This is the last will and testament of Charles Black (1796-1853), son of John Black (1755-1845) and nephew of William Black, namesake of the Town of Blacksburg, Virginia. Charles died 1853 and his will was proved in Montgomery County, by Rice D. Montague, Clerk.
Quote: “I give her [my beloved wife Rhoda Black] my negro woman Eliza to dispose of all as suits her, and my two boys Daniel and Andrew I desire that she will dispose of Daniel and Andrew to my sons John & Edward, on condition that they pay to Kezia Francisco $750.00. dollars and to Ann T. Black $550.00 dollars.”
Rhoda McDonald Black (1805-1859), wife and mother of Keziah Black Francisco (1830-1903), Ann Taylor “Nannie” Black (1837-1903), John Black A. (1831-1899), and Edward Black (1835-1912).
Much of Charles and Rhoda Black’s land becomes part of Virginia Tech campus after the death of Charles and Rhoda.
Page 1 Charles Black Last Will & Testament, Montgomery County Court HousePage 2
George Mills is noted as “After the war an old servant George Mills by name….” in Nannie Francisco Porter’s , daughter of Keziah Black Francisco.
The 1850 Slave Schedule for Montgomery County does not name the people held against their will and provide a documentation of the slave owners. Charles Black’s will notes three people, a woman and two men, not four as noted below. No proof yet, but perhaps Eliza is the one listed female. Daniel and Andrew are likely one of these three people.
Alexander Black is the brother of Charles Black.
Register of Death of Enslaved by their owners
In 1853, one of Charles Black’s enslaved men reportedly died from apoplexy. This explains why his will only mentioned two men and one woman.
Andrew Jackson “Jack” Long was born in 1870 in Montgomery County as noted in the 1880 & 1900 US Census, and Jackson’s marriage record in 1892. In the 1930 census his birth year was noted as 1872. These documents list Jackson as either “mulatto, black or colored” and Sara/Sarah as “white.” No father was listed.
In the marriage record Jackson’s mother is noted as Sara Long and in the 1880 US Census as Sarah. In the 1880 census Sarah and Jackson are living in the vicinity of other Long families and close to the James Otey farm, Walnut Springs, close to Toms Creek.
On 1 September 1892, Jackson Long (22 yrs, laborer) marries Mary Jackson (21 yrs) by D. Bill Groseclose. Polly Jackson is noted as Mary’s mother.
Eight years later the family of 6 appears in the 1900 US Census. Jackson is 26 and a laborer in the stone quarry; Mary, his wife, is 26 and had given birth to 4 children, all still alive: Theodosia,- daughter, born December 1893, 6 yr; Thomas – son, born September 1895, 4 yr; Donald- son, born May 1896, 4 yr; Hary C – son, June 1897, 3 years.
1930 US Census finds the family in Montgomery County, and appears to be living in the same neighborhood. Jackson and Mary own their home, worth $600. He is working in Mill Rock Quarry as a Stone Cutter. The couple are now living with 7 children.
Donald and Thomas are working in the millstone quarry. Thomas is 34 (b. 1906) and Donald is 31 yrs old (b. 1909). Theodore (Ted) is 23 (b. 1917) and his brother Gilbert 13 (b. 1917) are working on a dairy farm and Mason is 22 (b. 1918) and working on a “truck” vegetable farm. The two daughters, Eva is 19 (b. 1911) and Annie 16 yrs (b. 1914) are at home.
The birth certificate for Gilbert add to the Long’s story. He is listed as the 11th child, born on 6 July 1912 to 39 yrs old Jackson Long and Mary Jackson Long, age 40, housekeeper. M.B. Linkous was the attending physician in Cambria.
1880 US Census1900 US Census1892 Montgomery County, Va Marriage RecordBirth of Gilbert Long1930 Us Census, Montgomery County, Va
The Household of Ruth No 5533 included the mothers, wives and daughters of the Tadmore Light Lodge, No 6184 members. This female order, which was started a few years after the men’s order – Grand United Order of Odd Fellows (GUOOF) – was vital in the function of the Lodge and the well being of the community.
This 1958 “membership” card hails from Burlington, North Carolina, yet it serves as a representation of the mutual aid reliance likely mirrored in Blacksburg. It outlines monthly dues of $0.50, weekly sick dues of $2.50, and a $1.00 allowance for burial expenses.
Martha Pennif, member and Shirley T. Lesneur, W.R.
Clinch County, Virginia Household of Ruth No. 5858 – Moss Rising Star
The ribbon on the right is proof that this lodge existed in Clinch County, Virginia
Noted as the Mayor’s Docket List of 1916 (origin unknown)
The following African Americans were listed in this list as living in Newtown (one word): William Green, Preston Mayse, John Paige, John Vaughn, William Young, Blanche Lavender, A.M.E. Parsonage, John D Smith and B. Rollins.
William Palmer Green, Preston Mays/Mayse, John Vaughn, William Young, Blanche Lavender, AME Parsonage, John D Smith and John B. Rollins are found in the various US Population Census.
1900 Population Census, National Archives & Records Administration1900 Population Census, National Archives & Records Administration1910 Population Census, National Archives & Records Administration1910 Population Census, National Archives & Records Administration1920 Population Census, National Archives & Records Administration1930 Population Census, National Archives & Records Administration1930 Population Census, National Archives & Records Administration1940 Population Census, National Archives & Records AdministrationEarly 1900 Map of Blacksburg and New Town
Montgomery County (Va.) Cohabitation Register. This register records the name of the husband, his age, place of birth, residence, occupation, last owner, last owner’s residence, name of the wife, her age, place of birth, residence, last owner, last owner’s residence, name of children with the ages of each, and the date of commencement of cohabitation. Of note is the wide range of localities reported as the former slaves’ places of birth
Montgomery County (Va.) Register of Colored Persons Cohabiting Together as Husband and Wife, 1866 Feb. 27. N.p., 1866. Print
This document is very valuable and now that it has been digitized it is accessible. Please read the description and historical note by the Library of Virginia: (accessed 3 March 2024)
Direct Link to the pages as images and as a transcription
Description Montgomery County (Va.) Register of Colored Persons of Montgomery County, State of Virginia, cohabiting together as Husband and Wife on 27th February 1866. Also commonly called Montgomery County (Va.) Cohabitation Register. This register records the name of the husband, his age, place of birth, residence, occupation, last owner, last owner’s residence, name of the wife, her age, place of birth, residence, last owner, last owner’s residence, name of children with the ages of each, and the date of commencement of cohabitation. Of note is the wide range of localities reported as the former slaves’ places of birth
Montgomery County (Va.) Register of Colored Persons Cohabiting Together as Husband and Wife, 1866 Feb. 27. N.p., 1866. Print.
Historical Note Note
Montgomery County was named for Richard Montgomery, who was killed in the American assault on Quebec late in 1775. It was formed from Fincastle County in 1776. Part of Botetourt County was added in 1789, and part of Pulaski County was added in 1842.
The Virginia legislature passed an act on 27 February 1866 to legalize the marriages of former slaves who had been cohabiting as of that date. See Virginia Acts of Assembly, 1866-1867, Chapter 18, An act to amend and re-enact the 14th section of chapter 108 of the Code of Virginia for 1860, in regard to registers of marriage; and to legalize the marriages of colored persons now cohabiting as husband and wife.
The federal Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands directed the Assistant Superintendents of the states to order the county clerks to make a registry of such cohabiting couples. See Circular No. 11, dated 19 March 1866, in Orders, Circulars, Circular Letters, and Letters of Instruction, vol. 2 (1866). Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, Records of the Assistant Commissioner for the State of Virginia, 1865-1869. Miscellaneous reel 3880, Library of Virginia. National Archives microfilm M1048 (reel 41), Record Group 105.
Montgomery County (Va.) Register of Colored Persons Cohabiting Together as Husband and Wife, 1866 Feb. 27. N.p., 1866. Print.
The Odd Fellows’ Journal was published in Philadelphia, Pa. The Vol 3, No 41, Ed 1, Thursday, January 11, 1900. This newspaper provides information about this lodge in Salem, Virginia, which was a train ride away from Blacksburg.
The following is a transcript of the article by E.L.Morris
Odd Fellows’ Journal. (Philadelphia, Pa.), Vol. 3, No. 41, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 11, 1900. Page 2. Virginia – Salem “I have ever been slow to think I could offer anything worthy the columns of the Odd Fellow’s Journal or any paper holding a high place of merit amount the standard publications of the old “Keystone State,” and I do not presume to come down with any tribute of current news; but be forcibly impressed by the Odd Fellows’ lunch and smoker on Wednesday evening, December 28, 1899, I thought I would “shake off” a few lines with my old goose quill pen, to let the brothers in Friendship, Love and Truth the world over know that Sons of Salem Lodge, No 1675, is wide awake to duty. On the above mentioned occasion the hall was brilliantly illuminated with lights which reflected from the crystal chandelier, which case its mellow glow upon the scene. The Odd Fellows had the flush of merriment on every facial lineament. There have been larger crowds assembled but few functions of the kind have been more brilliant, and in none have the men deported themselves with less confusion and more hearty Odd Fellow bearing. The exercised were opened with pray[er]* by the Chaplain, Anderson Wills. About thirty-two guests were [pre]sent, and the evening was most [ple]asantly spent by all. Refresh[me]nts were served and everybody [ha]d plenty to eat, such as oyster[r] sandwiches and pickles, cigars [?g] also much in evidence. A mo[?] joyable program was rendered [?e} first selection being a son [of] the lodge. P. F. Edgar L. Morris was master of ceremonies, and in well chosen [w]ords presented to Sons of Salem [lo]dge, Professor John H. Ducker, the rising “son of oratory’ [t]he “old Dominion,” who spoke [f]ollows: Most W[ort]hy Noble Grand, P. N. Fs. And Members of Sons of Salem Lo[dge], No 1675:- “We [h]ave assembled to-night to part[ici]pate in a grand lunch and tim[?] smoker, but allow me, ere we f[?] proceed , on behalf of this pra[ise] worthy and painstaking commit[ee] viz: D F. Bradpher, chairma[n] S. Taliaferro, and this grand and [n]oble Order of Odd Fellows to [s] to you an open hand hos[p]atality. “We e[?] you and welcome you brethren, this grand and sumptuous re[?] and trust that that evening {/} be spent in a pleasane and that returning to our homes we may [c?] happy remembrances of this com[i]ttees’ kind hospitality while welc[oming] you here this 27th of Decembe[r] 1899, to this hall, with warmest [?] sations of love and friendship. We congratulate you upon the he[alt]hy financial condition of the Orde[r] on the magnificent interest that felt by all of its members ar[e] the entire harmony and good w[?] that had heretofore prevailed and that still exists among you.” Time and [?ce] will not allow further cons{tr]ant on this great speech, The speaker sat down amid deafeni[ing] roars of applause. Borther D. Bradpher was next introduced, a[?] told of the members whom were present twenty-five years ago, only three of whom are present to-[nig]t,” he said, “to enjoy the good [th]ings prepared by the prices of [od]d fellows. Ths speaker was followed by Messrs. Taylor of Johnson City Lodge; H.S. {Ta]liferro, A. Williams, S.N. Fe[?], S. M. Phillips, A. J. Anderson, {?} Spurlick, and others who mad[e] telling remarks on the many c[?]ges which have taken place since the organization of the lodge in 18[?]. At 12 o’clock [mi]dnight we departed for our se[?]al homes with merry hearts and [pl]leasant remembrances of the [?nd] lunch and smoker which h[ad] just become a thing of the past. E. L. Morris
*A significant crease down the newspaper caused letters to be hidden. We tried to guess.
Edgar L. Morris was living with his wife, Maria in the 1910 Census, in Salem County, Ward 1,, Virginia. He was a machinist, working for a tannery. He was 40 years old, married once and for 19 years. His wife was 42, also married once for 19 years. She had birthed 6 children, all survived. Their six children were living with them, even split between girls and sons. Of interest, Ellen Campbell (60 yrs), mother-in-law was living with the family as well as his brother-in-law, William Campbell (35 yrs) Ellen was widowed, she bore 3 children and 3 survived. All of the family are listed as mulatto. All can read and write except for Ellen and the youngest children. Edgar L. Morris owned his home.
In the 1950 Census Edgar L. Morris was 79 years old and working as an electrician, self-employed. He is widowed but his two daughters are living with him as are a granddaughter and grandson.
D.F. Bradpher married Lucy J. He died by 1917, about age 68 and Lucy died in 1933. Both of Salem Virginia.
Asbury, J. C. Odd Fellows’ Journal. (Philadelphia, Pa.), Vol. 3, No. 41, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 11, 1900; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth523664/: accessed January 16, 2024),University of North Texas Libraries.
Regalia from 1900 is featured in the advertisement section of The Odd Fellows’ Journal.
A consortium of African American investors bought Yellow Sulphur Springs in 1926 and entertained African American guests. These men were closely associated with Henry Street businesses in Roanoke, according to this report. The adventure was short-lived as it was sold in 1929.
Maps of the Springs in reference with Blacksburg and Christiansburg. USGS Historic Maps
The Sanborn Fire Insurance maps are often the only early glimpse of buildings in rural towns over time. Christiansburg Industrial Institute moved from the Zion Hill location to the Lattimer Plantation site, north west of Christiansburg, at the turn of the 20th Century. This Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Christiansburg, Montgomery County, Virginia was published by the Sanborn Map Company, dated Sep, 1913. The key to the maps is at the end.
The map is of Christiansburg Industrial Institute, situated north west of Cambria and north of Christiansburg courthouse. Note that frame constructed buildings are coded yellow and red for the solid brick building. The Baily Morris Building which housed the girls dorm, assembly hall, dinning hall and kitchen (close-up below) is heated by steam and lighted by electricity.
“Baily-Morris” Building
The Morris Hall Boys’ Dorm is both red and yellow, denoting built of a combination of building materials. The building is heated by hot water and lighted by electricity. Note that the buildings were supplied with water by 2,500 ft of pipes connected to the 10K gal water tank on the hill. The tank is filled by a Worthington Pump, moving water from a spring.
The girls and boys dorms were named for two Friends’ of the Freedmen of PA, Elliston P. Morris and Joshua L. Baily. They also donated money to construct the water system which was installed in 1907, before either Christiansburg or Blacksburg had a community water system. (A Vision of Education, Selected Writings of Edgar A. Long, Anna Fariello, Ed. Christiansburg Institute, Inc. 2021, pg 86,)
The Lattimer Mansion House, wood framed, was heated by stove and not connected to the water supply. The house was used as classrooms. Note the printing, carpenter and black smith shop close to the entrance road.
1913 Hill School & Schaeffer Memorial Baptist Church
This map is of Zion Hill which is located on the ridge (now High Street) between Cambria and Christiansburg. The brick (red) “Public School” housed the Christiansburg Industrial Institute before that secondary school moved to the Lattimer Plantation property by the turn of 20th century. This brick school, built by 1885, was converted to a primary school for African American children after CII moved. As noted by the Sanborn map, the building was heated by stoves and lighted by electricity.
Image of the Hill School from The Story of a Consecrated Life, Commemorative of Rev. Charles S. Schaeffer by CH Harrison, 1900. High Street is visible.
The Schaeffer Memorial Baptist Church is also of brick and built by 1885. Charles S Schaeffer’s memorial brass plaque were unveiled 1 October 1899, after he died in May of that same year. Note the frame chapel to the left (east) of the brick structure.
Image of Schaeffer Memorial Baptist Church from The Story of a Consecrated Life, Commemorative of Rev. Charles S. Schaeffer by CH Harrison, 1900. High Street is visible in the foreground.
On the Sanborn map, note the small frame, 1 story building behind the church? This may be the first school/church building on Zion Hill. The deed (DB S, pg 12, Oct 1868) and Harrison, 1900 * note the existence of this building. The brick school on the 1913 Sanborn map was the third version of this school at this site. The second school on Zion Hill was a 2 story & frame building, used between 1974 and 1885. (The rented Campbell house was the first school but it was not located on Zion Hill.)*
The image of the small school/meeting house shows a one story frame building with hip-roof and double stove-pipes. The dressed limestone block foundation was typical in this area and seen on buildings dating from early 1800s to the turn of the 20th century.
Image of the first school house on Zion Hill from The Story of a Consecrated Life, Commemorative of Rev. Charles S. Schaeffer by CH Harrison, 1900. High Street is visible in the foreground.
Past Noble Grand – Golden (heart in hand, crosses swords)
Noble Father – Excelsior, (Seeing-Eye in the night).
Past Noble Father (Permanent Noble Father), (7-pointed star).
Understanding the Degrees, Titles and Symbols on the District Level
Grand Treasurer (crossed keys)
Grand Secretary – (crossed quill)
Warden (crossed axes)
Guards (crossed sword)
S.A. (skull & cross bones)
Master Worthy Grand (crossed batons)
District Grand Master – (crossed shepherd hooks)
Past Worthy Grand Master – wheat & scythe and 7-pointed star
The structure of Grand United Order of Odd Fellows is reflected in the regalia worn by the members. This is an amazing image that was posted in the article from Tacoma, Washington, a long way from rural Blacksburg of the time. But the collars, staffs, swords and hats plus the proximity of the men to the Noble Grand leader provide a glimpse of the hierarchy. Note the two men on both sides of the GN. LS and RS stand for Left and Right Supporter. Grit City Magazine, Feb 2023
More Regalia Images from the Odd Fellows Journal, 1900.
Asbury, J. C. Odd Fellows’ Journal. (Philadelphia, Pa.), Vol. 3, No. 41, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 11, 1900; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth523664/: accessed January 16, 2024),University of North Texas Libraries.
Iconography
Iconography that is associate with GUOOF is featured and explained by The Library of Philadelphia based on the 1843 chromolithograph created by D.B. Bowser (1820-1900), an African American artist. The symbols used include: “sickle & hourglass, dove, skull & crossbones, lamb, heart-in-hand, lion, seeing eye in the night sky and under a rainbow.”
Juvenile Society, the Juvenile Branch of Odd Fellows.
The Grand United Order of Odd Fellows and the House of Ruth created the Juvenile Branch on September 13, 1897 for all children from age 3 to 16. Their parents did not have to be a member of the order. In support of families, the 4th Sunday of September was designated “Children’s Day.” The Juvenile Branch became known as the Juvenile Society.
Courtesy of Scottish Rite MuseumClip for a badge, frontBack
Independent Order of St Luke
The St. Luke and Odd Fellows Hall, located on Gilbert Street in Blacksburg, stands as the sole remaining historic building from the once vibrant African American neighborhood of New Town. With two floors, it hosted both sacred ceremonies and administrative functions, contrary to the misconception that ceremonies were exclusive to the second floor. The Rules & Regulations book includes a diagram detailing the assigned places for desks and officers, clarifying this aspect.
Floding Company Manufactures Catalog and the KKK Uniform Manufacture
Courtesy of Virginia Tech Special Collections & University Archives
From 1875 to 1964, the Floding Regalia Company, based in Atlanta, produced regalia. Owned by W.E. Floding, the company supplied regalia to African American fraternal organizations and secretive costume to, most likely, the KKK.
In 1925 Mr Floding moving his manufacturing to a large space in Atlanta due to the expanding sales of secretive regalia and costume. However, Floding was also financially linked to Atlanta KKK activities under Edward Young Clarke, who was convicted of violating the Mann Act by assaulting and then transporting a woman across state lines. In 1927, Clarke and Rev. JR Straton were instrumental in creating a competing organization to the KKK, pledging operations to other states. Clarke, Imperial Wizard 1915-1922, was booted out of the KKK but started a parallel group. See clipping below.
Souvenir Medal from 14-20 September 1908 Atlantic City, NJ Gathering
Gathering African American History 