William Spencer Blanton
Professor Blanton was an African American, education leader and teacher who lived in Newport from 1901-1921 and taught at the Southgate Street School. Professor Blanton was born April 18, 1877in Versailles, Ky the oldest son of former freed slaves, John Oliver Blanton and Eliza Gates. John was the son of Oliver and Dephed Blanton. Versailles was home to the Old Oscar Pepper Distillery.
As was the case for most African Americn families, John & Eliza wanted their children to be educated and become productive members of society. William attended the colored schools in Versailles.
From the records of his military service in the Spanish American War, Blanton was a short man standing 5’ 4 ¼” and served with the African American 24th infantry. He and his infantry were deployed to Cuba and stormed the Spanish Fortress in the Battle of El Caney, During the climactic Battle of San Juan Hill, his infantry with others assaulted and sized the Spanish held blockhouse and trench system atop San Juan Hill. Professor Blanton received an Honorable Discharge on Jan 31, 1899 at Ft Douglas, Utah. He was a private and received the remarks of very good in reference to his military service.
After the war, Professor Blanton became a teacher in his hometown, Versailles schools while studying at Kentucky State Normal School, a teacher training school. He graduated in 1906 while still teaching during the summer months. Also while teaching at the Versailles schools, he met Emma Jones, another teacher. They were married Sep 17, 1905 in Scott Co. She was the d/o William H Jones & Betty Tilford. She not only taught in Versailles but went on to teach in Newport and Frankfort.
Professor Blanton graduated from the Simmons University in Louisville with a degree in education in 1909. This was an amazing achievement for African Americans at this time. Shortly after Professor Blanton’s graduation from Simmons University, the Newport board of education hired him as a principle and teacher for the high school level students. They also hired his wife, Emma as a teacher and they bought a home at 221 4th Street.
Kentucky Post, 26 July 1911
announced that William Spencer Blanton, principal of the Southgate school of Newport had been appointed as a delegate to the Negro National Education Association at Denver Colo. by Governor Willson. The convention met August 12.
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Kentucky Post, 3 March 1914
Upon the recommendation of Principal Blanton of the Colored School, the Mothers’ Club of that school were granted permission to serve luncheons in the school. We all know that students perform better with a full stomach.
Newport, like any other city, had its share of racists who did not like African Americans obtaining an education. As evidenced by the picture with the racial painting on the school, Professor Blanton and his students faced racism every day. He dealt with left over books and inferior school supplies often rejected by other schools.
Kentucky Post, November 15, 1917-The Committee of Negro citizens of the Methodist Church, Newport met Wednesday night and made plans to canvass the Negro district of Newport for war YMCA funds. Officers selected follow; William Rutledge, secretary; W S Blanton, treasurer; Dr. Charles E Horner. Blaine Laughlin gave an interesting address on Y work. Professor Blanton was very involved with the community and worked to improve the lives of all his neighbors.
Kentucky Post, April 24, 1918-W S Blanton, principal of the negro schools in Newport, in in receipt of a letter from J R Downing, state manager of the second Red Cross War Fund campaign, notifying him of his appointment as chairman of the negro workers of Campbell co. Kentucky Post, November 14, 1918-Prof. Blanton of the colored population reported $161 collected.
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Kentucky Post, 19 January 1920
While principal at the Southgate Street School, Professor Blanton helped raise money for equipment for a playground. It is not known exactly what kind of equipment he was able to get. Kentucky Post, March 23, 1920-A community center with playground will be established for Negroes in Newport out of the general playground fund. Professor William Blanton is chairman of their committee. The Negroes displayed a great interest in the movement and contributed about $170 toward the general fund in the recent drive.
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Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 June 1921
The
Newport Board of Ed. Decided to discontinue the Southgate high school because of
the small number of pupils enrolled. Pupils were to be sent to the Covington
High school at a rate of tuition of $50 a year for each pupil. Covington did not
need Prof. Blanton or his wife, so they returned to Franklin Co. where they
taught in the schools there.
William’s beloved wife of almost 30 years died Dec 29, 1934 in Frankfort and was buried in the Frankfort cemetery. William married his second wife, Etta Rae Banks, also a teacher on July 17, 1935 in Louisville. Etta was born in Chicago, the d/o John H Banks and Jennie Brooks.
After finishing his teaching year in 1942, William decided the reform school was not for him. He left to obtain his Master’s Degree at the University of Cincinnati (pictured above). He died before finishing it on April 6, 1945 in Frankfort at the W A Scott Memorial Hospital and was buried in Frankfort.
William Spencer Blanton was buried April 10, 1945 in the Frankfort Cemetery.