(RECONSTRUCTION.) William D. Jervay. Letter by a former member of South Carolina's reconstruction legislature. Autograph Letter Signed as "W.R. Jervay" to insurance agent J.D. Copplemann. One page of lined paper, 8 x 4¾ inches; light toning. Summerville, SC, 16 May 1900
William R. Jervay (1847-1910) was one of the many people enslaved by Charleston rice planter Gabriel Manigault, fought in the 128th United States Colored Troops during the Civil War, and then served in a number of political positions in Reconstruction South Carolina from 1868 to 1876, including the state's House of Representatives and Senate. After his further participation in politics became impossible, he was a minister in Summerville, SC. This letter from late in his life states simply: "Please find enclosed insurance policy. I think it is made out all right. Please acknowledge receipt of the same and oblige."
