Black History Month: Thomas Stigall
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Thomas Stigall was the founder and principal of an all-black high school in Humboldt from the 1890’s until his death in 1935. He died in his classroom after teaching a math class at age 76. “One of the main things was his total dedication even when he passed the retirement age he continued in his endeavor to educate Afro American students in Humboldt,” said Humboldt resident Johnny Cyrus. Drive around Humboldt and you will see the name Stigall. There is the Stigall Primary School. A few blocks down the road is the Tom and O. E. Stigall Ethnic Library and History Museum. Stigall met his future wife, Ollie at the school. Ollie Stigall was also a teacher and the two were married in 1896. Jerry Marable is the treasurer for the Stigall Museum and a former Stigall High School graduate of 1961. He said he is thankful for the education e received. “Had it not been for Mr. Stigall I probably wouldn’t have had the little education that I do have ha ha, so he made he big impact on the city of Humboldt,” said Marable. Thomas Stigall was born in Pinson in South Madison County. He graduated from Lane College then was a teacher in Tipton, Madison and Gibson Counties. “Not only being an educator, he was active in church so he was a well-rounded individual in the community, “said Cyrus. Mrs. Stigall would always be around when I would go up there for piano lessons. I didn’t learn very much but I did have the pleasure of meeting her,” said Marable. Mrs. Stigall passed away in 1963 at the age of 96.
