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Part of his motivation is to see if anyone who views these photographs can provide him with additional information.  You can reach Mr. Jackson at Rattaford@aol.com   The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Library has developed an extensive on-line collection of images of African American History in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.  Click here to view these images. 

Attached is a photograph of my great-grandfather John Edward Rattley (1855-1946) which was taken when he was twenty-one years old.  John entered the Biddle Preparatory School in 1869 and graduated from Biddle Memorial Institute in 1877.  Upon graduation he was offered the position of tutor at Biddle, but declined it to accept the position of principal of the 7th Street Presbyterian Church Parochial School in Charlotte.  When it merged with the newly established Myers Street School in 1882, John became its first principal.  He held that position until 1891 when he moved with his wife and children to Washington DC. 
    John earned two more degrees in his lifetime.  He earned his second degree in 1898 from the Howard University School of Dentistry and his third degree in 1913 from the Howard University School of Pharmacy.

Attached is an 1870's photograph of my great-grandmother Sarah Hutson Butler (1860-1895).  In the 1880 Census her occupation is listed as "teacher".  I have no idea where she taught.   Sarah was born in Biddleville to Joseph Butler (1822-1891) and Nancy Davidson (1829-1901).