Partly printed "Teacher's Voucher" completed in manuscript indicating payment in the amount of $30 to Maggie Locke, Atwell Township, "School District No. 4, Rowan County [NC], for Colored Race." 26 March 1888. 1p, 8 1/2 x 7 in. (creasing, toning, light soil). -- Partly printed "Teacher's Voucher" completed in manuscript indicating payment in the amount of $25 to Isaac Kerns, "School District No. 2 Salisbury & No. 2 Prov., Rowan County [NC], for Col Race." 15 June 1892. 1p, 8 1/2 x 7 in. (creasing, tears along horizontal fold, toning, soil).

Prior to the Civil War, one of the largest enslavers in Rowan County, NC, was the Locke family, suggesting that Maggie Locke was likely descended from a member of the Locke family or, as was the case with many formerly enslaved persons, her family adopted the surname of their enslaver. The 1900 US Federal Census locates a 45-year-old "Maggie Lock" living in Rowan County, with the occupation of a "Servant." The 1900 U.S. Census also locates 36-year-old "Isaac W. Kernes" living in Rowan County, a married father whose occupation was "Schoolteacher." Despite the many strides made by African Americans during Reconstruction, the educational system in the South remained segregated and allowed discrimination in the distribution of school funds. "Colored Schools" serving Black students were often under-resourced, and the teachers paid less than their white counterparts.

[With:] Negro Americans: The Early Years. Classics Illustrated. No. 169. 48pp. Illustrated profiles include Crispus Attucks, Phillis Wheatley, Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver, and Matthew Henson.