Description
The Flood family was one of the earliest and most prominent
African American families to settle in Oakland, California. The Flood Family Papers includes 18 photographs, Lydia Flood Jackson’s funeral
program, and two letters written by Lydia Flood Jackson to Ruth Lasartemay.
Background
The Flood family was one of the earliest and most prominent
African
American families to settle in Oakland, California. After purchasing his freedom, Isaac Flood (1816-1892) moved to California in following
the Gold Rush, settling in Oakland in 1853. He worked as a laborer and tradesman and married Elizabeth Thorn Scott (1828-1867)
in 1855, a school teacher from Sacramento who started the first public school for
African
American students in the state. In 1857, Elizabeth opened a private school in the Flood home for
African
American students, which was moved to the African Methodist Church in 1863 and operated for three years before closing in 1866. The
couple had two children, George Francis Flood, who was born in 1857 and was thought to be the first
African
American born in Oakland, California, and Lydia Flood (1862-1963).
Extent
.1 linear feet
(2 folders)
Restrictions
Permission to publish from the Flood Family Papers must be obtained from the African American Museum & Library at Oakland.
Availability
No access restrictions. Collection is open to the public.