Brownsville in Haywood County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Elbert Williams
1908 - 1940
Photographed By John Ashworth, July 1, 2015
1. Elbert Williams Marker
Elbert Williams, an African American Haywood County native, was one of the early members of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) killed in the United States for his civil rights work. He and his wife Annie became charter members of the NAACP Brownsville Branch in 1939. On May 6, 1940, five African Americans tried to register to vote. A white terror campaign followed and destroyed the NAACP Branch. More than 20 African American families fled the area. Williams disappeared on the night of June 20, 1940, after the police took him from his home and questioned him about planning an NAACP meeting.
After three days, Williams' mutilated body was found in the Hatchie River. His death was ruled a homicide by unknown parties, and he was buried in the Taylor Cemetery. Annie Williams quickly moved to New York. After interviewing witnesses in Brownsville, Thurgood Marshall, NAACP Special Counsel, criticized the U.S. Department of Justice's investigation and failure to prosecute. The NAACP Brownsville Branch re-organized in 1961.
Erected 2015 by Tennessee Historical Commission & Elbert Williams Memorial Committee. (Marker Number 4D 61.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans
this page online
Location. 35° 35.631′ N, 89° 15.669′ W. Marker is in Brownsville, Tennessee, in Haywood County. Marker is at the intersection of East Main Street (State Highway 1) and North Jackson Avenue, on the right when traveling west on East Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 31 E Main St, Brownsville TN 38012, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lot Number 1 (within shouting distance of this marker); Fighting for Freedom (within shouting distance of this marker); The Brownsville Raids (within shouting distance of this marker); Golden Circle Life Insurance Company (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rawls Funeral Home (about 300 feet away); Haywood County War Memorial (about 400 feet away); Haywood County Confederate Monument (about 400 feet away); Haywood County Veterans Memorial (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brownsville.
Regarding Elbert Williams. Elbert Williams is the first known member of the NAACP to lose his
Photographed By John Ashworth, July 1, 2015
2. Elbert Williams Marker
Additional keywords. Jim Crow South, acts of terrorism
Photographed By John Ashworth, April 26, 2020
3. Elbert Williams Marker
Elbert Williams marker sets in front of the old Gem Theatre building, which now houses the Haywood County Chapter of the NAACP. It is on the northwest corner of Jackson Ave and East Main Street in Brownsville, TN
Credits. This page was last revised on September 22, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 25, 2020, by John Ashworth of Brownsville, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 527 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 25, 2020, by John Ashworth of Brownsville, Tennessee. 3. submitted on May 2, 2020, by John Ashworth of Brownsville, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
