THE CITY’S FIRST BLACK…

Editor’s Note: Written and compiled by Alonzo Hardy

Dr. Thomas Playfair Lloyd (1868-1896) was the city’s first black doctor. He graduated from Leonard Medical School of Shaw University, where he delivered the salutatory address for the class of 1889. He won the Knox prize.

Born in 1868 to Thomas and Louisa Lloyd, Lloyd graduated Leonard Medical School of Shaw University in Raleigh and soon established a practice in Ocala, Florida. There he set up a drug store and continued to practice medicine. In 1892, he married Carrie Augusta Onley of Duval County. They had one child, Pauline Victoria. He died 13 Dec 1896 and was buried in Chestnut Cemetery.

Did you know?: Dr. Lloyd and Henry W. Chandler, the city’s first black attorney and a former state senator, were brother-in-laws. They both married daughters of John Onley of Duval County. Chandler married 2 Oct 1884 to Anne Onley. Lloyd married 2 Sep 1892 to Carrie Onley.

Did you know?: Dr. Lloyd’s daughter Pauline married 9 Oct 1923 to Lawton Pratt. Lawton was the principal undertaker of the town of Jacksonville.

Did you know?: Dr. Lloyd, along with his brother, Henry, owned and operated Dr. Lloyd’s Drug Store where he was a pharmacist until his death in 1896. Located on West Broadway Street, in his own brick block.

DR. THOMAS PLAYFAIR LLOYD (1868-1896)

He was a physician, druggist and district grand master of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows (G.U.O.O.F.). At the time of his death he was also president of the Ocala Commercial and Bazar Company, vice president of the Peoples Building, Loan and Investment Association and member of the state medical association.

Here is a picture of the Leonard Medical School Graduating class of 1889. T.P. Lloyd (class of 1889) is seated to the left on the front row. Courtesy of Wikipedia.

Dr Thomas Playfair Lloyd Burial Site Chestnut Cemetery. Courtesy of Cynthia Wilson-Graham