John Watson (Virginia politician) facts for kids

John Watson was an important African-American politician from Virginia in the 1800s. He worked hard to help his community after the American Civil War. John Watson passed away in 1870.

Early Life

John Watson was born in Mecklenburg County, Virginia. At that time, he was born into slavery. This meant he was not free and had to work without pay.

Political Career

The Virginia Capitol at Richmond, Virginia, where important meetings took place.

After the American Civil War, John Watson became a free man. He spent about five years helping his community in Mecklenburg. He worked to create and support schools and churches for African-Americans.

In 1867, John Watson was chosen to be a delegate. A delegate is someone elected to represent people at a special meeting. He attended the Virginia Constitutional Convention of 1868. This meeting was held to write a new constitution, or set of rules, for Virginia.

Watson was a member of the Republican Party. He was the only delegate elected from his home area, Mecklenburg County.

After the Convention, John Watson was elected again. He became a member of the Virginia House of Delegates. This is a part of the state government that makes laws. He served during the 1869 to 1870 session.

Death

John Watson died in 1870. He passed away before his term in the House of Delegates ended. Another politician named Ross Hamilton took his place.