Alexander E. Barber facts for kids
Alexander E. Barber was an important American soldier, newspaper editor, and politician. He served in the Louisiana State Senate from 1870 to 1874. He was born around 1829 or 1830 and passed away on October 24, 1875.
A Life of Change and Leadership
Alexander E. Barber was born into slavery around 1829 or 1830. As a child, he worked on steamboats along the Mississippi River.
Around 1850, he was owned by Pierce Barber, who had a hat shop in New Orleans. Alexander, known as Aleck then, worked as a porter. A few years later, he was sold to someone else and returned to working on the Mississippi River.
Before the American Civil War began, Aleck saved enough money to buy his own freedom. During the war, he joined the Union Army and became an officer. After the war, he lived in New Orleans and became known as Alexander E. Barber.
In January 1865, he was the vice president at a meeting in New Orleans. This meeting discussed the right for black citizens to vote. Later that year, he also started a group called the New Orleans Black Republicans.
Barber was a part-owner of the New Orleans Louisianian newspaper. This newspaper was started by another senator, P. B. S. Pinchback. Alexander Barber also tried to start a shipping company called the Mississippi River Packet Company, but it was not successful. In 1870, records showed he owned personal items worth $750.
He was elected to the Louisiana State Senate and served there from 1870 to 1874. People described Barber as having a kind personality and being a strong leader. Famous speaker Frederick Douglass met him and said that the South had "capable native leaders."
The Governor of Louisiana, Henry Clay Warmoth, gave Barber important jobs. He made him the harbormaster for New Orleans, which meant he was in charge of the city's port. The Governor also made him a brigadier general in the state's citizen army, called the state militia.
In 1874, Barber and another person named Bradford B. Davis took legal action. They sued the Louisiana Jockey Club. They said the club refused to sell them special tickets because they were black. This went against their rights and state laws.
His Passing
Brigadier General Alexander E. Barber passed away on October 24, 1875. Two days later, the officers and soldiers he commanded honored him. People said he died as a respected citizen.
When his body was prepared for viewing before burial, a rumor spread that he might still be alive. News reporters came to check, but they did not agree with the rumor. Two doctors were called, but they did not examine the body. This led some people to believe he was buried alive. He was buried at Bienville Street Cemetery. Many soldiers from the militia, along with friends and neighbors, escorted his body from his home.
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