Elizabeth Johnson Harris memoir, 1922-1923

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Summary

Creator:
Harris, Elizabeth Johnson, 1867-1942
Abstract:
Photocopies and original of a bound handwritten memoir (85 p.) by an African American woman from Summerville and Augusta, Georgia, Elizabeth Johnson Harris (1867-1942). Begun in September, 1922, the memoir describes Harris' childhood in Augusta, Georgia, race relations in Boston, Massachusetts and in Augusta, Georgia, her ambivalence about her place in society as an African American, and the history of her church activities and schooling from childhood through adulthood. She conveys anecdotes and histories about her ancestors during Reconstruction, including her grandfather's grant of land in Summerville (Augusta) from a former enslaver, James W. Bones. She includes many details about her courtship and marriage, as well as descriptions of the adult lives of several of her children. There are also tipped-in photographs and newsclippings. The appendix (12 p.) contains poetry and news stories by Harris, folk tales, and two obituaries about Harris. Acquired as part of the Sallie Bingham Center for Women's History and Culture and the John Hope Franklin Research Center for African and African American History and Culture.
Extent:
.1 Linear Feet (1 notebook)
Language:
Materials in English
Collection ID:
RL.11362

Background

Scope and content:

Collection consists of the original and photocopies of an 85-page handwritten manuscript in a bound notebook, begun in fall 1922 by an African American woman, Elizabeth Johnson Harris (1867-1942) from Augusta, Georgia. It starts on the front side of the pages until the end of the notebook, where it continues from back to front on the backs of the pages. It covers her life in chronological order with the exception of some earlier stories recounted in later sections.

Harris divided the memoir into two sections: her childhood years and her life during and after her courtship and marriage. The manuscript also includes tipped in photographs and news clippings. The photograph on the inside front cover above the dedication is an image of Johnson's adult daughter, Mattie Louise. The appendix (12 pages) contains the majority of the clippings, which consist of her poetry, several folk tales, news stories about the Harris family, and two obituaries about Harris.

The memoir describes Harris' childhood in Augusta, Georgia; race relations in Boston, Massachusetts (observed during a four-month stay) and in Augusta, Georgia; her ambivalence about her place in society as an African American; and the history of her church activities and schooling from childhood through adulthood. She conveys anecdotes and histories about her ancestors during Reconstruction, including her grandfather's grant of three acres of land in Summerville (Augusta) from a former enslaver, James W. Bones. She includes many details about her courtship and marriage, as well as descriptions of the adult lives of several of her children. Her son Charles Jacob Harris (1885-1988), was a classically trained pianist, composer, and teacher whose papers are also held by the Rubenstein Library.

Biographical / historical:

Elizabeth Johnson Harris was a writer born in Augusta, Georgia, in 1867, the daughter of formerly enslaved parents. She had four brothers. She married Jacob Walker Harris in 1883 at the age of 15 and bore nine children. She lived until 1942, surviving her husband and two of her children. She was a deeply religious woman who spent much of her life in service to Trinity Church in Summerville (Augusta), Georgia. She valued education and music, both for herself and for her children. Her son, Charles Jacob Harris (1885-1998) was a classically trained pianist and composer. Harris' poems, plays and vignettes were published in various outlets during her lifetime. She included these in the manuscript of her life story, which she started writing in 1922 and was still writing it in 1923.

Acquisition information:
The Elizabeth Johnson Harris Memoir was received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book Manuscript Library as a gift in 1984 by Mayme Perry, one of Elizabeth Johnson Harris' descendants.
Processing information:

Processed by Megan Lewis, January 2017.

Description enhanced by Paula Jeannet, June 2023.

Physical facet:
Includes original, preservation photocopy, and use photocopy.
Dimensions:
22 x 35 cm.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Contents

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Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

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Preferred citation:

Preferred Citation: [Identification of item], Elizabeth Harris Johnson memoir, 1922-1923, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University

Permalink:
https://idn.duke.edu/ark:/87924/m12g94