Irvin
Nov 21, 2022

Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers

Irvin "Mac" Henry McDuffie and his wife Elizabeth "Lizzie" Hall McDuffie were domestics in their hometown of Atlanta and later in the employ of Franklin Delano Roosevelt during his presidency. Born in Elberton, Georgia, Irvin moved to Atlanta to be a barber and eventually manage the McDuffie-Herndon Barbershop financed by Alonzo Herndon of the Atlanta Life Insurance Company. Upon the recommendation of a customer, Roosevelt interviewed McDuffie to be his valet at his retreat at Warm Springs, Georgia. McDuffie continued on with Roosevelt through his governorship in New York and his presidency, until McDuffie suffered a nervous breakdown in 1939. Elizabeth worked for 23 years as a maid with the prominent Atlanta family of Edward H. Inman. In 1933 she moved to Washington, D.C. to join her husband and became a maid in the White House where she remained until Roosevelt's death in 1945.

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  • Subjects = Children
Title Date Created Author Description Subject Collection
Correspondence from Sisty Seagraves to Elizabeth McDuffie, December 1956 1956-12 A letter to Elizabeth McDuffie updating her on the birth of Sisty Seagraves' daughter. Children, Teachers, Household employees, African American women Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
"If You Ask Me", circa 1952 1947/1957 Roosevelt, Eleanor, 1884-1962 Photocopy of a newspaper clipping in which Eleanor Roosevelt wrote answers to reader's questions. Presidents' spouses, Presidents, Children, Political science Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Unidentified Children, circa 1950 1945/1955 Two children sit in pool of water. Children Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Correspondence from Ann to Elizabeth McDuffie, circa 1950 1945/1955 A thank you card with a note written to Elizabeth McDuffie. African American women, Household employees, Children Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
McDuffie, Elizabeth, circa 1946 1941/1951 Elizabeth McDuffie holds a child who sits on a sun dial. Written on verso: Sun Dial in Hyde Park - Scene of Pres. Roosevelt Grave. African American women, Children, Portraits and people, Cemeteries Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Curtis Roosevelt and Eleanor Seagraves, circa 1946 1941/1951 Curtis ("Buzzie") Roosevelt and his sister, Eleanor ("Sistie") Seagraves, smile in their bathing suits while an unidentified woman stands behind them. Children Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Christmas Card From Eleanor Roosevelt, circa 1945 1940/1950 A Christmas card with an image of Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt with their grandchildren. Presidents, Children Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Eleanor Roosevelt with Children, March 1937 1937-03 Eleanor Roosevelt leans over and smiles at unidentified children. Written on recto: Los Angeles Cal. March 1937 Presidents' spouses, Portraits and people, Children Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
"Mrs. Roosevelt's Column", 1937 1937 Roosevelt, Eleanor, 1884-1962 Photocopy of a newspaper clipping of Eleanor Roosevelts column describing Chandler Roosevelt, age three, wandering around the White House. Presidents' spouses, Children, International relations, Special events Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Unidentified Child with Toy, circa 1938 1933/1943 A child sits holding a stuffed toy. Children Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
"Bill Roosevelt, 4, White House Host To Rabbit Hero", circa 1936 1931/1941 Photocopy of a newspaper clipping describing the Roosevelt grandchildren. Presidents, Children, Pets Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Elizabeth McDuffie with Eleanor Seagraves, circa 1934 1929/1939 Elizabeth McDuffie stands with Eleanor "Sistie" Seagraves in front of a large tree. African American women, Children, Portraits and people Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Unidentified Girl with Portrait, circa 1934 1929/1939 A girl holds a stuffed toy and stands in front of a portrait. Children Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Insurance Policy Agreement, June 20, 1927 1927-06-20 An insurance policy for Napolian Goss. Household employees, African American women, Children Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Edward H. Inman, Jr., circa 1922 1917/1927 Portrait of Edward H. Inman, Jr. in a uniform. Written on recto: "Auld Lang Syne." Edward H. Inman, Jr. Children Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Unidentified Girl, circa 1910 1905/1915 Portrait of an unidentified girl standing next to a pedestal. Children, Portraits and people Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers
Hugh Inman, circa 1902 1897/1907 A baby, possibly Hugh Theodore Inman II, sits in a crib. Written on recto: Precious Angel Hugh. Children Elizabeth and Irvin McDuffie Papers