John T. Gunnell facts for kids

John T. Gunnell (1836 – June 26, 1902) was an important figure in Colorado's history. He was a politician who served in the Colorado House of Representatives. This is a group of elected officials who make laws for the state of Colorado.

Mr. Gunnell made history by becoming the first African American to serve in the Colorado Legislature. He represented Arapahoe County, Colorado, which included the city of Denver at that time.

John T. Gunnell: A Pioneer Politician

John T. Gunnell was born in 1836. He lived during a time of great change in the United States. He moved to Colorado and became involved in his community. By 1876, he was listed in a city directory for Arapahoe County. This shows he was an active resident.

Serving in the Colorado Legislature

John T. Gunnell served in the Colorado House of Representatives from 1881 to 1883. This period was known as the Third General Assembly. His election was a very important moment for civil rights in Colorado. He was the first African American to hold such a high office in the state.

During his time in office, Representative Gunnell was known for his dedication. He was present for every single day of the legislative session. This shows how committed he was to his work and to the people he represented.

Important Laws and Committees

As a state representative, John T. Gunnell played a role in making new laws. He sponsored a bill called House Bill 57. This bill was about "tenants-at-will or monthly renters." It aimed to help people who rented homes or properties.

The bill was introduced on January 15, 1881. It passed through a committee, which means a group of lawmakers reviewed it. However, the bill was later postponed. This means it did not become a law at that time.

Mr. Gunnell also worked on several important committees. He was the chairman of the committee on federal relations. This committee dealt with how Colorado interacted with the United States government. He was also a member of the committee on elections and apportionment. This group helped decide how voting districts were set up. Additionally, he served on the penitentiary committee, which looked after state prisons.

Later Life

John T. Gunnell passed away on June 26, 1902. His legacy as the first African American legislator in Colorado continues to be remembered. He opened doors for future generations of diverse leaders in the state.

See also

• African-American officeholders during and following the Reconstruction era
• List of African American pioneers of Colorado