Henry Bertram Pemberton, Sr was born Jan 20, 1867 near Marlin, Texas, the son of Charles, and Eliza Pemberton He was educated in the public schools of Texas and Louisiana.. In 1888 he received an AB degree from Wiley University, and an AM degree in.1892. On June 19, 1888 he was married to Norella Hawley. They were the parents of ten children, H B Pemberton Jr., Clifford, Charles, Lollaretta, Ottelena, Othelene, Marie, Dogan, Ralph, and Gertrude.

The early schools for Marshall's African Americans consisted of loosely organized classes held in homes, churches, and lodge halls. In 1894 Professor H. B. Pemberton, Sr., convinced city officials of the need for a school building and a fixed curriculum for African Americans. Pemberton arranged a loan, which the African American community repaid, to establish Marshall's first public school, Central School.

Pemberton began teaching at Central School in 1894 and for 33 yea  dition, for over 20 years he was the conductor of an annual State Summer Normal Institute for Negro teachers. In addition he was a trustee for Wiley College.

Pemberton was also active in religious matters. He was an organist, trustee. steward, and class leader at Ebenezer Methodist Episcopal Church., a trustee of the Texas Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church; President of Board of Home Mission and Church Extension and for many years a member of the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Pemberton was a prominent civic leader of the Marshall community. He was president of both the Citizens Civic Club, and the Layman's Association.

He is interred at Old Powdermill Cementary.

Charles Whittaker Pemberton

Image: The United Negro: His Problems and His Progress: Containing the Addresses ...
By Irvine Garland Penn, John Wesley Edward Bowen

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