Blacks@Dartmouth 1775 to 1960

Petersburg - Dr. Cortlandt M. Colson, Virginia State College professor of education and head of Secondary Education Department died at the age of 62 April 22 in the Petersburg General Hospital after a long illness. The son of the late Professor James Major Colson who in 1885 succeeded James Storum as principal of Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute, Now Virginia State College, was a graduate of the Dewitt Clinton High School at Virginia State.

Dr. Colson attended Dartmouth College and later received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Virginia State College. He received his Master of Science degree from Teacher's College, Columbia University and his Doctorate from Ohio State University. At Virginia State College, Professor Colson was Coordinator of Workshops for the college, Head of the Extension Department, and coordinator of Professional Laboratory Experiences.

He served as member on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Teachers Association and was second vice-present of the Association for Student Teaching. He was active in many professional organizations including the American Association of University Professors, the National Education Association, the Department of Higher Education of the Virginia Teacher Association and had been chosen as president-elect of the National Association for Student Teaching.

In addition, Dr. Colson served as an officer in the Robert E. Lee Historical Chapter of the Boy Scouts of America, the United Fund Campaign of Petersburg and the National Board of the O.S.O. He was a member of the local bodies of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Virginia Council on Human Relations and the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He served as Chairman of the finance Board of Gillfield Baptist Church.

He was the son of the late James Major and Katherine D. Colson. Dr. Colson is survived by his wife, Mrs. Elsie Curl Colson; a daughter, Mrs. Jean C. Baker of Dallas Tex.,; a son, William N. Colson of Washington, D.C.; two sister, Dr. Edna M. Colson of Eurick, and Mrs. Myra Callis of Washington, D.C.; one brother, James M. Colson of Petersburg and three grandchildren.

Funeral services were held April 25 at Gillfield Baptist Church, Petersburg with interment at East View Cemetery.