Date Original
1898-1943
Description
This collection includes the family papers of Isaac and Lida Anthony Gillam. The papers include correspondence that consists mainly of postcards, receipts, fraternal insurance policies, printed materials, photographs, and memorabilia.
Biographical/Historical Note
Isaac T. Gillam, Jr., was born in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, on April 21, 1875, the son of Isaac and Cora Gillam. The elder Gillam, a prominent Little Rock resident, served in the Arkansas legislature from 1882-1884. Isaac Gillam, Jr., received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Howard University, Washington, District of Columbia, in 1898, and studied at Yale University for one year. He married Lida Anthony in 1904, and they had three children. Gillam taught school in Little Rock and Fort Smith, Arkansas; however, he returned to Little Rock in 1908 and served as principal of the Mifflin W. Gibbs High School and supervisor of all African American high schools in the city. Isaac Gillam, Jr. was active in the State Teachers Association (later known as the Arkansas Teachers Association) as well as African American rights and political associations. He held memberships and offices in several fraternal organizations including the Knights of Pythia, Knights and Daughters of Tabor, Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, Prince Hall Masons, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Gillam was also a member and trustee of Bethel A.M.E. (African Methodist Episcopal) Church in Little Rock. Isaac T. Gillam, Jr. died on June 6, 1953, in Little Rock, Arkansas. In 1963, Gillam Elementary School in Little Rock was named in his honor.
Physical Description
Document, 8.5" x 11"
Geographical Area
Arkansas
Language
English
Identifier
MS.000400
Resource Type
Text
Collection
Isaac T. Gillam family papers, MS.000400
Publisher
Arkansas State Archives
Contributing Entity
Arkansas State Archives
Recommended Citation
Isaac T. Gillam family papers, Arkansas State Archives, Little Rock, Arkansas.
Rights
Use and reproduction of images held by the Arkansas State Archives without prior written permission is prohibited. For information on reproducing images held by the Arkansas State Archives, please call 501-682-6900 or email at state.archives@arkansas.gov.
Disciplines
United States History
