Cornerstone of Varina community’s history is ‘an accomplishment and a testament,’ descendent says

Two historical markers were unveiled to honor a cornerstone of the African American community in Varina that began to take root 10 years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.

Dozens gathered for the unveiling of the county historical markers on St. James Road in Eastern Henrico County on Saturday.

One of the markers tells the story of the St. James School, which taught first through seventh grade to African American students, between 1910 and the mid-1950s. The building sat on 37 acres of land bought in 1873 by John and Polly Jeter. The couple saved one acre for a school.

Among its pupils were descendants of the Jeters, including 91-year-old Gracie Jeter White, the couple’s great-granddaughter and last of her generation.

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