Two-page letter (Jan. 11, 1917) written on Mrs. Booker T. Washington's (Margaret James Murray) own letterhead

Two-page letter (Jan. 11, 1917) written on Mrs. Booker T. Washington's (Margaret James Murray) own letterhead (Girls' Industries at Tuskegee Institute, AL) and signed by her.
   The Letter reads: My Dear Miss Elliott: I am writing to thank you for the cards, toys & notions for children. Through friends like you we were able to carry sunshine to many children & "grown ups" all about us. It was always Mr. Washington's desire that the children in the country should be thought of at this time. For him as much as for the people and ourselves we are grateful. We are doing our best to make young people willing to serve as well as being served. I want my friends to fell that we are doing our best. I remain yours sincerely, Mrs. Booker T Washington.
   The envelope has a Tuskegee institute, Ala postal stamp dated Jan 12, 1917. The back of the envelope is marked Booker T Washington, Tuskegee Institute, Alabama. It appears Mrs. Washington hand wrote Mrs. in front of Mr. Booker T's name. The letter is in nice condition with just a small tear at the top. Nice content with reference to Mr. Washington. Also, another two-page 1917 letter by Margaret.

Washington married three times. A private and complex man, Booker had the trauma of losing two wives. He married one of his Malden school pupils, Fanny Norton Smith in 1882. Their daughter Portia was born in 1883. Fanny died in 1884. He then married Olivia Davidson in 1885. A Hampton graduate, Olivia was the assistant principal of Tuskegee. She had great influence on Washington and the development of his Northern philanthropic support. They had two sons, Booker T. Washington Jr. and Ernest Davidson Washington. Olivia died in 1889. Washington then married Margaret James Murray in 1892. A teacher, Margaret became the Lady Principal of Tuskegee after Olivia's death. Margaret and Booker did not have children. In addition to her professional role on campus, Margaret ran a home for the entire Washington family at The Oaks. She died in 1925.