Smith Atkins family papers

The papers are divided into three series: NOTE: The majority of the original documents are in Fragile Condition and are indicated as such. Please use photocopies when available.

Series 1: William Henry Smith Family Holds documents pertaining to William Smith, his wife, Anna Priscilla McLeish, and her father, James Wilkinson McLeish. Materials include dues ledger booklets union documents from William Smith's affiliation with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (1911-1934); and his voting registration certificates from the State of South Carolina (1928, 1931). Anna Priscilla McLeish Smith's materials includes class assignments (1889) and manuscripts (1915-1918) while she was a student and later the president of the Parent Teachers' Association of the Avery Normal Institute. Materials from Centenary Methodist Episcopal Church, (Charleston, South Carolina), includes a manuscript regarding "Reverend" James H. Holloway; and programs from the Ladies Aid Society. James Wilkinson McLeish's materials pertains to his religious affiliation with Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church. Included is a certificate of membership from Unity and Friendship Society (1894) for a cemetery plot; and a minute and financial ledger of the church trustees (1877-1880), indicating McLeish as "S.S. Superintendent."

Series 2: Maude Henrietta Smith Atkins Holds documents relating to the daughter of William Henry and Anna McLeish Smith. Contains personal documents created and collected by Smith Atkins as an Avery Normal Institute student (Class of 1915), including her commencement speech, "On the Threshold." Also included are programs from organ performances and "Certificate of Copyright Registration," from the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. for "The Avery Song," in which Smith co-wrote with Beulah Shecut (1925). A folder containing magazine and newspaper articles regarding United States Federal, Judge Julius Waites Waring (1948-1976) is included. The sub-series, Avery Normal Institute Memorabilia contains various materials, (manuscript, annual catalogs, commencement programs, and photograph) collected by Smith Atkins during her affiliation with the school. Of note is a handwritten manuscript entitled, "The Early History of Avery Normal Institute Down to 1900," (circa 1900), which includes "Some of the Avery Graduates," from 1872-1900.

Series 3: Oversize Documents Contains the Avery Normal Institute diplomas of Maude Henrietta Smith (1915) and her brother, Williams McLeish Smith (1924).