Frank Lunsford Williams
American educator (1864–1953)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Frank Lunsford Williams Sr. (1864 – 1953) was an American educator, businessman, real estate investor, newspaper columnist, and civic leader of the Black community. He was associated with the St. Louis Public Schools for 32 years; and he was the namesake of Williams Elementary School in Greater Ville, St. Louis.
University of Cincinnati (MA)
Frank Lunsford Williams | |
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| Born | October 18, 1864 Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Died | February 13, 1953 (aged 88) St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
Burial place | Washington Park Cemetery |
| Education | Berea College (BA), University of Cincinnati (MA) |
| Occupations | Educator, head teacher, businessman, real estate investor, Black community leader, columnist |
| Spouse | Fannie Bell Miller (m. 1891) |
| Children | 3, including Frances Harriet Williams |
Early life and education
Frank Lunsford Williams was born on October 18, 1864, in Louisville, Kentucky.[1]
Williams attended Berea College in Berea, Kentucky, and graduated in 1889; and he received a master's degree in 1908 from the University of Cincinnati.[2]
In 1891, he married Fannie Bell Miller from Danville, Kentucky; and together they had one son and three daughters including Frances Harriet Williams.[1][3][4]
Career
From 1900 to 1908, Williams was the principal at William Grant High School in Covington, Kentucky, succeeding Samuel L. Singer.[2] While living in Covington, he was one of the founders of the Covington Progressive Building and Loan Association.[2]
From 1908 to 1929, Williams had been the principal at the Sumner High School in St. Louis.[5][6] He was replaced as principal in 1930 by George D. Bramley.[2][7]
Williams wrote a weekly newspaper column for the St. Louis Argus.[2] He also owned many rental building and worked in real estate investment.[2] Williams was the president of New Age Building and Loan Association, founded in 1915 and active until his death in 1953.[2][8]
From 1932 to 1940, Williams had been the principal at Vashon High School in St. Louis.[2]
He was an appointed a member of the St. Louis Housing Authority; was on the board of curators of Lincoln University of Missouri; and was a chairman of the board of managers of the Pine Street YWCA.[2] Williams was on the St. Louis Bond Commission, and he led in the fund drive for the Homer G. Phillips Hospital.[2]
He was the namesake of Williams Elementary School, active 1964 to 2008, at 3955 St. Ferdinand Avenue in Greater Ville, St. Louis.[2][3][5][6]
