Near Boydton in Mecklenburg County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

James Solomon Russell

(1857–1935)

Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 20, 2017

1. James Solomon Russell Marker

Inscription. James Solomon Russell was born enslaved on 20 Dec. 1857 on the nearby Hendrick Plantation. After emancipation, he attended Hampton Institute and St. Stephen’s Normal and Theological School and was ordained in 1882. As a religious missionary, Russell established nearly 30 churches. He also founded the St. Paul Normal and Industrial Institute (Saint Paul’s College) in Lawrenceville in 1882 and was its principal until 1929. In 1892. Russell became Archdeacon for Colored Work in the Diocese of Southern Virginia. Inspired by Booker T. Washington, he started an annual farmers’ conference in 1904. Russell urged African Americans to stay out of debt, vote, and become land owners.

Erected 2013 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number UL-8.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Agriculture • Churches & Religion • Civil Rights • Education. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1882.

Location. 36° 34.386′ N, 78° 12.217′ W. Marker is near Boydton, Virginia, in Mecklenburg County

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. Marker is on U.S. 1 near Palmer Springs and Paschall Roads (County Route 712), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Boydton VA 23917, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Mecklenburg County Virginia / North Carolina (approx. 2 miles away); Trading Path (approx. 8.7 miles away in North Carolina); Admiral Kirk Donald (approx. 9.1 miles away in North Carolina); Weldon Edwards (approx. 9.6 miles away in North Carolina); Town of La Crosse (approx. 10.7 miles away); Mecklenburg County Training School (approx. 11.2 miles away); James Turner (approx. 11.2 miles away in North Carolina); Salem Chapel (approx. 11.2 miles away).

Also see . . . Wikipedia Entry. “James began attending a local school whose schoolmaster allowed tuition to be paid in labor and farm products, and the schoolmaster and superintendent encouraged him to continue his education. He thus was admitted to the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute (later Hampton University in 1874. Financial constraints required that he support himself, as well as interrupt his own education several times. After a year, he began teaching near home, and also worked when the college was not in session.” (Submitted on August 25, 2017.)

Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 20, 2017

2. James Solomon Russell Marker

James Solomon Russell: Former Slave, Pioneering Educator and Episcopal Evangelist image. Click for more information.

3. James Solomon Russell: Former Slave, Pioneering Educator and Episcopal Evangelist

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Credits. This page was last revised on December 25, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 25, 2017, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 375 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 25, 2017, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.