Elizabeth Burney Spriggs: From Georgia to Plattsburgh and Maine

Elizabeth Burney was born on November 18, 1908, in Georgia, to Joe and Lousinda Burney. She grew up in Macon with her five siblings, including Thomas Burney, who also settled in Plattsburgh, New York. In 1928, Elizabeth married Benjamin Nelson in Poughkeepsie. By 1930, she was employed as a domestic servant. Later records identify her as Elizabeth Spriggs, possibly married to Leo B. Spriggs. In 1940, she lived at 30 Miller Street in Plattsburgh, working throughout the previous year. Elizabeth later moved to Maine, where she died on August 30, 1969, and was buried in Colton Cemetery in Richmond. Her story reflects African American migration, employment, and family connections across the Northeast.

Jaqcal's Info

The working-class New Yorkans of the 18th – 20th century have impacted various cultures and their cultural contributions were both powerful and noteworthy. Therefore, it is our priority here at Jaqcal’s Info to provide in-depth stories that accurately portray the lives of various people of color who were among the working class in New York.