Finding Aid for the Thomas F. Edwards papers

Author: Savannah Gould, November, 2023
Inclusive Dates: 1900-1924
Extent: 1 cubic foot (1 record storage box)
Physical Location: 11th floor
Language of Materials: English

Abstract: This collection, dating from 1900-1924, consists mainly of photographs and documents from Thomas F. Edwards, an African American musician and veteran of the Spanish-American War who performed with various minstrel groups and a military band. The collection also includes ephemera and documents from other persons whom Edwards knew.

Biographical Note: Thomas Franklin Edwards was an African American musician who performed as a military band member, as well as a trombonist for several minstrel groups throughout the early 1900s. His work as a musician took him to many different locations throughout the country, including the West Coast. Based on his age as listed in various sources in the collection, Edwards was likely born sometime between 1876-1878. A veteran of the Spanish-American War (1898), he served as a band member in the Unit 3 Alabama Infantry. At the time of his service, Edwards’ hometown was in Alabama, and was either Demopolis or Montgomery, each having been listed in available documentation. Edwards was married to Henrietta Edwards (née Howard) around 1917. Edwards eventually settled in Akron, Ohio, around 1918 where he joined the local union of the American Federation of Musicians. According to a city directory, he and Henrietta lived in Akron at least until 1924; no other biographical information beyond this date has yet been located.

Scope and Content: The bulk of this collection contains photographs, some relating to Edwards's time in the military band. The collection is composed of correspondence, travel diaries, photographs, and other ephemera. 

Acquisitions Information: This collection was donated by Thomas A. Cox.

Preferred Citation: Thomas F. Edwards papers. Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Arrangement: This collection is comprised of materials that have been organized by subject, category, or type of item. The Thomas F. Edwards papers are organized into the following series.

• Series 1: Personal Materials
  • Subseries 1: Documents
  • Subseries 2: Correspondence
  • Subseries 3: Artifacts and Ephemera
• Series 2: Photographs

Series 1: Personal Materials, 1906-1924

Subseries 1: Documents, 1906-1924
Folder -- Contents

1. Documents: Thomas F. Edwards business card, undated
   Scope and Content: Text on card: "Trombonist. Permanent Address: The Freeman, Indianapolis, IN."

2. Documents: Certificate of membership and burial fund, Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, March 7, 1906
   Scope and Content: Lodge number 6568 in Birmingham, AL. 
   Physical Location: This item is oversized and filed in the map case.

3. Documents: Engagement contract, Richards and Pringle’s Famous Minstrels, December 15, 1911

4. Documents: Employment contract, Howe’s Great London Shows, November 23, 1916

5. Documents: Premiums receipt book, Cleveland Life Insurance Company, January-November, 1918

6. Documents: Membership cards, American Federation of Musicians, 1918-1923
   Scope and Content: Akron Local Union no. 24. One membership application card dated November 13, 1918. Six membership cards from 1918-1923.

7. Documents: Credit certificate and card, Harold Lachman Company, July 25, 1919

8. Documents: Duplicate meter contract, Akron City Water Works, July 21, 1920

9. Documents: Certificate of membership and burial fund, May 31, 1922
   Scope and Content: National Grand Council, Ancient United Knights and Daughters of Africa.
   Physical Location: This item is oversized and filed in the map case.

10. Documents: Contract for occupation, La Salle Employment Agency, February 13, 1924

11. Documents: Resident Hook and Line Fishing License, 1924

12. Documents: Travel diary, Georgia Minstrels, 1900-1901 season
    Historical Note: According to notes in this diary, it appears that Edwards played baseball as a member of the Georgia Minstrel's baseball team. Game scores can be found in the back of the diary.

13. Documents: Travel diary, John Robinson’s 10 Big Shows, May-November, 1910

14. Documents: Travel diary, Busby's Minstrel, 1914-1915 season

15. Documents: Travel diary, Busby’s Minstrel, February-April, 1915

16. Documents: Travel diary, City Laundry, June-September, 1918

17. Documents: Travel diary, Young Buffalo Wild West Colonel Cummins Far East, May-October, 1912
    Scope and Content: Property of Alice F. Edwards. Unsure of relation to Thomas F. Edwards. Contains official season route card within diary.

Subseries 2: Correspondence, 1912-1924

18. Correspondence: 1912
    Scope and Content:
    • F. S. Wolcott to Edwards, October 9, 1912
19. Correspondence: 1914
    Scope and Content:
    • Jerry Mugivan to Edwards, October 11, 1914
20. Correspondence: 1916
    Scope and Content:
    • R. N. Jackson to Edwards, January 16, 1916
    • Unknown to Edwards, 1916
21. Correspondence: 1917
    Scope and Content:
    • J. C. Rockwell to Edwards, January 4, 1917
    • Albert Kemp to Edwards, January 5, 1917
    • Arthur A. Wright to Edwards, January 10, 1917
    • G. A. Erickson to Edwards, January 15, 1917
    • Ella L. Armstrong to Edwards, January 22, 1917
    • R. N. Jackson to Edwards, January 24, 1917
    • Empty envelope addressed to Henrietta Howard, April 9, 1917
    • Harry (Frick?) for Pete Worthey to Edwards, May 18, 1917
    • Empty envelope addressed to Henrietta Howard, June 4, 1917
    • Unknown sender and recipient, July 9, 1917
    • Unknown sender to Edwards, July 15, 1917
    • N. Chapman to Henrietta Edwards, July 18, 1917
    • Thomas F. Edwards to Henrietta Edwards, July 23, 1917
    • Henrietta Edwards to Edwards, August 2, 1917
    • Empty envelope addressed to Henrietta Edwards, August 13, 1917
    • Unknown sender to Edwards, August 16, 1917
22. Correspondence: 1918
    Scope and Content:
    • Postcard, R. Airship, September 3, 1918
    • Albert Kemp to Edwards, December 27, 1918
23. Correspondence: 1919
    Scope and Content:
    • Telegram, Henrietta Edwards to Edwards, February 4, 1919
    • Cleveland Life Insurance Co. to Edwards, February 11, 1919
24. Correspondence: 1921
    Scope and Content:
    • Starr Piano Co. to Edwards, February 8, 1921
25. Correspondence: 1924
    Scope and Content:
    • Department of the Interior Bureau of Pensions to Edwards, November 4, 1924
    • Department of the Interior Bureau of Pensions to Edwards, November 5, 1924
      • Two paper slips from Abraham Greenfield to Edwards, undated (but included in same envelope)
26. Correspondence: Undated
    Scope and Content:
    • Superior Music Parlors, letter of recommendation for Edwards
    • G. A. Erickson of Georgia Smart Set to Edwards
    • Loose page of letter, no signature or envelope
    • Notecard, Andrew Smith to Edwards

Subseries 3: Artifacts and Ephemera, 1910-1924

27. Ephemera: Business and calling cards
    Scope and Content: 
    • Mrs. Charles Bell business card, undated
      Scope and Content: Text on card: "287 Mills Ave., Akron, OH."
    • Jack Hill calling card, undated
      Scope and Content: Text on card: "Cornetist for performance in 1923 at Lods Street Gardens."
    • Augustus Lawson business card, undated
      Scope and Content: Text on card: "Violinist. 304 Avenue A. So. Elyton, Birmingham, AL."
    • Willie E. Shields business card, undated
      Scope and Content: Text on card: "Baritone singer. 307 West Walker St., Tittlesville, AL."
    • T. D. Triplett business card, undated
      Scope and Content: Text on card: "Cornetist."
    • William Watson business card, undated
      Scope and Content: Text on card: "Musician for all occasions. 79 S. Main Street, Akron, OH."
    • Starr Piano Company business card, undated
      Scope and Content: Text on card: "87 S. Howard Street, Akron, OH."
    • Geo. W. Thomas and Company business card, undated
      Scope and Content: Text on card: "Composers and publishers of music. 428 Bowen Avenue, Chicago, IL."
    • Watts Brothers business card, 1910-1911
      Scope and Content: Text on card: "Comedy acrobats in specialty feature with A. G. Allen’s Minstrels 1910-1911 season. 1835 Palmyra Street, New Orleans, LA."
28. Ephemera: Directories, American Federation of Musicians, Akron Local Union No. 24
    • Scope and Content: Three directories dated 1918, 1919, and 1921.
29. Ephemera: Programs
    Scope and Content:
    • Hotel Buchtel formal opening in Akron, OH, April 16, 1884
    • Richards and Pringle’s Georgia Minstrels at Woodward Opera House, November 6, 1911
    • Richards and Pringle’s Famous Minstrels, undated and place unknown
30. Ephemera: Wallet
31. Ephemera: Other Materials
    Scope and Content: 
    • Top of letterhead, F. S. Wolcott presenting Pat Chappelle’s Original Rabbit Foot Co., Crystal River, FL, November 26, 1913
    • Uniform Express Receipt, Wells Fargo & Company Express, Ruth Sampler sending something to Henrietta Edwards, February 10, 1919
    • Eugene Riley membership card for American Federation of Musicians, Chicago Local Union no. 208, 1923
    • South Star Loan Bank pawn ticket for trombone in case, February 11, 1924
    • Richards and Pringle’s Famous Georgia Minstrels self-ad, 1879-1912
      Physical Location: This item is oversized and filed in the map case.
    • Scrap of paper, James Davis, 391 Bailey Court, Akron, OH, undated
    • Newspaper ad clipping for Gude’s Pepto-Mangan tonic and blood enricher, undated
    • Scrap of paper, 3213 Central Ave. Cleveland, Viola Bryant, undated
    • Scrap of paper, Lowery’s Band & Minstrels, undated
    • Ad, Williams and Shackelford, The King and Queen of Comedy, undated
    • Unaddressed/empty envelope, J. M. Busby’s World’s Greatest Minstrel Shows, undated
    • Blank form, National Life and Accident Insurance Company, Nashville, TN
    • 2 pages of blank letterhead, H. B. Anderson’s Georgia Smart Set

Series 2: Photographs
Arrangement: These photographs have been organized alphabetically according to their assigned titles.

Processing Information: Descriptions of the photographs have been supplied by the processor. Characteristics of people in the photographs are based on discernible physical characteristics; the department recognizes that the ethnic and gender identities of people cannot be assumed based on physical appearance alone. However, we have included these descriptions to assist genealogists and other researchers in discovering this collection as a possible contribution to African American genealogy and history. The date ranges included for some photos are general estimations based on physical characteristics of photo-postcards.

32. African American baby in white dress (possibly christening gown), undated
    Scope and Content: Photograph has markings drawn on it. 
33. African American baby on a rug outside, undated (1904-1918)
34. African American baby standing on a chair, undated
35. African American boy in suit and hat, undated
36. African American child in white outfit with umbrella, undated (1904-1918)
37. African American child on a decorative bicycle, undated (1904-1918)
38. African American couple dressed up, undated (1904-1918)
39. African American couple sitting together, undated (1904-1918)
40. African American girl lying on a rug, undated (1904-1918)
41. African American girl next to plant on stool, undated (1904-1918)
42. African American girl with dog, undated
    Photographer: R. B. Broadway.
43. African American man in plaid suit, undated (1904-1918)
44. African American man in suit and bowler hat, undated
45. African American man in suit and coat, undated
    Photographer: Combs, Evansville, WI. 
46. African American man in suit and hat, undated
47. African American man in suit and spotted tie, undated
    Photographer: Geo. Hyde, Birmingham, AL.
48. African American man in suit and striped tie, undated
    Photographer: Gushiniere Studio, Chicago, IL.
49. African American man in suit with collar, undated
50. African American man in tuxedo, undated (1904-1918)
51. African American man in uniform with gun, undated (1904-1918)
    Scope and Content: "Mr. Thos. Edwards, Bham, AL." inscribed on back.
52. African American man posing against log or large drum, undated
    Photographer: Wallin’s, 2007 Second Ave., Birmingham, AL.
    Scope and Content: "Tom Edwards, (Book?)" inscribed on back. It is possible that this photograph is of Thomas Edwards himself.
53. African American man with bowler hat and umbrella, undated
    Photographer: Lee A. Graham, Rocky Ford, CO.
54. African American man with cigar, undated (1907)
55. African American man with hat in lap, undated (1910-1924)
56. African American man with pocket watch, undated
    Scope and Content: "Compliments of Mrs. Viola McLeoy Bryant to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Edwards" inscribed on inside cover of mount. "Compliments of C. J. James, 1402 - 8th and St. James streets, Alexandria, LA" inscribed on back of photo.
57. African American man with small dog, undated (1904-1918)
58. African American man with top hat and cane, undated
    Photographer: Lee A. Graham, Rocky Ford, CO. 
59. African American man with two children, undated (1904-1920s)
60. African American man with wind instruments, undated
61. African American military band member with horn, undated
62. African American military band member with trumpet, undated
63. African American sailor in uniform, undated
    Photographer: The 14th St Studio, 212 E 14th St., NY.
64. African American soldier in a wicker chair, undated
    Photographer: H. R. Clough, Anniston, AL. and Milwaukee, WI.
65. African American soldier in uniform, undated
66. African American soldier with cocked hat and gun, undated
    Photographer: M. M. Mudge, Chattanooga, TN.
    Scope and Content: "Birmingham VS" inscribed on back.
67. African American soldier with gun, undated
68. African American soldier with trombone, undated
    Photographer: Opera House Studio, Porterville, CA.
    Scope and Content: "Fred A." inscribed on front along with other writing difficult to read. 
69. African American teenager in suit, undated
    Photographer: Brown’s Studio, Demopolis, AL.
70. African American woman holding flower bouquet, undated (1918-1930)
    Photographer: R.D. Jones, 3504 Grand Boulevard.
71. African American woman in dark hat with white feathers, undated (1904-1918)
72. African American woman in frill-necked dress, undated (1)
    Scope and Content: Photograph has markings drawn on it.
73. African American woman in frill-necked dress, undated (2)
    Scope and Content: Photograph has markings drawn on it.
74. African American woman in front of decorated curtain, undated
75. African American woman in fur vest and feathered hat, undated
76. African American woman in rocking chair, undated (1904-1918)
77. African American woman in white dress, undated
    Photographer: Covell, 1817 1st Ave, Birmingham, AL.
78. African American woman next to chair, undated
79. African American woman next to ornate chair, undated (1904-1918)
80. African American woman standing on steps, undated (1904-1918)
81. African American woman with bow in hair, undated
82. African American woman with large draped hat, undated
83. African American woman with large feathered hat, undated
84. African American woman with large necklace, undated (1904-1918)
85. African American woman with large woven hat, undated
86. African American woman with pearl necklace, undated
    Photographer: Eckler Studio, Hot Springs, AR.
87. African American woman with purse, undated
    Scope and Content: Photograph has markings drawn on it.
88. African American woman with three children, undated (1904-1918)
89. African American woman with two alligator statues, undated
    Photographer: J. A. Hollingsworth, tourist photographer on Hogan St.
    Scope and Content: Souvenir card for Jacksonville, FL.
90. African American woman with vase of flowers, undated (1904-1920s)
91. Anderson, Cally, undated
    Scope and Content: "1755 - (?), Cally Anderson" inscribed on back.
92. Battle at Agua Prieta, circa April 13, 1911
    Scope and Content: “After the battle of Apr. 13. Agua Prieta, Mexico” inscribed on front.
93. Caucasian adolescent in white dress, undated
    Photographer: Peek Studio, Akron, OH. 
94. Caucasian child sitting with dog on porch steps, undated (1904-1918)
95. (Caucasian?) woman in beaded dress, undated
    Scope and Content: Photograph has markings drawn on it.
96. Chase, Willie D., undated
    Photographer: Hartwell and Hamaker, Phoenix, AT.
    Scope and Content: "Willie D. Chase, born Jan. 1, 1873" inscribed on back along with other writing difficult to read.
97. Coleman, Richard, undated
    Scope and Content: "Coleman, Mobile, AL" inscribed on back.
98. Daniels, Major W., undated
    Photographer: Degns Studio, Logan, UT.
    Scope and Content: "Basso. 3156 Groveland Ave., Chicago, IL. R. P. Minstrel Co. seasons 1909-1912. To my friend Tom Edwards" inscribed on back.
99. Davis, Sam, undated
    Photographer: W. H. Wilson, Dalton, GA.
    Scope and Content: "Compliments of Sam Davis to his friend Thomas F. Edwards" inscribed on back.
100. Doris, undated
     Photographer: Yancy Studio, Alexandria, LA.
     Scope and Content: "To my dear Mamy Pearl From Doris. Don’t you think I am a big girl now, don't you think I look cute?" inscribed on back.
101. Dozier, Emmer, undated (1904-1918)
     Scope and Content: "Bway this is Emmer Dozier, kiss their beautiful doll" inscribed on back.
102. Dudley, E. B., undated
     Photographer: Weiser, Knoxville, TN.
     Scope and Content: "Compliments of E. B. Dudley to Thomas Edwards" inscribed on back.
103. First Baptist Church, undated
     Scope and Content: "First Baptist Church, Alexandria, LA" inscribed on front.
104. Five African American children in all white attire, undated (1904-1918)
     Scope and Content: Second child from right is the same pictured in folder 10.
105. Five African American men holding various items, undated (1904-1918)
106. Five men of color sitting on steps, undated (1904-1918)
107. Four African American women standing in a line, undated (1904-1918)
108. Four images of African American woman in various poses, undated (1904-1918)
109. Georgias baseball team, circa 1900-1901
     Scope and Content: See travel diary for Georgia Minstrels for game scores.
110. Houze, Thomas, undated (1)
     Photographer: Clough and Stone, Anniston, AL.
111. Houze, Thomas, undated (2)
     Scope and Content: "Tommie Houze, Moss Point, MS." inscribed on back.
112. Landmarks of Duluth, Minnesota, June 22, year unknown
     Scope and Content: Folding post card containing ten different color images (double-sided) of various landmarks in Duluth, MN. "Mrs. Pearl (Ware?), J.B. ? Box 102, Alexandria, LA" inscribed on back along with other writing difficult to read. 
113. Lewis, (Sapohie?), undated
     Scope and Content: "From (Sapohie?) Lewis to Tom Edward, Demopolis, AL." inscribed on back. 
114. McFarland, Corine, June 6, 1917
     Scope and Content: "Compliments of Corine McFarland of Louisville, KY, season 1917 June 6th, Georgia Smart Set to Mr. and Mrs. Edward" inscribed on back.
115. McHeil, J. W., Christmas 1901
     Photographer: Graham, Rocky Ford, CO.
     Scope and Content: "Compliments of J.W. McHeil to T. F. Edwards, Christmas 1901" inscribed on back.
116. Mosley, Ollie B., undated
     Scope and Content: "O.B. Mosley. Pr. Mus. Reg. AL. V" inscribed on front.
117. Moulten, Francis, undated
     Scope and Content: Photograph has markings drawn on it. "Francis Moulten, Demopolis, AL, #24" inscribed on back, along with other writing difficult to read. 
118. Nashville Students, undated
     Scope and Content: Photograph shows fifteen African American musicians posing with their instruments in a line.
     Physical Location: This item is oversized and filed in the map case. 
119. Oliver, Prentiss, undated
     Scope and Content: "363" inscribed on front; "Your friend, Prentiss Oliver" inscribed on back.
120. Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Side Show Band, undated
     Scope and Content: "Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Side Show Band. Tom May - conductor" inscribed on front. "Herbert M. Alvis, 3645 Albert Pl. Akron, OH" inscribed on back.
121. Roy, William, undated (1) (1904-1918)
     Scope and Content: "From William Roy to Uncle Thomas" inscribed on front.
122. Roy, William, undated (2) (1904-1918)
123. Scott, James Edward, undated
     Photographer: Davis Banner Studio.
     Scope and Content: "James Edward Scott, six months old" inscribed on back.
124. Senar, Mack, August 9, 1907
     Scope and Content: "Mack Senar, Alto" inscribed on front and back. "Thomas F. Edwards, Demopolis, AL" inscribed on back.
125. Spanish-American War military band members, circa 1898
     Scope and Content: Image is extremely faded and difficult to make out. A digitally enhanced version of the image has been printed and is included in the folder. Sixteen persons identified on front of photograph. "Thos. F. Edward" inscribed on back; "Camp Geo H. Thomas, GA" printed on back.
126. Ten men crowded around a doorway, undated (1907-1914)
127. Three African American women with dog, undated (1910-1924)
     Scope and Content: Writing on back, difficult to read.
128. Three African American women around small tea table, undated (1904-1918)
129. Tio, Louis, undated
     Scope and Content: "Louis Tio, New Orleans, LA" inscribed on back.
130. Tony, circa 1960
     Scope and Content: "To my great grandmother, love and kisses. Tony '60'" inscribed on front. African American baby in diaper with a blanket draped over head.
131. Two African American boys in suits and hats, undated
     Scope and Content: Tin type photo.
132. Two African American children posing for portrait, undated (1904-1918)
133. Two African American men sitting on a curb, undated
134. Two African American women in dresses, undated
135. Two Caucasian men sitting together, undated  (1904-1918)
136. Weatherspoon, Mrs. B., undated (1904-1918)
     Scope and Content: "Mrs. B. Weatherspoon" inscribed on front.
137. Wheat, C. D., undated
     Scope and Content: "C. D. Wheat, Mobile, AL" inscribed on back.
138. Williams, Sylvester, undated
     Photographer: Opera House Studio, Porterville, CA.
     Scope and Content: "Yours Sincerely, Sylvester Williams" inscribed on front.
139. Wilson, Jas. H., undated
     Scope and Content: "From Jas. H Wilson to his friend Thos. Edwards" inscribed on back.
140. Wilson, M. L., undated
     Photographer: Hartwell & Hamaker, Phoenix, AZ.
     Scope and Content: "M. L. Wilson, NY" inscribed on back. 
141. Woman of color in decorative garments, undated
142. Woman of color next to flower vase, undated
     Scope and Content: Photograph has markings drawn on it.
143. Woman sitting on a bench, undated (1904-1918)
     Scope and Content: This image is very faded and difficult to make out. "Keep this dear Tom and think of one who sincerely adores you" inscribed on back.
144. Wood, Fountain B., undated
     Scope and Content: "715 Powell St., St. Joseph, MO" inscribed on back.
145. Wright, Arthur A., undated
     Scope and Content: "From Arthur A. Wright to my friend T. F. Edwards" inscribed on front.
146. Wright, Louis, undated
     Photographer: Lee A. Graham, Rocky Ford, CO.
     Scope and Content: "Compliments of Louis Wright to a friend" inscribed on back.