Senator Matthew Gaines, 16th District Texas, 1870 to 1873, Belated Black History Month

[Beringia]

Last edited Sun Mar 7, 2021, 07:43 PM - Edit history (2)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Gaines

In 1870, Gaines played a strategic role in passing the Militia Bill, which created a state police force to combat lawlessness and to protect against voter intimidation. Gaines was elected to a six-year term to the Senate, but only served four years. In a politically-motivated trial he was convicted of bigamy in 1873. Despite the charge being overturned on appeal, his seat was challenged by Seth Shepard and he was removed from office on the grounds of being a convicted felon. In 1875, he was arrested for making a civil rights speech in Giddings. He told his audience that "in the eyes of God, blacks are as good as whites; they should have pride and hold their heads up even in troubled times." Gaines continued to be active in politics and made his political views known in conventions, public gatherings, and from his pulpit.



https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/gaines-matthew

[abqtommy]

1. Belated is good. It's always a good time to learn!