by Justin Ganderson

Annias Jones was an African American born on December 7, 1894 in the town of Burseville, Princes George County, Virginia to Lyda Gray of Hampton VA and Joe Jones. Annias professed a Baptist faith. Jones had no formal education throughout his life. Annias Jones met Catherine Epes, of Suffolk, VA and they married at Wilson, Virginia in 1913. They produced no children from this union. Although a United States citizen, Jones was not a registered voter. Prior to his enlistment, Jones worked as a laborer at the Chesapeake Knitting Mills located in Virginia. Jones resided at 410 Stafford Street, (Berkley), Norfolk. VA.

Annias was enlisted into the National Army of the United States at Berkley near Norfolk County Virginia on July 30, 1917 as a private. He would initially be matriculated into Company 14, 16th Regiment, of the 4th Division, commonly known as the “Ivy Division.” The 4th Division was originally formed at Camp Green, North Carolina where it would see battle in France during World War One. The 4th Division was the only combat Division to have served with the French, British as well as American sectors during the war.

Jones would later receive two months of basic training at Fort Mead, Maryland and Camp Dix, New Jersey. He would finally be transferred back to the 4th Division and his original regiment and company. During the war he worked in the stables, caring for the Army’s horse teams. After the war, Jones would later be discharged on December 14, 1918, 7 days after his 24th birthday, at Camp Mead, Maryland as a private.

Jones eventually returned to Berkley (Norfolk), Virginia where he took-up residence at 903 Carroll Street and continued as a laborer for the railroad. Jones would die of oral hemorrhage at the age of 52, on November 22, 1949. At the time of his death, Jones lived at 1111 Middlesex St., Norfolk, VA while still married to Catherine Jones. Annias Jones is interred at the Mt. Olive Cemetery in Norfolk, VA.

Source:

“Virginia, Death Certificates, 1912-1987,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C95D-H91H-Z?cc=2377565 : 20 August 2018), > image 1 of 1; from “Virginia, Marriage Records, 1700-1850,” database and images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : 2012); citing Virginia Department of Health, Richmond.

24th Infantry Division Association, (http://24thinfassoc.org)/sc:/7938475/4:2:history: 57986, image 787,1of1

By Brendon Garcia

Willie Thomas was born on April 1^st, 1893 in Smithfield, Virginia.  His parents, George and Laura Thomas, raised their family Baptist.  Willie ended up moving to Richmond, Virginia to live with his older brother.  Curriculum education was not as important as labor in Willie’s life, it was documented that he had only finished roughly 2 years of school.  He did in fact know how to read and write though.  Around the time of his late teens Willie worked as a laborer for a tobacco factory while living with his siblings.  Willie Thomas served 2 years in the U.S. Navy, working as a mess attendant.  After this, Willie worked as a waiter for Old Dominion Steamship Company.  He later met his future wife, Mary Jones, and they got married in Norfolk, Virginia in January of 1918.  Willie had registered for the draft in June of the previous year in Norfolk, Virginia.

Willie Thomas was called into enlistment roughly 7 months after his marriage.  In August of 1918 he was drafted as a Private in the Army, his major job focus in the Army was engineering.  Willie was originally assigned to Company 17, 17^th battalion, 5^th division, but was transferred to Company B, 542 engineers in Brest, France.  He and fellow engineers left Camp Upton in New York on the Transport America on September 29^th, 1918.  He then proceeded through the Argonne Forest.  In a later interview, Willie describes his time serving as a lot of restlessness.  As an engineer, many did not see any fighting.  Willie described a feeling of restlessness seeing people fight around him and not being able to get involved.  Unfortunately, Willie developed an abscess on the eye and was treated at the 80^th division field hospital for a week.  He was transferred to Camp Mills on July 5^th, 1919 and ultimately processed out of the Army on July 18^th, 1919 out of Camp Lee, Virginia.

Willie continued to work as a laborer throughout his life.  In his mid-30’s he worked as a carpenter in Pennsylvania.  He continued to work as a laborer in the northeast of the U.S. until he ultimately passed away on March 29^th, 1982 in Farmingdale, New York.  He is buried in the Long Island National Cemetery.

Sources

National Cemetery Administration; U.S. Veterans’ Gravesites

Ancestry.com. U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.

“United States Census, 1940,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9MT-YK23?cc=2000219&wc=QZX5-VPV%3A790227701%2C804860501%2C804924601%2C804926001 : accessed 27 April 2021), Pennsylvania > Philadelphia > Philadelphia City, Philadelphia, Ward 36 > 51-1316 Philadelphia City Ward 36 (Tract 36-B – part) > image 31 of 34; citing Sixteenth Census of the United States, 1940, NARA digital publication T627. Records of the Bureau of the Census, 1790 – 2007, RG 29. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2012.

“United States Census, 1930,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GRZ5-NW2?cc=1810731&wc=QZFW-GRJ%3A649490601%2C651522101%2C651687701%2C1589285228 : 8 December 2015), Pennsylvania > Philadelphia > Philadelphia (Districts 0251-0500) > ED 278 > image 47 of 61; citing NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002).

“United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GYY2-3WNJ?cc=1968530&wc=9F4Y-RMS%3A928355001%2C928674101 : 24 August 2019), Virginia > Norfolk City no 3; B-Watson, Samuel > image 5467 of 5790; citing NARA microfilm publication M1509 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

“United States Census, 1910,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GYBM-FZV?cc=1727033&wc=QZZH-Y9V%3A133639801%2C140606201%2C138766201%2C1589089447 : 24 June 2017), Virginia > Richmond (Independent City) > Richmond Marshall Ward > ED 122 > image 13 of 60; citing NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

World War I history Commission Questionnaire “Willie Thomas”

Brendon Garcia is a psychology major and NROTC midshipman at Norfolk State University.

by Tamia Green

Romulus Cornelius Archer Jr. was born on March 11th, 1891 in Norfolk, Virginia to Romulus Clark Archer Sr. and Mary Elizabeth. Romulus Clark Archer Sr. worked as a plaster contractor. Romulus had six siblings in which he was the oldest. Archer Jr. attended Norfolk Mission College in 1908 up until 1910 where he transferred to the International Correspondents in Scranton Pennsylvania where he would take up classes in architecture. He then furthered his professional studies at Columbia University in 1918. After completing his studies at Columbia University, Archer Jr. married Louse Williams. Lousie Williams was a teacher and a renowned civil rights activist. Louise Williams was from Durham, North Carolina.

Romulus Jr. enlisted in the United States Army on March 11th, 1918 as a private in the Engineers Section. He received training at Camp Sherman in Ohio from March to May. Then on June 9th, 1918 Romulus Jr. traveled to New York where he would be deployed to Blondefountaine, France. In France, Romulus was not on the front lines however his squad served as support for Infantry and Artillery units. Romulus Jr’s deployment in France lasted a little over eight months after completion he arrived back in the states. His discharge was described as honorable after serving in the Army for a little over one year. His official discharge date was April 8th, 1919.

After being discharged from the Army, Archer Jr. focused on his architectural work. He served as part of the U.S. Treasurer Architect in 1921. Archer Jr. went into full private practice the same year in Washington D.C.; however, he relocated to the upper-class suburbs of Washington D.C where he received his official practicing license in 1926 for the region of Washington D.C., making him one of the only two African Americans in private official practice in the architectural field in the region. In 1964, Archer Jr. won the “Citizen of the Year” within the body of The Young Men’s Christian Association for his exceptional service in offering apprentice opportunities for budding architects. Some of Romulus Jr. works include churches, rental buildings, as well as commercial structures. He majored in Architectural designs of ecclesiastics and served as the treasurer of the Washington D.C.’s National Technical Association for quite some time. Unfortunately, In 1948 Archer jr’s early wife Louise Williams passed. Later, Archer Jr. married again. This, time he married Nettie Archer who passed in 1965. Archer Jr. did not have any children prior to his passing.

Archer Jr. passed at the age of 77 while receiving care at Beverly Nursing Home on the 29th of November in 1968. Archer jr’s funeral took place at Florida Avenue Baptist Church. His final resting place was Arlington National cemetery. 

---

Sources:

Ancestry. “Romulus Cornelius Archer Jr.,” Ancestry, 2020

Archer (1891-1968) – Find A Grave…” Find a Grave, www.findagrave.com/memorial/22989835/romulus-c-archer.

World War I commission Questionnaire

by Derrick Taylor

Jesse Taylor was born in Kingston, North Carolina on July 4, 1884 to Issac Taylor and Marinda Resbrooks. He was an only child. Taylor was not a voter, nor was he a religious man and grew up with limited to no formal education. Taylor did not marry or have kids and worked as a laborer.

On July 5, 1918, Jesse enlisted in the United States Army as an E-1 or Private. Upon his enlistment Private Taylor was sent to Camp Lee located outside of Petersburg to be attached to a labor battalion. From there, he was transferred to Regiment 340 located in Newport News, VA and subsequently sent to Brest, France. Private Taylor returned from France on July 12, 1919 and within a week of his return was discharged from the Army as an E-1 in Camp Lee, VA.

After his time in the army, Taylor returned to the labor field working on a farm.

By Shavon Barnes

David John Alexander was born on April 3, 1877, in Suffolk, Massachusetts. His father was also named John Alexander, he was from London, England. His mother was named Elizabeth Levy, and she was also from London, England. David John Alexander married Rachel Pillar in Springfield, Massachusetts on June 26, 1896. Rachel Pillar was born September 19, 1880, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. They had two sons together, Albert David who was born February 28, 1908, and John Emmanuel who was born January 1, 1912. They were both born in Norfolk, Virginia.

David John Alexander served 12 years in the Military. He attended Harvard and became a dental surgeon prior to service. David John Alexander enlisted into the military on May 10, 1917, in Norfolk, Virginia. He was assigned to US Naval Training Station St. Helena in Norfolk, Virginia. His highest rank was lieutenant. On June 24, 1919, David John Alexander was placed on the inactive list where he returned to his civilian life and his former occupation as a dental surgeon.

by J. Ward

Samuel Ballard was born May 25th, 1886 to Faison Adelaide and Allen Ballard in Sampson County, North Carolina.

Samuel Ballard had no prior recored education before joining the army. He worked crating furniture. He enlisted in the Army August 3rd, 1918 as a private engineer, Company C., 540 regiment in Norfolk, Va. He arrived to Brooklyn, NY June 6, 1919 after the war being discharged a few days later on June 18, 1919 in Camp Lee, Va.

Samuel served in the army for less than a year; he was discharged as a Private. He had one child.

by Idris Redding-Ray

Harvey Hunt was born December 11, 1894 to Lizzie and Nicholas Hunt on St. Paul Street in Norfolk, Virginia, prior to his enlistment Harvey worked as a tailor. Harvey enlisted in the Army at the age of 23 on June of 1917 and he served until 1919. After Harvey’s discharge he resumed to work as a tailor until his death in 1935. Harvey had one sister named Bessie. He passed away October 1935 and was buried at Calvary Cemetery in Norfolk, Virginia.

Resources used:
Archives.com
Ancestry.com

by Idris Redding Ray

Benjamin Hatten born September 3, 1896 in Norfolk, Virginia to Edmond Hatten and Julia Anne Patterson.

Benjamin lived in Norfolk prior to enlisting in the Navy in 1917 and he served one year. After leaving the Navy he worked as a mess boy on a  steamer. His wife’s name was Evelyn and they had no children and lived in Talbot, Maryland until his death at the age of 44 on September 26,1942.
Benjamin was survived by his wife Evelyn, sister Minerva, her husband Charlie and his two parents. Benjamin was buried at Calvary Cemetery in Norfolk, Virginia where most African American veterans were laid to rest.

by Ti’Aja Russell

Lee Andrew Banks was born March 12, 1894 in Yorktown, Virginia. He was raised by his parents John and Mary Banks along with his eight other siblings. Lee was the sixth child. Lee married Mattie Banks, the only child of Henry and Ada Gilliam, on November 28, 1932 in Norfolk Virginia. She was born November 10, 1902 in North Carolina. Lee and Mattie did not have any children.

In his early life before joining the military Lee Andrew Banks’ occupation was a Longshoreman. A longshoreman was a person who loads and unloads cargo onto ships at a dock or port. Also called dockers or dock workers, longshoremen made up an integral part of the workforce in the shipping and receiving industry. Lee Banks’ highest education was public school.

Lee enlisted in the Army on August 8, 1918 in Norfolk, Virginia as a private engineer. On July 25, 1919 Lee Andrew Banks was sent to Camp Humphreys, New York for training then transferred to Camp Merrit, New Jersey, assigned to the 540 Company.

Banks was a young private when he had his first deployment, he left from Hoboken, NJ on the USS Levorland and arrived at London, England on November 3, then proceeded to Evansville, France to Marseilles to Mermias, to the United States in 1919.

On May 14, 1954 at the age of 62 Lee passed away. His cause of death was by Epidermis carcinoma of the esophagus with metastases to lungs, mediastinal, and cervical lymph nodes. He spent 15 days in the VA Hospital before he passed away in Hampton, Virginia. Nine years later, on November 4, 1965 his wife passed away also at the age of 62.

Sources:

“United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GYY2-336W?cc=1968530&wc=9F4Y-RMS%3A928355001%2C928674101 : 24 August 2019), Virginia > Norfolk City no 3; B-Watson, Samuel > image 83 of 5790; citing NARA microfilm publication M1509 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

“Virginia, Death Certificates, 1912-1987,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C95D-7X85?cc=2377565&wc=H94Z-PD1%3A1529115497%2C1529678002 : 20 August 2018), Hampton (Ind. City) > 1956 > image 400 of 498; from “Virginia, Marriage Records, 1700-1850,” database and images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : 2012); citing Virginia Department of Health, Richmond.

“Virginia, Death Certificates, 1912-1987,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVYG-M86T : 16 August 2019), Mattie Banks, 04 Nov 1965; from “Virginia, Marriage Records, 1700-1850,” database and images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : 2012); citing Norfolk, Norfolk, Virginia, United States, entry #, Virginia Department of Health, Richmond.

https://naylorlaw.com/blog/longshoreman/

Ti’Aja Russell is an ROTC cadet at Norfolk State University.