Cotman Family Papers

Collection

Identifier: MSS 0631

Staff Only

Scope and Content

The Cotman Family papers were primarily compiled by Jacqueline Cotman. They include photographs, articles, awards, memorabilia, and other documents related to the Cotman family. The majority of the materials focus on Illinoy Cotman who was the oldest African American resident in Archer, Florida who could recite details from the Rosewood massacre of 1922 and her son, Henry Earl Cotman, who was one of the first African American students to graduate from the University of Florida Colelge of Medicine in 1970. Of partiuclar note is a biography "A Piece of Heaven" compiled by Jacquiline Cotman on Illinoy Cotman's life.

Dates

Creation: 1972 - 2014

Creator

Cotman Family. (Family)

Access

The collection is open for research.

Biographical/Historical Note

Illinoy Osceola Sistrunk Criswell Cotman was born on August 9, 1910 and grew up in Archer, Florida. In 1929 she married Harry Cotman and had four children. Doris who received a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Florida A and M University, Harry, Jr. who completed barbering School at FAMU and went on to work for the janitorial department at the University of Florida Medical College, Bobby, who served in the Vietnam War and worked as an engineer at Pratt Whitney Aircraft in West Palm Beach and Henry Earl who graduated from FAMU in pre-medicine, studied Biochemistry at Howard University, and entered medical college at the University of Florida as a reserve officer in the Army in 1966 and graduated in 1970 becoming one of the first African Americans to graduate there. Harry passed away on November 24, 1992. Illinoy lived to be 104 and passed away on June 17, 2014. She was a member of the NAACP and the oldest living descendant of the Township of Rosewood and the City of Archer. She was recognized as a community treasure, which resulted in August 9, 2013 being proclaimed "Illinoy Cotman Day". She also received honorary certificates from President Barack Obama on her 100th and 103rd Birthdays.

Extent

.41 Linear Feet (1 Box and 1 Oversize Folder)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Photographs, articles, awards, memorabilia and other documents related to the Cotman Family. Illinoy Cotman was the oldest African American resident in Archer, Florida who could recite details from the Rosewood massacre of 1922. Her son, Henry Earl Cotman was one of the first African American students to graduate from the University of Florida College of Medicine in 1970.