CONTENT WARNING
Materials in the Library of Virginia’s collections contain historical terms, phrases, and images that are offensive to modern readers. These include demeaning and dehumanizing references to race, ethnicity, and nationality; enslaved or free status; physical and mental ability; and gender and sexual orientation.
Context
After the Civil War, Black Virginians faced both opportunities and challenges. State law segregated public schools. As a result, a class of Black educators emerged to become leaders not only of their schools, but also of their communities whose residents highly valued and respected their teachers. At the turn of the 20th century, these educators were the vanguard of “race leaders,” who through their efforts sought to uplift their communities and fight for equality. They believed an educated Black community could better counter racism and achieve civil rights.
One of these educators was Benjamin Ellis Tonsler, of Albemarle County. Born into slavery in 1852, he grew up in Earlysville and attended the segregated Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute of Hampton, Virginia. He befriended fellow student Booker T. Washington, who became a renowned national leader and the first president of Tuskeegee Institute, in Alabama. Washington’s philosophy of racial uplift through teaching Black students necessary skills to advance in society made an impression on Tonsler.
Benjamin Tonsler returned to central Virginia and became a teacher at Charlottesville’s Jefferson Graded School. He was promoted to principal in 1895, a position he held for the rest of his life. He purchased a house in the segregated neighborhood known as the Four Hundreds, which was home to many middle-class Black community leaders. Tonsler left a legacy as the leader of hundreds of students. The historically Black Charlottesville neighborhood of Fifeville has a park named in his honor, and his home is protected by the city of Charlottesville. Tonsler’s obituary appeared on the front page of the white Charlottesville newspaper, which suggests his social prominence in the community.
Citation: “A Colored Educator Dead,” March 7, 1917, Daily Progress, Charlottesville, Virginia: Newspapers, Library of Virginia.
One of these educators was Benjamin Ellis Tonsler, of Albemarle County. Born into slavery in 1852, he grew up in Earlysville and attended the segregated Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute of Hampton, Virginia. He befriended fellow student Booker T. Washington, who became a renowned national leader and the first president of Tuskeegee Institute, in Alabama. Washington’s philosophy of racial uplift through teaching Black students necessary skills to advance in society made an impression on Tonsler.
Benjamin Tonsler returned to central Virginia and became a teacher at Charlottesville’s Jefferson Graded School. He was promoted to principal in 1895, a position he held for the rest of his life. He purchased a house in the segregated neighborhood known as the Four Hundreds, which was home to many middle-class Black community leaders. Tonsler left a legacy as the leader of hundreds of students. The historically Black Charlottesville neighborhood of Fifeville has a park named in his honor, and his home is protected by the city of Charlottesville. Tonsler’s obituary appeared on the front page of the white Charlottesville newspaper, which suggests his social prominence in the community.
Citation: “A Colored Educator Dead,” March 7, 1917, Daily Progress, Charlottesville, Virginia: Newspapers, Library of Virginia.
Standards
USII.8, VUS.10, VUS.12
Suggested Questions
Preview Activity
Looking at Language: Look at the document and read the language. How would you characterize the description of Tonsler?
Post Activities
Analyze: The Daily Progress was a white-owned newspaper. Why do you think Benjamin Tonsler’s obituary was printed on the first page? What did the white community think of Tonsler?
Food for Thought: After reading the description of Benjamin Tonsler's work in this obituary, what can you infer about the kinds of work and the philosophy Booker T. Washington espoused? In what ways did Tonsler's work support his own community in a way that did not threaten the sensibilities of whites?
Dig Deeper: Read Booker T. Washington’s obituary in the New York Times. Tonsler and Washington were contemporaries. How similar are the descriptions of their philosophies in these two white newspapers? In what ways were the men alike? How were they different? What do you think enabled Washington to become a national leader, while Tonsler remained in the county of his birth?
Social Media Spin: Write this obituary as a modern blog entry. How might you rewrite the descriptions of Tonsler and his work, and why?
Looking at Language: Look at the document and read the language. How would you characterize the description of Tonsler?
Post Activities
Analyze: The Daily Progress was a white-owned newspaper. Why do you think Benjamin Tonsler’s obituary was printed on the first page? What did the white community think of Tonsler?
Food for Thought: After reading the description of Benjamin Tonsler's work in this obituary, what can you infer about the kinds of work and the philosophy Booker T. Washington espoused? In what ways did Tonsler's work support his own community in a way that did not threaten the sensibilities of whites?
Dig Deeper: Read Booker T. Washington’s obituary in the New York Times. Tonsler and Washington were contemporaries. How similar are the descriptions of their philosophies in these two white newspapers? In what ways were the men alike? How were they different? What do you think enabled Washington to become a national leader, while Tonsler remained in the county of his birth?
Social Media Spin: Write this obituary as a modern blog entry. How might you rewrite the descriptions of Tonsler and his work, and why?