He was born in Eagle, Pennsylvania on Ocober 8, 1888 and died in Clarksburg, West Virginia on October 9, 1976. He obtained his B.S., and Ph.D. in Agriculture from Ohio State University. Before being made Kelly Millers principal, he taught at West Virginia State College at Institute, West Virginia. Dr. Saunders lived for Kelly Miller School. He was a prominent figure in Clarksburg's black community and was involved in the statewide black school system. Stressing education as the avenue of salvation for the black race, Kelly Miller School achieved an unprecedented 90% of its graduates going on to college in the early 1950's.

After 39 years as principal at Kelly Miller School, Dr. Saunders retired.  At a banquet in his honor at Mt. Zion on June 10, 1958, Gov. Underwood wrote, "Many have found inspiration in your leadership, many more will find a worthy example in your fine record." Virgil Rohrbough, state superintendent of schools stated, "It has been my pleasure to know Mr. Saunders as a teacher and principal for a period of more than two decades.  I have always found him to be an outstanding and upright citizen and one of the finest teachers which we have in the central part of West Virginia." J.A. Jackson commented, "I consider bringing E.B. Saunders to the Clarksburg schools as one of my best day's work." Dr. John W. Davis, former president of WV State College stated, "Clarksburg citizens will honor themselves in honoring you." After his retirement, he continued his activities on the local and state scene.  In 1976, Salem College bestowed Emmett Saunders an honorary doctorate.