Born:  October 17, 1872 in Ellis County, Texas
Died:  August 25, 1944 in Kaufman County, Texas

Echoes Of The Past - By Drew Williams

Over half a century has past since William Henry Burnett was buried in the Old Oakwood Cemetery.  The well-known educator born on a farm in Ellis County, Texas is still remembered as one of the most influential educators of the Terrell Public School System during the early 1900s.  His drive for excellence and passion for education played a pivotal role in molding the minds of young African Americans well beyond the city limits of Terrell, Texas.  It was his voice that today, still echoes from beyond the hollow ground from which he rests.  A voice that echoes that change would serve as the basis for a single education system for everyone in the community.

It's been said that, "people are judged by their deeds, recognized by their words, and remembered for their hearts."  W.H. Burnett was well known for his ability to touch the inner most part of a person's heart.  He knew that an individual's opportunity to succeed was directly related to the commitment of those around him.  His legacy was not just that of a great orator and educator.  He possessed the keen foresight to envision the future lives of his students.  It was with this vision that he prepared them daily to meet life at the door and welcome its challenges with a smile.

During his tenure as principal, he met many challenges.  It wasn't uncommon to find him meeting with parents to discuss the role that education would play in their child's life.  Many of the parents did not enjoy a life of luxury.  The picking of cotton was still a viable means of making money during this time period.  He also had to contend against seasonal work employment opportunities in order to get children back into school.  Through it all, he never let the parents give up hope that their children would lead a fruitful and productive life.  Eventually, the support of the parents enabled him to direct the colored school system from one of obscurity to one of excellence.

Soon after his appointment as principal, W.H. Burnett praised the passing of one of Terrell's finest black citizens, Dave Hawkins¹.  Dave was considered a pioneer of the community and was admired by both whites and blacks for his many sterling traits of character.

W.H. Burnett was a man that was blessed with a vision.  He possessed a vision of a single education system for all the children of the community.  He was more than just a leader; he was a faithful public servant of the community, the education system, and a man of God.  He may be gone, but he's still around.  His legacy lives in all who remember him.  Pass it on.  Be a part of the legacy!

The Burnett Legacy Lives!

Many Burnett students went on to lead very prosperous lives.  Some remained in the City of Terrell and others ventured out to other cities.  In many of the papers, obits, etc... that have been written, we see names we know:  Herman Furlough, EP Shaw, Gilbert Willie, James C. Williams, and others².  Their names resonate far beyond the city limits.  But lets look beyond the city limits at others who left their impact upon the community:

Preston Shaw:  W. Preston Shaw, a native of Terrell, Texas, graduated from Burnett High School, graduated from Huston-Tillotson where he earned a Bachelor Science in Pre-medicine in l962.  He was a distinguished graduate of Texas Christian University with a Master of Science degree, and he earned the Ph.D. degree at Texas A&M University. He received special certifications from Southwestern State University, the University of Texas, Lamar University and the University of Houston.  Dr. Richard Price spoke of Dr. Shaw as a good neighbor who was always an activist for the improvement of the neighborhood.  Some of the awards that he received included:  Dr. Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award from the Nat'l Ass'n of University Women, YMCA Racial Justice Award, Outstanding Principal Outstanding Administrator, Who's Who in American Education, Texas Award from Texas Legislature Black Caucus, and Omega Man of the Year.³

Ernest K. Shaw:  By his own admission, Ernest K. "Ernie" Shaw is a soft-spoken, mild-mannered fellow, who grew up milking cows, slopping hogs, herding cattle and doing all the other things farm boys do.  But don't let his demeanor fool you.  Shaw can rise to the occasion -- whatever it is.  The replica Silver Star Medal he wears around his neck attests to that.  The Korean War combat veteran earned the nation's third highest award for gallantry near Mungdung-ni, Korea.  At that place, better known as Heartbreak Ridge, 1st Lt. Ernie Shaw had commanded a platoon in the 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division.⁴

Willie E. Dye:  A native of Terrell, Texas, Willie E. Dye, Ph.D. has always had a curiosity and fascination with people and the world around him, showing a great interest in History and Geography since early childhood.  That, combined with a love for God and humanity, as well as a burning quest for true knowledge, it is no surprise then that he is now in the field of Biblical Archaeology.  As a Biblical Archaeologist, he is among a select group of professionals worldwide.  And as one of the few Black Biblical Archaeologists in the country, Dr. Dye is a popular lecturer, sharing not only with the Body of Christ, but with others, the awesomeness of God's creations.⁵

Nora B. Adams:  Seattle public-school educator who was involved in the district's desegregation plan and later became one of its first black female principals, has died.  She was 75.  Mrs. Adams' career as an educator spanned 37 years, beginning at the now-shuttered Sharples Junior High School in 1952 and ending with her retirement from Seward Elementary School in 1989.  In between, she touched a lot of lives, those who knew her say.  Her sister, Mildred K. McHenry, said she found "many, many letters" in which Mrs. Adams' former students thanked her for her influence and guidance during their years in school.  The importance of education was a family legacy for Mrs. Adams, who was born and raised in the segregated town of Terrell, Texas, where her father was principal of the elementary school she attended. ⁷

Family Plot - Old Oakwood Cemetery - Terrell, Texas

Tidbits:
Mary Timmons:  Relationship unknown (Assumed Family Member or Friend).
Mingo Coffee:  Second husband of Josephine Richie Burnett.
Florence A. Burnett:  First wife of William Henry Burnett.
W.H. Burnett:  Principal of Terrell Colored Schools
Lillie Burnett:  Second wife of William Henry Burnett.

Last Rites Held For W.H. Burnett
Terrell Obituary, August 1944

No higher tribute was ever paid a Negro citizen of Terrell than that accorded William Henry Burnett. For 44 years, the principal of the colored schools of Terrell passed Saturday morning full of years and honors at his home on West Grove.

The funeral service was held Tuesday morning at 10:30 a.m. at St. James A.M.E. Church, located on the corner of Rockwall and Rochester.  The church was filled and overflowing.  Many white friends of the dead educator attended the last rites.  Notable Negro educators from all over Texas and other states were in attendance as well.  Active and honorary pallbearers were chosen from the Corinthian Lodge No. 51 A.F. & A.M.

Reverend F.D. Thomas pronounced the funeral eulogy and many friends, both white and colored, paid their tribute and brief remarks.  Among the white citizens were Superintendent J.E. Langwith and R.C. Goodman.

A very impressive tribute was a song by the Burnett High School alumni titled "I Have Tender Recollections."  Interment was made in the Oakwood Cemetery.

Terrell Tribune Newspaper

References:

1. Terrell Transcript dated September 1909.
2. Terrell Tribune dated February 2006.
3. African American News & Issues, dated March 2004.
4. American Forces Information Service, dated August 2005.
5. New Covenant Institute of Biblical Archaeology, dated 2003.
6. Appalachian State Office of Cultural Affairs, dated September 2000.
7. Seattle Times, dated April 27, 2004.