then, as today, many blacks connected upward mobility with one's level of education. William Henry Johnson's parents were of that opinion and began his schooling at home. His first teacher, other than his mother, was a Mrs. Addie Berry who taught school at her home on Perry Street. Next, was Mr. Collier Tabb who taught school at "East Hill" on Lombard Street. His next mover was to the basement of the Gillfield Baptist Church under a Mr. Bates. After spending some time there he was enrolled in another private school. A former Confederate Army officer, Major Giles B. Cooke, taught this one. This school was located in the same building as the old First Baptist church near Garrison and Filmore Streets. He was graduated in 1874 (the first graduating class).

During the summer and early fall months when school was not in session, William Henry prepared for a trade. He chose to become a cooper (one who makes barrels). He secured summer employment at a barrel company in Richmond where he remained for two summers. Here he learned the early stages of barrel construction, called "slack work". Upon mastering "slack work" he apprenticed himself to a Mr. Wilson Goodwyn who had a shop on Union Street, to learn "tight work". During the next two years (1874-1886) he became a master cooper, making barrels for Myers Whiskey Distillery in Blandford, flour and hogshead and tierces for Ropers Tobacco Factory on Halifax Street.

After he completed his apprenticeship, his mother and father decided that he should go to college. The three of them met with Rev. Mr. Henry Williams, their pastor, and together agreed upon Hampton Normal and Industrial Institute. Despite the necessity of constant employment, after two years of study he was graduated from Hampton with a normal degree in 1878. In addition to his degree he also attended several summer teaching institutes at what is now Virginia State University.

After graduating from Hampton, Johnson returned home to Petersburg and began trying to locate a teaching position. That October he was offered a position in Surry County, about three miles from the courthouse. His new job involved teaching night school and paid $20 per month plus room and board and lodging. His students were both young and old, eager to learn, and he was an enthusiastic teacher.

He worked in Surry for five months. Later the following fall, quite by chance, on a walk through lower Chesterfield County he encountered a Captain Blankenship who was the County School Superintendent. A conference was held and the superintendent then offered a position at a new school that was under construction near what is now Virginia State University. He accepted the position and taught at that school, which was later called the "Old Brickyard School" on Dupuy Road in Ettrick.

Major Johnson taught at this school for seven years, seven months a year at $30 per month. In 1886 he was offered the principalship of Lombard Street School in Petersburg , with a nine-month school year and a record-breaking wage of $40 per month. He accepted right away. This was not just a raise of $150 per year, this also made it possible for him to give up making barrels in the evenings from March through August. This job as a cooper paid $3 - $4 per day and was used to supplement his teaching salary. He remained at Lombard Street School for two years until a new position at the Jones Street School was offered and accepted. Here he remained as principal for 31 years until the building was razed and the new Peabody-Williams Building was erected as a combination elementary and high school in 1919. He opposed this combined school because he felt the two levels should be in separate buildings. Nevertheless, he became principal of the elementary division until he retired in 1929. After 43 years of teaching in the city of Petersburg and more than 50 years in the state of Virginia.

In 1887 William Henry Johnson married Miss Nannie Brewer. The new Mrs. Johnson was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Brewer, who were very highly respected citizens of Petersburg. Mr. John Brewer's father was born a slave and belonged to James Nicholas. As a slave, Mr. Brewer was allowed to "hire out," that is, he was allowed to engage in some type of extra work where a part of the money went to the owner and the rest was pocketed by the slave. By late 1864, Brewer had managed to pay his owner a $1000 and was allowed to purchase himself from his owner. His self-purchase was within four months of the end of the Confederacy when all slaves were automatically free. In the early years, he was a painter. Later he owned and operated on of the most popular restaurants in Petersburg. His place was located at 10 Bank Street.

Nannie Brewer Johnson was educated in Petersburg and attended the 1888 Normal for Teachers, an institute held at what is now Virginia State University. Mrs. Johnson was active in community and church work. She was a faithful member of Gillfield Baptist Church. Major and Mrs. Johnson were married for 48 years.

During the era of black slavery, one of the greater fears of the white community was that of an armed rebellion of blacks. When the Civil War began, many free blacks in the south volunteered to take up arms for the Confederacy. This was true even in Petersburg. However, the state of Virginia was not prepared to accept armed black men, even volunteers. This policy remained until 1871 when Virginia reorganized the state Militia and allowed the formation of volunteer companies black and white.

The first black volunteer company in Petersburg came into existence in June of 1873. They were the Petersburg Guards, organized and captained by John H. Hill. For five years the Guards were the only black volunteer company in Petersburg. In 1878, however, Lieutenant Peyton L. Farley of the Guards resigned and organized the Petersburg Blues, which he also captained. William Henry Johnson joined the Blues in 1878 as a private. The Blues began complying a notable record in competition with other companies throughout the state. In 1881 they were invited to participate in the inaugural parade of President James A. Garfield. In 1888 Johnson, now a captain, led the Blues on a very successful trip to Providence, Long Island, and Boston, Massachusetts. Between the years 1888-1897, Captain Johnson became Major Johnson and assumed command of the 2nd Battalion, Virginia Volunteer Infantry. In 1897 the Ulysses S. Grant Monument Parade was held in New York City and both the first and second Battalions made a fine showing for themselves and the state.

When war with Spain was declared in 1898, the two black battalions were federalized and became the 6th Virginia U.S. Volunteer Army of the Spanish American War. The men met and voted to serve anywhere they were sent and elected to serve under their own officers. When this reached the press, an uproar evolved over the latter statement. Some whites opposed the idea of black officers. The unit, nevertheless, moved to a training camp at Camp Poland near Knoxville, Tennessee. There, a rumor concerning the ouster of all black officers were proven to be true.

All black officers were ordered to take an exam to determine whether they would be allowed to keep their ranks. The black officers declared that they had all taken exams before training their ranks, and what if those exams were good enough then, they should be good enough now. When the second order was given, nine black officers resigned. White officers were immediately selected to fill the vacancies. The men of the 6th Virginia were very upset. Their former black officers asked them to go on without them. The war, however, ended so quickly that the men from Virginia never saw service in Cuba or the Philippines. The unit was discharged in Georgia in 1899. Virginia disbanded the black Volunteer companies and would not accept black again in the State National Guard for many years. Major Johnson continued to try and convince the governors of the state to allow the reformation of the black militia companies, but with no success.

Aside from a purely military function the black companies also served as social organs for the black community. Socials and picnics were held and enjoyed by all. The wives and sweethearts of the men formed various auxiliaries and took it upon themselves to help raise funds and to purchase such items as ceremonial swords and flags.

Major William Henry Johnson and his wife were members of the Gillfield Baptist Church , which has been located on Perry Street since 1815. He had been associated with the church since birth and was baptized in the year 1886. When the Rev. Mr. Henry Williams died in 1900 he became superintendent of the Gillfield Baptist Church Sunday School. He also served as church clerk and financial secretary, was a vice-president of the home mission and president of the Gillfield Baptist Church Temperance Society. He served the Bethany Baptist Sunday School Convention as president for twenty-five years and recording secretary for five years.

Although William Henry spent a considerable amount of time in other activities, he still found time to become involved with different groups around the city and state. He was vice-president of the Negro Organizational Society, which was founded in 1912 at Hampton Institute. This was and organization dedicated to the improvement of health, education and agriculture amongst black people. Johnson was one of the founders of a black Chamber of Commerce in Petersburg and served as their president in 1924. In 1925 he was elected vice-president of the Old Dominion Investment Company, a black local bank, and he was connected with the Ideal Investment Company and Realty Corporation of Virginia, also a local black banking concern.

Last but not least, he was one of the first black feature writers for a white southern newspaper. In 1919 the Petersburg Progress-Index engaged him to write a serious column about black life in the city. The column appeared first as "Rome Street" and was then renamed "Subjects of Interest to Colored Readers." It lasted for 16 years, until 1935.

Scope and Content Information

The papers of Major William Henry Johnson were given to Virginia State University around 1957. They reflect the accomplishments of a person born a slave of slave parents in an uncertain time. There is personal and business correspondence dating from 1884. Hundreds of photographs show the black population in and around Petersburg frozen in time, leaving us a vivid picture of what they considered important in their lives. Perhaps the most outstanding series of papers is that which concern most of his speeches and writings. These cover a variety of topics and gives us an idea of what the black elite thought about their own lives an how they viewed the issues of their day.

The Johnson papers are one of the most interesting bodies of papers left by a post-bellum black of this time period. They are a true reflection of a time now gone. These, and other items such as these, will help us to understand more about this time and the often-neglected role by blacks.

Series Description

Series I: Correspondence: Family, Personal, Business, and Military
Container: 1
Container: 2
Letters, postcards and telegrams arranged chronologically. 1884-1935

Series II: Financial and legal
Container: 3
Teaching contracts, receipts, agreements, certificates, and military discharge. Arranged by type

Series III: Speeches and Writings
Containers: 4-7
Four boxes of handwritten and several printed speeches and articles. Included is an autobiography. A list of Publications.

Series IV: Photographs
Containers: 8-14
Seven boxes, family, friends work and church scenes. In box 12 are the photos of the 6th Virginia United States Colored Volunteers.

Series V: Printed (Memorabilia)
Container: 15
Announcements, Commencement programs, Broadsides, Programs, Invitations, Pamphlets. Two very interesting items: A Restaurant Menu from his father-in-law's business on Bank Street, and the first invitation to the "Ugly Club" 1886.

Series VI: Scrapbooks
Containers: 16-19
Some of everything. Programs, cards, photographs and some correspondence.

Series VII: Artifacts
Containers: 20-25
Household articles, toys and games. Two boxes of military items. There are also two military footlockers and the sheath for a dress saber.

Series VIII: Oversize
Container:
Maps and Photos

Other Descriptive Data

William Henry Johnson authored the following books:
A History of Gillfield Baptist Church
A Glimpse of The Happenings of the Gillfield Baptist Sabbath School-1928
History of the Colored Volunteer Infantry of Virginia 1871-99 - 1923

Contents List

Major William Henry Johnson Papers 1884-1935
Box-folder 2:35
  • Box-folder 1:1
    Correspondence: Family, Personal, Business, and Military 1884
  • Box-folder 1:2
    Correspondence 1886
  • Box-folder 1:3
    Correspondence 1906-1909
  • Box-folder 1:4
    Correspondence 1910
  • Box-folder 1:5
    Correspondence 1911
  • Box-folder 1:6
    Correspondence 1912-1913
  • Box-folder 1:7
    Correspondence 1914
  • Box-folder 1:8
    Correspondence 1915
  • Box-folder 1:9
    Correspondence 1916
  • Box-folder 1:10
    Correspondence 1917
  • Box-folder 1:11
    Correspondence 1918
  • Box-folder 1:12
    Correspondence 1919
  • Box-folder 1:13
    Correspondence 1920
  • Box-folder 1:14
    Correspondence 1921
  • Box-folder 1:15
    Correspondence 1922
  • Box-folder 1:16
    Correspondence 1923
  • Box-folder 1:17
    Correspondence 1924
  • Box-folder 1:18
    Correspondence 1925
  • Box-folder 1:19
    Correspondence 1926
  • Box-folder 1:20
    Correspondence 1927
  • Box-folder 1:21
    Correspondence 1929-1931
  • Box-folder 1:22
    Correspondence 1933-1935
  • Box-folder 1:23
    Correspondence n.d.
  • Box-folder 2:24
    Correspondence Military 1886-1888
  • Box-folder 2:26
    Correspondence Military 1898-1899
  • Box-folder 2:27
    Correspondence Military 1917-1919
  • Box-folder 2:28
    Correspondence Military 1920-1921
  • Box-folder 2:29
    Correspondence Military 1922-1926
  • Box-folder 2:30
    Correspondence Military 1931
  • Box-folder 2:31
    Military Receipts-Pay 1898
  • Box-folder 2:32
    Military Receipts 1896-1898
  • Box-folder 2:33
    Army Discharge 1898
  • Box-folder 2:34
    Unit Patch 6th USCT n.d.
  • Box-folder 2:35
    Tickets n.d.
Financial and legal 1901-1920, n.d.
Box-folder 1:5
  • Box-folder 3:36
    Register of Copyright 1901
  • Box-folder 3:37
    Public School contracts, Pension information 1912-1920
  • Box-folder 3:38
    Stocks and Bonds n.d.
  • Box-folder 3:39
    Receipts General n.d.
  • Box-folder 3:40
    Receipts General n.d.
Speeches and Writings 1884-1928
Box-folder 4:119
  • Box-folder 4:41
    Industrial Education 1884
  • Box-folder 4:42
    Discipline 1911
  • Box-folder 4:43
    Our Condition Generally 1912
  • Box-folder 4:44
    Founders Day Address 1926
  • Box-folder 4:45
    The Source of Lasting Power 1928
  • Box-folder 4:46
    Sister Jordan n.d.
  • Box-folder 4:47
    Discipline n.d.
  • Box-folder 4:48
    48. School Thought
  • Box-folder 4:49
    Discipline
  • Box-folder 4:50
    Relative Efficiency of Infantry and Calvary
  • Box-folder 4:51
    Vigilantism
  • Box-folder 4:52
    Influence
  • Box-folder 4:53
    Attendance
  • Box-folder 4:54
    54. Sunday School Work
  • Box-folder 4:55
    55. The Attitude of the Sunday School to the Community
  • Box-folder 4:56
    Why an Association of this kind is needed
  • Box-folder 4:57
    The Influence of the Sabbath School
  • Box-folder 4:57a
    The Public School System of Virginia and What it Means to U.S.
  • Box-folder 4:58
    No title 1888
  • Box-folder 4:59
    No title 1897
  • Box-folder 4:60
    No title 1897
  • Box-folder 4:61
    No title 1911
  • Box-folder 4:62
    No title 1911
  • Box-folder 4:62a
    No title 1911
  • Box-folder 4:63
    No title 1912
  • Box-folder 4:63
    No title 1914
  • Box-folder 4:65
    No title 1914
  • Box-folder 4:66
    No title 1915
  • Box-folder 4:67
    No title 1916
  • Box-folder 4:67a
    No title 1917
  • Box-folder 4:68
    No title 1918
  • Box-folder 4:69
    No title 1922
  • Box-folder 4:70
    No title 1923
  • Box-folder 4:71
    No title 1923
  • Box-folder 4:72
    No title 1923
  • Box-folder 4:73
    No title 1925
  • Box-folder 4:74
    No title 1928
  • Box-folder 5:75
    At Gillfield n. d. n. t.
  • Box-folder 5:76
    At Gillfield n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:76
    At Gillfield n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:77
    At Gillfield n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:78
    At Gillfield n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:79
    At Gillfield n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:80
    At Gillfield n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:81
    At Gillfield n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:82
    At Gillfield n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:83
    At Gillfield n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:84
    At Gillfield n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:85
    At Gillfield n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:86
    At Gillfield n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:87
    At Virginia State University n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:87a
    At Virginia State University n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:88
    At Virginia State University n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:89
    At Virginia State University n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:90
    At Virginia State University n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:91
    At Virginia State University (VN & CI) n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:92
    At Virginia State University (VN & CI) n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:93
    At Virginia State University (VN & CI) n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:94
    At Virginia State University (VN & CI) n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:95
    The Order of St. Luke n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:96
    The Virginia State Sabbath School Convention n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:97
    The Virginia State Sabbath School Convention n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:98
    The Virginia State Sabbath School Convention n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:99
    The Virginia State Sabbath School Convention n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:100
    At The State Sunday School Convention n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:101
    Before the Sunday School Union n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:102
    Before the Bethany Baptist Sunday School n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:103
    Before the Bethany Baptist Sunday School n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:104
    Before the Bethany Baptist Sunday School n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:105
    Before the Bethany Baptist Sunday School n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:106
    Before the Bethany Baptist Sunday School n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:107
    At the YMCA n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:108
    Before Dinwidde Farmers Conference n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:109
    Before the Temperance Society n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:110
    Before the Knights of Pythias n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:111
    Before Petersburg Teachers n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:112
    Before Petersburg Teachers n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:113
    At Zion Baptist-Petersburg n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 5:114
    At Zion Baptist-Petersburg n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 6:115
    About Anne Blackwell n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 6:116
    About Bethany Baptist n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 6:117
    About Bishop Payne's School n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 6:118
    About Bishop Payne's School n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 6:119
    About the Boys Scouts n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 6:120
    About Dellia Hayden n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 6:121
    About Dellia Hayden n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 6:122
    About the Elks n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder Reel: 6:123
    About Gillfield Sabbath School n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 6:124
    About John H. Lamb n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 6:125
    Before the Ladies Auxiliary n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 6:126
    About St. Lukes/Mary Prout n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 6:127
    Before the Mothers League n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 6:128
    About the Peoples Cemetery n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 6:129
    About Sabbath Schools n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 6:130
    About Temperance n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 6:131
    About Rev. Henry Williams n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 6:132
    132. Before the City of Petersburg about Henry Williams n.d.n.t
  • Box-folder 6:133
    n.t. n.d.
  • Box-folder 6:134
    n.t. n.d.
  • Box-folder 6:135
    n.t. n.d.
  • Box-folder 6:136
    n.t. n.d.
  • Box-folder 6:137
    n.t. n.d.
  • Box-folder 6:138
    n.t. n.d.
  • Box-folder 6:139
    n.t. n.d.
  • Box-folder 6:140
    n.t. n.d.
  • Box-folder 6:141
    n.t. n.d.
  • Box-folder 6:142
    n.t. n.d.
  • Box-folder 6:143
    n.t. n.d.
  • Box-folder 6:144
    n.t. n.d.
  • Box-folder 6:145
    n.t. n.d.
  • Box-folder 6:146
    n.t. n.d.
  • Box-folder 6:147
    n.t. n.d.
  • Box-folder 6:148
    n.t. n.d.
  • Box-folder 6:149
    n.t. n.d.
  • Box-folder 6:150
    n.t. n.d.
  • Box-folder 6:151
    n.t. n.d.
  • Box-folder 6:152
    n.t. n.d.
  • Box-folder 6:153
    n.t. n.d.
  • Box-folder 6:154
    n.t. n.d.
  • Box-folder 6:155
    n.t. n.d.
  • Box-folder 7:156
    n.t. n.d.
  • Box-folder 7:157
    n.t. n.d.
  • Box-folder 7:158
    n.t. n.d.
  • Box-folder 7:159
    n.t. n.d.
  • Box-folder 7:160
    n.t. n.d.
Speeches and Writings
Box-folder 1:17
  • Box-folder 7:161
    Writing/Manuscript
  • Box-folder 7:162
    Writing
  • Box-folder 7:163
    Report
  • Box-folder 7:164
    Writing
  • Box-folder 7:165
    Writing/Manuscript
  • Box-folder 7:166
    Writing
  • Box-folder 7:167
    Autobiography
  • Box-folder 7:168
    Autobiography
  • Box-folder 7:169
    Autobiography
  • Box-folder 7:170
    Autobiography
  • Box-folder 7:171
    Autobiography
  • Box-folder 7:172
    Autobiography
  • Box-folder 7:173
    Autobiography
  • Box-folder 7:174
    Autobiography
  • Box-folder 7:175
    Autobiography
  • Box-folder 7:176
    Autobiography
  • Box-folder 7:177
    Autobiography
Photographs n.d.
Box-folder 5:227
  • Box-folder 8:178
    178. Johnson, Malinda
  • Box-folder 8:179
    Johnson, Malinda (Copy)
  • Box-folder 8:180
    Johnson, Henry
  • Box-folder 8:181
    Johnson, William H. & Nannie Brewer Johnson
  • Box-folder 8:182
    Johnson, Nannie B.
  • Box-folder 8:183
    Johnson, Nannie B.
  • Box-folder 8:184
    Allen, Lucinda P.
  • Box-folder 8:186
    Baxton, Katy
  • Box-folder 8:186
    Bolling, (Rev.) Richard
  • Box-folder 8:187
    Boston, Margaret K.
  • Box-folder 8:188
    Browne, Maggie
  • Box-folder 8:189
    Chaplain, Grace
  • Box-folder 8:190
    Claiborne, Mrs.
  • Box-folder 8:191
    Clark, Mrs. & Daughter
  • Box-folder 8:192
    Clarke, Jr., George W.
  • Box-folder 8:193
    Cole, Effie
  • Box-folder 8:194
    Conrad, Daisy
  • Box-folder 8:195
    Downing, G.
  • Box-folder 8:196
    Farley, Tom
  • Box-folder 8:197
    Forbes, Alexander
  • Box-folder 8:198
    Fox, Ms.
  • Box-folder 8:199
    Gilpin, (Mrs.) Alberta
  • Box-folder 8:200
    Groves, C.
  • Box-folder 8:201
    Harris, Mabel A.
  • Box-folder 8:202
    Hayden, Dellia
  • Box-folder 8:203
    Harris, Octavia Fels
  • Box-folder 8:204
    Holmes, (Mrs.) Jeanette M.
  • Box-folder 8:205
    James, Andrew
  • Box-folder 8:206
    Jarratt, (Mrs.) Nanny (child)
  • Box-folder 8:207
    Jeffries, Mr. and Mrs.
  • Box-folder 8:208
    Jenkins, (Mrs.) Catharine
  • Box-folder 8:209
    Johns, A.
  • Box-folder 8:210
    Johnson, Leonard & Wife
  • Box-folder 8:211
    Johnson, (Mrs.) Margaret
  • Box-folder 8:212
    Johnson, Merr
  • Box-folder 8:213
    Johnson, Richard
  • Box-folder 8:214
    Johnson, Robert
  • Box-folder 215
    Johnston, James Hugo, II.
  • Box-folder 8:216
    Johnston, (Mrs.) (Mother of James Hugo Johnston, Sr.)
  • Box-folder 8:217
    Jones, (Mrs.) Charities
  • Box-folder 8:218
    Jones, (Mrs.) Elizabeth
  • Box-folder 8:219
    Jones, (Mrs.) Freeman
  • Box-folder 8:220
    Jones, (Mrs.) Robert
  • Box-folder 8:221
    Jones, (Mrs.) Robert
  • Box-folder 8:222
    Jones, Ruth A.
  • Box-folder 8:223
    Jordon, (Mrs.) Alice
  • Box-folder 8:224
    Kennard, Mr. & Mrs. Richard
  • Box-folder 8:225
    Kerr, Augustus
  • Box-folder 8:226
    Kountze, Barbara S.
  • Box-folder 8:227
    Lewis, Herbert & Marie
  • Box-folder 8:228
    Lindsay, Anna Laura
  • Box-folder 8:229
    Ms. Lizzie
  • Box-folder 8:230
    Ms. Lois Anne
  • Box-folder 9:231
    Manson, John (Children)
  • Box-folder 9:232
    Manson, Rachel
  • Box-folder 9:233
    Martin, Ruby
  • Box-folder 9:234
    Martin, Dr. Randolph
  • Box-folder 9:235
    Major, James A.
  • Box-folder 9:236
    Mount Pleasant Church
  • Box-folder 9:237
    McLin, Anna & Mary
  • Box-folder 9:238
    Owens, Emanuel & Family
  • Box-folder 9:239
    Page, I. S.
  • Box-folder 9:240
    Parker, William T.
  • Box-folder 9:241
    Phillips, Clay & wife
  • Box-folder 9:242
    Pleasanta, (Mrs.) Corinne R.
  • Box-folder 9:243
    Pollard, (Mrs.) Eunice R.
  • Box-folder 9:244
    Putney, Lucy
  • Box-folder 9:245
    Relaford, (Mrs.) Mary Ellen
  • Box-folder 9:246
    Relaford, V. H.
  • Box-folder 9:247
    Relaford, William R.
  • Box-folder 9:248
    Robinson, Anna Belle
  • Box-folder 9:249
    Robinson, (Mrs.) Rebecca
  • Box-folder 9:250
    Robinson, (Mrs.)
  • Box-folder 9:251
    Rountze, Hillard Cato
  • Box-folder 9:252
    San Jose Mission
  • Box-folder 9:253
    Scotland, Alice
  • Box-folder 9:254
    Scott, A. E.
  • Box-folder 9:255
    Scott, James L.
  • Box-folder 9:256
    Shields, Emma
  • Box-folder 9:257
    Simpson, (Mr.)
  • Box-folder 9:258
    Smith, Helen Cralle
  • Box-folder 9:259
    Smith, Rosa Wilson
  • Box-folder 9:260
    Snell, Pearl, Eveline
  • Box-folder 9:261
    Sutton, S. J.
  • Box-folder 9:262
    Swann, (Mrs.) Elizabeth
  • Box-folder 9:263
    Texas, (Mrs.) Sutton
  • Box-folder 9:264
    Troy, (Rev.)
  • Box-folder 9:265
    V.S.U. - First Faculty and Class
  • Box-folder 9:266
    Watts, Robert
  • Box-folder 9:267
    Williams, (Rev.) Henry (Funeral)
  • Box-folder 9:268
    Williams, (Rev.) Henry (Funeral)
  • Box-folder 9:269
    Williams, (Mrs.)
  • Box-folder 9:270
    Williams, (Mrs.)
  • Box-folder 9:271
    Williams, (Mrs.)
  • Box-folder 9:272
    Wilkerson, Elenora King
  • Box-folder 9:273
    Wilson, Mrs. Nannie J.
  • Box-folder 9:274
    Wilson, Jefferson
  • Box-folder 9:275
    Wilson, Jefferson
  • Box-folder 9:276
    Winfield, Richard
  • Box-folder 9:277
    Wisher, (Elder)
  • Box-folder 9:278
    Worsham Family Home
  • Box-folder 9:279
    Word, Mrs. Adeline
  • Box-folder 10-12:405
    Unidentified Subjects n.d.
    125 photos
  • Militia Photographs
    • Box-folder 12:406
      Johnson, William Henry
    • Box-folder 12:407
      Johnson, William Henry
    • Box-folder 12:408
      Stevens, J. C. S.
    • Box-folder 12:409
      Stevens, J. C. S.
    • Box-folder 12:410
      Johnson, William Henry
    • Box-folder 12:411
      Gould, Edwards, W.
    • Box-folder 12:412-415
      Unidentified Individual
      four photos
    • Box-folder 12:416-417
      Unidentified Troopers
      two photos
    • Box-folder 12:418
      Johnson, William H. & Sergeant
    • Box-folder 12:419
      Stevens, J. C. S. & William H. Johnson
    • Box-folder 12:420
      Company on Parade/ Prussian Style Uniforms
    • Box-folder 12:421
      Battalion on Parade
    • Box-folder 12:422
      Battalion Officers & N. C. O. s
    • Box-folder 12:423
      Battalion on Parade
    • Box-folder 12:424-426
      Battalion Officers
      three photos
    • Box-folder 12:427-428
      Spanish American War Veterans Meeting
      two photos
  • Gillfield Baptist Photos
    • Box-folder 12:429
      Henry William & Steve Jordan/Bible Class at Gillfield Baptist Church
    • Box-folder 12:430
      Gillfield Adult Sunday School Class
    • Box-folder 12:431-432
      Gillfield Church Members
      two photos
    • Box-folder 12:433
      Gillfield Sunday School
    • Box-folder 12:434
      Gillfield Church Members
  • Johnson at work, home, school, and the farm
    • Box-folder 12:435-437
      Johnson at work
      three photos
    • Box-folder 12:438
      William Henry Johnson
    • Box-folder 12:439
      Home 1151 Rome Street
    • Box-folder 12:440
      School Interior
    • Box-folder 12:441
      Schools
    • Box-folder 12:442-443
      Farm Scene
      two photos
    • Box-folder 12:444
      Work Scene
  • Box 13
    Glass Types Framed
Series V.: Printed Memorabilia
  • Box 14
    Printers Blocks
  • Box-folder 15:445
    Announcement-Literary and Musical Program 1929
  • Box-folder 15:446
    Announcement-Bethany Baptist 1904
  • Box-folder 15:447
    Announcement-Farmers Conference n.d.
  • Box-folder 15:448
    Announcement-First Baptist Church Anniversary 1918
  • Box-folder 15:449
    Announcement-Shiloh Baptist Sunday School 1923
  • Box-folder 15:450
    Announcement-Colored Cemetery 1925
  • Box-folder 15:451
    Broadsides-Gillfield Baptist Sabbath School 1905
  • Box-folder 15:452
    Broadsides-Henry Williams at Gillfield n.d.
  • Box-folder 15:453
    Cards-Thank You
  • Box-folder 12:454
    Certificates-Bethany Baptist n.d.
  • Box-folder 15:455
    Certificates-Boy Scouts 1929
  • Box-folder 15:456
    Certificates-Gillfield 1919
  • Box-folder 15:457
    Certificates-Gold Coin Club 1907
  • Box-folder 15:458
    Certificates-Teaching Certificate 1907
  • Box-folder 15:459
    Certificates-Teaching Certificate 1919
  • Box-folder 15:460
    Certificates-Membership to NAACP 1933
  • Box-folder 15:461
    Invitations-Hampton Normal And Agricultural Institute 1895, 1896, 1915, 1916, 1917, 1922, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1930
  • Box-folder 15:462
    Invitations-Howard University 1928
  • Box-folder 15:463
    Invitations-Peabody 1921
  • Box-folder 15:464
    Invitations-Peabody 1924
  • Box-folder 15:465
    Invitations-Virginia State 1926
  • Box-folder 15:466
    Invitations-Ugly Club 1886
  • Box-folder 15:467
    Pageants-Boy Scouts 1930
  • Box-folder 15:468
    Pamphlets-Petersburg Colored Association n.d.
  • Box-folder 15:469
    Program-Jones Street School Play 1910
  • Box-folder 15:470
    Programs-37th Anniversary Bethany Baptist 1925
  • Box-folder 15:471
    Programs-Bishop Payne 1911
  • Box-folder 15:472
    Programs-Virginia Normal Debate 1918
  • Box-folder 15:473
    Programs-Emancipation Program at Peabody 1932
  • Box-folder 15:474
    Programs-Garden Club 1931
  • Box-folder 15:475
    Programs-Gillfield 1903
  • Box-folder 15:476
    Programs-Gillfield 1904
  • Box-folder 15:477
    Programs-Grant Parade 1897
  • Box-folder 15:478
    Programs-School Improvement League 1910
  • Box-folder 15:479
    Programs-Negro Organizational Society 1914
  • Box-folder 15:480
    Programs-Peabody High School 1927
  • Box-folder 15:481
    Programs-YMCA (Petersburg) n.d.
  • Box-folder 15:482
    Programs-Piedmont Sanatorium 1924
  • Box-folder 15:483
    Programs-AMEZ 1912
  • Box-folder 15:484
    Programs-Virginia Federation of Colored Women 1934
  • Box-folder 15:485
    Programs-Williamsburg 1919
  • Box-folder 15:486
    Programs-Presidents Day Virginia State 1925
  • Box-folder 15:487
    Tickets-Colored Agricultural and Industrial Association 15:1887
  • Box-folder 15:488
    Restaurant Menu-John Brewer's Restaurant n.d.
  • Box-folder 15:489
    YMCA (Petersburg) 1893
  • Box-folder 15:490
    Anniversary Program 1928
  • Box-folder 15:491
    Programs-Virginia Teacher Association 1906
  • Box-folder 15:492
    Program-Benefit Entertainment 1895
  • Box-folder 493
    Tickets-Gillfield 1895, 1897, 1901
  • Box-folder 15:494
    Tickets-Jones Street School 1910
  • Box-folder 15:495
    Programs-Lindsay Treble Clef Club 1934
  • Box-folder 15:496
    Five Sunday School Pins from Gillfield n.d.
  • Box 15-A
    Oversized photos, framed. Photo Albums.
Series VI.: Scrapbooks
Box 16-19
Contains programs, cards, photographs, and some correspondence.
Series VII.: Artifacts
Box 20-25
Contains household articles, toys and games; two boxes of military items and two footlockers; also the sheath for a dress saber.
Series VIII.: Oversize
Maps and photos.
  • Folder 497
    Parade Route for the Grant Inaugural Parade (1897), Parade Route for the Peoples Cemetery 1897
  • Folder 498
    Broadside-An Hour in Old Gillfield 1915