FIRST - African-Amerian School - Boonville, MO
Posted by: 
YoSam.
N 38° 58.601 W 092° 44.667
15S E 522135 N 4314220
Born into slavery in St. Louis; Freed 1843. Founded first school, and Lincoln University.
Waymark Code: WM1523H
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 09/30/2021
Views: 2
County of monument: Cooper County
Location of monument: Morgan St. & Main St., Morgan Street Park, Boonville
Artist: Kwan Wu
Dedicated: August 7, 2005
Marker Text:
JAMES MILTON TURNER
James Milton Turner was born a slave in St. Louis, Missouri, on August 22, 1839. By the time of his death, on November 1, 1915, he had devoted a lifetime to the betterment of humanity and above all, to the education of his own African American race.
Freed in 1843, he became an outspoken advocate of abolition and the rights of freedmen. After the Civil war and emancipation, he worked tirelessly for
black suffrage and other civil rights. First and foremost, he
passionately believed that education was the key to freedom.
In 1868 he and his wife Ella came to Boonville and established the first African American school in the area, where both taught. In 1869, he began one of the greatest projects of his life, as a field agent for the Freedman's Bureau and a representative of the State Superintendent of Schools. From his home base of Boonville, Turner fought racism and helped establish more than thirty African American public schools in Missouri. He also played a major role in the founding and funding of Lincoln Institute in Jefferson City -- a school that would train generations of African American teachers.
Sadly, the importance of Turner's contributions were never fully recognized during his lifetime. His tremendous and visionary efforts were a bold early step toward a racially free and equal United States ~ Brett Rogers
Side Plaque:
James Milton Turner (1839-1915)
Bon in slavery in St. Louis, Mo.
Freed 1843
Founder, Elias Buckner African-American School in Boonville, 1869
Established 32 Missouri schools for African-Americans in 1870
Secured state funding for Lincoln Institute (later Lincoln University)
Secretary, Missouri Equal Rights League
U.S. Minister and Council General to Liberia, 1871-78
Founder, Colored Emigration Aid Association
Hannibal Black Masonic Home Advocate
Attorney for the Cherokee Freedman
Buried, Father Dickson's Cemetery, St. Louis County, Mo.Visit Instructions:As a suggestion for your visit log, please make every effort to supply a brief-to-detailed note about your experience at the Waymark. If possible also include an image that was taken when you visited the Waymark. Images can be of yourself, a personal Waymarking signature item or just one of general interest that would be of value to others. Sharing your experience helps promote Waymarking and provides a dynamic history of your adventures.