Papers of the Benjamin Franklin Yancey Family

Jennie B. Taylor to Harriet Anna Yancey, undated
Jennie Taylor sends her friend, Harriet Yancey, a note of greetings. Taylor has had back problems.

M.C.B. to Harriet Anna Yancey, undated
M.C.B. tells Harriet Yancey about her ordeal with breast cancer.

Benjamin Franklin Yancey to unknown, undated
Eulogy of Lelia Simpson

Harriet Anna Yancey to May Elizabeth Yancey, Undated
Harriet Yancey writes her daughter, May, about bills and visitors.

Harriet Anna Yancey to May Elizabeth Yancey, Undated
Harriet Yancey discusses the new stove with her daughter, May. She warns May to be careful and burn her letters.

Benjamin Franklin Yancey to Harriet Anna Yancey, July 23, 1905
Benjamin Franklin Yancey, writing from the Greenbriar resort in Ronceverte, West Virginia, is ill but wants to try and continue working at the hotel until his planned time to return home at the end of August. He urges Harriet, his wife, to try to find out which school he will be assigned to the following year.

Benjamin Franklin Yancey to Harriet Anna Yancey, July 29 1905
Writing from the Greenbriar in Roncerverte, West Virginia, Benjamin Franklin Yancey tells his wife that his health has improved. He eagerly awaits coming home in a month.

Benjamin Franklin Yancey to Harriet Anna Yancey, April 27, 1906
B.F. Yancey, working in Richmond at the Lexington hotel, writes home to his wife in Esmont, Virginia. He informs her of the clothing and cloth he has bought for her as well as money he plans to send home in the near future.

Benjamin Franklin Yancey to Harriet Anna Yancey, June 13 1906
Benjamin Franklin Yancey, writing from The Lexington Hotel in Richmond, Virginia, agrees to send his wife the items she requested including the gown and whiskey as soon as possible. He is having problems with rheumatism which is making it difficult for him to walk.

Benjamin Franklin Yancey to Harriet Anna Yancey, July 17, 1907
Benjamin Franklin Yancey, writing from Norfolk, Virginia (The Lorraine hotel), inquires if his wife has received the whiskey that he sent. Benjamin Franklin Yancey, Jr. is ill.

Benjamin Franklin Yancey to Harriet Anna Yancey, April 22, 1908
Benjamin Franklin Yancey, writing from Richmond, Virginia (Ford's Hotel), informs his wife of his recent illness. He promises to buy her and the children new shoes as soon as possible. He wishes to send more, but is broke.

Harriet Anna Yancey to Benjamin Franklin Yancey, August 12 1908
Harriet Yancey writes that all is well at home and seeks advice from her husband on a medical treatment that she is considering.

Harriet Anna Yancey to Benjamin Franklin Yancey, August 17 1908
Harriet Yancey writes that all is fine at home and that the children do not need shoes or clothes.

Harriet Anna Yancey to Benjamin Franklin Yancey, September 4 1908
Harriet Yancey writes that Reverend Cary died. She discusses school funding problems and guesses that there will not be enough money for a kindergarten the following year.

T.C. Walker to Benjamin Franklin Yancey, January 11, 1909
Letter to B.F. Yancey stipulating terms and payment of work.

A.W. Cawthorn to Benjamin Franklin Yancey, December 30 1909
A.W. Cawthorn, of Appomattox, Virginia, writes a note of greetings to B.F. Yancey. He promises to visit as soon as possible, maybe the following August.

J. Thomas Hewin to Benjamin Franklin Yancey, December 8, 1910
J. Thomas Hewin informs B.F. Yancey not to worry about his delayed trip to Richmond. He tells Yancey to watch the Planet for updates on the Order's progress.

Josie to Harriet Anna Yancey, February 12, 1911
Josie apologizes for failing to come visit but plans to as soon as possible.

Benjamin Franklin Yancey to Harriet Anna Yancey, August 15, 1912
B.F. Yancey, writing from Hot Springs (The Homestead), thanks his wife for her last letter that brought him much comfort. He urges Harriet to attend church on Sunday.

Reverend W.H. James, Jr. to Harriet Anna Yancey, November 10, 1914
Reverend W.H. James, Jr. informs Harriet Yancey that he is looking after her husband, Benjamin Franklin Yancey, who is in the hospital.

Reverend W.H. James, Jr. to Benjamin Franklin Yancey, December 6, 1914
Reverend James, of Richmond, writes a note of greetings to inquire if Yancey's health is improving.

Jesse Brown to Harriet Anna Yancey, December 14, 1914
Jesse Brown writes to Harriet Yancey from the Richmond jail to plead for money to help pay for his lawyer. His trial is set for the following Tuesday.

Emma to Harriet Anna Yancey, July 20, 1915
Emma writes a letter of condolence following the death of Harriet Yancey's husband, Benjamin Franklin Yancey.

Barbara Jenkins to Harriet Anna Yancey, July 21, 1915
Barbara Jenkins sends a condolence note to Harriet Yancey following the death of her husband, Benjamin Franklin Yancey. She advises Harriet on how to fill out her fraternal death claim forms.

Mary J. Jenkins to Harriet Anna Yancey, August 10, 1915
Mary Jenkins sends a note of condolences to Harriet Yancey following the death of her husband, Benjamin Franklin Yancey.

Myrtilla J. Sherman to Harriet Anna Yancey, March 30, 1918
Myrtilla Sherman, of the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, writes Harriet Yancey concerning the death of her husband, Benjamin Franklin Yancey.

Roger McKinley Yancey to Harriet Anna Yancey, October 13, 1918
Roger Yancey discusses the overcrowding problems at the nearby Soldier hospital as well as his participation in Hampton's band.

Roger McKinley Yancey to Harriet Anna Yancey, October 16, 1918
Roger Yancey tells his mother, Harriet, about the Spanish flu epidemic and war preparations.

Roger McKinley Yancey to Harriet Anna Yancey, October 21, 1918
Roger Yancey, writing from school, tells his mother about the enforced quarantine resulting from a deadly flu outbreak. He discusses war preparations.

Roger McKinley Yancey to Harriet Anna Yancey, October 30, 1918
Roger Yancey tells his mother that he has moved and also quit the band.

Roger McKinley Yancey to Harriet Anna Yancey, November 14, 1918
Roger Yancey tells his mother, Harriet, about festivities in Hampton, Virginia celebrating the end of World War I.

Roger McKinley Yancey to Harriet Anna Yancey, December 17, 1918
Roger Yancey tells his mother about events in Hampton. He mentions a talk he heard concerning the role African Americans played in World War I.

J.W. Crosby to Harriet Anna Yancey, February 1, 1919
J.W. Crosby writes a note of greetings to Harriet Yancey. He discusses Mrs. L.P. Harris's health.

L. B. Ramage to Roger McKinley Yancey, April 29, 1919
L.B. Ramage wishes Roger Yancey luck with his life in Hampton, Virginia and his ambitions to become a doctor.

Roger McKinley Yancey to Harriet Anna Yancey, February 15, 1920
Roger Yancey writes his mother, Harriet Yancey, about his bout of Grippe that kept him out of classes for a week.

Harriet Anna Yancey to May Elizabeth Yancey, October 5, 1920
Harriet Yancey writes her daughter, May, to tell her the news from home. She plans to send her daughter some clothing items.

May Elizabeth Yancey to Harriet Anna Yancey, October 18, 1920
May Yancey writes home to her mother, Harriet, from school and begs her to send her food. May and her friends are hungry.

Harriet Anna Yancey to May Elizabeth Yancey, October 27, 1920
Harriet tells her daughter, May, all the news from Esmont, Virginia. She baked May a cake for her birthday, but May's brother, Benjamin Franklin Yancey, Jr., accidently smashed it.

Harriet Anna Yancey to May Elizabeth Yancey, November 2, 1920
Harriet Yancey tells he daughter, may, about the clothes she is sending her as well as various gossip from Esmont, Virginia.

Harriet Anna Yancey to May Elizabeth Yancey, November 15, 1920
Harriet Yancey tells her daughter, May, all the news from home. She shares her concerns with May about her son, Benjamin Franklin Yancey, Jr.

Roger McKinley Yancey to May Elizabeth Yancey, November 28, 1920
Roger Yancey tells his sister, May about a slight operation he had on his left ear. He tells May how much he enjoyed visiting her at the Virginia Normal and Industrial Institute.

Harriet Anna Yancey to May Elizabeth Yancey, December 2, 1920
Harriet Yaney tells her daughter, May, all the news from home. She apologizes for not being able to send more in her Thanksgiving care package.

Harriet Anna Yancey to May Elizabeth Yancey, January 6, 1921
Harriet Yancey writes her daughter, May, to tell her all the news from Esmont, Virginia. Harriet gives May a lecture on how to be a "good girl" in college.

Harriet Anna Yancey to May Elizabeth Yancey, January 12, 1921
Harriet Yancey writes her daughter, May, to tell her about events in Esmont, Virginia and her struggle to pay bills.

Harriet Anna Yancey to May Elizabeth Yancey, February 1, 1921
Harriet Yancey writes May, her daughter, to tell her about her sickness and Aunt William Brown's sudden death.

Harriet Anna Yancey to May Elizabeth Yancey, February 8, 1921
Harriet Yancey writes May Yancey to tell her about the news from Esmont, Virginia. She is afraid that her son, Benjamin Franklin Yancey, Jr., may be getting the measles.

Harriet Anna Yancey to May Elizabeth Yancey, February 13, 1921
Harriet Yancey writes her daughter, May, to tell her about Benjamin Franklin Yancey, Jr.'s bout with the measles.

Harriet Anna Yancey to May Elizabeth Yancey, March 7, 1921
Harriet Yancey writes her daughter, May, and tells her the news from Esmont, Virginia.

Harriet Anna Yancey to May Elizabeth Yancey, March 15, 1921
Harriet Yancey writes her daughter. May, to tell her the happenings at home in Esmont, Virginia. She ordered her daughter a new pair of shoes.

Harriet Anna Yancey to May Elizabeth Yancey, March 17, 1921
Harriet Yancey writes her daughter, May, about a new pair of shoes she ordered her as well as community happenings in Esmont, Virginia.

Roger McKinley Yancey to May Elizabeth Yancey, March 17, 1921
Roger Yancey tells his sister, May, about recent inoculations as well as various other news from the Hampton Institute.

Harriet Anna Yancey to May Elizabeth Yancey, March 30, 1921
Harriet Yancey writes May, her daughter, to tell her the news from Esmont, Virginia including weather difficulties and local deaths.

Harriet Anna Yancey to May Elizabeth Yancey, April 13, 1921
Harriet Yancey writes her daughter, May, to tell her the news from Esmont, Virginia. She is trying to decide whether she can afford to send her youngest son, Benjamin Franklin Yancey, Jr., to seminary in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Roger McKinley Yancey to Harriet Anna Yancey, September 18, 1921
Roger Yancey tells his mother, Harriet, about his return to school in Hampton, Virginia.

William L. Eason to May Elizabeth Yancey, September 5, 1923
William Eason scolds May Yancey for her unjust attacks against him in her last letter.

Jesse Brown to Harriet Anna Yancey, April 14, 1924
Jesse Brown confides to his cousin, Harriet Yancey, about his struggle to reform his life and obtain financial stability.

Jesse Brown to Harriet Anna Yancey, April 28, 1924
Jesse Brown shares his fears over the dangers of his job with his cousin, Harriet Yancey.

William L. Eason to May Elizabeth Yancey, September 19, 1924
William Eason expresses his sympathy following the death of May Yancey's brother, Benjamin Franklin Yancey, Jr.

B.M. Buck to Harriet Anna Yancey, November 8, 1924.
B.M. Buck denies Harriet Yancey's claim to additional insurance benefits following the death of her son, Benjamin Franklin Yancey, Jr.

Roger McKinley Yancey to Harriet Anna Yancey, November 16, 1924
Roger Yancey writes his mother, Harriet, a note of greetings. He discusses the family's failure to collect the full amount of his brother, Benjamin Franklin Yancey, Jr.'s death benefits. Clothing and fashion Health, illness and death

William L. Eason to May Elizabeth Yancey, November 19, 1924
William Eason writes May Yancey concerning an argument they had the previous Monday.

Roger McKinley Yancey to Harriet Anna Yancey, November 30, 1924
Roger Yancey tells his mother, Harriet, about various events happening at school, including the principal's illness and the fortunes of the football team. Roger is planning to arrive home for the Christmas holidays on December 26, 1924.

Roger McKinley Yancey to Harriet Anna Yancey, December 8, 1924
Roger Yancey tells his mother, Harriet, about events at school: his law studies, the principal's health, and his plans for Christmas vacation.

William L. Eason to May Elizabeth Yancey, December 18, 1924
William Eason writes May Yancey to tell her about his health problems and upcoming basketball games.

William L. Eason to May Elizabeth Yancey, January 17, 1925
William Eason writes May Yancey to lament the painful nature of his love for her.

Frederick D. Morton to May Elizabeth Yancey, March 1, 1925
Frederick Morton apologizes to May Yancey for his delay in writing to her. He inquires about how she is doing in school.

William L. Eason to May Elizabeth Yancey, April 11, 1925
William Eason tells May Yancey about his latest fight. He is angry over someone stealing his money the evening before.

N.F. Roberts to Harriet Anna Yancey, May 19, 1925
N.F. Roberts thanks Harriet Yancey for her payment and gives her instructions on how to make future payments.

William L. Eason to May Elizabeth Yancey, June 12, 1925
William Eason writes May Yancey concerning an argument they had the previous evening.

William L. Eason to May Elizabeth Yancey, October 22, 1925
William Eason writes May Yancey to tell her how much he misses her.

Harriet Anna Yancey to May Elizabeth Yancey, January 20, 1926
Harriet Yancey writes her daughter, May, to tell her not to worry about having to ask for money.

to Harriet Anna Yancey, February 9, 1926.
Incomplete letter to Harriet Yancey. The author discusses community happenings in Esmont, Virginia.

Harriet Anna Yancey to May Elizabeth Yancey, March 2, 1926
Harriet Yancey writes to tell her daughter, May, about her decision to change jobs. Harriet also tells May about seeing Paul Robeson perform.

May Elizabeth Yancey to Harriet Anna Yancey, March 28, 1926
May Yancey discusses with her mother, Harriet, events occurring at the Virginia Normal and Industrial Institute in preparation for commencement.

William L. Eason to May Elizabeth Yancey, February 17, 1927
William Eason tells May Yancey how much he misses her and is looking forward to their next meeting.

William L. Eason to May Elizabeth Yancey, March, 9, 1927,
William Eason writes May Yancey to discuss an upcoming visit.

William L. Eason to May Elizabeth Yancey, January 16, 1928
William Eason writes May Yancey and discusses an argument concerning his marriage proposal to her over the Christmas holidays.

William L. Eason to May Elizabeth Yancey, February 14, 1928
William Eason thanks May Yancey for her valentine. He apologizes for his delay in writing her, but has been ill. May's brother, Roger, and Adele Smith recently became engaged.

William L. Eason to May Elizabeth Yancey, April 13, 1928
William Eason confides to May Yancey about how much he misses her. He tells May that her constant sickness is a product of her accepting invitations to too many of her students' homes.

Harriet Anna Yancey to May Elizabeth Yancey, April 26, 1928
Harriet Yancey writes her daughter, May, about the ending of the school year. She tells May about the death of Adele Smith's sister.

Roger McKinley Yancey to Harriet Anna Yancey, July 18, 1928
Roger Yancey tells his mother about his life in Newark, New Jersey. He reminisces about the legacy of his father, Benjamin Franklin Yancey.

Virginia to May Elizabeth Yancey, August 24, 1928
Virginia writes May Yancey that she has returned safely home to Esmont, Virginia.

Harriet Anna Yancey to May Elizabeth Yancey, November 9, 1928
Harriet Yancey writes her daughter, May, to tell her to expect a special package on Saturday afternoon.

Harriet Anna Yancey to May Elizabeth Yancey, November 10, 1928
Harriet Yance writes her daughter, May, about a stove she is buying for her. She tells May that her brother, Roger, was elected president of the Hampton Club.

Josie to May Elizabeth Yancey, November 23, 1928
Josie instructs her niece to take care of her health and have someone cut a cord of wood for her.

Harriet Anna Yancey to May Elizabeth Yancey, November 23, 1928
Harriet Yancey writes her daughter, May, about a stove she is ordering from Sears and Roebuck. She instructs her daughter about taking care of her health.

Harriet Anna Yancey to May Elizabeth Yancey, November 29, 1928
Harriet Yancey writes her daughter, May, to instruct her on curing her cold and caring for the house in Esmont, Virginia.

Adele Smith to Harriet Anna Yancey, February 3, 1929
Adele Smith thanks Harriet Yancey for her advice and discusses relationship problems with her.

Josie to May Elizabeth Yancey, February 3, 1929
Josie promises her niece, May Yancey, that she will come to visit as soon as the weather permits.

Harriet Anna Yancey to May Elizabeth Yancey, February 14, 1929
Harriet Yancey tells her daughter, May, about events in Plainfield, New Jersey. She tells May that Aunt Joe will visit Esmont, Virginia soon.

Harriet Anna Yancey to May Elizabeth Yancey, April, 1929
Harriet Yancey writes May, her daughter, about various friends and relatives. She instructs May to burn her letters.

Roger McKinley Yancey to May Elizabeth Yancey, April 15, 1929
Roger Yancey writes his sister, May, to wish her a speedy recovery.

William L. Eason to May Elizabeth Yancey, April 19, 1929
William Eason writes May Yancey to let her know that he is feeling poorly. He tells her that some girls are trying to find out whether or not he is married.

National Sales Company to Harriet Anna Yancey, October 21, 1930
The National Sales Company sends Harriet Yancey a booklet advertising their medical products, mainly contraceptives for women.

William A. Harris to Harriet Anna Yancey, February 8, 1932.
William Harris tells Harriet Yancey about his recovery from an accident.

H. Shelton to Harriet Anna Yancey, September 2, 1934
Cousin H. Shelton tells Harriet Yancey about his new roof, and asks Harriet to tell Aunt Clara to look after his mother.

Emella to Harriet Anna Yancey, October 4, 1934.
Emella requests Harriet Yancey to write promptly and inform her as to her mother's health.

H. Shelton to Harriet Anna Yancey, July 20, 1938
H. Shelton writes Harriet Yancey discussing his life after the death of his mother.

J.E. Simpson to Harriet Anna Yancey, December 12, 1939
J.E. Simpson writes Harriet Yancey concerning some work he is having done for her.

Elvira Jackson to Harriet Anna Yancey, October 1940
Elvira Jackson asks Harriet Yancey for money and tells her about her recent illness.

Elvira Jackson to Harriet Anna Yancey, November 4, 1940
Elvira Jackson thanks Harriet Yancey for her help. Elvira's health is improving.

Edna M. Hall to Harriet Anna Yancey, December 6, 1940
Edna writes Harriet Yancey to let her know that she is feeling better and back at work.

Mrs. William Johnson to Harriet Anna Yancey, December 16, 1940
Mrs. Johnson acknowledges the receipt of Harriet Yancey's letter and money order. She says she will not be able to come at Christmas. William Johnson includes a receipt of her payment.

Barbara Jenkins to Harriet Anna Yancey, December 19, 1940
Barbara Jenkins tells her friend Harriet Yancey about all the illnesses and deaths in Richmond, Virginia. Harriet recently left Plainfield, New Jersey and returned to Esmont, Virginia after the death of the woman she worked for.

William and Florence Scott to Harriet Anna Yancey, September 19, 1944
William and Florence Scott invite Harriet Yancey to come visit them in Roanoke, Virginia. Mr. Scott tells her about attending the American Christian "Ashram."

M.J. Kishner to Harriet Anna Yancey, July 10, 1945
M.J. Kishner requests Harriet Yancey to fill out a Certificate of Good Health.

Pollie Tunstall to Harriet Anna Yancey, September 3, 1945.
Pollie Tunstall tells her friend, Harriet Yancey, about her busy summer. She catches her up on happenings in Plainfield, New Jersey including sicknesses, deaths, and the upcoming Baptist national convention.

W.A. Harris to Harriet Anna Yancey, August 5 1947
W.A. Harris tells Harriet Yancey about his recent health problems.

H. Shelton to Harriet Anna Yancey, September 22 1947
H. Shelton requests Harriet Yancey to check his house for water leaks.

Charles P. Harris to Harriet Anna Yancey, December 11, 1947
Charles Harris tells Harriet Yancey about his recent trip to the Baptist National Convention.

Sarah to Harriet Anna Yancey, December 19, 1947
Sarah sends Harriet Yancey newspaper clippings announcing the deaths of three friends: Bettie Pollard, Evelyn Whiting, and Mrs. Henry Walker.

Anna Hill to Harriet Anna Yancey, March 31, 1948
Anna Hill informs Harriet Yancey of the death of Lindsay Jefferson.

Wm. L. Smith to Harriet Anna Yancey, April 4, 1948
Smith writes a note of birthday greetings.

Edna to Harriet Anna Yancey, December 1, 1948
Edna tells her friend, Harriet Yancey, about all the tragic things that have happened since she returned home.

W.A. Harris to Harriet Anna Yancey, March 10, 1949
W.A. Harris writes Harriet Anna Yancey concerning a lot in Esmont, Virginia that he is considering selling to her.

W.A. Harris to Harriet Anna Yancey, July 19 1949
W.A. Harris talks about the work he is doing in Richmond. He says that he is considering moving back to Esmont, Virginia.

Mever V. Terrell to Harriet Anna Yancey, February 12, 1950.
Terrell thanks Harriet Yancey for the kind and consoling letter she sent following the death of Terrell's mother.

Ruth C. Jackson to Harriet Anna Yancey, March 17, 1950.
Ruth Jackson apologizes to Harriet Yancey for being so delinquent in writing. She discusses her health, her mother's recent birthday, and other news.

Louisa J. Steward to Harriet Anna Yancey, October 17, 1950
Louisa Steward tells Harriet Yancey about her move to Tucson, Arizona. She describes her experiences traveling across the country.

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