Ella Gertrude Clanton Thomas papers, 1848-1978 and undated, bulk 1848-1889

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Summary

Creator:
Thomas, Ella Gertrude Clanton
Abstract:
Ella Gertrude Clanton Thomas (1834-1907) was a white woman, avid reader, suffragist, and Southern nationalist who lived in Georgia. Collection contains diaries (partially unbound) and scrapbooks address that address Thomas' reading; studies at Macon Female College (now called Wesleyan College) in Macon, Ga.; conversion to Methodism; clothing and dress styles; gossip and social life; shopping and prices; church services; courtship by and marriage to Jefferson Thomas; and plantation life in Burke and Columbia counties.
Extent:
7.75 Linear Feet
Language:
Materials in English
Collection ID:
RL.10034

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains diaries, partially unbound, for the years 1848-1849, 1851-1852, 1855-1859, 1861-1866, 1868-1871, and 1878-1889, with the first volume in a different hand from the rest. Typed version of the diaries are also included. The entries describe in detail Ella Thomas' reading; studies at Macon Female College (now called Wesleyan College) in Macon, G.A.; conversion to Methodism; clothing and dress styles; gossip and social life; shopping and prices; church services; courtship by and marriage to Jefferson Thomas; and plantation life in Burke and Columbia counties.

Some diary entries from 1855 to 1859 discuss Black churches and religious practices, as well as the Thomases' attendance of Black churches to hear their preachers. Ella Thomas expresses particular interest in and appreciation of Rev. Samuel Drayton, a Black minister, whom she regarded as extremely talented.

Other subjects discussed include the institution of slavery and its problems; relations between white men and enslaved women; Civil War military activities, especially concerning Jefferson Thomas' career; destruction of property by Union troops; social conditions after the Civil War; spiritualism; labor and servant problems, financial losses and poverty; school teaching; and the earthquake of 1886.

Other items include letters (photocopies), two of which are from Carrie Carr, Thomas' formerly enslaved nurse; photograph of a portrait of Mrs. Thomas; and a life membership certificate from the National Woman Suffrage Association of the United States (later the National American Woman Suffrage Association). Several scrapbooks containing newspaper clippings, artwork, and other items are also included in the collection. Some of the scrapbooks' content contains racial slurs and white supremacist language and ideals. The scrapbooks and accompanying items that date after Ella Thomas' death may have belonged to her daughter, Cora Louise Farrell.

Biographical / historical:

Ella Gertrude Clanton Thomas was born on April 4, 1834, to Mary and Turner Clanton, wealthy plantation owners and enslavers in Augusta, Georgia. Ella Clanton attended Macon Female College (now called Wesleyan College) in Macon, Georgia when she was 15 and was an avid reader throughout her life. She married her husband Jefferson Thomas, a plantation owner, enslaver, and Confederate officer, in 1852. They lived outside of Augusta and had several children. Thomas was a Southern nationalist and supporter of the Confederacy. Following the Civil War and Reconstruction, the Thomases moved to Atlanta as a result of financial hardship. She passed away in 1907.

Source: Katherine E. Rohrer, "Ella Gertrude Clanton Thomas," New Georgia Encyclopedia website, accessed 2023 June 21.

Acquisition information:
The Ella Gertrude Clanton Thomas papers were received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book Manuscript Library as purchases and gifts from the Despeaux family in 1956, 1978, 1984, and 2022.
Processing information:

Processed by: Rubenstein Library staff

Updated by Leah Tams, June 2023

Accessions described in this finding aid: 56-295, 56-327, 56-357, 2023-0096.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Contents

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Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

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Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Ella Gertrude Clanton Thomas papers, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.

Permalink:
https://idn.duke.edu/ark:/87924/m15q2t