NOTES ON SOURCES
Many people have been helpful to me in the writing of The Seat of Justice and I wish to thank them for their assistance. In the end, however, I am solely responsible for the use of the material they provided and any errors or omissions are certainly mine, not theirs.
Academic Sources
Three classic works cover the story of the Briggs v. Elliott. The landmark study on this case is Richard Kluger's Simple Justicewhich is a comprehensive history of all the cases that becameBrown v. Board of Education. Tinsley Yarborough's biography of Judge Waring, A Passion for Justice, also covers the Briggs case in great detail. The Word Made Flesh, published by Julie M. Lochbaum, and available exclusively through the Briggs-De Laine Foundation, is the best written source on the life and work of The Rev. Joseph A. De Laine.
Also, the staffs of the Avery Research Center at the College of Charleston and the library at Howard University in Washington, D.C. were very helpful in many ways. The only copy of the trial transcript I could locate was in Judge Waring's papers, which are housed at Howard, while Avery houses Mrs. Ruby Cornwell's papers.
Individual Sources
Mrs. Ruby Cornwell, whom I met when she was 98 when her mind was still crystal clear, spent many hours with me reminiscing and sharing her unique perspective as someone who sat on the front row of the Briggs v. Elliott trial in 1950 and who was also the devoted friend of Elizabeth Waring, Judge Waring's second wife. Mrs. Ruby was very enthusiastic about this project, read early drafts of the script and an excerpt was performed for her on the occasion of her 100th birthday. Though Mrs. Ruby passed away just a few months before her 101st birthday, she had promised to be with me for the opening. I have no doubt she is still with us in spirit. Mrs. Ruby provided a most valuable window into this unique story and I owe her a remarkable debt for her trust in me.
Joseph De Laine, Jr., son of Rev. Joseph De Laine, provided a unique perspective. Joe provided valued guidance and insight into his father's pivotal role in this drama. Joe has also personally taken on the role as the unofficial historian of Briggs v. Elliott and collected and preserved many pieces of this important history. Joe's brother, the late B. B. De Laine, was also very helpful.
Joe Elliott, grandson of R. M. Elliott the defendant in Briggs v. Elliott, also provided an in-depth perspective on his grandfather and on life in Clarendon County in that era.
Eloise Wineglass Pearson, sister of Levi Pearson, andAlfreada Pearson, Levi Pearson's granddaughter, were very helpful in providing background on the Pearson side of this story that lead to the lesser known Pearson v. School Board case that preceded Briggs v. Elliott.
M. L. Miller of Clarendon County also provided valuable insights.
Personal Thanks From the Playwright
For personal support over the years that this play has been in development, I would like to thank the following:
Larry Deckel, a former guest director with Charleston Stage and a 10 year director at the prestigious Actors Theatre of Louisville, who read the script during its development and made valued suggestions.
Barbara Young, Charleston Stage's costumer and longtime employee, and Marybeth Clark, Charleston Stage's Associate Artistic Director, who both provided many valuable ideas and suggestions.
My daughter Marianna, who perhaps read more drafts than anyone and provided many insights (and punctuation) to the script. My wife Jenny and son Nicholas, who provided much helpful guidance throughout this process. I would not be a playwright without the loving support of these three wonderful people.
My parents, Erline and the late Pally Wiles, who instilled in me the values of honesty and trust and respect for individuals. These values, in no small part, drew me to this story.