D. Augustus Straker facts for kids
D. Augustus Straker was an important American figure. He was a dedicated teacher, a skilled lawyer, and a respected judge. He won elections to the South Carolina legislature many times. However, he was unfairly stopped from taking his seat.
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Early Life and Education
David Augustus Straker was born in Bridgetown, Barbados in 1842. His parents were John and Margaret Straker. His father passed away when David was very young. His mother raised him.
He went to Dame School until he was eleven. Then, he had a private tutor for two years. After that, he attended the Central Public School of the Island. He also learned French and Latin. At just seventeen, he became the principal of St. Mary's School. He also taught at other schools.
In 1866, a church leader asked if any Black people would teach former slaves in the United States. Straker volunteered. He began teaching in Louisville, Kentucky. These schools were set up by the Episcopal Church and the Freedmen's Bureau.
In 1870, Straker decided to study law. He joined Howard University Law School and graduated in 1871. While studying, he worked for Oliver Otis Howard, who led the Freedmen's Bureau. He also taught at Howard University. He earned law degrees from Howard University and Selma University.
In September 1871, he married Ann Carey in Detroit, Michigan.
Political Career
In 1871, Straker started working for the United States Department of the Treasury in Washington, D.C.. He stayed there until 1875. Then, he became an Inspector of Customs in Charleston, South Carolina.
In 1876, he began working as a lawyer in Orangeburg County, South Carolina. He was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives as a Republican. However, there was a big political argument at the time. Two different people claimed to be the governor. Because of this, Straker and many other Republican lawmakers were not allowed to take their seats. He was reelected in 1877 and 1878. But he was still denied his seat both times.
In 1878, he started a law firm with Robert B. Elliott and Thomas McCants Stewart. Straker was also appointed as a special Inspector of Customs. His direct political involvement became less frequent. But he was still very respected. He was friends with many important Republican leaders. He was one of only three Black men present when Senator Charles Sumner passed away in 1874.
Law Career
In 1882, Straker became a dean and law professor at Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina. He was known as a very good lawyer. He worked on several important cases.
One famous case involved defending James Coleman, who was accused of murder. Straker successfully argued that Coleman was not guilty due to insanity. He also won two cases for the Bethel A.M.E. church. One was about property, and the other supported a minister in a disagreement. He worked with Joseph W. Morris (educator) on his law cases. Morris later became president of Allen University.
Straker also attended many educational meetings. He played a key role in the "colored department" at the 1884 World Cotton Centennial in New Orleans. He was also a well-known speaker. He wrote many articles for religious magazines, especially the A. M. E. Review.
Working in Michigan
In 1885, Straker visited Detroit, Michigan. He was welcomed warmly and gave several speeches. Later, he moved to Detroit. There, he became the first Black lawyer to appear before the Michigan Supreme Court.
In 1890, Straker argued a very important case called Ferguson v. Gies. He argued that the idea of "separate but equal" was against Michigan law. This was a big step in fighting for equal rights. In the 1890s, Straker worked with Robert Pelham Jr.. They helped create branches of the National Afro-American League in Michigan. They worked together to support Black people who needed legal help.
Straker was one of 56 important Detroit residents invited to contribute to the Detroit Century Box. This was a time capsule organized by the mayor. It was sealed on December 31, 1900, and opened exactly 100 years later.
See also
- List of first minority male lawyers and judges in Michigan
Images for kids
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David Augustus Straker, 1902.
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Death of Charles Sumner by Currier & Ives.
