One of the most interesting relics at the Berks History Center is a 1909 photograph of an African American man wearing a police officer’s uniform. Through careful research and luck, we discovered that this man is Lee Terry of Reading, Pennsylvania.
Lee Terry was originally a barber, having worked for decades as a partner with his brothers, and later at a shop, he operated independently on South 9th Street. It is unknown why he changed careers and became a first-time patrolman at the age of 60, but historical records reveal much about his police work. For example, he earned an annual salary of $900 – a sum equal to other officers – he patrolled a territory in the southwest corner of the city, and he arrested people of all backgrounds.
Drunkenness and disorderly conduct were the most frequent offenses he encountered on the job. However, he also handled a variety of theft and burglary cases. Lee also had several dangerous encounters. In March 1911, he made front-page news for apprehending an armed man who attempted to shoot his wife during a domestic dispute.
While there were at least two African American police officers in Reading before Lee Terry, their tenures were short and not well understood. Having honorably served the Reading Police Department for nearly seven years, Lee Terry is unique as the city’s first African American police officer with a distinguished service record. We are fortunate that a photograph exists to remind us of his remarkable story.
By Bradley Smith
Archivist and Assistant Director of The Berks History Center
Attached is a photo of Lee Terry courtesy of the BHC Archives.
