Administrative Information

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Preferred Citation

The Hamlin/Mitchell Family Papers, 1979-11, Special Collections and Archives, Johnston Memorial Library, Virginia State University, Petersburg, VA.

Biographical/Historical Information

The Hamlin Family of Petersburg were members of a large antibellum free black community. At the conclusion of the civil war, The hamlin's became active in city politics and were quite involved in emerging African American Middle class.

One member of this family William Hamlin, A graduate of Hampton Institute became the first African American principal of a school in Petersburg. Hamlin later became Principal of Peabody. In addition, Mr. Hamlin was one of the corp of teachers selected to teach in the summer institute for "Colored" teachers sponsored by both the Peabody Reading Circle and the State of Virginia.

A number of individuals from this family were quite active during the era of Reconstruction and the Readjuster movement in Virginia. According to family history, members of the family, Cornelius Hamlin was assistant to the mayor of Petersburg. Edward Hamlin was clerk of the Court. According to family history, James Edward Hamlin was also associated with the Underground Railroad in Petersburg. A number of people from this family were associated with education. Sarah T. Byrd was one of the first African American teachers hired in the city.

Scope and Content Information

The Hamlin/Mitchell papers do contain a few letters most of which are related to Williams Hamlin activities with the Peabody Reading Circle.Other correspondence in the group was generated by Miss Wilhelimina Hamlin.Most of Miss Hamlin's correspondence document's her long career in education. Other documents found are circulars, invitations, and broadsides.

Series Description

Series I. Legal Indenture 1887

Series II. Correspondence Business correspondence, most of which concern educational matters.

Series III. Printed Circulars, Invitation, Flyers, Brochures, and programs

Series IV. Photographs A number of photograph documenting articles at Gillfield Baptist. There are several photographs of students and activities at the Motoaca Laboratory School located on the Campus of Virginia State University.

Series V. Literary A group of poems and other writings by William Hamlin.