The Nathaniel and Nancy (Day) Reid Family

Nathaniel Reid Sr.

was born circa 1891 to William and Clara Reed in Charles City County. According to census records, Nathaniel completed education up to the seventh grade, a significant accomplishment given the limited access to education at this time. 

Nathaniel Reid Sr.
Courtesy: The Reid family




Nathaniel Reid married Nancy Day 

on June 18, 1907 and began building a family in the Reservation community. Nancy (born circa 1894) was the daughter of Henry and Sarah Day who had forged their life in the Reservation. Nancy had seven sisters: Lucy, Susann, Victoria, Liza, Henretta, Virgie, and Mary.

Together, Nathaniel and Nancy had eleven children: John Reid, James H. Reid, Lawrence Reid, Clara Reid, Nathaniel Reid Jr., George Reid, Joseph Reid, Fannie Reid, Sarah Reid, Nancy Reid, and Pernell Reid. Their first seven children were born while the family was living in the Reservation community.

Nancy (Day) Reid
Courtesy: The Reid family

According to the 1920 Census, in the years before the U.S. government commandeered the land in the Reservation community, Nathaniel and Nancy were renting a home that appears to have been near the home owned by Nancy's parents, Henry and Sarah Day.

Source: Roberts, John A., Moses Lee, Annie E. Roberts, Cyrus Jones, and L. Redcross. 1918. Petition submitted to Josephus Daniels, Secretary of the Navy, by residents of York County threatened with eviction by Presidential Proclamation #1492 dated November 15, 1918. General Correspondence, Records of the Bureau of Ordinance 1818-1967; Record Group 74; National Archives Building, Washington D.C.










As he rebuilt his life and community, Nathaniel Reid Sr. served as a Deacon for Little Zion Baptist Church in its new location in Grove after the church, too, was displaced by the U.S. government.

Nathaniel Reid Sr. in Little Zion Baptist Church in Grove
Front row, far left
Courtey: The Reid Family

Nathaniel Reid Sr.'s sister, Clara (Reid) Hynes, was also born in the Reservation community. She moved to Washington D.C. before WWI. After Mr. Reid's family was displaced, grandddaughter Natalie Mallory recalls that her grandfather would travel to Washington D.C. to visit his sister's children: Dorothy 'Dot', Louise, Abbey, Marian, William "Buster", Winston, and Henry. Nathaniel had a special connection with Dorthy, Marian, and Louise.

Nancy (Day) Reid passed away on April 4, 1951, followed by her husband, Nathaniel Reid Sr., eight years later on June 3, 1959. They were both buried in the Little Zion Baptist Church cemetery in its new location in Grove after the church was displaced from the Reservation.

Nancy (Day) Reid Death Certificate
Courtesy: Bernie Vaughan
Source: Virginia, Deaths, 1912–2014. Virginia Department of Health, Richmond, Virginia. Available: Ancestry.com

Nathaniel Reid Sr. Death Certificate
Courtey: Bernie Vaughan
Source: Virginia Department of Health; Richmond, Virginia; Virginia Deaths, 1912-2014, Available: Ancestry.com

Nathaniel Reid Sr. and Nancy (Day) Reid's Children

Nathaniel Sr. and Nancy had eleven children, seven of whom were born in the Reservation and four of whom were born after the displacement. The families of two of the children, John and Nathaniel Jr., provided the details below on this generation. We invite others to submit additional information on the lives of the children.

Pernell Reid, Sarah Reid, John Reid Sr., Gertrude Reid, Nathaniel Reid Jr., Mary Reid, and Joseph Reid (in front)
Courtesy: The Reid Family

John Reid Sr.

was born on December 15, 1907, the eldest of Nathaniel Sr. and Nancy's children. He was about 14 years old when his family was displaced from the Reservation community. John completed his education at the James City County Training School in Williamsburg. 

John Sr. married Julia Ann Washington. Julia worked as a teacher and also sold life insurance. Together, they had one child, John Reid Jr. (born March 14, 1935), and two adopted daughters, Melinda (Reid) Ashby and Mary (Slone) Williams. John Sr. and Julia raised their children in the Grove community.

John Reid Sr., Julia (Washington) Reid, and their son, John Reid, Jr.
Courtesy: The Reid Family

Sitting in center, John Reid, Jr., son of John Reid Sr. and Julia Reid
Courtesy: The Reid Family

John Sr. was employed for many years at the Naval Weapons Station, Yorktown until his retirement. He was also an entrepreneur. He owned a trailer court, which has been passed down through the family to John Jr. and then to Lisa Reid Williamson. John Sr. also rented a small business space in Grove where he operated a store and tavern.

John Reid Sr. and his wife Julia (Washington) Reid
Courtesy: The Reid Family

John Reid Sr., second from the left, Little Zion Baptist Church
Courtesy: The Reid Family

John Reid Jr. joined the U.S. Air Force. John Jr. was in his father's shop one day when he met his future wife, Deloris Dodson (born May 10, 1939), originally from Alexandria, Lousiana. John Jr. then went on to work for the U.S. government at Fort Eustis and retired as a Logistics Manager. Deloris attended the Peninsula Business School in Newport News, VA and also worked at Fort Eustis. Deloris broke barriers, becoming one of the first Black Contract Specialists, a position she held upon her retirement. 


John Jr. and Deloris had three children: Julia (born April 14, 1967), Lisa (born April 29, 1972), and Deborah (born March 21, 1975). Their children attended York County Schools, and all three children graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University. Julia studied dance and worked for the Busch Gardens Entertainment. Lisa studied art and became a graphic designer for Colonial Williamsburg, a recorded gospel artist/Minister of Music for two churches, and the owner of Simply Unique T-shirts, Portraits, and More, LLC, established in 1998. She married Jesse Williamson and raised a family in Grove. They have three children, Jesse Jr., Tatiana, and Jequan, and two grandchildren, Jaylah and Jonah. Deborah studied Political Science and lives in Williamsburg. 

John Reid Jr.
Courtesy: The Reid Family

John Reid Jr. and daughter Julia Annette Reid
Courtesy: The Reid Family

Deloris (Dodson) Reid and daughter Julia Annette
Courtesy: The Reid Family

John Reid Sr., with grandchildren Julia Annette, Lisa, and Deborah Reid (oldest to youngest)
Courtesy: The Reid Family

Lisa Reid and Jesse Williamson with great-uncle Nathaniel Reid Jr. at their wedding at Little Zion Baptist Church
Courtesy: The Reid Family

Daughters of John Reid Jr. and Deloris Reid: Julia Reid, Lisa Reid-Williamson, and Deborah Reid
Courtesy: The Reid Family

Family Portrait
Front: Deloris (Dodson) Reid and John Reid Jr.
Back: Jesse Williamson, Lisa Reid-Williamson, Deborah Reid, and Julia Reid
Courtesy: The Reid Family

Granddaughter and artist, Lisa Reid Williamson, created a tribute to her grandfather, John Reid Sr., and her father, John Reid Jr., through these paintings.

John Reid Sr., Julia Reid, and their son, John Reid, Jr.
Painting by Lisa Reid Williamson

John Reid, Jr.
Painting by Lisa Reid Williamson

John Reid Jr.
Painting by Lisa Reid Williamson

John Reid, Jr. in the U.S. Air Force
Painting by Lisa Reid Williamson

John Reid, Jr. and his friends in the U.S. Air Force
Painting by Lisa Reid Williamson

John Reid, Jr.
Painting by Lisa Reid Williamson

John Reid, Jr. and his wife on their wedding day
Painting by Lisa Reid Williamson

John Reid, Jr. and his daughter, Julia
Painting by Lisa Reid Williamson

James "Jim" H. Reid Sr.

was employed at the historic Band Box cleaners for over 45 years. He never married.

Lawrence Reid

was born in 1910. He married Helen “Honey Bug." The couple had six children: Paul Reid, George Reid, Kenneth Reid, Nathaniel Reid, Lawarence Reid, and Ruby Jean (Reid) Dorsey. Lawrence passed away in 1968. Ruby lived in New Jersey for a time and then returned to the Grove community.

Clara Reid

completed schooling at the James City County Training School in Williamsburg, VA and went on to study at Virginia State College.  She taught school in Portsmouth, VA for 40 years. She had five children, a set of twin boys, another boy, and two girls.

The James City County Training School on Nicholson Street in Williamsburg, VA, circa 1930s
Courtesy: The Reid Family

Nathaniel H. Reid Jr.

Much of the following tribute to Nathaniel Reid Jr.'s life and legacy was written by his daughter, Natalie Reid Mallory. All direct quotations are from Mrs. Mallory unless otherwise noted.

Nathaniel H. Reid Jr. was the fifth child born to Nathaniel Reid Sr. and Nancy (Day) Reid. He was born on December 15, 1915 and was about six years old when his family was forced to leave the Reservation community. 

He attended the James City County Training School and, in the video clips below, recalls fond memories of the school and the Baptist Young Peoples Union that he attended. He graduated from the James City County Training School in 1933.

Nathaniel Reid Jr.
Courtesy: The Reid Family

Nathaniel Reid Jr. birth certificate
Source: Ancestry.com. Virginia, U.S., Birth Records, 1912-2015, Delayed Birth Records, 1721-1920 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015.

Nathaniel Reid Jr. remembers the James City County Training School
Film Credit: Media Collections, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation 

Nathaniel Reid Jr. remembers the Baptist Young Peoples Union
Film Credit: Media Collections, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation 

In his final year in high school, Nathaniel Jr. "was named the "Most Valuable Player" in a statewide basketball tournament in 1933. Nat was offered an all-expense paid scholarship to attend Virginia State College in Petersburg. Nat left school after his first year at the "College on the Hill." He often told his children that he was crazy not to have taken advantage of the opportunity that had been "dropped in his lap.""

Nathaniel Jr. married Mary Elizabeth Baker in 1938. Mary was born on October 1, 1923 to Robert J. and Carrie L. Baker of James City County, VA. The family belonged to Shiloh Baptist Church of Croaker, VA. Mary completed her studies at James City County Training School in 1938.

Together, they had three children, Natalie (Reid) Mallory, Dr. Carolynn Reid-Wallace, and Nathaniel Reid III.

Mary Elizabeth (Baker) Reid
Courtesy: The Reid Family

Nathaniel Reid Jr., Mary Elizabeth Reid, and daughters, Natalie and Carolynn
Courtesy: The Reid Family

The Reid Family, (l to r) Natalie, Nathaniel Jr., Carolynn, Nathaniel III, and Mary Elizabeth
Courtesy: The Reid Family

After not completing college himself, Nathaniel Reid Jr. emphasized education in his household. 

His dedication to his children's education paid off when his daughter, Carolynn, won the prestigious Rockefeller scholarship at Bruton Heights School and studied at Fisk University. Carolynn went on to earn a Ph.D. at George Washington University. She was later appointed Assistant Secretary of Post-Secondary Education for the U.S. Department of Education by former President George Bush and became the first female President of Fisk University.

Nathaniel Jr. and Mary's other children also excelled in their education. Natalie (Reid) Mallory, their eldest child, graduated from Virginia State College (now University) and continued her education to complete a Masters of Arts from William & Mary. Nathaniel Reid III, the youngest child, graduated with a Bachelor's of Science degree from West Virginia State (1971) and further completed a Master of Arts degree from Eastern Michigan University (1975). 

Nathaniel Jr., Carolynn, and Mary as Carolynn wins the Rockefeller scholarship
Courtesy: The Reid Family

Listen to this clip of Nathaniel Reid discussing how his experience shaped his approach to education once he had children.

Nathaniel Reid Jr. discusses his emphasis on his children's education
Film Credit: Media Collections, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation 

"At the start of World War II, Nathaniel began working as a waiter at the Naval Weapons Station in Yorktown. When the war was over, he was hired as a bellman at the Williamsburg Inn, a hotel known for elegance and first-class service. In 1947, Reid was named captain of the bellmen. A few years later he noted that more and more guests were asking for televisions in their rooms. Reid, recognizing an opportunity, presented a proposal to management. The permission was granted to rent televisions and this entrepreneurial venture became an important means to and end for Reid. In October 1964, he was promoted to the position of superintendent of service, a job that he held until he retired in 1986 with over 40 years of service."

Mary Reid was employed as a dedicated nurse to Dr. Joseph Jones for more than 40 years.

Nathaniel Reid Jr. discusses the jobs Black people secured at Colonial Williamsburg
Film Credit: Media Collections, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation 

Nathaniel Reid Jr. discusses the family-like atmosphere he experienced at Colonial Williamsburg
Film Credit: Media Collections, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation 

"During these many years, Nathaniel and the men who worked with him served dignitaries from around the globe: kings and queens, six United States presidents, senators, and diplomats. Reid's motto was, SERVICE IS MY BUSINESS."

In 1967, he received the National Bellman of the Year award in recognition of his hard work and commitment to excellence.

Nathaniel Reid Jr.'s National Bellman of the Year Award
Courtesy: The Reid Family

Nathaniel Reid Jr. and Mary Elizabeth Baker Reid, at a celebration of his Bellman of the Year Award
Courtesy: The Reid Family

Nathaniel Jr. and Mary were both dedicated community members. 

"Nat Reid was a member and Trustee of the First Baptist Church in Williamsburg. A dedicated citizen of the community, he took pride in exercising his rights as a citizen. Nat served as a trustee of the Williamsburg Housing Authority and the Williamsburg Social Service Board. He was a member of the Maceo Consolidated Lodge Number 124 and Royal Arch Mason. He was a lifetime member of the NAACP."

Mary was a lifetime member of the Eastern Star Pride of Grove 181 and the NAACP, as well as a member of the former Peninsula Medical Association for Nurses.

Nathaniel Reid Jr.
Courtesy: The Reid Family

Mary Elizabeth (Baker) Reid
Courtesy: The Reid Family

Nathaniel Jr. and Mary were married for 70 years. 

Nathaniel Reid Jr. passed away at the age of 93 on March 7, 2009. Upon his death, he was granted a commendation from the Virginia General Assembly through Senate Joint Resolution No. 202, 'Celebrating the life of Nathaniel H. Reid, Jr.' The commendation recognized Nathaniel H. Reid, Jr. as "a true service professional and outstanding Virginian."

"The Williamsburg Inn's N.H. Reid Jr. dies at 93," news clipping, March 11, 2009
Courtesy: The Reid Family

Mary Elizabeth Reid passed away at ninety-nine years of age on November 6, 2022. She was rememberd by her family as "a loving and dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. She took great pride in teaching her children and grandchildren, by example, to be patient, kind, and loving individuals and to have uncompromising values. Mary made incalculable sacrifices and showed unconditional love for her family."

Source: Whitings Funeral Home. 2022. Mary Elizabeth Reid, Obituary. Tribute Archive.

Mary Elizabeth (Baker) Reid, 2019
Courtesy: The Reid Family

Nathaniel Jr. and Mary's legacy of hard work and their emphasis on education was passed down to their grandchildren. 


Their eldest daughter, Natalie Reid married Mr. Boykins and had one son, Kevin Boykins, who graduated from Morehouse College. After her husband passed away, Natalie remarried to Arthur Mallory.


Kevin has one daughter, Rokhaya Boykins, and two grandchildren, Chaze and Isaiah. 

Arthur Mallory, husband of Natalie (Reid) Mallory
Courtesy: The Reid Family

Nathaniel Reid Jr., Kevin Boykins graduating from Morehouse College, Mary Elizabeth Reid, and Natalie (Reid) Boykins Mallory 
Courtesy: The Reid Family

Kevin Boykins, son of Natalie (Reid) Boykins Mallory  
Courtesy: The Reid Family

Rokhaya Boykins, daughter of Kevin Boykins, granddaughter of Natalie (Reid) Mallory 
Courtesy: The Reid Family

Chaze and Isaiah, children of Rokhaya Boykins, great-great-grandchildren of Nathaniel Reid Jr. and Mary Reid, great-great-great grandchildren of Nathaniel Reid Sr. and Sarah (Day) Reid
Courtesy: The Reid Family

Dr. Carolynn Reid-Wallace had one son, Addison N. Wallace Jr., who graduated from American University. He taught school for four years and then pursued a career in Real Estate Management. 



Dr. Carolynn Reid-Wallace
Courtesy: The Reid Family

Addison N. Wallace Jr., son of Dr. Carolynn Reid-Wallace
Courtesy: The Reid Family

Nathaniel Reid III married Juanita Holley (B.S. West Virginia State University, 1970, M.S. Eastern Michigan University, 1975, M.A. University of Michigan, 2002). Together, they had two girls. The eldest, Taryn (Reid) Willis, earned a B.S. from Eastern Michigan University (2002) and an M.A. from Loyola University – Ann Arbor (2013). She married Richared Walker III and has two children, Makenzie R. Willis and Harlem O. Willis. Nathaniel Reid III and Juanita Reid's youngest daughter, Rachel Holley Reid, earned a B.S. from Hampton University (2004), an M.A. from Loyola University - Chicago (2010), and a Ph.D. in Nursing from Rush University (2014). She has two children, Austin D. and Anderson C. Jackson.

Nathaniel Reid III, son of Nathaniel Reid Jr. and Mary Elizabeth Reid, with his wife Juanita and daughter Taryn
Courtesy: The Reid Family

Nathaniel Reid III
Courtesy: The Reid Family

Austin and Anderson Jackson, children of Rachel Holley Reid, great-great-grandchildren of Nathaniel Reid Jr. and Mary Reid, great-great-great grandchildren of Nathaniel Reid Sr. and Sarah (Day) Reid
Courtesy: The Reid Family

George Reid

finished his education at the James City County Training School. He began working at the Williamsburg Inn under his older brother, Nathaniel Reid, Jr. He then moved on to work at the Naval Weapons Station, Yorktown on the land his family once lived before their displacement. He retired from this position. 


George married Gertrude Reddick from Lackey, VA. He adopted her son, Eugene Reddick, who went on to earn a degree from Howard University and work as an electrical engineer. He lives in Chino, California.

George Reid and his wife Gertrude "Gertie"
Courtesy: The Reid Family

Joseph Reid

attended St. Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, VA where he studied tailoring for two years. He became known as a skilled tailor. He never married.

Brothers: Pernell, John, Nathaniel, and Joseph Reid (in front)
Courtesy: The Reid Family

Fannie Reid

had no children. We invite other family members to contribute details on her life.

Sarah A. Reid/Reed

had four children, including Jerome, William, Kathy, and Vivian. Kathy had two children, Jamel and Rudy Jr.

Nancy "Nannie" Reid

had no children. We invite other family members to contribute details on her life.

Pernell "Sonny" Reid 

was the youngest of the eleven children born to Nathaniel Reid Sr. and Nancy (Day) Reid. Pernell completed his education at the Bruton Heights School in Williamsburg, VA. He served in the U.S. Military for four years. 

Pernell married Rachel Daniels. Rachel had five children from an earlier marriage to Clifton Washington. Together, Pernell and Rachel had four children, including Benita, Pernell, Emerson, and Rachel.

Pernell Reid and his wife Rachel (Daniels) Reid
Courtesy: The Reid Family

Sources:


Additonal Image Credits: