Henry Green Madison facts for kids

Henry Green Madison (born around 1843 – died May 31, 1912) was an important leader in Austin, Texas. He made history as the city's first African American city councilman.

Henry Green Madison: A Pioneer in Austin

Early Life and Arrival in Austin

Henry Green Madison came to Austin in the early 1860s. He was a freedman, which means he was a person who had been enslaved but was now free. By 1863, he had started his own shoemaking business. He also built a small log cabin at what is now 807 E. 11th Street.

Madison was a strong supporter of the Union during the American Civil War. In 1867, he became the president of the Austin chapter of the Union League. This group worked to protect the rights of African Americans during the time known as Reconstruction. He helped at the Texas Constitutional Convention from 1868 to 1869. In 1870, he was a captain in an all-black unit of the Sixth Regiment of the Texas State Guard.

Serving the Community: Political Roles

In 1871, Governor Edmund J. Davis appointed Madison as an alderman for the city of Austin. An alderman is like a city council member who helps make decisions for the city. That same year, Madison bravely volunteered to be a registrar of voters in Travis County. This job involved helping people sign up to vote. It was a challenging and sometimes dangerous role for a black man in Texas during Reconstruction, as many people were against African Americans having equal rights. Madison served as an alderman until November 28, 1872.

After his time as an alderman, Madison continued to serve the community. He worked as a policeman for the city of Austin. Later, he worked as a porter in the Texas House of Representatives. A porter helps with various tasks, like carrying things or assisting people.

The Historic Madison Cabin

Madison's original cabin, relocated to East Austin's Rosewood Park

In 1886, Henry Green Madison built a larger house around his original log cabin on 11th Street. The cabin stayed hidden inside the bigger house for many years. In 1968, a construction crew discovered the cabin while tearing down the outer house.

The historic cabin was given to the city of Austin. It was carefully taken apart and then rebuilt in a new spot. Today, you can find Madison's cabin at its current location in Rosewood Neighborhood Park. It stands as an important reminder of Austin's history and Henry Green Madison's legacy.

Legacy and Passing

Henry Green Madison passed away in Austin on May 31, 1912. He is buried in Austin's historic Oakwood Cemetery. His life showed great courage and dedication to public service, making him a true pioneer in Austin's history.