Charles P. Clemens facts for kids
Charles P. Clemens (born 1842 – died November 29, 1895) was an important figure in American history. He was a soldier, a reverend (a type of religious leader), and a state politician in Mississippi. He served in the Mississippi House of Representatives, which is like a state parliament, representing Clarke County, Mississippi in 1874 and 1875.
Early Life and Military Service
Charles P. Clemens was born in 1842 in Darke County, Ohio. His parents were Layton and Mary Clemens.
During the American Civil War, Charles Clemens served as an engineer. He was part of the 45th United States Colored Infantry Regiment. This was a special unit made up of African American soldiers. He served until June 8, 1865, when he was honorably discharged from the army due to health reasons.
A Career in Politics
After his military service, Charles P. Clemens moved to Mississippi. He became involved in politics during a time called the Reconstruction Era. This was a period after the Civil War when the Southern states were being rebuilt and brought back into the United States. Many African Americans, like Clemens, played a big role in politics during this time.
In 1873, Charles Clemens decided to run for office. He successfully won a seat in the Mississippi House of Representatives. He officially took his oath of office on January 21, 1874.
What He Did in Office
During his time as a state legislator, Charles P. Clemens worked on several important committees. These committees helped make decisions about different areas of life in Mississippi. He was a member of committees focused on:
- Public Education: Helping to improve schools and learning for everyone.
- Federal Relations: Dealing with how the state of Mississippi worked with the national government.
- Railroads: Planning and managing train lines, which were very important for travel and trade.
- Public Works: Working on projects like roads, bridges, and other public buildings.
He was also a member of The Republican Fifth Congressional Executive Committee in 1875. This shows his involvement with the Republican Party, which was a major political party at the time.
Later Life
Charles P. Clemens passed away on November 29, 1895. He was buried at the Forest Hill cemetery in Piqua, Ohio.
