John Mercer Langston was born on December 14, 1829 to a freed slave, Lucy Langston, and a white man of “extreme old age," Ralph Quarles. At the time of Langston's birth, Virginia law specified that all children would be born into a “free or bond…
After his parent's death, Virginia law inhibited John Mercer Langston and the other children of Ralph Quarles and Lucy Langston from inheriting his father's estate. A friend, William Gooch, helped John and his brothers relocate in Ohio. As a young…
This document is a contract between John A. Walker and Casina Shepard. The agreement specifies that Ms. Shepard is to perform her duties as a laborer on the property of Mr. Walker. She is to be given five dollars a month for her and her son’s work.…
1, Alfred P, Torbert, Bertha, Melton, 24, 19
2,Dewey, Cales, Florence, Bowles, 26, 22
3, Edward E, Badgett, Rosa L, Baker, 24, 16
4, Walter A, Deale, Mary Alice, Ward, 24, 19
5, Bernard H, Melton, Minnie M, Johnson, 21, 19
6, Eric, Peetz, Audrey…
William Jackson Walton served as the Superintendent of the Jackson District from 1871 until 1884 when he became one of the earliest Superintendents of Schools in Louisa County. As Superintendent, Walton kept records of how many schools were in each…
… [previous information on the frame unrelated to labor was omitted here]
III. Asst. Superintendents will regard themselves as the friends of the Freedmen; will not allow themselves to be driven from their former homes without some provision being…