A. C. Hamlin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
A. C. Hamlin
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| Oklahoma State Representative | |
| In office 1908–1910 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | February 10, 1881 Topeka, Kansas |
| Died | August 29, 1912 (aged 31) Logan County, Oklahoma |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Katie Weaver |
Albert Comstock Hamlin (born February 10, 1881 – died August 29, 1912) was a very important person in Oklahoma's history. He was the first African American ever elected to the Oklahoma Legislature. This means he was the first Black person to help make laws for the state of Oklahoma.
Sadly, he lost his chance to be re-elected. This happened because of a new rule that made it very hard for many Black Oklahomans to vote. Albert Hamlin was buried in Logan County, Oklahoma.
Contents
Early Life and Community Work
Albert Comstock Hamlin was born in Topeka, Kansas. His parents, Andrew Jackson and Fanny Hamlin, had been slaves before he was born. In 1890, when Albert was nine years old, his family moved to Oklahoma Territory.
In 1899, he married Katie Weaver. They had five children together. Before he became a state representative, Albert Hamlin was already helping his community. He served on a local school board and also as a town trustee. These roles showed he cared about his community and wanted to make it better.
Making a Difference in Politics
In 1908, Albert Hamlin won a seat in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He was elected because many African Americans lived in his district, Logan County, Oklahoma, and they supported him.
At that time, some politicians in Oklahoma wanted to stop African Americans from gaining power. They made it clear they didn't want Black people to move up in society.
Even though Albert Hamlin was African American and a Republican (which was a minority party in Oklahoma at the time), he worked hard. He helped get support for important laws. These laws included:
- Getting money for a Black school in his area.
- Trying to fix unfair rules for Black and white train passengers.
- Stopping certain activities on Sundays.
The "Grandfather Clause" and Its Impact
In 1910, Albert Hamlin tried to get re-elected, but he lost. This was because of a new rule called a "constitutional amendment." This rule made it much harder for Black people to vote. It said you could only vote if your grandfather or great-grandfather had been able to vote before January 1, 1866. This rule was known as the "grandfather clause."
Since most African Americans' ancestors had been slaves before 1866, they couldn't vote under this new rule. The "grandfather clause" was later found to be against the law in 1915 by a court case called Guinn v. United States. This unfair rule caused many African Americans to leave Oklahoma and move to Canada.
Remembering Albert Hamlin
Albert Hamlin passed away on August 29, 1912. He died on his farm in Logan County, Oklahoma, and was buried in Robinson Cemetery.
Years later, people wanted to honor Albert Hamlin's contributions.
- In 2009, a part of Interstate 35 in Logan County was named the "A.C. Hamlin Parkway." This was a special way to remember him.
- In 2015, signs were put up to show this new name.
- Oklahoma's Black legislators also hold an awards banquet named after A. C. Hamlin every two years. In 2011, the song "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" was made the official gospel song of Oklahoma during this banquet.
Albert Comstock Hamlin is remembered as a brave leader who fought for fairness and equality in Oklahoma.
See also
- 2nd Oklahoma Legislature
- Green Currin
