Dr. Edgar Ewell Ward

Dr. Edgar Ewell Ward. . , Dr. Edgar Ewell Ward was active in many fields throughout his life. He was a doctor, a company president, a church trustee and more. He was born in Dallas on October 16, 1892. His parents were Jacob and Betty (Norsingle) Ward. He showed great promise academically when he graduated from Booker T. Washington High School with high distinctions in 1911. He graduated from Meharry Medical College in Nashville four years later and began his medical practice in El Paso in 1915. He returned to Dallas in 1920, becoming a medical director and board member of Excelsior Life Insurance Company in 1933. He was president of the company ten years later., It was around this time that Dr. Ward began to donate much of his time to civic duties. He worked hard and did much for the Dallas African American community. He was given the title of Dallas’ Most Outstanding Citizen in 1946 and Most Outstanding Negro Leader in Texas in 1947. During this time, Dr. Ward became the director of the Texas branch of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). He also became president of the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, a trustee of the New Hope Baptist Church and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, the first African American intercollegiate Greek‑letter fraternity in the U.S. He and his wife, Pauline, opened their home at 3605 Oakland Ave. (at this location) to many special guests and visiting African Americans in the days of segregated accommodations., Dr. Edgar Ward died in Dallas on September 27, 1950. His funeral at New Hope Baptist Church drew a large crowd of leaders and friends from around the nation. In his life, Dr. Ward contributed much to his community. His legacy of excellence and dedication improved the lives of many and led the way for future leaders.