Alfred William Harris Papers 1879,1887

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia State University
Johnston Memorial Library
Virginia State University
P.O. Box 9406
1 Hayden Drive
Petersburg, Virginia 23806
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Juan-Pablo Gonzalez
Phone: (804) 524-6945
Phone: (804) 524-5582
Fax: (804) 524-6959

Summary

Creator:
Alfred William Harris
Abstract:
Law Degree and photograph of the founder of Virginia State University. Mr.Harris Esquire, was also a member of the General Assembly of Virginia.
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

Two items, each in itself documenting the accomplishments and achievements of an African American male activist, politician, and educator, during the first years after the abolishment of the institution of slavery in Virginia.

Biographical / historical:

Alfred W. harris was born free in Fairfax County, Virginia, in 1854, the son of Henry Harris. Alfred W. Harris was a member of the very large family of Harrises in the counties of Fairfax and Prince William. They were free in these counties as early as the year 1776.

Harris attended the public schools in Alexandria, Virginia. He studied law privately in the office of a African American lawyer, George W. Mitchell, and finally enrolled in the law department of Howard University , where he graduated in 1881. Alfred Harris moved to Petersburg, Virginia in the 1870's. Here he became involoved in local politics and began his practice of law.

In 1881 Harris was elected to the House of Delegate Representing Dinwiddie County. Mr. Harris served in the house until 1888. In 1882 Alfred harris presented the bill chartering the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute, now Virginia state university. Mr. Harris was a very active in a number civic and social organizations in and around the city of Petersburg.

Mr.Harris served as the first secretary of the board of visitors for Virginia State University and was later Principal of the John A. Dix School in Dinwidde.

Arrangement:

Series I. Printed One Law Degree.

Series II. Photograph the African American members of the Virginia State and the General Assembly of Virginia in 1887.