U.S. Congressman. Born a slave, he was self-educated and became a merchant tailor in Macon, Georgia. On January 16, 1871, he was elected as a Republican to the Forty-first Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the House declaring Samuel F. Gove, serving until March 3, 1871. He was the second African American to be sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives and the first African American to represent Georgia. Despite his brief time in Congress, he was able to promote several reconstruction efforts. Not a candidate for re-nomination, he resumed his merchant business until his and death.
U.S. Congressman. Born a slave, he was self-educated and became a merchant tailor in Macon, Georgia. On January 16, 1871, he was elected as a Republican to the Forty-first Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the House declaring Samuel F. Gove, serving until March 3, 1871. He was the second African American to be sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives and the first African American to represent Georgia. Despite his brief time in Congress, he was able to promote several reconstruction efforts. Not a candidate for re-nomination, he resumed his merchant business until his and death.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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