John W. E. Thomas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John W. E. Thomas
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the 2nd district |
|
| In office 1877–1879 |
|
| Member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the 3rd district |
|
| In office 1882–1886 |
|
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 1, 1847 Montgomery, Alabama |
| Died | December 18, 1899 (aged 52) Chicago, Illinois |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouses |
Maria Reynolds
(m. 1864; died 1878)Justine Latcher
(m. 1880; died 1883)Crittie E.O. Marshall
(m. 1887) |
| Children | 8 |
| Occupation | Grocer; real estate developer |
| Profession | Lawyer; teacher |
John William Edinburgh Thomas (born May 1, 1847 – died December 18, 1899) was an important American leader. He was a businessman, a teacher, and a politician in Illinois.
John Thomas was born into slavery in Alabama. After the American Civil War, he moved to Chicago. There, he became a well-known community leader. In 1876, he made history. He was the first African American person elected to the Illinois General Assembly. This is the state's law-making body. Thomas also helped pass Illinois' first law against unfair treatment in public places. He introduced this important law in 1885.
Contents
John W. E. Thomas: A Pioneer Leader
John Thomas was born on May 1, 1847, in Montgomery, Alabama. Even though it was against the law, he taught other enslaved people to read and write. This showed his strong belief in education.
Moving to Chicago and Building a Community
Thomas became a school teacher in the South. In 1869, he moved to Chicago with his wife and daughter. In Chicago, he started a grocery store. He also opened a school specifically for Black children.
He became very active at Olivet Baptist Church. This church was in the South Chicago Loop area. This area later became the place he represented in politics.
A Career in Illinois Politics
In 1876, John Thomas was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives. This was a big step, as he was the first African American to achieve this. He served one term in the House.
After not being re-elected in 1878 and 1880, he studied law. He became a lawyer in 1880. He also grew his business in real estate.
Thomas was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives again in 1882. He was re-elected for a third term in 1884. In 1885, he supported John A. Logan for the U.S. Senate. Logan was also a Republican.
Fighting for Fairness
Also in 1885, Thomas introduced a very important law. This law became Illinois' first rule against discrimination. It made it illegal to treat people unfairly in public places. This was a major achievement for civil rights.
In 1886, he was elected South Town Clerk. He served one term in this role. John Thomas passed away on December 18, 1899. He was known as one of the wealthiest African Americans in Chicago at that time. His life showed great courage and dedication to his community.
