Siblings of Anne Moody: ‘Principal Willis was Mr. Anselm J. Finch’

Family Confirms Name of the Founder of Willis High in Coming of Age in Mississippi

By Roscoe Barnes III

Chairman, Anne Moody History Project

Copyright © 2018

#AnneMoody

Anselm Joseph Finch

I have been saying for months that Anselm Joseph Finch is believed to be Principal Willis of Willis High in Anne Moody’s Coming of Age in Mississippi. The first person to suggest that was Charles E. Johnson, retired superintendent of education for Wilkinson County. He said to me, “There was no Willis High in Centreville. The school was Finch High School.”

And he was right.

Johnson’s information was confirmed this week by Anne’s brother, Fred Moody Jr., and her sister, Adline Moody, both of Gloster, Miss. Both siblings told me that they attended Finch High School in Centreville. They acknowledged Anne changed the names of many people – and places -- in the book. However, she used the actual names of her brothers and sisters, Adline said.

When asked about the controversy surrounding Finch and claims that he was an “Uncle Tom,” Adline said, “There was a lot of that going on back then. That’s how it was.”

In addition to being an educator and administrator, Finch was an accomplished writer. He published poetry, articles, and a number of books, including Mississippi Negro Ramblings (Adams Press, 1969). His work appeared in magazines and newspapers.

I recently learned of a biography of Finch by Sharon Burnette Bell that was written as a thesis for her Master of Arts degree at Jackson State University. It's titled, Anselm Joseph Finch: Mississippian and Life Long Educator (Jackson State University, 1976). It is well worth reading. One of the interesting features in Bell's research is a comment about the possible strategy that Finch employed in his dealings with the white community. Bell shared the thoughts of Dr. Lee E. Williams, who was vice president for administration at JSU and “had professional contact with Dr. Finch." Bell wrote: 

Mr. Williams also thought that Finch brought a lot of publicity to the state of Mississippi through his writings. He didn’t always agree with the context of the writings because he believed that Finch was too free and prolific with his unjust praise of Whites who often worked against Blacks. But this he feels was due to the time in which they both lived. Mr. Williams thought Finch probably used praise as a strategy to get what he wanted form the White man. (Pages 35-36)

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Acknowledgments:

Grateful acknowledgments are made to Ms. Darlita Ballard, university archivist for Jackson State University H.T. Sampson Library, for her assistance in providing information on Sharon Burnette Bell’s thesis.

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Would you like to know more about Anne Moody?

Visit the Anne Moody page here!

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For more information: 
See the Anne Moody page here.
Questions about the Anne Moody History Project may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III Ph.D. via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com For updates on Anne Moody history and the on-going work of this community service project, simply follow this blog or follow AMHP on Twitter (@AnneMoodyHP).
#ComingOfAgeinMississippi

The Sphinx’s Profile of Anselm Joseph Finch

A Positive Look at The Man Who Appears as “Principal Willis” in Anne Moody’s Coming of Age in Mississippi

#AnneMoody

NOTE: Ms. Frances Alexander, retired school principal, recently shared with me a profile of Anselm Joseph Finch, who is believed to be “Principal Willis” of “Willis High School” in Anne Moody’s Coming of Age in Mississippi. The profile appeared in the May 1965 issue of The Sphinx (page 30), a publication of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. The magazine also features a poem by Finch titled, "GUIDE and LIGHT." Although many, including Moody, labeled Finch an “Uncle Tom,” a review of his writings might lead one to believe that such a label was probably unfair and not deserving. Finch lived from 1902 to 1969. He established himself as a respected poet, speaker, pioneer educator and author. – Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., chairman, Anne Moody History Project

Anselm J. Finch
(1902-1969)

BROTHER ANSELM

JOSEPH FINCH

Bro. Anselm Joseph Finch was born in Brandon, Mississippi. He is a graduate of the Utica Institute, Campbell College, and Rust College, all Mississippi schools. He is also a graduate of Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.

He was at one time a special student under Dr. George Washington Carver. He assisted the late Principal J. E. Johnson of the Prentiss (Miss.). Institute in starting the Oak Park School in Laurel.

He later established the Finch High School, Centreville, Miss., which was the first high school in Wilkinson County for Negroes.

For many years he did publicity work for Bishop S. L. Greene, Perry W. Howard and the fraternal leader, John L. Webb.

He was one of the four Mississippi leaders selected by the state department of education to appear before the late Governor Paul B. Johnson, Sr., in seeking a training school for Negro delinquents and the acceptance of Jackson College by the state; thus creating a state school.

Bro. Finch has served as Vice President of the Mississippi Teachers Association.

He is author of the famous poems, “Wake Up – Justice,” and “I’m A Negro.”

While a student at Northwestern, Bro. Finch was one of the three representatives of the Department of Educational Psychology named to interview prospective teachers for the Illinois Civil Service Commission.

He is a member of the American Association of School Administrators, Phi Delta Kappa Fraternity, and a life member of the American Teachers Association; also a Mason and a Shriner.

Presently he is Principal of the Wilkinson County Training School, the largest of its kind in Mississippi, located in Woodville. This school opened with 2,667 enrollment.

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Finch died in 1969. He was buried in the Light of Liberty Cemetery in Brandon, Miss. A picture of his headstone can be seen here at FindaGrave.com

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Would you like to know MORE about Anne Moody?

Visit here to see the timeline of important 

events in her life history!

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For more information: 
See the Anne Moody page here.
Questions about the Anne Moody History Project may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on Anne Moody history and the on-going work of this community service project, simply follow this blog or follow AMHP on Twitter (@AnneMoodyHP). #ComingOfAgeinMississippi

Another Look at Anselm J. Finch, aka Mr. Willis, in Coming of Age in Mississippi

The Controversial Principal Wrote a Letter about 'Preparation' in 1964 School Yearbook

By Roscoe Barnes III
Chairman, Anne Moody History Project
Copyright (c) 2018

#AnneMoody

Anselm J. Finch, principle of Finch High School, is believed to be Principal Willis of Willis High School in Coming of Age in Mississippi. He also served as principle of Wilkinson County Training School.

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Anselm J. Finch, former principal of Finch High School in Centreville, Miss., is believed to be Mr. Willis, principal of Willis High School in Anne Moody’s Coming of Age in Mississippi. While Moody shared a few pleasant words about his wife, Eunice N. Finch, she appeared to have disdain for him and his relationship with whites. On more than one occasion, she described him as an “Uncle Tom”-- a pejorative for him that was used by a number of blacks in southwest Mississippi.

But, as some people believed, he wasn’t all bad. Moody mentions Mr. Willis in several places. There was one occasion where he was caught off guard because of a stunt performed by her and other girls at the high school. Moody wrote about it with a tinge of humor.

My second ace took the audience by storm. When seven girls, including me, walked out on the stage dressed in extra short black crepe-paper skirts over black bikini panties that started below our belly buttons, and black paper bras, the whole auditorium rocked as we swayed into what I called "An Exotic African Cafe' Style Dance." Principal Willis almost had a heart attack before he could get up front to stop us. He came running up the center aisle waving his arms with saliva dripping from his mouth. He was opening and closing his mouth as he approached the stage. I don't think anyone heard him, because the air was filled with the boys' wolf whistles and the old ladies' cries of disapproval. The principal scrambled straight up on the platform and headed for us as though he was going to push us backstage. Looking at the audience, I said, "That's all, folks," and wiggled off as everyone roared. -- Chapter 15, Coming of Age in Mississippi

When Anselm served as principal of Wilkinson County Training Schools, Woodville, Miss., he wrote an inspiring letter to the Class of 1964. The letter, which focused on “Preparation,” was published in a 1964 school yearbook which was made available to me by Charles E. Johnson, former superintendent of education for Wilkinson County.

Anselm, a noted scholar and poet, was quite erudite in his writing. He wrote:

The mere word “PREPARATION” gives vivid reason for our strong conviction that you have caught the spirit and philosophy of your Alma Mater.

We at WCTS hold and maintain that subject matter is but an infinitesimal part of one’s education.

Anselm noted, “English that makes friends and helps to bring joy to others is a fine type of language to know.” Although courses like Geometry tend to instruct students about angles, “it does little in life if we do not understand the importance of accepting the proper corners in life by shunning evil and walking around angles surrounded by vice, hatred and jealousy,” Anselm wrote.

The principal believed in education for the whole person that includes training for the “hand, head and heart.” That, he explained, is something that “cannot be minimized in the fast approaching hour of technology, automation, electronics and the like.”

He argued that many problems could have been avoided had preparation been given the attention it deserved: “Many ills humanity now face might have been in the cemetery of the past, never to be resurrected, had more thought and effort been placed along the various avenues of Preparation.”

Anselm waxed eloquent as he brought his letter to a close. He wrote:

Preparation directs the current of security, it opens the gate to resourceful action, it puts into one’s breast the revered attribute of independence.

May your struggles in the future be supported and embraced with the arms of Preparation. You then can stand on a solid foundation, unshaken by the winds of adversity, and unperturbed by the turbulent waves emanating from the sea of inefficiency.

Your chance will never come until you have been thoroughly baptized with the waters of Preparation.

This letter appeared in 1964 school yearbook.

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Would you like to know MORE about Anne Moody? Visit here to

see the timeline of important events in her life history!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information: 
See the Anne Moody page here.
Questions about the Anne Moody History Project may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D.,via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on Anne Moody history and the on-going work of this community service project, simply follow this blog or follow AMHP on Twitter (@AnneMoodyHP). #ComingOfAgeinMississippi

"Turn around, Queen, look at yourself."

A Look at Eunice N. Finch as Mrs. Willis in Coming of Age in Mississippi

By Roscoe Barnes III
Chairman, Anne Moody History Project
Copyright (c) 2018

#AnneMoody

Mrs. Eunice N. Finch is believed to be Mrs. Willis
in Anne Moody's Coming of Age in Mississippi

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I continue to be amazed by the accuracy and attention to detail in Anne Moody’s Coming of Age in Mississippi. I recently saw an old school yearbook that provides information that appears to corroborate a number of claims and descriptions in Moody’s book.

My friend, Charles E. Johnson, retired superintendent of education for Wilkinson County in southwest Mississippi, showed me his 1964 school yearbook that has photos of Anselm J. and Eunice N. Finch. The couple is featured as Principal Willis and Mrs. Willis in Coming of Age.

Along with the photos, the yearbook includes a letter by Anselm and a dedication page to Eunice.

The book notes that prior to working at Wilkinson County Training School (WCTS), where her husband served as principal, Eunice worked for 14 years at Finch High School in Centreville, Miss. According to the yearbook, "She assisted her illustrious husband in establishing the first high school in the county for Negroes."

In Coming of Age, Moody refers to the school as "Willis High." The 14-year timeframe for Eunice seems to line up with the time period for the school that was given by Moody. In Chapter 2 of her book, Moody writes that she was six and in the second grade when she became a student at the school. That would have been around 1946. She notes:

I was going to Willis High, the only Negro school in Centreville. It was named for Mr. C.H. Willis, its principal and founder, and had only been expanded into a high school the year before I started there. Before Mr. Willis came to town, the eighth grade had been the limit of schooling for Negro children in Centreville.

Based on Moody's recollection, it appears that the high school in Centreville existed from 1945 to 1959. The new high school, Wilkinson County Training School, opened in 1959, the year that Moody graduated from Johnson High School in Woodville, Miss.

Moody’s brother, Fred Moody Jr., has said the old Finch High School was torn down many years ago. It was located at the current site of Finch Elementary School at 1125 S Cosby St, Centreville, just off of Highway 24.

Johnson’s 1964 yearbook also supports Moody’s description of Eunice. The yearbook’s Dedication page recognizes Eunice for “her five years of unselfish service, interest in students and her eagerness to help them…” It goes further to note her accomplishments: “Since her arrival at WCTS, the first year of its history, she has led the drive for our flag pole, the beautiful stage curtain, furnished the various lounges and placed appropriate and useful furniture in our clinic.”

That description of Eunice is similar to the one given by Moody. In Chapter 8 of Coming of Age, Eunice helps prepare Moody and the other students for a Homecoming Day celebration. The year was 1954 and Moody was in the eighth grade when she was voted Homecoming Queen. Moody writes: “Every girl in my class knew that our queen would certainly be the winner because Mrs. Willis’ class always raised the most money. Mrs. Willis knew more about raising money than any other teacher on campus.”

After Moody became the Homecoming Queen for the eighth grade, Eunice, aka Mrs. Willis, worked to make her queen for the entire school. “Mrs. Willis and the whole class now worked to make me queen of the whole school,” Moody writes.

She notes that she initially thought Eunice was successful because she was the principal’s wife and “had used the school money from the snack bar and other places to make sure her class queen won.” But Moody later concluded that the teacher “won because she was better organized than the other teachers.”

One touching moment in Moody’s story is when Eunice brings her the Homecoming Queen crown. Moody was getting her hair and makeup done. She recalls:

Just as they were finishing, Mrs. Willis ran in with a crown in her hands. “Oh my! Is that my queen? How beautiful! Here, put this on her! If the rest of you are finished, go on out on the float,” she said to the other girls, who were sitting around looking at me being made up. They got up reluctantly and went out. The only ones left in the room were Mrs. Willis, the two girls doing my hair, and me.

When they had carefully pinned the crown to my hair, Mrs. Willis said, smiling, “Turn around, Queen, look at yourself.”

Moody became nervous. She was afraid to look in the mirror. But she assumed she must be pretty because of the way Eunice was looking at her. “When I turned I had to touch my face to see if it was me,” she recalls.

Indeed, she was pretty. And Eunice was there encouraging her every step of the way.

Interestingly enough, Eunice was also present when Moody began using the name “Annie,” which was changed from “Essie” because of a mistake with her birth certificate. When Moody went to school and presented Eunice with her birth certificate, the teacher announced, “Class! Class! Queen Essie is now officially Queen Annie.”

NOTE: Photo of Anselm J. Finch, aka Mr. Willis, will be shared in a separate blog post.

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Would you like to know MORE about Anne Moody? Visit here to

see the timeline of important events in her life history!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information: 
See the Anne Moody page here.
Questions about the Anne Moody History Project may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on Anne Moody history and the on-going work of this community service project, simply follow this blog or follow AMHP on Twitter (@AnneMoodyHP). #ComingOfAgeinMississippi