William Pettiford

William Reuben Pettiford (January 20, 1847 - was pastor of 16th Street Baptist Church from 1883-1893, helped found the Alabama Penny Savings Bank in October 1890, and became its president in 1899.

Pettiford enjoyed the respect of many white leaders in Birmingham, even being recommended for appointment to Federal office by his peers. Nevertheless, the sphere for accommodationist success in "building up" the Black race was defined solely by whites.

Pettiford was a friend of educator A. H. Parker and employed him as a secretary.

References

• Harlan, Louis R., Raymond W. Smock, and Barbara S. Kraft, eds. The Booker T. Washington Papers. Vol. 5: 1899-1900. Campagne, IL: University of Illinois Press. p. 388