Ezekiel Gillespie facts for kids
Ezekiel Gillespie (born May 31, 1818 – died March 31, 1892) was an important African-American leader. He worked for civil rights and helped his community. He won a very important court case that gave Black men the right to vote in Wisconsin.
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Ezekiel Gillespie's Early Life and Freedom
Ezekiel Gillespie was born into slavery in 1818. This happened either in Canton, Mississippi or Greene County, Tennessee. When he was a young man, he managed to buy his own freedom. He paid $800, which was a lot of money back then.
After gaining his freedom, Gillespie traveled to Indiana. He then moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In Milwaukee, he first sold groceries. Later, he worked as a porter on the railroad.
Becoming a Community Leader
Ezekiel Gillespie quickly became a respected leader in Milwaukee's African-American community. He helped many people. He ran a local part of the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network that helped slaves escape to freedom.
He also encouraged Richard Allen to start Wisconsin's first African-American church. Gillespie was also involved in the Joshua Glover case. This was another important event for civil rights in Wisconsin.
Fighting for Voting Rights
In 1865, Ezekiel Gillespie decided to try and vote. He did this because Sherman Booth encouraged him. But when he tried, election officials would not give him a ballot. They said he could not vote because he was Black.
Gillespie believed this was wrong. He decided to sue the Board of Elections. His case was called Gillespie v. Palmer. It was a very important lawsuit.
The Landmark Court Case
The case went all the way to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. This is the highest court in the state. Gillespie argued that Wisconsin voters had already agreed to let Black men vote. This decision was made in a public vote back in 1849.
The judges on the court agreed with Gillespie. They sided with him in his argument. This meant that Black men in Wisconsin had the right to vote. Ezekiel Gillespie became the first Black voter in Wisconsin. This was a huge victory for civil rights.
Later Life and Legacy
Later in his life, Gillespie moved to Chicago, Illinois. He passed away there on March 31, 1892. His body was brought back to Milwaukee. He was buried in Forest Home Cemetery. This cemetery is where many famous people from Milwaukee are buried. Ezekiel Gillespie is remembered as a hero who fought for fairness and equality.
