From Buffalo School No. 16 to California Dreams: A 1914 Tennessee School Certificate Seeks Its Family - Virginia L Boston
- Amy Atkin
- Jul 12
- 2 min read
A piece of Tennessee’s educational past recently surfaced: a 1914 Certificate of Promotion from Buffalo School No. 16, District No. 9 in Davidson County. Issued on May 7, 1914, in Belleview, Tennessee, this certificate was awarded to a young student named Virginia L. Boston—promoting her to the eighth grade.
But there’s an unexpected twist that makes this already-rare document even more intriguing.
A Curious Pencil Correction
Originally, the certificate was printed to promote students from sixth grade, but the word “sixth” was crossed out and replaced with “eighth” in pencil—possibly a clerical error or a reflection of school structure at the time. Either way, this handwritten correction gives the document a personal and somewhat mysterious touch. It adds character to an already compelling artifact of early 20th-century education.
Despite being over 110 years old, the certificate is in very good condition, with only minor staining and no major damage. It’s an incredibly rare survival from a small rural Tennessee school.
Who Was Virginia L. Boston?
From preliminary research, Virginia L. Boston went on to marry Leslie Mimms in 1921, and the couple appears to have relocated to California sometime before the 1935 census. While the full story of her life is still unfolding through records and archives, we know that Virginia began her journey in Davidson County—and this certificate marks a significant early chapter.
Why This Matters
Documents like this one are more than faded paper—they’re personal milestones, tangible links to ancestors whose stories might otherwise fade into history. They also tell us something about the communities and values of their time: the pride in education, the importance of public schooling, and the careful documentation of student progress.
Looking for Virginia’s Descendants
This certificate deserves to go home.
If you are a descendant of Virginia L. Boston or Leslie Mimms, or know someone researching the Boston-Mimms family line, please get in touch. I’d love to reunite this piece of history with the family it belongs to.
How You Can Help
Share this post in genealogy forums, Tennessee history groups, or California family research communities.
Reach out if you have details related to Virginia’s life or if you’re connected to this story or have ideas for tracking down more about her.
I’ll continue researching Virginia’s life and will post updates as more details are verified. With any luck, this beautiful old document will soon be back in the hands of someone who truly appreciates its meaning.
Some stories start in pencil—and they deserve a proper ending. ✏️📜
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