From slave to state legislator : John W.E. Thomas, Illinois' first African American lawmaker / David A. Joens.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Joens, David A., 1961-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Thomas, John W. E. (John William Edinburgh), 1847-1899.

Thomas, John W. E.

African American legislators--Illinois--Biography.

African American legislators.

Legislators--Illinois--Biography.

Legislators.

Race relations.

History.

Illinois.

Illinois--Politics and government--1865-1950.

Politics and government.

Illinois--Race relations--History--19th century.

Genre:

Biographies.

Physical Description:

xiii, 256 pages, 18 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Carbondale : Southern Illinois University Press, [2012]

Contents:

Introduction: "A representative of its colored citizens"

"Let us come out like men": the historic election of 1876

"An able, attentive, and sensible representative": the first term and a failed reelection bid

"Justly entitled to representation": the long road back to the legislature

"Advising moderation in all things": the 1883 legislative session and colored convention

"We are here as citizens": reelection, the Civil Rights Bill, and another colored convention

"By no means an unimportant position": election to the office of South Town clerk in 1887

"You ought not insult the colored people!" a final bid for the state legislature

"Forget personal grievances": uniting the community as elder statesman

Conclusion: "leader of the colored race is dead".

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780809330584

080933058X

9780809330607

0809330601

OCLC:

704372245