Buckingham Notables: E. S. Lomax
The Lomax Family, Courtesy Renée Ingram and Charles W. White Sr.
The Lomax family contributed significantly to the education of African Americans in Buckingham County. In “At a Place Called Buckingham” ~ Volume Two, I wondered about the literacy of both the Lomax and the Palmer family who settled at or near Alexander Hill in the late 1860s. Edward S. Lomax’s obituary offers a partial answer.
DEATH OF E. S. LOMAX
Interesting Narrative of the Career of a Colored Teacher.
Buckingham, Va. Jan 16 – Edward S. Lomax was buried here on Sunday. Lomax was a prominent Negro in this county. He taught for [25?] years in the public schools and up to the time of his death was drawing a pension from the State Teacher’s pension fund. This man was educated in the days of slavery his master having prepared him to act as an amanuensis for him as he was a blind man. The wife of Lomax was also a teacher. Many of his children have taught school, and it is probable this family has earned more money from the public school funds than any negro family in the State. There were ten children, two of whom are doctors, one practicing in Lynchburg.
The Daily Progress, 19 January 1917
Did many slaves assume the role of amanuensis? Did Edward Lomax take dictation for a business man? Was his owner a writer? Did he simply handle the man’s correspondence?
If a Slate River Ramblings reader knows more about the Lomax family, please comment.
Many thanks to Phil James for sharing this important obituary.
slate river ramblings . . . . 
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