James Alexander Chiles facts for kids

James Alexander Chiles (1860–1930) was an important African American lawyer. He made history as the first African American lawyer in Lexington, Kentucky. He studied law at the University of Michigan Law School. Later, he argued a big case, Chiles v. Chesapeake & O R CO, in the U.S. Supreme Court. This happened after he was forced to move from a "whites only" train car. He had a first-class ticket, but was moved to a "colored" section. Sadly, the court case did not change the law at that time. It upheld the Kentucky Separate Coach Law.

Early Life

James Alexander Chiles was born in Richmond, Virginia in 1860. He was one of eight children. His parents, Richard and Martha Chiles, were not wealthy. James and his brothers decided to leave school early. They wanted to work and help their family.

James started school at age 6 in Richmond. But soon, he began working. He had many jobs. He worked in a tobacco factory. Then he was a porter in a store. He also worked as a bellboy and porter at a hotel. In his free time, James studied and read. He always hoped to continue his education.

Education and Law Career

James's twin brother, John, helped him financially. In 1882, James enrolled at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. He also worked there as a dining room waiter to pay for his board. He graduated in 1887.

After Lincoln University, James went to the University of Michigan Law School. He was known as a very hardworking and good student. By 1889, he had earned his law degree. He started practicing law in Virginia. But the next year, he moved to Lexington, Kentucky. There, he opened his own law firm.

Legal Practice in Lexington

James Chiles was the first African American lawyer to practice law in Lexington, Kentucky. He started his firm in 1890. By 1907, there were only four African American lawyers in Lexington, including Chiles. His office was located at 304 W. Short Street.

The Chiles v. Chesapeake & O R CO Case

In 1903, James Chiles bought a first-class train ticket. He was traveling from Washington D.C. to Lexington, Kentucky. The train was run by the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad.

The train stopped in Ashland, Kentucky. There, Chiles entered a train car that was only for white people. A train worker asked him to move to the "colored" section. Chiles refused. The conductor then asked him to move, following the railroad's rules. Chiles still refused. He said he had a first-class ticket for the whole trip. He was then forced to move to the "colored" car. Chiles believed this was against his rights.

Kentucky had a "Separate Coach Law" from 1892. This law said that Black and white train passengers had to ride in separate cars. Chiles argued that this law should not apply to him. He said it violated laws about travel between states.

Chiles took his case to court in Fayette County, Kentucky. He lost the case and received no money. The court said that the state could enforce the Separate Coach Law. They claimed the "colored" cars were equal to the white cars. They also said Chiles had to follow the railroad's rules. Chiles asked for a new trial, but it was denied.

In 1907, Chiles appealed the decision. He took his case to the Kentucky Court of Appeals. This time, he won $100 in damages. This was because he was moved from his first-class seat to an unequal "colored" car. He had been escorted by a police officer after protesting.

Chiles still felt his rights were violated. He argued that he was forced into an unequal "Jim Crow" car. He believed that class, not race, should decide where he sat. He had paid for a first-class ticket.

Chiles then took his case to the U.S. Supreme Court. The case was argued on April 18, 1910. On May 10, 1910, the Supreme Court made its decision. It upheld the Kentucky Court of Appeals' ruling. The Supreme Court said that a state railroad company had the right to make rules requiring Black and white passengers to ride in separate train cars.

Personal Life

James Chiles was very active in the African American community. He and his wife were known for helping people in need. In 1904, he spoke out against a bill in Kentucky. This bill would have discriminated against African American voters.

Chiles also worked to improve schools. He pushed for school truant officers and doctors in African American schools in Lexington. In 1913, the Governor of Kentucky, James McCreary, chose Chiles as a delegate. He attended the 50th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation in Philadelphia.

Chiles and his wife, Fannie J. Bates Chiles, were members of the first Seventh-day Adventist Church in Lexington, Kentucky. He served the church as a trustee, deacon, and treasurer.

Death and Legacy

James Chiles passed away in Richmond, Virginia, in April 1930. After his death, the Lexington Bar Association wrote a tribute to him. It was published in the Lexington Leader newspaper on April 9, 1930. The tribute praised Chiles for his hard work and dedication. It said his life showed what is possible when people have opportunity, resources, and work hard.