Background
Summersell, Charles Grayson was born on February 25, 1908 in Mobile, Alabama, United States. Son of Charles Fishweek and Sallie Rebecca (Grayson) Summersell.
Summersell, Charles Grayson was born on February 25, 1908 in Mobile, Alabama, United States. Son of Charles Fishweek and Sallie Rebecca (Grayson) Summersell.
Bachelor of Arts Alabama, 1929. Master of Arts, University Alabama, 1930. Doctor of Philosophy, Vanderbilt University, 1940.
Instructor history University Alabama, 1935-1940, assistant professor, 1940-1946, associate professor, 1946-1947, professor history, 1947-1978, head department, 1954-1971, retired, 1978. Distinguished fellow Center for Study of Southern History and Culture, University Alabama, from 1978. Radio commentator, Tuscaloosa and Selma, Alabama, 1941-1943.
Member Alabama History Commission, 1966-1987, Alabama State Records Commission, Alabama Bicentennial Commission, 1971-1972, Tannehill Furnace and Foundry Commission, 1969-1987 (chairman 1980-1982). Member Tuscaloosa Heritage Commission (formerly County Preservation Authority), 1973-1983, chairman, 1979-1980. Served from lieutenant (junior grade) to lieutenant Commander United States Naval Reserve, 1942-1946, PTO.
Commander 1954; officer charge Naval Intelligence School 1951-1953, Norfolk, Virginia. Member steering committee organized Tuscaloosa Unit of Organized Reserve Navy 1947. Officer in charge 1955.
Member Organization American Historians, English Speaking Union, Southern History Association, American History Association, Alabama History Association (president 1965-1956, emeritus 1982), United States Naval Institute, Naval History Foundation, S.A.R. (president Alabama Society 1957-1958), American Association State and Local History (Southeastern area chairman regional awards committee), Newcomen Society North America, Society Nautical Research (London, England), Hakluyt Society (London), Phi Beta Kappa (president Alabama chapter 1953-1954), Phi Alpha Theta. Clubs: University, Tuscaloosa Country. Army-Navy (Washington).
Married Frances Sharpley, November 10, 1934.