John Boston (politician) facts for kids
John Boston was an important leader who was born into slavery around 1832. He later became a representative for Darlington County in the South Carolina House of Representatives during the Reconstruction era, a time in American history after the Civil War. John Boston also helped start a church and worked as a farmer.
Early Life
John Boston was born into slavery around 1832 in a place called Lisbon Township, which is now Lamar, South Carolina. He lived in Darlington County, South Carolina. John and his wife, Lucy A. Boston, had eight children. Their children were named Henry, Cornelius, George, Ronnie, Jane, John H., J. Johnson, and Mary.
A Church Leader
In 1865, John Boston helped create the Lamar Colored Methodist Episcopal Church. He served as the minister for this church from 1865 to 1867. At first, church services were held in a simple shelter made of branches. By 1866, the church building was finished. Today, this church is known as the John Wesley Methodist Church.
In 1873, John Boston attended a big meeting for the Methodist Episcopal Church in South Carolina. He was also a school trustee, helping to manage local schools. He supported his community in many ways and even invested in real estate.
A Voice in Government
John Boston represented Darlington County in the South Carolina House of Representatives. He served two terms, first from 1868 to 1870, and then again from 1872 to 1874. In 1868, there were four representatives from Darlington County. Three of them, including John Boston, were African American. The other two were Alfred Rush and Jordan Lang.
As a representative, John Boston cared a lot about making sure laws were fair. He also worked hard to protect civil rights for everyone. He especially wanted young people from his area to have good opportunities. For example, he helped students from his community get accepted into the University of South Carolina. One student, R. Marcus Dubose, was accepted in December 1869.
By 1880, John Boston was working as a farmer. He lived in the town of Lisbon, in Boston Township. This township in Darlington County was actually named after him!
Later Life
John Boston was buried in the cemetery of what is now the John Wesley Methodist Church.
See also
