Born in Lebanon, Missouri. Received B.S. from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri in 1890. He also attended Wilberforce University. Married Emily Jane Embry August 18, 1901. Taught school and later became president of Western University of Quindara, Kansas, 1896 to 1906.

Served as Register of the Treasury June 12, 1906, to March 14, 1911. His signature appears on paper money issued during that period.

After his resignation he became president of Campbell College, now Jackson State College in Jackson, Mississippi, 1912 to 1916. He served as pastor of a church in Tennessee 1916 to 1920. In 1920 he became the 45th elected bishop for the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He served in South Africa 1920 to 1925 and retired in 1936.

Vernon was a member of the Masons and Odd Fellows. He died at Quindaro, Kansas.

bio: WWWA-5; NUM 82 Jun 1969 pages 751-752