1919thth Century CenturyAfrican AmericanAfrican American

Legislators of TennesseeLegislators of Tennessee

Produced at the Tennessee State Library and ArchivesProduced at the Tennessee State Library and Archives

Nashville, TennesseeNashville, Tennessee

20052005

………………..

African American Legislators in Tennessee African American Legislators in Tennessee in the 19in the 19thth Century and Their Terms Century and Their Terms

SAMPSON W. KEEBLE . . . . . . Davidson County . . . . . . . 1873-1874SAMPSON W. KEEBLE . . . . . . Davidson County . . . . . . . 1873-1874 JOHN W. BOYD . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tipton County . . . . . . . . . 1881-1884 (2 terms)JOHN W. BOYD . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tipton County . . . . . . . . . 1881-1884 (2 terms) THOMAS F. CASSELS . . . . . . . Shelby County . . . . . . . . . 1881-1882THOMAS F. CASSELS . . . . . . . Shelby County . . . . . . . . . 1881-1882 ISAAC F. NORRIS . . . . . . . . . . .Shelby County . . . . . . . . . 1881-1882ISAAC F. NORRIS . . . . . . . . . . .Shelby County . . . . . . . . . 1881-1882 THOMAS A. SYKES . . . . . . . . . Davidson County . . . . . . .1881-1882THOMAS A. SYKES . . . . . . . . . Davidson County . . . . . . .1881-1882 LEON HOWARD . . . . . . . . . . . . Shelby County . . . . . . . . 1883-1884LEON HOWARD . . . . . . . . . . . . Shelby County . . . . . . . . 1883-1884 SAMUEL A. McELWEE . . . . . . Haywood County . . . . . . .1883-1888 (3 terms)SAMUEL A. McELWEE . . . . . . Haywood County . . . . . . .1883-1888 (3 terms) DAVID F. RIVERS . . . . . . . . . . Fayette County . . . . . . . . 1883-1884DAVID F. RIVERS . . . . . . . . . . Fayette County . . . . . . . . 1883-1884 GREENE E. EVANS . . . . . . . . . Shelby County . . . . . . . . 1885-1886GREENE E. EVANS . . . . . . . . . Shelby County . . . . . . . . 1885-1886 WILLIAM FIELDS . . . . . . . . . . .Shelby County . . . . . . . . .1885-1886WILLIAM FIELDS . . . . . . . . . . .Shelby County . . . . . . . . .1885-1886 WILLIAM C. HODGE . . . . . . . . Hamilton County . . . . . . .1885-1886WILLIAM C. HODGE . . . . . . . . Hamilton County . . . . . . .1885-1886 MONROE W. GOODEN . . . . . . .Fayette County . . . . . . . . 1887-1888MONROE W. GOODEN . . . . . . .Fayette County . . . . . . . . 1887-1888 STYLES L. HUTCHINS . . . . . . .Hamilton County . . . . . . .1887-1888STYLES L. HUTCHINS . . . . . . .Hamilton County . . . . . . .1887-1888 JESSE M. H. GRAHAM . . . . . . .Montgomery County . . . . 1897 (unseated)JESSE M. H. GRAHAM . . . . . . .Montgomery County . . . . 1897 (unseated)

No other African Americans were elected to the TN General Assembly until 1964.No other African Americans were elected to the TN General Assembly until 1964.………………..…………....…………....

Samson W. KeebleSamson W. Keeble

SAMPSON W. KEEBLESAMPSON W. KEEBLEca. 1833 - 1887ca. 1833 - 1887

A Republican barber, he was A Republican barber, he was elected to represent Davidson Countyelected to represent Davidson County

in the 38in the 38thth Tennessee Tennessee General Assembly, 1873-1874 General Assembly, 1873-1874

He was the first African AmericanHe was the first African Americanelected to serve in the elected to serve in the Tennessee legislature.Tennessee legislature.

…………....…………....

Historical marker on Broadway at Second Historical marker on Broadway at Second Avenue in downtown Nashville, TennesseeAvenue in downtown Nashville, Tennessee ..

Sampson W. KeebleSampson W. Keeble, p. 2, p. 2

Sampson W. Keeble was a Sampson W. Keeble was a Nashville businessman, the Nashville businessman, the owner of the Rock City owner of the Rock City Barber Shop, when he was Barber Shop, when he was elected to the 34elected to the 34thth General General Assembly. Born in 1833 in Assembly. Born in 1833 in Rutherford County, Rutherford County, Tennessee, he was the son Tennessee, he was the son of Sampson and Nancy of Sampson and Nancy Keeble. His parents were Keeble. His parents were the slaves of H. P. Keeble, the slaves of H. P. Keeble, a prominent attorney. a prominent attorney.

Keeble worked as a press-Keeble worked as a press-man for newspapers in man for newspapers in Murfreesboro before the Murfreesboro before the Civil War, then fought in Civil War, then fought in the Confederate Army the Confederate Army during most of the conflict. during most of the conflict. After it ended he established After it ended he established his barber shop in Nashville his barber shop in Nashville and served on the boards of and served on the boards of directors of a bank and directors of a bank and several other African several other African American organizations.American organizations.

Sampson W. KeebleSampson W. Keeble, p. 3, p. 3

In November 1872, riding the coattails of In November 1872, riding the coattails of Ulysses S. Grant’s Republican Presidential victory, Ulysses S. Grant’s Republican Presidential victory, Keeble was narrowly elected by Davidson County Keeble was narrowly elected by Davidson County voters to serve in the Tennessee General Assembly.voters to serve in the Tennessee General Assembly.

During his single term in the legislature Keeble During his single term in the legislature Keeble introduced bills to protect wage earners, to amend introduced bills to protect wage earners, to amend Nashville’s charter in order to allow blacks to operate Nashville’s charter in order to allow blacks to operate businesses downtown, and to appropriate funds for businesses downtown, and to appropriate funds for the Tennessee Manual Labor University. Not one of the Tennessee Manual Labor University. Not one of his bills received sufficient votes to pass into law.his bills received sufficient votes to pass into law.

Keeble died in 1887 and was buried in Keeble died in 1887 and was buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Nashville.Greenwood Cemetery in Nashville.

4242ndnd General Assembly, 1881-82 General Assembly, 1881-82

John W. BoydJohn W. Boyd

John W. BoydJohn W. Boydca. 1841 - ca. 1900ca. 1841 - ca. 1900

A Republican attorney, he was A Republican attorney, he was elected to represent Tipton Countyelected to represent Tipton County

in the 42in the 42ndnd Tennessee TennesseeGeneral Assembly, 1881-1882General Assembly, 1881-1882

and re-elected toand re-elected tothe 43the 43rdrd Tennessee Tennessee

General Assembly, 1883-1884General Assembly, 1883-1884…………..…………..

John W. BoydJohn W. Boyd, p. 2, p. 2

John W. Boyd was John W. Boyd was born in Georgia about born in Georgia about 1841, but his parents, 1841, but his parents, Jackson and Martha Jackson and Martha Boyd, moved to Tipton Boyd, moved to Tipton County, TN, when he County, TN, when he was a young boy. He was a young boy. He and his wife, Martha and his wife, Martha Dogette of Mason, TN, Dogette of Mason, TN, were the parents of five were the parents of five children. children.

An attorney during An attorney during Reconstruction, Boyd Reconstruction, Boyd was appointed to be a was appointed to be a magistrate in the Ninth magistrate in the Ninth Civil District of Tipton Civil District of Tipton County in 1878 & 1879. County in 1878 & 1879. He was the census He was the census enumerator for Civil enumerator for Civil District #10 in 1880 and District #10 in 1880 and was elected the same was elected the same year to the legislature.year to the legislature.

John W. BoydJohn W. Boyd, p. 3, p. 3

In the General Assembly John Boyd In the General Assembly John Boyd worked diligently with other legislators to worked diligently with other legislators to overturn Chapter 130 of the Acts of 1875, the overturn Chapter 130 of the Acts of 1875, the first of Tennessee’s Jim Crow laws, which first of Tennessee’s Jim Crow laws, which permitted racial discrimination in public permitted racial discrimination in public facilities. Boyd also attempted to repeal the facilities. Boyd also attempted to repeal the restrictive contract labor law, which had the restrictive contract labor law, which had the effect of keeping working blacks in bondage.effect of keeping working blacks in bondage.

Chapter 130, Acts of Tennessee, 1875Chapter 130, Acts of Tennessee, 1875

The African American legislators worked harder to overturn this 1875 law than The African American legislators worked harder to overturn this 1875 law than almost any other. An amended version of Boyd’s bill to repeal it was passed in almost any other. An amended version of Boyd’s bill to repeal it was passed in

1883, but it did not effectively deal with the larger issue of racial discrimination.1883, but it did not effectively deal with the larger issue of racial discrimination.

ExcerptExcerpt: “: “Hereafter no keeper of any Hotel or public House, or carrier of Hereafter no keeper of any Hotel or public House, or carrier of

passengers for hire, or conductor, driver, or employee of such carrier or passengers for hire, or conductor, driver, or employee of such carrier or

keeper of any place of amusement or employee of such keeper shall be keeper of any place of amusement or employee of such keeper shall be

bound, or under any obligation, to entertain, carry, or admit any person bound, or under any obligation, to entertain, carry, or admit any person

whom he shall for any reason whatever choose not to entertain, carry, or whom he shall for any reason whatever choose not to entertain, carry, or

admit to his house, Hotel, carriage, or means of Transportation or place of admit to his house, Hotel, carriage, or means of Transportation or place of

amusement, nor shall any right exist in favor of any such person so refused amusement, nor shall any right exist in favor of any such person so refused

admission; but the right of such keepers...and their employees to control the admission; but the right of such keepers...and their employees to control the

access & admittance or exclusion of persons...shall be as complete as that access & admittance or exclusion of persons...shall be as complete as that

of any private person over his private house, carriage, or private theatre or of any private person over his private house, carriage, or private theatre or

places of amusement for his family.”places of amusement for his family.”

This shows the cover and first page of John W. This shows the cover and first page of John W. Boyd’s 1883 bill, HB 663, to prevent racial Boyd’s 1883 bill, HB 663, to prevent racial discrimination by railroad companies. The bill discrimination by railroad companies. The bill was amended to order separate accommodations was amended to order separate accommodations for black and white passengers. Although Boyd for black and white passengers. Although Boyd objected to, and even voted against the amended objected to, and even voted against the amended bill, it passed into law by a vote of 56-19.bill, it passed into law by a vote of 56-19.

Thomas F. CasselsThomas F. Cassels

Thomas F. CasselsThomas F. Casselsca. 1849 –1906ca. 1849 –1906

A Republican attorney, he wasA Republican attorney, he was

elected to represent Shelby Countyelected to represent Shelby County

in the 42in the 42ndnd Tennessee Tennessee

General Assembly, 1881-1882General Assembly, 1881-1882…………..

…………..

Thomas F. CasselsThomas F. Cassels, p. 2, p. 2

Thomas F. Cassels was born Thomas F. Cassels was born

in Kentucky about 1849 to in Kentucky about 1849 to free parents. He attended free parents. He attended Oberlin College in Ohio, Oberlin College in Ohio, and then moved to Memphis and then moved to Memphis to practice law. He was the to practice law. He was the first African American first African American lawyer to plead before the lawyer to plead before the Supreme Court of West Supreme Court of West Tennessee, and he was Tennessee, and he was appointed assistant attorney appointed assistant attorney general of Memphis in general of Memphis in 18781878..

The year after his term in the The year after his term in the General Assembly ended, General Assembly ended, he represented activist Ida he represented activist Ida B. Wells in a discrimination B. Wells in a discrimination lawsuit against a railroad lawsuit against a railroad company. In 1888 he company. In 1888 he served as a Republican served as a Republican Presidential elector. Presidential elector. Cassels continued to Cassels continued to work as an attorney until his work as an attorney until his death from tuberculosis in death from tuberculosis in Memphis in 1906.Memphis in 1906.

Isaac F. NorrisIsaac F. Norris

Isaac F. NorrisIsaac F. Norrisca. 1850 – ca. 1910ca. 1850 – ca. 1910

A grocer and businessman (coal & wood), A grocer and businessman (coal & wood), he was elected as a Republicanhe was elected as a Republican

to represent Shelby County to represent Shelby County in the 42in the 42ndnd Tennessee Tennessee

General Assembly, 1881-1882.General Assembly, 1881-1882.

Convinced to run the following year Convinced to run the following year on the Democratic ticket with on the Democratic ticket with

Gen. William B. Bate, Gen. William B. Bate, Norris was defeated,Norris was defeated,

although Governor Bate and others on although Governor Bate and others on the ticket won easily.the ticket won easily.

…………………………

Isaac F. NorrisIsaac F. Norris, p. 2, p. 2

Although it is known that Although it is known that Norris accumulated a Norris accumulated a considerable amount of considerable amount of personal wealth in his personal wealth in his lifetime, probably from his lifetime, probably from his successful coal and wood successful coal and wood business, little else is known business, little else is known about his life. He was one about his life. He was one of Memphis’s elite African of Memphis’s elite African American group who saw American group who saw several of their numberseveral of their number

elected to offices ranging elected to offices ranging from coal inspector to from coal inspector to assistant attorney general assistant attorney general during the 1870s and 1880s. during the 1870s and 1880s. During the election of During the election of 1882 the Democrats, who 1882 the Democrats, who had persuaded Norris to join had persuaded Norris to join their ticket, referred to him their ticket, referred to him in several news stories as a in several news stories as a man “of fine practical sense man “of fine practical sense and good judgment.” and good judgment.”

On March 30, 1881, Rep. On March 30, 1881, Rep. Isaac Norris introduced Isaac Norris introduced House Bill No. 682, “To House Bill No. 682, “To prevent racial discrimination prevent racial discrimination by railroad companies by railroad companies among their passengers who among their passengers who are charged and pay first are charged and pay first class fare, and fixing class fare, and fixing penalty for same.” The bill penalty for same.” The bill passed its first and second passed its first and second readings, but it was readings, but it was apparently tabled in apparently tabled in committee and did not come committee and did not come forward for a third and final forward for a third and final reading. This was one of reading. This was one of the earliest bills to make an the earliest bills to make an effort to repeal Chapter 130 effort to repeal Chapter 130 of the Acts of 1875.of the Acts of 1875.

Thomas A. SykesThomas A. Sykes

Thomas A. SykesThomas A. Sykesca. 1835 – ca. 1900ca. 1835 – ca. 1900

A former member of theA former member of theNorth Carolina Legislature,North Carolina Legislature,

a gauger at the Customs House, a gauger at the Customs House, and owner of and owner of

a Nashville furniture store,a Nashville furniture store,he was elected he was elected

to represent Davidson County to represent Davidson County in the 42in the 42ndnd Tennessee Tennessee

General Assembly, 1881-1882.General Assembly, 1881-1882.……………………....

Thomas A. SykesThomas A. Sykes, p. 2, p. 2

The 1870 census for The 1870 census for North Carolina, which North Carolina, which indicated that Sykes could indicated that Sykes could not read or write, showed not read or write, showed that he and his wife Martha that he and his wife Martha had three young daughters had three young daughters and listed his occupation as and listed his occupation as “Representative.”“Representative.”

During the 1870s and During the 1870s and 1880s Sykes joined city 1880s Sykes joined city councilman James C. Napiercouncilman James C. Napier

and others in a reform and others in a reform movement against Mayor movement against Mayor Thomas A. Kercheval’s Thomas A. Kercheval’s political machine. They political machine. They made significant progress in made significant progress in moving African Americans moving African Americans into city jobs – as captain of into city jobs – as captain of a Negro fire company, boss a Negro fire company, boss of a street construction of a street construction crew, bridge watchmen, and crew, bridge watchmen, and public works employees.public works employees.

Thomas A. SykesThomas A. Sykes, p. 3, p. 3

Although a total of 12 black legislators served in Although a total of 12 black legislators served in the General Assembly in the 1880s, by the end of the the General Assembly in the 1880s, by the end of the decade there were none. Thomas Sykes was not re-decade there were none. Thomas Sykes was not re-elected after his term ended in 1882, and his career elected after his term ended in 1882, and his career after that point serves as a poignant example of the after that point serves as a poignant example of the effects of the Jim Crow laws on black Southerners.effects of the Jim Crow laws on black Southerners.

In 1885 Thomas Sykes had owned a thriving In 1885 Thomas Sykes had owned a thriving dry goods store, Sykes, Harris, and Company. dry goods store, Sykes, Harris, and Company. However, by 1890, the first term in a decade in which However, by 1890, the first term in a decade in which there were no African Americans seated in the there were no African Americans seated in the Tennessee legislature, Thomas Sykes was working as Tennessee legislature, Thomas Sykes was working as an elevator operator at the United States Customs an elevator operator at the United States Customs House.House.

Leon HowardLeon Howard

Leon HowardLeon Howardca. 1850 – ca. 1910ca. 1850 – ca. 1910

A hotel porter and janitor, he wasA hotel porter and janitor, he was

elected to represent Shelby Countyelected to represent Shelby County

for one term as a Republicanfor one term as a Republican

in the 43in the 43rdrd Tennessee Tennessee

General Assembly, 1883-1884General Assembly, 1883-1884..

…………..

…………..

Leon HowardLeon Howard, p. 2, p. 2

Very little is known about the life Very little is known about the life of Leon (or Leonard) Howard. of Leon (or Leonard) Howard. When he unexpectedly defeated When he unexpectedly defeated two other African American two other African American candidates, Norris and Price, who candidates, Norris and Price, who had been persuaded to run as had been persuaded to run as Democrats in the 1882 election, Democrats in the 1882 election, Memphis’s newspapers, strongly Memphis’s newspapers, strongly Democratic (most had scarcely Democratic (most had scarcely mentioned Howard during the mentioned Howard during the campaign) patronizingly referred campaign) patronizingly referred to him as “a very respectable to him as “a very respectable representative of his race.”representative of his race.”

Howard introduced several bills Howard introduced several bills in the legislature. One, requested in the legislature. One, requested by Governor Bate, would create by Governor Bate, would create the position of Assistant Super-the position of Assistant Super-intendent of Public Instruction to intendent of Public Instruction to oversee the education of African oversee the education of African American students. Another was American students. Another was a bill to end racial discrimination a bill to end racial discrimination on public transportation and on public transportation and facilities. A third bill legislated facilities. A third bill legislated punishment for white men who punishment for white men who raped black women. All raped black women. All Howard’s bills were tabled or Howard’s bills were tabled or defeated.defeated.

Rep. Leon Howard brought this Rep. Leon Howard brought this bill, HB 493, on February 15, bill, HB 493, on February 15, 1883. It was a response to 1883. It was a response to Governor Bate’s request that Governor Bate’s request that the General Assembly approve the General Assembly approve the appointment of an Assistant the appointment of an Assistant State Superintendent of Public State Superintendent of Public Instruction to oversee schools Instruction to oversee schools for African American students. for African American students. The bill passed its first and The bill passed its first and second readings and was second readings and was referred to the Committee on referred to the Committee on Education and Common Education and Common Schools but did not pass out of Schools but did not pass out of committee. Howard made a committee. Howard made a second attempt to introduce this second attempt to introduce this legislation in a special House legislation in a special House session later in the same year, session later in the same year, but the bill again failed.but the bill again failed.

Samuel Allen McElweeSamuel Allen McElwee

Samuel A. McElweeSamuel A. McElweeca. 1857 – October 21, 1914ca. 1857 – October 21, 1914

Scholar, teacher, storekeeper, Scholar, teacher, storekeeper, and newspaperman, he was elected and newspaperman, he was elected

to represent Haywood County to represent Haywood County in the 43in the 43rdrd Tennessee Tennessee

General Assembly, 1883-1884, General Assembly, 1883-1884, while still a student at Fisk University.while still a student at Fisk University.

Re-elected to the 44Re-elected to the 44thth (1885-1886) and 45 (1885-1886) and 45 thth (1887-1888) General Assemblies;(1887-1888) General Assemblies;

Earned a law degree from Central Tennessee Earned a law degree from Central Tennessee College in 1886, during his second term;College in 1886, during his second term;

The first African American to serve three The first African American to serve three terms in the legislature;terms in the legislature;

The first African American nominated as Speaker The first African American nominated as Speaker of the House.of the House.

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Samuel A. McElweeSamuel A. McElwee,, p. 2p. 2

Samuel A. McElwee was born a Samuel A. McElwee was born a slave in Madison County. After slave in Madison County. After emancipation his family moved to emancipation his family moved to a farm in neighboring Haywood a farm in neighboring Haywood County, where young McElwee County, where young McElwee attended Freedmen’s Bureau attended Freedmen’s Bureau Schools part of the year. Having Schools part of the year. Having been taught to read by his former been taught to read by his former master’s children, he moved master’s children, he moved quickly through school, even quickly through school, even though he had to devote much of though he had to devote much of the year to farm work. By 16 he the year to farm work. By 16 he was a teacher himself, and at 18 was a teacher himself, and at 18 he attended Oberlin College for a he attended Oberlin College for a year, paying his way by washing year, paying his way by washing windows, waiting tables, and windows, waiting tables, and picking fruit.picking fruit.

Supporting himself by teaching Supporting himself by teaching and peddling Bibles and patent and peddling Bibles and patent medicines, he studied German, medicines, he studied German, Latin, and mathematics with a Latin, and mathematics with a Vanderbilt student whose strong Vanderbilt student whose strong recommendation earned him a recommendation earned him a Peabody scholarship to Fisk Peabody scholarship to Fisk University. In 1882, while still a University. In 1882, while still a student, he was elected to the student, he was elected to the General Assembly from Haywood General Assembly from Haywood County. Although his wife died County. Although his wife died in 1885, leaving him with two in 1885, leaving him with two small children, he nevertheless small children, he nevertheless served two more terms in the state served two more terms in the state legislature, earning a law degree legislature, earning a law degree (1886) from Central Tennessee (1886) from Central Tennessee College during his second term.College during his second term.

Samuel A. McElweeSamuel A. McElwee, p. 3, p. 3

During his second legislative term, the 26-year-old During his second legislative term, the 26-year-old McElwee was nominated by former U.S. Senator Roderick R. McElwee was nominated by former U.S. Senator Roderick R. Butler to be Speaker of the House of Representatives, and he Butler to be Speaker of the House of Representatives, and he received 32 of the 93 votes cast. He was also the first African received 32 of the 93 votes cast. He was also the first African American Tennessean elected to a third legislative term. It was American Tennessean elected to a third legislative term. It was during this term that McElwee delivered a passionate oration during this term that McElwee delivered a passionate oration in the House of Representatives pleading for stronger statutory in the House of Representatives pleading for stronger statutory sanctions against lynch mobs. His speech, which referred to sanctions against lynch mobs. His speech, which referred to three recent Tennessee lynchings, included these words: three recent Tennessee lynchings, included these words: “Great God, when will this Nation treat the Negro as an “Great God, when will this Nation treat the Negro as an American citizen? ... As a humble representative of the Negro American citizen? ... As a humble representative of the Negro race, and as a member of this body, I stand here to-day and race, and as a member of this body, I stand here to-day and wave the flag of truce between the races and demand a wave the flag of truce between the races and demand a reformation in southern society by the passage of this bill.” reformation in southern society by the passage of this bill.” Despite his eloquence, the bill was tabled by a vote of 41–36.Despite his eloquence, the bill was tabled by a vote of 41–36.

The cover and first page of Samuel A. The cover and first page of Samuel A. McElwee’s bill, HB 526 (1883) to ensure McElwee’s bill, HB 526 (1883) to ensure

more fair jury selection. The bill was more fair jury selection. The bill was tabled by the Judiciary Committee.tabled by the Judiciary Committee.

Samuel A. McElweeSamuel A. McElwee, p. 5, p. 5

By 1888, as he campaigned for a fourth term, Samuel McElwee had gained By 1888, as he campaigned for a fourth term, Samuel McElwee had gained a national reputation. He had spoken at the Tuskegee Institute and other a national reputation. He had spoken at the Tuskegee Institute and other educational institutions; he had chaired the Tennessee Republican educational institutions; he had chaired the Tennessee Republican Convention and had represented the state at the National Republican Convention and had represented the state at the National Republican Convention in Chicago, where he would successfully persuade presidential Convention in Chicago, where he would successfully persuade presidential candidate Benjamin Harrison to give greater attention to civil rights issues.candidate Benjamin Harrison to give greater attention to civil rights issues.

At the same time, however, white separatists in Haywood County were At the same time, however, white separatists in Haywood County were conspiring to get rid of McElwee. As armed patrols terrorized African conspiring to get rid of McElwee. As armed patrols terrorized African American neighborhoods and blocked the ballot boxes, fearful black voters American neighborhoods and blocked the ballot boxes, fearful black voters stayed away from the polls. In spite of lawsuits brought later by federal stayed away from the polls. In spite of lawsuits brought later by federal election officials, those responsible for the fraud, who made no secret of election officials, those responsible for the fraud, who made no secret of the fact that they had deliberately miscounted votes, were never punished. the fact that they had deliberately miscounted votes, were never punished. That year’s General Assembly, which had no black members, quickly That year’s General Assembly, which had no black members, quickly passed a series of laws intended to disfranchise African American voters.passed a series of laws intended to disfranchise African American voters.

McElwee and his family fled Haywood County, barely escaping with their McElwee and his family fled Haywood County, barely escaping with their lives. For several years they lived in Nashville, where the former legislator lives. For several years they lived in Nashville, where the former legislator established both a popular newspaper and a successful law practice. The established both a popular newspaper and a successful law practice. The family later moved north to Chicago. McElwee spent his final years there family later moved north to Chicago. McElwee spent his final years there as the head of a prosperous law firm. as the head of a prosperous law firm.

David F. RiversDavid F. Rivers

David Foote RiversDavid Foote RiversJuly 18, 1859 – July 5, 1941July 18, 1859 – July 5, 1941

A Peabody Scholarship student atA Peabody Scholarship student atRoger Williams University Roger Williams University at the time of his election, at the time of his election,

he represented Fayette Countyhe represented Fayette Countyas a Republican in the 43as a Republican in the 43rdrd Tennessee Tennessee

General Assembly, 1883-1884.General Assembly, 1883-1884.

Rivers was re-elected to the 44Rivers was re-elected to the 44thth

General Assembly but never took hisGeneral Assembly but never took hisseat, having been driven out ofseat, having been driven out of

Fayette County by racial violence.Fayette County by racial violence.…………..…………..…………..David F. Rivers, about 1930David F. Rivers, about 1930

David F. RiversDavid F. Rivers, p. 2, p. 2

David Rivers was born in David Rivers was born in Montgomery, Alabama, to Montgomery, Alabama, to Edmonia Rivers, a free Edmonia Rivers, a free woman of color, and an woman of color, and an unknown father. He was unknown father. He was listed in the 1870 census as listed in the 1870 census as living in his grandfather’s living in his grandfather’s Somerville, TN, household, Somerville, TN, household, along with two younger along with two younger brothers and an assortment brothers and an assortment of relatives and boarders. of relatives and boarders. Rivers did not learn to write Rivers did not learn to write until he was 19, when he until he was 19, when he first attended high school,first attended high school,

probably in Fayette County. probably in Fayette County. He was so successful in his He was so successful in his studies that he was invited studies that he was invited to attend Roger Williams to attend Roger Williams University, Nashville, on a University, Nashville, on a Peabody Scholarship. He Peabody Scholarship. He was studying for a degree in was studying for a degree in theology there when he was theology there when he was elected to the Tennessee elected to the Tennessee legislature. A challenge to legislature. A challenge to his eligibility, based on his his eligibility, based on his periodic absences from his periodic absences from his home county to attend home county to attend college, was unsuccessful.college, was unsuccessful.

David F. RiversDavid F. Rivers, p. 3, p. 3

Although elected to the General Assembly for a second term in Although elected to the General Assembly for a second term in 1885-1886, Rivers never took his seat, having been driven out 1885-1886, Rivers never took his seat, having been driven out of Fayette County by what his son Francis referred to as “a of Fayette County by what his son Francis referred to as “a large body of racially prejudiced whites.” However, having large body of racially prejudiced whites.” However, having earned his degree in theology from Roger Williams University, earned his degree in theology from Roger Williams University, he stayed on and taught there for two years, then preached at he stayed on and taught there for two years, then preached at the Fifth Ward Baptist Church in Clarksville for some time. In the Fifth Ward Baptist Church in Clarksville for some time. In 1893 he moved his family to Kansas City, Kansas, where he 1893 he moved his family to Kansas City, Kansas, where he became pastor of the Metropolitan Baptist Church.became pastor of the Metropolitan Baptist Church.

In 1898 David F. Rivers was invited to Washington, D.C., to In 1898 David F. Rivers was invited to Washington, D.C., to accept a post as pastor of the Berean Baptist Church, which he accept a post as pastor of the Berean Baptist Church, which he served for 46 years, until his death in 1941. His son Francis, served for 46 years, until his death in 1941. His son Francis, equally distinguished, was a member of the NY General equally distinguished, was a member of the NY General Assembly, Assistant District Attorney in New York County, Assembly, Assistant District Attorney in New York County, and Justice of the City Court of New York.and Justice of the City Court of New York.

4444thth General Assembly, 1885-86 General Assembly, 1885-86

Greene E. EvansGreene E. Evans

Greene E. EvansGreene E. EvansSept. 19, 1848 – Oct. 1, 1914Sept. 19, 1848 – Oct. 1, 1914

A well-educated businessmanA well-educated businessmanand former teacher,and former teacher,

he was elected as a Republicanhe was elected as a Republicanto the 44to the 44thth Tennessee Tennessee

General Assembly, 1885-1886.General Assembly, 1885-1886.

A member of the original FiskA member of the original FiskJubilee Singers, he took part in theirJubilee Singers, he took part in their

first U.S. concert tourfirst U.S. concert tourin 1871-1872.in 1871-1872.

…………..…………..

Greene E. EvansGreene E. Evans, p. 2, p. 2

Green E. Evans was born Green E. Evans was born into slavery in Fayette into slavery in Fayette County. He escaped from County. He escaped from his master to become the his master to become the servant of a Yankee officer servant of a Yankee officer in Alabama, moving to in Alabama, moving to Indianapolis after the Civil Indianapolis after the Civil War where he paid a man War where he paid a man part of his $10-a-week part of his $10-a-week salary to teach him to read. salary to teach him to read. He hauled gravel and sod to He hauled gravel and sod to pay his way through college, pay his way through college, teaching during the summer teaching during the summer in a school building he had in a school building he had built with his own hands. built with his own hands.

At twenty he entered Fisk At twenty he entered Fisk University, where he was a University, where he was a member of the original Fisk member of the original Fisk Jubilee Singers, who sang Jubilee Singers, who sang before President Grant in before President Grant in the White House. After the White House. After graduating, Evans worked graduating, Evans worked in the wholesale coal and in the wholesale coal and wood business and as a mail wood business and as a mail agent and deputy wharf-agent and deputy wharf-master at Memphis. Active master at Memphis. Active in Republican party politics, in Republican party politics, he received the party’s he received the party’s nomination to run for the nomination to run for the General Assembly in 1884.General Assembly in 1884.

The first Fisk Jubilee Singers. The first Fisk Jubilee Singers.

Greene Evans is seated second from leftGreene Evans is seated second from left..

Greene E. EvansGreene E. Evans, p. 3, p. 3

During his legislative term Evans introduced bills to During his legislative term Evans introduced bills to repeal Chapter 130 of the Acts of 1875, to amend the repeal Chapter 130 of the Acts of 1875, to amend the public road law in order to allow for fair employment public road law in order to allow for fair employment of African American workers, and, supporting a of African American workers, and, supporting a request by the governor, to provide for an Assistant request by the governor, to provide for an Assistant Superintendent of Public Instruction to oversee the Superintendent of Public Instruction to oversee the education of black students. None of Evans’s bills education of black students. None of Evans’s bills passed into law.passed into law.

The 1900 Census shows him, now 51, living with his The 1900 Census shows him, now 51, living with his wife Anna in Chicago, Illinois. The entry lists his wife Anna in Chicago, Illinois. The entry lists his occupation as “coal dealer.” He died in Chicago on occupation as “coal dealer.” He died in Chicago on October 1, 1914, at the age of 64.October 1, 1914, at the age of 64.

William A. FieldsWilliam A. Fields

William A. FieldsWilliam A. Fields ca. 1852 – unknownca. 1852 – unknown

A farmer and a school teacher,A farmer and a school teacher,

he was elected as a Republicanhe was elected as a Republican

to represent Shelby Countyto represent Shelby County

in the 44in the 44thth Tennessee Tennessee

General Assembly, General Assembly,

1885-1886.1885-1886.

………………..

…………..

William A. FieldsWilliam A. Fields, p. 2, p. 2

Very little is known about Fields’ early life. In the Very little is known about Fields’ early life. In the 1880 census, nearly five years before his election to 1880 census, nearly five years before his election to the legislature, he was listed as a laborer, boarding the legislature, he was listed as a laborer, boarding with the Williams family on 2nd Street in Memphis. with the Williams family on 2nd Street in Memphis. He and his wife Elizabeth were the parents of three He and his wife Elizabeth were the parents of three children. He was a farmer and school teacher in the children. He was a farmer and school teacher in the Fifth District of Shelby County at the time he was Fifth District of Shelby County at the time he was elected to the Tennessee General Assembly. There he elected to the Tennessee General Assembly. There he introduced a number of bills opposing discrimination introduced a number of bills opposing discrimination in public facilities, and supporting compulsory school in public facilities, and supporting compulsory school attendance, fair labor contracts, and the licensure of attendance, fair labor contracts, and the licensure of insurance companies. insurance companies.

William C. HodgeWilliam C. Hodge

William C. HodgeWilliam C. Hodgeca. 1846 – ca. 1900ca. 1846 – ca. 1900

A man who held many jobs,A man who held many jobs,including railroad agent and jailer,including railroad agent and jailer,

he was elected he was elected to represent Hamilton Countyto represent Hamilton County

in the 44in the 44thth Tennessee Tennessee General Assembly, 1885-1886.General Assembly, 1885-1886.

He served as a member of theHe served as a member of theChattanooga city council for many yearsChattanooga city council for many years..

…………..…………..

William C. HodgeWilliam C. Hodge, p. 2, p. 2

Born in North Carolina, Hodge Born in North Carolina, Hodge held a number of jobs before he held a number of jobs before he became a legislator: contractor, became a legislator: contractor, stone-cutter, house mover, night stone-cutter, house mover, night mail transfer agent at the railroad mail transfer agent at the railroad depot, alderman for the 4depot, alderman for the 4thth Ward Ward of Chattanooga, and city jailer. of Chattanooga, and city jailer.

During his legislative term he During his legislative term he introduced bills to safeguard introduced bills to safeguard employment and voting rights for employment and voting rights for all Tennesseans, and to overturn all Tennesseans, and to overturn Chapter 130 of the Acts of 1875, Chapter 130 of the Acts of 1875, which permitted discrimination which permitted discrimination on public transportation and in on public transportation and in hotels and places of public hotels and places of public amusement. All were tabled or amusement. All were tabled or rejected.rejected.

Hodge was a legislative candidate Hodge was a legislative candidate in 1884, a year when Tennessee’s in 1884, a year when Tennessee’s Republicans had declared Republicans had declared themselves opposed to black themselves opposed to black candidates. He vowed it was time candidates. He vowed it was time for white voters to get “educated for white voters to get “educated up” and allow blacks to hold up” and allow blacks to hold responsible positions. Black responsible positions. Black leaders reminded Chattanooga leaders reminded Chattanooga Republican office holders that the Republican office holders that the African American voters were African American voters were keeping them in office (Hamilton keeping them in office (Hamilton County black voters outnumbered County black voters outnumbered whites more than 3-1) and gently whites more than 3-1) and gently suggested that a little reciprocity suggested that a little reciprocity would go a long way . . . Hodge would go a long way . . . Hodge subsequently became the county’s subsequently became the county’s first black representative.first black representative.

4545thth General Assembly, 1887-88 General Assembly, 1887-88

Monroe W. GoodenMonroe W. Gooden

Monroe W. GoodenMonroe W. Gooden10 May 1848 – 19 January 191510 May 1848 – 19 January 1915

The only African American DemocratThe only African American Democratin the Tennessee legislature in the Tennessee legislature

in the 19in the 19thth Century, Century,he was elected he was elected

to represent Fayette County to represent Fayette County in the 45th Tennessee in the 45th Tennessee

General Assembly, 1887-1888General Assembly, 1887-1888………………..

…………..

Monroe W. GoodenMonroe W. Gooden, p. 2, p. 2

A farmer and cotton ginner near A farmer and cotton ginner near

Somerville, Tennessee, Gooden and Somerville, Tennessee, Gooden and his wife Anne Baskeville were the his wife Anne Baskeville were the parents of seven children. He was a parents of seven children. He was a deacon in the Baptist church and a deacon in the Baptist church and a member of the Masonic order. member of the Masonic order. ((Black Black Freemasons groups have existed in Freemasons groups have existed in the United States since 1775, and the the United States since 1775, and the number of black lodges increased number of black lodges increased significantly after the Civil Warsignificantly after the Civil War.).)

Appointed to legislative committees Appointed to legislative committees on Agriculture and Federal Relations, on Agriculture and Federal Relations, Gooden introduced a bill to ensure Gooden introduced a bill to ensure the honest counting of ballots, out of the honest counting of ballots, out of the presence of the candidates, but it the presence of the candidates, but it was tabled by the Judiciary was tabled by the Judiciary Committee.Committee.

One of the few African American One of the few African American Democrats in Tennessee during the Democrats in Tennessee during the 1880s, and the only one to serve a 1880s, and the only one to serve a term in the legislature, Gooden was term in the legislature, Gooden was the second man to represent Fayette the second man to represent Fayette County, following Republican David County, following Republican David F. Rivers, who served in the 43F. Rivers, who served in the 43rdrd General Assembly. From 1830 to General Assembly. From 1830 to 1980 the population of Fayette 1980 the population of Fayette County consisted of many more County consisted of many more African Americans than whites (by African Americans than whites (by 1865 the ratio was two to one), yet 1865 the ratio was two to one), yet only these two black legislators were only these two black legislators were ever elected to represent the county.ever elected to represent the county.

Styles L. HutchinsStyles L. Hutchins

Styles Linton HutchinsStyles Linton Hutchins21 November 1852 – 7 September 195021 November 1852 – 7 September 1950

A Chattanooga attorney, he wasA Chattanooga attorney, he waselected to represent Hamilton Countyelected to represent Hamilton County

in the 45in the 45thth Tennessee TennesseeGeneral Assembly, 1887-1888General Assembly, 1887-1888

Styles Styles Hutchins, Monroe Gooden, Hutchins, Monroe Gooden, and Samuel McElwee were and Samuel McElwee were the last African Americans the last African Americans

to serve in the General Assembly until to serve in the General Assembly until Representative A. W Willis, Jr.,Representative A. W Willis, Jr.,

was elected in Shelby County in was elected in Shelby County in 19641964..…………......…………..

Styles L. HutchinsStyles L. Hutchins, p. 2, p. 2

Styles Linton Hutchins was Styles Linton Hutchins was born in Lawrenceville, born in Lawrenceville, Georgia, in 1852. The son Georgia, in 1852. The son of a wealthy artist, he was of a wealthy artist, he was one of the first black one of the first black graduates of Atlanta graduates of Atlanta University (1875). A year University (1875). A year later he earned a law degree later he earned a law degree from the University of from the University of South Carolina Law School South Carolina Law School and was admitted to the and was admitted to the South Carolina bar. He South Carolina bar. He served as a Republican state served as a Republican state judge, resigning with the judge, resigning with the Democrats’ return to power. Democrats’ return to power.

Returning to Georgia to open a Returning to Georgia to open a law practice, Hutchins over-law practice, Hutchins over-came opposition from the came opposition from the legislature to become the first legislature to become the first African American attorney African American attorney admitted to the Georgia bar.admitted to the Georgia bar.

In 1881 he opened a law In 1881 he opened a law practice in Chattanooga, also practice in Chattanooga, also taking on the editorship of taking on the editorship of The The Independent Age, Independent Age, a popular a popular black newspaper. A valiant black newspaper. A valiant spokesman for civil rights, he spokesman for civil rights, he ran for the legislature in 1886, ran for the legislature in 1886, winning by eight votes! winning by eight votes!

Styles L. HutchinsStyles L. Hutchins, p. 3, p. 3

Tireless in his role as legislator, Hutchins served on Tireless in his role as legislator, Hutchins served on the Education and New Counties committees and was the Education and New Counties committees and was successful in passing laws to repeal poll taxes in successful in passing laws to repeal poll taxes in Chattanooga and to prevent criminals from other Chattanooga and to prevent criminals from other states from testifying in Tennessee courts. His bill to states from testifying in Tennessee courts. His bill to limit the use of convict labor was not successful. limit the use of convict labor was not successful.

After his legislative term, Hutchins returned to his After his legislative term, Hutchins returned to his law practice, held a patronage position in the revenue law practice, held a patronage position in the revenue department of the U.S. Treasury, and became deeply department of the U.S. Treasury, and became deeply involved in church work. He was known throughout involved in church work. He was known throughout Tennessee and Georgia as a fiery preacher who often Tennessee and Georgia as a fiery preacher who often used his sermons to denounce racism in the South.used his sermons to denounce racism in the South.

Legislator and attorney Styles L. Hutchins Legislator and attorney Styles L. Hutchins introduced HB 447 on February 12, 1887, in introduced HB 447 on February 12, 1887, in an attempt to better regulate the work and an attempt to better regulate the work and confinement of convicts. Referred to the confinement of convicts. Referred to the Committee on Penitentiary after its second Committee on Penitentiary after its second reading, the bill was tabled in committee.reading, the bill was tabled in committee.

Styles L. HutchinsStyles L. Hutchins, p. 5, p. 5

In 1906 Hutchins was involved in one of the most famous In 1906 Hutchins was involved in one of the most famous lynching cases in history. Hired to appeal the rape conviction lynching cases in history. Hired to appeal the rape conviction of a black man named Ed Johnson, Hutchins and his law of a black man named Ed Johnson, Hutchins and his law partner Noah W. Parden carried the appeal to the Supreme partner Noah W. Parden carried the appeal to the Supreme Court, who agreed to hear it and issued a stay of execution. Court, who agreed to hear it and issued a stay of execution. That very night, a mob broke into the Hamilton County jail, That very night, a mob broke into the Hamilton County jail, dragged Johnson out and hanged him from a bridge.dragged Johnson out and hanged him from a bridge.

Hutchins and Parden immediately urged federal officials to Hutchins and Parden immediately urged federal officials to file suit against the sheriff and the mob. In a precedent-setting file suit against the sheriff and the mob. In a precedent-setting case, the Supreme Court found Sheriff Shipp and others guilty. case, the Supreme Court found Sheriff Shipp and others guilty. After serving only a brief sentence, however, Shipp returned After serving only a brief sentence, however, Shipp returned home to a hero’s welcome, while Hutchins and Parden were home to a hero’s welcome, while Hutchins and Parden were forced to leave town for their own safety. In 1910 Hutchins forced to leave town for their own safety. In 1910 Hutchins was practicing law in Peoria, Illinois, but the 1920 Census lists was practicing law in Peoria, Illinois, but the 1920 Census lists him as the owner and operator of a barber shop in Illinois. He him as the owner and operator of a barber shop in Illinois. He died in Mattoon, Illinois, in 1950 . . . at the age of 98!died in Mattoon, Illinois, in 1950 . . . at the age of 98!

Jesse M. H. GrahamJesse M. H. GrahamJesse M. H. GrahamJesse M. H. Graham8 February 1860 – 25 July 19308 February 1860 – 25 July 1930

A Republican newspaper editor, A Republican newspaper editor, elected to represent elected to represent Montgomery CountyMontgomery Countyin the 50in the 50thth Tennessee Tennessee

General Assembly, 1897-1898General Assembly, 1897-1898

A challenge of his eligibility to hold A challenge of his eligibility to hold the office was successful, the office was successful,

and the House of Representativesand the House of Representativesdeclared his seat vacant declared his seat vacant

on 20 January 1897.on 20 January 1897. …………………………

…………..This portrait of Jesse Graham appeared This portrait of Jesse Graham appeared in the Louisville in the Louisville Courier JournalCourier Journal on on

November 15, 1896November 15, 1896

Jesse M. H. GrahamJesse M. H. Graham, p. 2, p. 2

Jesse M. H. Graham attended Jesse M. H. Graham attended public schools in Montgomery public schools in Montgomery and Davidson counties. In and Davidson counties. In 1881 he won a Peabody 1881 he won a Peabody Scholarship to attend Fisk Scholarship to attend Fisk University, where he took University, where he took courses in English and courses in English and education. After teaching education. After teaching school in Kentucky for a time, school in Kentucky for a time, he worked as a postal clerk in he worked as a postal clerk in Louisville, Kentucky, and Louisville, Kentucky, and Clarksville, Tennessee. In Clarksville, Tennessee. In 1895 he was named editor of 1895 he was named editor of the Clarksville the Clarksville EnterpriseEnterprise, an , an African American newspaper.African American newspaper.

In 1896 he became the first In 1896 he became the first black legislator elected in ten black legislator elected in ten years, but an opponent filed a years, but an opponent filed a protest regarding Graham’s protest regarding Graham’s eligibility to hold the seat eligibility to hold the seat because of a period of absence because of a period of absence from his home county. He was from his home county. He was provisionally seated on Jan. 4, provisionally seated on Jan. 4, 1897, while the Committee on 1897, while the Committee on Elections debated the issue. Elections debated the issue. When the committee declared When the committee declared both Graham and his opponent both Graham and his opponent ineligible, the General ineligible, the General Assembly passed a resolution Assembly passed a resolution declaring the seat vacant.declaring the seat vacant.

Jesse M. H. GrahamJesse M. H. Graham, p. 3, p. 3

During the first World War the During the first World War the

U.S. Army commissioned more U.S. Army commissioned more than 1,200 African American than 1,200 African American officers. The only training camp officers. The only training camp set up exclusively for black set up exclusively for black officers was in Fort Des Moines, officers was in Fort Des Moines, Iowa. Jesse Graham was one of Iowa. Jesse Graham was one of the 638 officers who graduated the 638 officers who graduated from officers training in that from officers training in that program. Commissioned as a program. Commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army on second lieutenant in the Army on October 15, 1917, Graham was October 15, 1917, Graham was assigned to the 317assigned to the 317thth Engineers. Engineers. Honorably discharged at war’s Honorably discharged at war’s end, he returned to Tennessee.end, he returned to Tennessee.

Making his home once again in Making his home once again in Clarksville, Graham served as an Clarksville, Graham served as an officer of St. Peter’s African officer of St. Peter’s African Methodist Episcopal Church there Methodist Episcopal Church there and helped to found American and helped to found American Legion Post No. 143. Legion Post No. 143.

Before WWI he was a clerk in the Before WWI he was a clerk in the U.S. Bureau of Audit and spent U.S. Bureau of Audit and spent some time working in the some time working in the Philippines. He later took a Philippines. He later took a position with the Federal position with the Federal Government in Washington, D.C., Government in Washington, D.C., where he was residing at the time where he was residing at the time of the 1930 Census. of the 1930 Census.

Sampson W. Keeble’s monument in Greenwood Cemetery, NashvilleSampson W. Keeble’s monument in Greenwood Cemetery, Nashville

Produced at the Tennessee State Library and ArchivesProduced at the Tennessee State Library and Archives

byby Kathy B. Lauder, Archival Technical Services,Kathy B. Lauder, Archival Technical Services, with the generous assistance ofwith the generous assistance of

• Dr. Tommie Brown, State Representative, District 28Dr. Tommie Brown, State Representative, District 28

• Riley Darnell, Tennessee Secretary of StateRiley Darnell, Tennessee Secretary of State

• Irene Griffey, Certified GenealogistIrene Griffey, Certified Genealogist

• Dr. Robert E. Hunt, Department of History, MTSUDr. Robert E. Hunt, Department of History, MTSU

• Karina McDaniel, State Photographer, Preservation Services, TSLAKarina McDaniel, State Photographer, Preservation Services, TSLA

• Vincent McGrath, Legislative History Coordinator, TSLAVincent McGrath, Legislative History Coordinator, TSLA

• Charles Nelson, Director of Legislative Services, TSLACharles Nelson, Director of Legislative Services, TSLA

• C. Michael Norton, Attorney at LawC. Michael Norton, Attorney at Law

• Tim Pulley, Director, Brown Harvey Genealogical Room, Montgomery County LibraryTim Pulley, Director, Brown Harvey Genealogical Room, Montgomery County Library

• Carol Roberts, Director of Preservation Services, TSLACarol Roberts, Director of Preservation Services, TSLA

• Mike Slate, Editor, Mike Slate, Editor, Nashville Historical NewsletterNashville Historical Newsletter

• D. Ralph Sowell, Archival Technical Services, TSLAD. Ralph Sowell, Archival Technical Services, TSLA

• Jeanne Sugg, Tennessee State Librarian and ArchivistJeanne Sugg, Tennessee State Librarian and Archivist

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