Oliver John Semmes, Sr.

Oliver John Semmes, Sr., better known as O. J. Semmes, was a longtime Escambia County School Board member. There is an elementary school named in his honor.

Oliver John Semmes, Sr.
Born	August 7, 1876 Mobile, Alabama
Died	March 13, 1957 Pensacola
Occupation	Civil servant
Spouse	Georgie F. Smith
Parents	Oliver John and Amante G. Semmes
Children	Oliver John Semmes, Jr. Amante S. Semmes Emily S. Semmes

After graduating from Auburn University in 1897, Semmes moved to Pensacola and took a job supervising the construction of the streetcar system. Upon its completion he became superintendent of the system and remained in that capacity until 1909, at which time he left that position to start the Semmes Coal and Ice Company, which he operated for several years.

From 1911-1913 Semmes served as city alderman. He later served as city recorder from 1919 until he was appointed to the Escambia County School Board in 1921. With the exception of six years, he would serve on the School Board until his death in 1957, serving 16 total years as the board's chairman.