Israel Abbott facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Israel B. Abbott
|
|
|---|---|
| North Carolina House of Representatives | |
| In office 1872–1874 |
|
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1843 |
| Died | 1887 (aged 43–44) New Bern, North Carolina |
| Political party | Republican |
Israel B. Abbott (1843-1887) was an important politician from North Carolina. He served in the North Carolina House of Representatives from 1872 to 1874. This was during a time called the Reconstruction era. Israel B. Abbott was an African American leader.
Contents
Who Was Israel B. Abbott?
Israel B. Abbott was born in 1843. He was born free, meaning he was not enslaved. This was before the American Civil War. During the war, he worked as a servant for a Confederate officer.
Early Life and Freedom
In 1861, Israel Abbott left his work and went to New Bern, North Carolina. He stayed there until 1862. That year, soldiers from the Union Army arrived in New Bern. This happened after the Battle of New Bern. With the Union Army's arrival, New Bern became a place of freedom for many.
A Voice in Politics
After the Civil War, the Reconstruction Era began. This was a time when the United States worked to rebuild the country. It also focused on giving rights to newly freed African Americans. During this time, Israel Abbott became active in politics.
Serving North Carolina
Abbott joined the North Carolina Republican Party. This party supported rights for African Americans. From 1872 to 1874, he served in the North Carolina House of Representatives. He represented Craven County. This was a big step for African Americans in government.
In 1884, Israel Abbott became the chairman of the Republican Convention in his state. This showed his growing influence. He was a respected leader in the party.
Challenging for Change
In 1886, Abbott decided to run for another important position. He challenged another Republican, James E. O'Hara. O'Hara was also of African American and white ancestry. Both Abbott and O'Hara lost the election. They lost to a white Democrat named Furnifold McLendel Simmons.
Simmons later became a leader who worked to take away voting rights from Black North Carolinians. Israel B. Abbott died in New Bern in 1887. He was a key figure in the fight for civil rights during a challenging time.
See Also
