13 Facts About Lucy Addison

Lucy Addison was an African-American school teacher and principal.

In 2011 Addison was honored as one of the Library of Virginia's "Virginia Women in History" for her contributions to education.

Lucy Addison was the third child born to the couple and the second daughter.

Lucy Addison later traveled to Philadelphia to attend the Institute for Colored Youth, and graduated with a teaching degree in 1882.

Lucy Addison kept her skills current by attending continuing education classes at schools, including Howard University and the University of Pennsylvania.

Lucy Addison later served in several supervisory positions, including as a member of the board of trustees for the Burrell Memorial Hospital.

Shortly after receiving her degree, Lucy Addison returned to Virginia and began teaching in Loudoun County, Virginia.

Lucy Addison continued as such until 1888, when a new school was built and a male principal hired.

Lucy Addison then served for more than a decade as both a teacher and an assistant principal for the school.

In 1917 Lucy Addison was hired to serve as the principal for the Harrison School, a school for African-Americans.

Lucy Addison's work came to fruition in 1924, when the Board granted the school full accreditation and the school graduated several students with a high school diploma.

Lucy Addison retired in 1927 and moved to Washington, DC, to live with one of her sisters, but returned to Virginia for several occasions, including the naming of Roanoke's first public high school for African Americans in her honor.

Lucy Addison suffered from chronic nephritis and died in Washington, DC, on November 13,1937.