James H. Meriwether [African-American]
1847-1906
Lawyer, Civic Leader, Churchman
Mr. James H. Meriwether, born in Kentucky on March 30, 1847, was educated in Canada and at Howard University where he received one of the first Preparatory Department Certificates in 1872, and the A.B. degree in 1876. He practiced law and entered business. His office was at Pennsylvania Avenue and 12th Street, N.W.
He built a house for his family on Thirteenth Street, and several other houses. He was active in the Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church and was superintendent of the Sunday School for many years. He helped found the Twelfth Street Branch YMCA and served on its Board. Elected to the Howard University Board of Trustees, he represented the Preparatory Department from 1892 to 1906. The table on which the University Charter was signed was possessed by his family, then given to the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. It now is in the Founders Library.
As Honorary Colonel at the Inauguration of President Harrison, he participated in that parade. Mr. Meriwether and his wife had many community interests. They were the parents of five children who served their communities well. Mr. Meriwether died on November 15, 1906, and is buried in Woodlawn. Also there, are Mrs. Meriwether, their two daughters, their son, a son-in-law and Mrs. Meriwether’s sister.
Source: unknown
Obituary of James H. Meriwether
Newspaper Unknown (died Washington, D.C.)
Date Unknown (died November 15, 1906)
The
community was shocked last Thursday, 15th inst. To learn of the sudden
death of a prominent and useful citizen. Mr. Meriwether was an esteemed
alumnus of the University and a member of the Board of Trustees. While
attending to business duties in a downtown office he was stricken with
heart disease and died in fifteen minutes. Funeral services were held
Saturday afternoon at the Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church.
Mr.
Meriwether was actively interested in the University. It will be
remembered that at a mass meeting of the Athletic Association only a
short time ago, he was present, spoke and gave both moral and financial
assistance. The sympathy of all goes out to the bereaved family.
Note: In the 1900 census, he was living in Washington, D.C. He was married to Sarah N. and Mary L.
In 1914, his daughter, Edith Eugenia Meriwether married E. Davidson Washington, son of Booker T. Washington and his wife, Margaret James Murray. Edith Meriwether was a graduate of the M Street High School and Normal School No. 8 in Washington, D.C. She taught school in Durham, N.C. and Atlantic City, N.J. before her marriage. After the death of her husband she married Walter T. Shehee of the Tuskegee faculty.
