Edwin Belcher facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edwin Belcher
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| Member of the Georgia House of Representatives from the Wilkes County, Georgia district |
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| In office 1868–? |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 1845 |
| Political party | Republican |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
Edwin Belcher (born 1845) was an important figure during a time of big changes in American history. He was an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. After the war, he worked for the Freedmen's Bureau, which helped formerly enslaved people. Later, he became a state senator in the Georgia Legislature, representing Wilkes County, Georgia during the Reconstruction Era.
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Serving His Country
Edwin Belcher bravely served in the Union Army during the Civil War. He was even captured by the enemy twice. When people learned about his background, he reportedly said he simply did his duty, just like any other soldier. This shows his dedication to his country.
A Leader in Politics
After the war, Edwin Belcher continued to serve his community. U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant chose him for important roles. Belcher became an assessor of revenue for Georgia. This meant he helped collect taxes for the government. Later, President Grant also made him the postmaster in Macon, Georgia. A postmaster is in charge of a local post office.
Facing Challenges in Government
In 1868, Edwin Belcher was elected to the Georgia Legislature. However, after the election, many African American lawmakers were not allowed to take their seats. This was a difficult time called the Reconstruction Era. More than two dozen elected officials were turned away. But Edwin Belcher and a few others, like Madison Davis, F. H. Fyall, and Thomas P. Beard, were allowed to stay. This was because of unfair rules about race at the time. Despite these challenges, Belcher continued to fight for justice and equality.
A Career in Law
Edwin Belcher believed in the power of education. In 1872, he graduated from Howard University's law school. This university was founded in 1869 and was very important for African American education. After finishing law school, he became a lawyer in Washington D.C. His brother, Eugene R. Belcher, also studied law at Howard University.
In 1878, Edwin Belcher wrote a letter to William Lloyd Garrison, a famous anti-slavery leader. In his letter, Belcher shared a very personal detail. He wrote that he was "born the slave of my father." This means his own father was his enslaver, which was a common situation for many enslaved people in the past.
His Lasting Impact
Edwin Belcher's legacy lives on through his family. Drew S. Days III, who served as the Solicitor General of the United States, is a descendant of the Belcher family. This shows the lasting impact of Edwin Belcher's life and work.
