Ernest Eugene Roane, was born in 1887 to the late Enock Roane and Marie Braxton Roane. He was baptized at an early age in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Ernest was very involved with his community and his church, but was best known to many for his great love for horses. His love for horses included training and caring for them, as well as training the riders.
Mr. Roane was one of the organizers and the First President of the Hanover Branch of the NAACP, serving from 1946 to 1956. He was also the President of the Hanover Voters League. Mr. Roane served for many years on the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Trustee Board, was Chairman of the Ushers Board and was a member of the Odd Fellows.
Dea. Roane died September 7, 1975 at the blessed age of 88. Top

Mr. Ralph Anderson, Sr. served as the Second President of the Hanover County Branch NAACP from 1956 - 1962. Ralph was the first Black to serve on the Hanover County Planning Commission. Other offices he has held include Chairman of the Political Committee (34 years), Past President of the Hanover County Civic Association; where he remains an active member, and he is active on many other Community based projects. Top

Dr. Melford W. Walker served as the Third President of the Hanover County Branch NAACP. His productive administration lasted 30 years: 1962 - 1992. Dr. Walker also served as NAACP State Conference President, Member State Board of Directors, Chairman Area IV Branches and Chairman Region VII, consisting of the Maryland, Washington D. C. and Virginia Conference Branches. Top

James P. Giles was born in February 1883 in the Beaverdam District and attended Hanover County Public Schools. Mr. Giles served as the fIrSt Vice President from 1946 - 1956. He and his wife, Mary E. Thaniel, were parents to nine beautiful children. He worked hard to secure bus service for the black children in Hanover. Top

Dea. William R. and his wife, Mattie Dandridge Claytor, were pioneers in organizing the Hanover County Branch NAACP. During the early 1940's, they worked together to solicit new members. A result of their efforts the Hanover County Teachers Association led in the purchase of a Life Membership. In 1968, Dea. Claytor, was honored for his long term of devoted service to the NAACP. Mr. Claytor was also a teacher and principal in the Middlesex and Hanover County Schools system and Deacon at the First Union Baptist Church in Mechanicsville. His wife, Mattie, served as secretary for the Branch from 1946 to 1976. For thirty years she kept efficient records, informed the Organization of information pertaining to the State and National activities and participated in State and National Conventions. Mattie also participated in"Sit-ins" to get the stores in Richmond to open their cafeterias to all persons. In 1976 she was honored by the local chapter with a Life Membership. Mrs. Claytor was also a teacher in the Hanover County Public School System. Top

Nelson Holmes, Jr. served as the first Treasurer from 1946
1956. He was born February 20, 1885. In 1916 he married Marie Holmes; their son was named Luther L. Holmes. In 1958 Mr. Holmes died. Some of his activities included Rock Hill PTA, Voter League, member of Shiloh Lodge #3944, Grand United Order of Odd Fellows and many other fraternal organizations. Top

Mr. Robinson was a Charter member, executive board member and he held a lifetime membership in the NAACP. Contee was an organizer of the Hanover Voters League and the Hanover Recreation Center. Some of his other community actions included: member of the State Voters League, Past Worshipful master of the Pride of Hanover Lodge #264 F&AM PHA, honorary member of the Hanover County Republican Committee and member of Brown Grove Baptist Church. He was the second person in Hanover to purchase a bus to transport black children to Hanover Training School. Contee Robinson passed away at the age of 100, February 9, 1981.

1960 Board Meeting [seated] George Howard, Rachel Thompson, Ralph Anderson [standing] Junius Holmes, Alphine Lewis, Franklin Hughes and Herbert H. Gardner. Top

1960 Board Meeting [left to right] Ralph Anderson, President; W. Harold Thompson, Vice President; William G. Robinson, Membership Chairperson; W. R. Claytor, Treasurer.