Robert W. Scales facts for kids

Robert Winston Scales, also known as "Tee-Niny," was an important leader in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He was born on June 22, 1926, and passed away on October 30, 2000. Robert Scales was a community leader, a politician, and he owned his own business. He made history in Murfreesboro. He was the first African-American person elected to the City Council. He was also the first African-American Vice-Mayor of the city. His wife, Mary Scales, was also a trailblazer. She was the first black teacher at Middle Tennessee State University. She also served on the City Council and School Board. Their daughter, Madelyn Scales Harris, followed in their footsteps. She was elected to the City Council in 2010.

Robert Scales' Life and Work

Robert Winston Scales was born on June 22, 1926. His parents were Henry Preston and Willie Burkeen Scales. His family owned a business called Scales & Son Funeral Home.

The Family Business

Robert's father, Preston Scales, started the funeral home in 1916. It was the first funeral home in Murfreesboro owned by an African-American family. It was also the first in Rutherford County, Tennessee. Robert Scales later took over the family business. He owned and managed it for many years.

Education and Public Service

Robert Scales graduated from Holloway High School in Murfreesboro. He then went to Tennessee State University. He earned his bachelor's degree from that university.

After college, Robert Scales became a very important public servant. He was the first African-American person elected to the Murfreesboro City Council. He served on the council for 21 years. For 8 of those years, he was the city's first African-American Vice-Mayor.

Family and Legacy

In 1949, Robert Scales married Mary Scales. Mary was a teacher. She became the first black teacher at Middle Tennessee State University. She also made history in Murfreesboro. She was the first African-American woman elected to the City School Board. Later, she was also elected to the City Council.

Robert Winston Scales passed away on October 30, 2000. The Tennessee state legislature honored him for his service. His daughter, Madelyn Scales Harris, continued his legacy. She was elected to the Murfreesboro City Council in 2010.