Millard F. Singleton facts for kids

Millard Filmore Singleton (November 14, 1859 – November 12, 1939) was an important African American leader. He worked as a civil servant in Omaha, Nebraska. A civil servant is someone who works for the government. He was a key figure in the Omaha Colored Republican Club. He also helped lead the Omaha branch of the National Afro-American League. Millard Singleton held several important government jobs. These included Justice of the Peace and recorder of deeds. He was also a storekeeper for the United States Internal Revenue Service.

Millard Singleton's Early Life

Millard Singleton was born on November 14, 1859. His birthplace was in Virginia, near Washington, D.C.. In 1881, he married Blanche Ellen Braxton. They moved to Omaha, Nebraska, in 1883. His brother, Walter J. Singleton, came with them.

Millard and Blanche had five children. They had two daughters, Bessie May and Amelia. They also had three sons: Millard F. Jr. (called Guy), Clarence, and John.

Singleton Family's Contributions

Millard's sons became successful. Clarence and John were well-known dentists in Omaha. John also served a term in the state legislature. He was very active in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The NAACP works for equal rights for all people.

Millard's son, Guy, followed in his father's footsteps. Guy became a storekeeper in the revenue service. Guy's daughter, Constance, married John Adams, Jr.. He was a congressman from Nebraska. Millard Singleton passed away in Omaha on November 12, 1939.

Millard Singleton's Career and Activism

Millard Singleton was a strong voice for his community. He worked closely with state legislator M. O. Ricketts. In 1889, Singleton was elected vice president of the Omaha Colored Republican Club. He later became president of the club in 1896 and 1912.

Leading the Afro-American League

In 1890, Singleton helped start a Nebraska branch of the National Afro-American League. This group worked to improve life for African Americans. He was an officer in the Omaha branch. He also represented Nebraska at the Colored Men's convention. Singleton continued to represent Omaha on a national level. He was an alternate delegate at the 1892 Republican National Convention in Minneapolis.

In 1895, he was a delegate to a state meeting of the Afro-American League. He attended with other important leaders. These included George F. Franklin, James Bryant, and M. O. Ricketts.

Community Support and Housing Initiatives

Singleton also helped his community in other ways. In 1890, he joined a national building, loan, and protective union. This group helped African Americans in Omaha buy or build homes. The local board included George F. Franklin as president. Millard F. Singleton was on the Board of Appraisers.

He also played a role in supporting community members. In the mid-1890s, some cases against Black men in Omaha caused concern. Many believed these men were unfairly accused. Singleton, along with others like George F. Franklin and Ella Mahammitt, helped rally support. They worked to ensure fair treatment for those facing difficult legal situations.

Public Service and Political Efforts

Millard Singleton held several important public offices. In 1895, he was named a Justice of the Peace in Omaha's Eighth Ward. A Justice of the Peace handles minor legal cases. In 1896, he ran for a seat in the state legislature. He was the Republican nominee but did not win.

In 1904, he was appointed recorder of deeds for the city. A recorder of deeds keeps official records of property ownership. In 1906, Black community members formed the "Progressive League of Douglas County." They wanted to see more Black leaders in government. This group, led by Father John Albert Williams, pushed for Singleton to be on the legislative ticket. Singleton ran for the legislature again in 1912 but was not elected.

A Stand Against Intolerance

On April 16, 1930, an upsetting event happened. Two men placed a burning cross on the lawn of Singleton's son, John. John was not home, but his wife and niece were there. Millard Singleton arrived quickly. He bravely tore down the burning cross in front of a large crowd. This act showed his courage and strength in the face of prejudice.