Josie Briggs Hall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Josie Briggs Hall
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| Born |
Josie Briggs
September 17, 1869 Waxahachie, TX
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| Died | October 25, 1935 Dallas, TX
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| Occupation | writer and teacher |
| Spouse(s) | J. P. Hall |
Josie Briggs Hall (born September 17, 1869, died October 25, 1935) was an important American writer and teacher. She made history by writing the very first book published by a Black woman from Texas.
Early Life and Education
Josie Briggs was born in Waxahachie, Texas, on September 17, 1869. When she was 11 years old, her parents, Henry and Tennie Briggs, passed away. Josie then went to live with her sister. Around 1886, she attended Bishop College in Marshall, Texas, but she did not finish her degree there.
Becoming a Teacher
At just 16 years old, Josie took her first job as a teacher in Canaan, Texas. In 1888, she married J. P. Hall, who was also a schoolteacher. They had five children together. Josie continued to teach in different towns. She taught in Ray and Mexia in Texas. She also taught in Peyton and Tunica in Mississippi.
A Pioneer Writer
Josie Briggs Hall faced a big challenge while writing her first book. In 1898, a fire destroyed her almost finished manuscript! But she didn't give up.
Her next book, A Scroll of Facts and Advice, was published in 1905. This book was a huge milestone. It was the first book ever published by a Black woman from Texas.
Later that same year, she published another important work. It was called Hall's Moral and Mental Capsule for the Economic and Domestic Life of the Negro, As a Solution to the Race Problem. This book was a collection of her own poems and essays. It also included other writings and photos of important Black leaders. Her book was like a textbook for self-education. It helped African Americans learn outside of traditional schools. Josie wanted to write it to help guide the parents of the children she taught.
Later Years and Legacy
Josie Briggs Hall later moved to Dallas, Texas. There, she started a school called the Homemakers' Industrial and Trade School. She ran this school from 1916 until 1928.
Josie Hall passed away in Dallas on October 25, 1935.
Even after her death, her writing continued to be recognized. In 1936, her poems were included in a collection of works by Black Texan poets. This collection was called Heralding Down: An Anthology of Verse. It was put together by J. Mason Brewer.
