Administrative Information

Access

There are no restrictions.

Use Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

William Henderson Johnson Collection, MS-0012, Archives and Special Collections Department, L. Douglas Wilder Library, Virginia Union University

Acquisition Information

Collection was given to the department by Mr. Johson's daughter Babara J. Williams.

Processing Information

Collection processed in 2001-2002.

Biographical/Historical Information

William Henderson Johnson, M.D., was a medical doctor for more than 50 years, first in private practice in Cape Charles, Virginia, (1929-1942) then in public health in Philadelphia (1942-1979). He graduated from Virginia Union University in 1924, having completed his high school education and a bachelor's degree. He was born in Philadelphia in 1901, but was sent to the Tidewater Boarding School for his early education. After college, Johnson attended Meherry Medical College and later received a degree in public health at the University of Pennsylvania. He was a member of the VUU Board of Trustees, the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity and was vice president of the national Alumni Association. He was a charter member of the African American DelMarVa Medical Society, and helped establish the Tidewater Institute, a school for African Americans during segregation. He wrote his autobiography, "Pathways of a Twentieth Century Traveler," in 1988. He was married and had one daughter, Barbara Williams of Memphis, Tenn., who donated these materials to VUU. Dr. Johnson died in 1989.

Scope and Content Information

This collection contains biographical ocuments, correspondence, news clippings, photos, real estate documents and miscellaneous items.

Arrangement

Collection is arranged chronologically.