By Jamila Jones
Coloring book by Friends of Blackwater
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, it is a time to reflect on the ideals enshrined in the Declaration of Independence—equality, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Among those who dedicated their lives to these principles is John Robert (J.R.) Clifford, a trailblazing African American lawyer, educator, and activist whose work continues to inspire the fight for justice. Although not originally from Morgan County, West Virginia, Clifford's landmark legal battles there, particularly Martin v. Board of Education of Paw Paw District (1896), highlight his profound impact on civil rights and democracy.
Clifford’s work in West Virginia contributed significantly to the development of American democracy, and his vision helped shape our nation’s ongoing march toward a "more perfect union."
Clifford's Early Life and Education
Born in 1848 in Williamsport, Virginia (now in Grant County, West Virginia), Clifford’s life spanned the tumultuous years of the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the rise of Jim Crow laws. He grew up in a time when education for African Americans was severely restricted. However, his determination led him to pursue an education at Storer College in Harpers Ferry, one of the first institutions in the United States dedicated to the education of formerly enslaved people. Later, Clifford studied law under a white attorney in Martinsburg, West Virginia, becoming the first African American to pass the West Virginia Bar in 1887.
Clifford’s educational pursuits were not only a personal triumph but also the foundation for his lifelong commitment to advancing civil rights through education and the law.
The Fight for Equality in Morgan County
In 1896, J.R. Clifford took on one of his first significant legal cases in Morgan County, Martin v. Board of Education of Paw Paw District. The case involved Thomas Martin, an African American father, who challenged the state’s segregated school system after his children were denied equal educational opportunities. Clifford argued that such segregation violated the principles of justice and equality guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution and the West Virginia State Constitution.
Although the court ultimately upheld segregation, the case marked Clifford’s emergence as a leading civil rights attorney and laid the groundwork for future challenges to discriminatory laws. This early fight in Morgan County was a critical step in Clifford’s career, solidifying his belief that education was essential to securing the unalienable rights of “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Championing Education as a Democratic Ideal
For Clifford, education was not just a tool for personal advancement; it was the bedrock of a functioning democracy. He believed that a well-educated citizenry was essential to safeguarding the “perpetuity of free institutions,” a phrase that echoes the Declaration of Independence’s call for government to derive its just powers from the consent of the governed.
This philosophy was central to Clifford’s later legal victories, including the landmark case Williams v. Board of Education of Fairfax District. Representing Carrie Williams, an African American teacher in Tucker County, Clifford successfully argued that reducing the school term for Black students violated their rights. On November 16, 1898, the West Virginia Supreme Court ruled in favor of Williams, a decision that affirmed the principle of equal educational opportunities for African American students.
Through his legal work, Clifford demonstrated that education was both a personal right and a societal necessity. His efforts to ensure access to quality education for African Americans underscored his commitment to the ideals of equality and justice.
Clifford’s Broader Legacy: The Pioneer Press and Community Advocacy
Beyond his legal career, Clifford was a vocal advocate for civil rights through his work as a journalist and community leader. In Martinsburg, he founded the Pioneer Press, the first African American newspaper in West Virginia. The newspaper served as a platform for addressing issues of racial inequality, education, and political engagement.
Clifford’s community involvement extended to national movements. In 1906, he helped organize the second meeting of the Niagara Movement at Storer College in Harpers Ferry. This early civil rights organization, which preceded the NAACP, called for immediate equality for African Americans, rejecting the more gradualist approaches of other leaders of the time. Clifford’s participation in this movement reflected his unwavering belief in the urgency of civil rights reform.
Morgan County’s Role in the Journey Toward Equality
While Clifford’s legal work and activism extended across West Virginia and beyond, Morgan County played a pivotal role in shaping his career and the broader fight for civil rights. The Martin case exemplifies the local challenges that African Americans faced during Reconstruction and the rise of segregation. Clifford’s involvement in Morgan County highlights the interconnectedness of local struggles and national movements for equality.
For the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area, Clifford’s legacy offers an opportunity to explore the rich and complex history of civil rights in the region. His work in Morgan County reminds us that the fight for equality is deeply rooted in Appalachia and continues to shape the region’s identity.
Connecting Clifford’s Legacy to America 250
As America commemorates its 250th anniversary, J.R. Clifford’s life and work resonate profoundly with the themes of the celebration. The Declaration of Independence’s assertion that “all men are created equal” remains a guiding principle, though the journey to fully realize this ideal is ongoing. Clifford’s efforts to challenge segregation and promote education exemplify the enduring struggle to align the nation’s practices with its founding promises.
Clifford’s legacy is also a call to action. The values he championed—education, equality, and active citizenship—are as relevant today as they were in his time. As communities across the country prepare for America’s 250th, Clifford’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of local voices in shaping national progress.
Perpetuity of Free Institutions: Clifford’s Vision for the Future
Clifford’s belief in the “perpetuity of free institutions” underscores the vital role of education in sustaining democracy. He understood that an informed and engaged citizenry was essential to holding governments accountable and ensuring justice for all. His example of community involvement, pursuit of civil rights, and dedication to education embodies the highest ideals of American citizenship.
In the context of America 250, Clifford’s legacy offers a framework for celebrating the nation’s progress while acknowledging the work that remains. His fight for equality and justice reflects the ongoing effort to create a “more perfect union,” grounded in the principles of liberty and equality.
Conclusion
J.R. Clifford’s life and work provide a powerful lens through which to reflect on the ideals of the Declaration of Independence and their relevance today. His connection to Morgan County, particularly through the Martin case, highlights the local roots of national struggles for equality. As the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area commemorates America’s 250th, Clifford’s legacy offers an inspiring example of the enduring power of education, community advocacy, and the pursuit of justice.
Through his dedication to these principles, Clifford not only shaped the history of West Virginia but also contributed to the broader narrative of American democracy. His story reminds us that the journey toward equality is not a relic of the past but a living, ongoing effort—one that calls each generation to rise to the challenge of creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
References
Bordas, J. (2016). Flashback: The civil rights victory in Williams v. Board of Education of Fairfax District. Bordas & Bordas Attorneys. Retrieved from bordaslaw.com
West Virginia Division of Culture and History. (n.d.). J.R. Clifford: First African American lawyer in West Virginia. Retrieved from wvculture.org
About the Author
Jamila Jones, an Appalachian Regional Commission ALI alumnus, serves as the Executive Director of Innovative Community Solutions. A dedicated advocate for cultural preservation and inclusive economic development, she leads transformative initiatives like the Affrilachian Trail, which integrates African American heritage, sustainable tourism, and workforce development across multiple states.
