Henry Tourner Asher: Educator and Founding Member of Lincoln University

Henry Tourner Asher, a founding member of Kappa Alpha Psi and a dedicated advocate for higher education and equal rights, served as an instructor at the Lincoln Institute in Jefferson City, Missouri, during the early 20th century. The institution is now known as the Lincoln University of Missouri.

Born on June 30, 1890, in Owensboro, Kentucky, Asher was the eldest of seven children. He was the son of a Baptist Minister and spent his early years in Kentucky before moving to Bloomington, Indiana.

Asher attended public schools in Bloomington and graduated from Bloomington High School in 1910. Following his secondary education, he enrolled at Indiana University in 1910, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1914.

Academic Career and Tenure at Lincoln Institute

Immediately following his graduation from Indiana University, Asher entered the field of education. From 1914 to 1915, he served as an instructor at the Lincoln Institute in Jefferson City, Missouri.

Asher continued to pursue advanced academic qualifications after his time in Missouri. In 1915, he enrolled in a graduate program at the University of Wisconsin and later attended the University of Illinois. He eventually transferred to the University of Minnesota, where he received his Master of Arts degree in 1917.

Military Service and Professional Transition

Asher’s academic and professional trajectory was interrupted by World War I. He served more than one year overseas in France during the conflict.

Following his military service, Asher considered a career in teaching at Wilberforce University. However, he ultimately chose to enter the real estate industry. This professional shift led him to Detroit, Michigan, where he eventually entered the postal service.

Asher continued his education while living in Detroit, attending the Detroit College of Law, where he earned his LL.B. Degree in 1928.

Civic Leadership and Fraternal Affiliations

Throughout his life, Asher was heavily involved in fraternal and civic organizations dedicated to the advancement of Negro youth and the pursuit of equal rights.

Asher was one of the first three freshman initiates of the Alpha of Kappa Alpha Nu, serving as a founder. While he was not a charter member of the Detroit Alumni Chapter of the organization, he became one of the first members to affiliate with that chapter in 1920.

Beyond his work with Kappa Alpha Psi, Asher maintained active memberships in several prominent organizations, including:

• The NAACP
• The Elks
• The Veterans of Foreign Wars

Asher remained a resident of Detroit, Michigan, for the remainder of his life. He died on March 5, 1963.