Benjamin Chiles facts for kids
Benjamin Chiles was an important state legislator in Mississippi. He was born on June 22, 1825, and passed away on March 20, 1911. He served as a representative for Oktibbeha County in the Mississippi state government from 1874 to 1878.
Early Life and Moving to Mississippi
Benjamin Chiles was born into slavery in South Carolina. In 1837, when he was about 12 years old, he moved to Mississippi. He moved with a person named John M. Chiles. After the American Civil War, many people who had been enslaved gained their freedom. This period was known as the Reconstruction era.
Serving as a Legislator
During the Reconstruction era, many African Americans, like Benjamin Chiles, became involved in politics. They worked to help rebuild the Southern states and create new laws. Benjamin Chiles became a state legislator. This means he was elected by the people of Oktibbeha County to represent them in the state's law-making body. He helped make decisions and create laws for Mississippi. His time in office was from 1874 to 1878.
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