SAGINAW, MI — The Great Migration saw millions of Black Americans leave the South in search of better opportunities in the North, escaping the racial oppression and economic limitations that had defined life for generations. In Michigan, industrial cities like Saginaw, Flint, and Detroit became destinations for Black families seeking stability and prosperity. Among those who played a pivotal role in shaping Saginaw’s Black community were Dr. Archer A. Claytor and Henry G. Marsh, two men whose legacies remain woven into the city’s history.
Their connection was more than professional—it was deeply personal.
Marsh’s wife, Ruth Claytor, was the niece of Dr. Claytor, and it was through this family bond that Dr. Claytor convinced Marsh to move to Saginaw in 1954. The two men, though different in their professions, shared a vision of service and leadership, one that would elevate Saginaw’s Black community and create lasting change.
Dr. Archer A. Claytor, a revered physician and civic leader, had already established himself as a cornerstone of Saginaw’s Black community when Marsh arrived. Born in 1893 in Virginia, he was the son of formerly enslaved parents who instilled in him the value of education. After earning his medical degree from Meharry Medical College, he came to Saginaw in 1936, where he dedicated his career to serving Black families who often lacked access to quality healthcare.
At a time when segregation and systemic barriers limited opportunities for Black professionals, Dr. Claytor transcended racial divides. He not only provided care to the underserved but also mentored young Black professionals, guiding them toward leadership roles that could strengthen the community. Among those he influenced was his niece’s husband, Henry G. Marsh, an ambitious young attorney who had recently graduated from Wayne State University Law School.
Dr. Claytor saw in Marsh a man who could help lead Saginaw through a period of transition and change. The city, like much of the country, was experiencing social and economic shifts that required strong Black leadership. It was a time when Black professionals were stepping into influential roles, breaking barriers, and challenging the status quo. With Dr. Claytor’s encouragement, Marsh moved to Saginaw, quickly establishing himself as a respected attorney and community leader.
In 1961, just seven years after arriving in Saginaw, Marsh was elected to the Saginaw City Council. Six years later, he made history as the city’s first Black mayor, one of the first Black mayors in the United States. His leadership during a time of racial and social change helped bridge divisions within the community. Under his tenure, Saginaw was designated a Model City, receiving federal funding for urban development, and was later named an All-American City.
The influence of Dr. Claytor and Henry Marsh extended beyond their own accomplishments. Both men worked to uplift future generations, using their positions to advocate for equal opportunities in healthcare, education, housing, and politics. Dr. Claytor’s leadership in the First Ward Community Center and the Saginaw Housing Commission helped ensure that Black families had access to essential resources. Meanwhile, Marsh’s legal and political career paved the way for more Black leaders in Saginaw’s government and civic institutions.
Their work left a lasting mark on the city. Dr. Claytor’s name is honored through Claytor Park, a Buena Vista school, and a library branch, while Marsh’s legacy is enshrined in the Henry Marsh Bridge on I-675 and the Henry Marsh Institute at Saginaw Valley State University.
As Saginaw reflects on its Black history, the story of Dr. Archer A. Claytor and Henry G. Marsh stands as a testament to the power of mentorship, migration, and leadership. Their bond helped shape the city, proving that when one generation uplifts the next, entire communities can thrive.
