Alonzo J. Ransier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alonzo Jacob Ransier
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from South Carolina's 2nd district |
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| In office March 4, 1873 – March 3, 1875 |
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| Preceded by | Robert C. De Large |
| Succeeded by | Edmund W.M. Mackey |
| 56th Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina | |
| In office December 3, 1871 – December 7, 1872 |
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| Governor | Robert Kingston Scott |
| Preceded by | Lemuel Boozer |
| Succeeded by | Richard Howell Gleaves |
| Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from Charleston County | |
| In office November 24, 1868 – March 1, 1870 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | January 3, 1834 Charleston, South Carolina |
| Died | August 17, 1882 (aged 48) Charleston, South Carolina |
| Political party | Republican |
| Profession | Clerk, politician, tax collector |
Alonzo Jacob Ransier (born January 3, 1834 – died August 17, 1882) was an important American politician from South Carolina. He made history as the state's first black Lieutenant Governor. Later, he served as a Congressman in Washington D.C. from 1873 to 1875. He was a member of the Republican Party during the Reconstruction era, a time after the American Civil War when the country was rebuilding.
Contents
Who Was Alonzo Ransier?
Early Life and New Beginnings
Alonzo Ransier was born in Charleston, South Carolina. He was born a free person of color, meaning he was not enslaved. Before the Civil War, he worked as a shipping clerk.
After the war ended, big changes happened in the South. In 1865, Ransier was chosen to be the state's registrar of elections. This job meant he helped manage how people voted.
In the late 1860s, Ransier also worked as an editor. He wrote for a newspaper called the South Carolina Leader. This paper was later renamed the Missionary Record. He worked with other future politicians, Richard H. Cain and Robert B. Elliott.
A Leader in South Carolina
In 1868, Ransier became a member of the state's constitutional convention. This group helped write new rules for South Carolina. For the first time, they created a public school system for everyone. They also set up places to help people in need.
Later in 1868, Ransier was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives. He served as a state lawmaker until 1869. In 1870, he was elected the 54th Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina. This made him the second-highest leader in the state government.
Serving in Congress
In 1873, Alonzo Ransier was elected to the 43rd United States Congress. He represented South Carolina in the U.S. House of Representatives. While in Congress, he strongly supported the Civil Rights Act of 1875. This law aimed to give equal rights to all citizens.
He also supported high tariffs, which are taxes on goods brought into the country. He was against increasing the salaries of federal officials. Ransier also campaigned for President Ulysses S. Grant. He even suggested that presidents should serve six-year terms instead of four.
Later Years
After leaving Congress in 1875, Ransier continued to work for the government. He was appointed as a collector for the Internal Revenue Service. This job involved collecting taxes for the federal government.
Alonzo Ransier passed away in 1882 in Charleston. At the time of his death, he was working as a street cleaner. He is remembered as an important figure in South Carolina's history.
See also
