Henry Sneed facts for kids

Henry S. Sneed, whose last name was sometimes spelled Snead, was an important figure in Texas history. He was born into slavery but later became a farmer and a state legislator. This means he helped make laws for Texas.

He was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1876. He represented people from Waller County, Texas, Wharton County, and Fort Bend County, Texas. Henry S. Sneed was one of only three African American lawmakers in the 15th Texas Legislature at that time.

Who Was Henry S. Sneed?

Henry S. Sneed was born in Marshall, Texas. Not much is known about his early life, but he was born into slavery. This means he was not free and had to work without pay. After the American Civil War ended and slavery was abolished, he became a free man.

He later married a woman named Emma. A photograph of him shows that he had a mustache. He worked as a farmer, which was a common job in Texas during that time.

Becoming a Leader

After the Civil War, during a period called Reconstruction, many African Americans gained new rights. They could vote and even run for political office. Henry S. Sneed decided to use this opportunity to help his community.

He ran for a seat in the Texas House of Representatives. This is a group of elected officials who meet to create and vote on new laws for the state of Texas. Being a state legislator means you represent the people of your area and work to improve their lives through laws.

Representing His Community

In 1876, Henry S. Sneed was successfully elected to the Texas House of Representatives. He served in the 15th Texas Legislature. This was a very important time because it was still quite rare for African Americans to hold such positions.

He represented three different counties: Waller, Wharton, and Fort Bend. His election showed that people in these areas trusted him to speak for them and work for their interests in the state government.

The Reconstruction Era in Texas

The Reconstruction era was a time after the Civil War (from 1865 to 1877) when the United States worked to rebuild the country. It was also a time when former enslaved people gained new rights, like the right to vote and hold office.

In Texas, like other Southern states, African Americans began to take part in politics for the first time. Henry S. Sneed was one of the brave leaders who stepped up during this period. His role as a legislator was a big step forward for civil rights and representation in Texas.

See also

• Fifteenth Texas Legislature
• African-American officeholders during and following the Reconstruction era