Comer Vann Woodward (1908 - 1999)

Born 13 Nov 1908 in Vanndale, Cross, Arkansas, United States

Husband of Glenn Boyd (Macleod) Woodward — married 21 Dec 1937 in Orange, North Carolina, United States

Died 17 Dec 1999 at age 91 in Hamden, New Haven, Connecticut, United States

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Biography

Comer Woodward is Notable.

Comer Vann Woodward is a highly notable figure in American history due to his profound contributions as a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian. His groundbreaking work on the South's racial dynamics and attitudes, particularly through his book "The Strange Career of Jim Crow," challenged long-held beliefs about segregation and its historical roots. Woodward's objective analysis and balanced perspective transformed our understanding of the region, shedding light on the complex legacy of racial tensions in the South. Through his meticulous research, insightful writings, and distinguished academic career, Woodward played a pivotal role in shaping America's perception of the South and its historical narrative, leaving an enduring legacy as one of the foremost authorities on the subject.

Comer Vann Woodward, a renowned Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, was born on November 13, 1908, in Vanndale, Cross County, Arkansas. He was the son of Hugh Allison Woodward and Emily Bessie (Vann) Woodward.^[1]

In his early years, Woodward lived on Church Street in Morrilton, Conway County, Arkansas, as recorded in the 1920 census.^[2] He graduated from Morrilton High School in 1926 and enrolled at Henderson-Brown College, a small Methodist institution in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. After two years, he transferred to Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, where he graduated with an AB in philosophy in 1930.^[3] In 1930, he lived in Oxford, Newton County, Georgia.^[4]

He continued to pursue his education and enrolled at Columbia University in 1932, where he received his master's degree. He then received a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina in 1937.^[5]

On December 21, 1937, Woodward married Glenn Boyd Macleod in Orange County, North Carolina.^[6] After his marriage, he taught at the University of Florida. It was at this time that he was already one of the leading contemporary authors. His latest book was published "Tom Watson-Agrarian Rebel", which appeared in the New York Times.^[7]

In 1940, he lived in Claremont, Los Angeles County, California, where he taught at Scripps College.^[8] From 1946 to 1961, he taught at John Hopkins University.^[5]

He served as a professor at Yale University from 1961 to 1977, assuming the title of Sterling Professor of History Emeritus.^[3][5][9]

Woodward's most significant contributions to American history lie in his exploration of the South's complex dynamics, particularly regarding race and racial tensions. Having spent a considerable portion of his life in the South, he developed a deep understanding of the region's historical and social fabric. Woodward approached the study of the South with an objective lens, striving to present an unbiased perspective. As such, he became the first distinguished southern historian to dissect the region with a balanced viewpoint.^[3][5][9]

One of Woodward's most influential works is his book, "The Strange Career of Jim Crow." Published in 1955, a year after the Supreme Court's ruling for school desegregation, the book presented evidence that segregation in the South had only emerged in the 1880s. By challenging the notion that segregation was an inherent part of the South's historical trajectory, Woodward's book helped dispel arguments that desegregation would disrupt centuries-old traditions.^[3][5][9]

In recognition of his groundbreaking contributions to historical scholarship, Woodward was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for history in 1982. The honor was bestowed upon him for his work as the editor of "Mary Chesnut's Civil War," a collection of letters from a Southern woman that provided a unique account of the Civil War.^[3][5][9]

Tragically, Comer Vann Woodward passed away on December 17, 1999, at his home in Hamden, New Haven County, Connecticut. His death was due to complications following open-heart surgery.^[10][11][9] However, his legacy as a pioneering historian and his profound impact on shaping America's understanding of the South and its attitudes towards race continue to resonate to this day.

Sources

1. ↑ Arkansas, Birth Certificates, 1914-1922: Arkansas Department of Vital Records; Little Rock, Arkansas; Birth Certificates; Year: 1908 Ancestry Record 61774 #683235
2. ↑ 1920 United States Federal Census: Year: 1920; Census Place: Morrilton, Conway, Arkansas; Roll: T625_58; Page: 4A; Enumeration District: 18 Ancestry Record 6061 #38358764
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4} Banta, Brady M., Arkansas State University, Encycylopedia of Arkansas, last updated on 16 Jun 2023. "Comer Vann Woodward (1908–1999)." Accessed 19 Jun 2023.
4. ↑ 1930 United States Federal Census: Year: 1930; Census Place: Oxford, Newton, Georgia; Page: 4B; Enumeration District: 0020; FHL microfilm: 2340114 Ancestry Record 6224 #17879571
5. ↑ ^{5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5} Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia. "C. Vann Woodward." Encyclopedia Britannica, December 13, 2022. "C. Vann Woodward." Accessed 19 Jun 2023.
6. ↑ North Carolina, U.S., Marriage Records, 1741-2011: Ancestry.com. North Carolina, U.S., Marriage Records, 1741-2011 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. Original data: North Carolina County Registers of Deeds. Microfilm. Record Group 048. North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, NC. Ancestry Record 60548 #1230716
7. ↑ Newspaper Clipping, The Ada Evening News, Ada, Oklahoma, 14 Apr 1938, Sun. - Page 7. "Mrs. Barton's Cousin Marries Noted Author." Accessed 19 Jun 2020.
8. ↑ U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947: National Archives at St. Louis; St. Louis, Missouri; Wwii Draft Registration Cards For California, 10/16/1940-03/31/1947; Record Group: Records of the Selective Service System, 147; Box: 1981 Ancestry Record 2238 #18828379
9. ↑ ^{9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4} Newspaper Clipping, The Greenville News, Greenville, North Carolina, 19 Dec 1999, Sun. - Page 70. "Historican C. Vann Woodward dead at 91." Accessed 19 Jun 2023.
10. ↑ Connecticut Death Index, 1949-2012: Connecticut Department of Health. Connecticut Death Index, 1949-2012 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2003. Original data: Connecticut Department of Health. Connecticut Death Index, 1949-2001. Hartford, CT, USA: Connecticut Department of Health. Ancestry Record 4124 #1347625
11. ↑ U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014: Social Security Administration; Washington D.C., USA; Social Security Death Index, Master File Ancestry Record 3693 #68794992