Tallahassee Black Families Collection

Item set

Title

Description

Tallahassee was founded in 1825 and selected as the capital because of its location, which was the halfway point between Pensacola and St. Augustine. The city depended on a plantation economy, which was fueled by slave labor; as a result, by 1860, the Black population grew to three times the size of the White population. The descendants would create a rich and unique history in Tallahassee, which this collection has recorded and preserved. The collection contains the Mr. & Mrs. Levi Simmons Papers, Martin Family Papers, Pasty Miller Papers, Benjamin J. Baker Papers, Robert Meacham, Jack Jefferson Papers, Davis and Pemberton Family Reunion Program, Katherine Nickelson Spieghts Collection, Martha Brown Collection, Dr. Alpha Omega Campbell, Lewis Washington Taylor, Cherrye L. Turner Spencer, The Gardner Family History, The Hall family of Leon County, Rev. Bernyce H. Clausell History, and Charles Henry Rollins History.

Physical Location

Tallahassee Black Families Collection, John G. Riley House Archives, Tallahassee Community College Library, Tallahassee, Florida.

Items

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Beansie and Levi Simmons documents

Documents kept by Beansie and Levi Simmons - mostly tax-related records, in addition to written notes, war ration booklets, and Veterans Affairs documents.
Charles Henry Rollins biography

An extensive biography on Charles Henry Rollins, entitled Charles Henry Rollins: Notes on His Life, Legacy, and Family: 1832 - 1941.
Robinson Family materials

A brief history of the Robinson Family dating back to 1804, which details marriages and births throughout several generations. It also includes a very brief biography of William Robinson, who was one of the first students to receive a master's degree from FAMU and went on to teach in Leon County public schools for forty years.
Rev. James Page probate records

Copies of probate records for the estate of James Page dated 1879.
Black Families news clippings

Various newspaper clippings showcase local community members and their stories.
Robert Meacham biographical materials

Biography on Robert Meacham, a former slave turned Florida senator; two photocopies of newspaper articles about Meacham; an obituary for Meacham, who was noted to be highly regarded in the community; and a photocopied photograph of Meacham. It also includes a biography on Benjamin Joshua Baker who was, not only the first African-American teacher to retire under the Florida Teacher Retirement Bill, but the first teacher to retire under the bill; an article on Baker and his accomplishments that helped pave the way for other African-American teachers and community members; and a photograph of Baker.
Joseph H. Avery Jr. biographical materials

A brief history of photographer Joseph H. Avery Jr. who, originally from North Florida, went on to serve as chief of the photo lab with the U.S. House of Representatives from 1960 to 1995.
McGreen Family materials

A newspaper clipping from September 1949 announcing the funeral of Nurse Irene Odell McGreen, who is noted as being the first nurse of color to be employed by Leon County in addition to being credited for the founding of a midwife training school and the Stay-Rite School of Beauty Culture and Practical Nursing. It also includes a portrait of, presumably, Nurse McGreen, as well as personal correspondence from her granddaughter, Alfreda Vaughn, detailing some of her family history.
A. E. Martin Family materials

Various award ribbons for The American Rose Society's annual rose show; various photos, including several of A. E. Martin Jr. at a rose show; a newspaper clipping celebrating A. E. Martin Jr.'s achievements as a rose show multi-award winner; a printout of a Leon County Property Appraiser webpage detailing property information and handwritten notes; a photocopy of a deed dated August of 1950 that lists A. E. Martin, his wife, and several other parties as seeking to use a Tallahassee American Legion post "for the general welfare of the negro people"; and photocopy of a deed that seemingly transfers a plot of land to A. E. Martin.
Lucas Family materials

A brief history of the Lucas Family beginning in 1860 in addition to an extensive family tree.