William Henderson Franklin

Rev.
William Henderson Franklin
1st Principal of Swift Memorial College
In office
1883  May 1926
Personal details
BornApril 14, 1852
Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
DiedOctober 19, 1935
United States
SpouseLaura Crofton (m. 1894–1935; his death)
EducationMaryville College (AM), Lane Theological Seminary (DD)
OccupationEducator, minister, journalist, school founder, academic administrator

Rev. William Henderson Franklin (1852–1935) was an American educator, minister, journalist, and school founder. Franklin dedicated his life to the education of Black children in rural Tennessee during the time of racial segregation. He founded Swift Memorial College in 1883, and served as the principal until 1926. He was the first minister the congregation at St. Marks Presbyterian Church in Rogersville, Tennessee. He was also known as W.H. Franklin.