Leroy McAfee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Leroy McAfee
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| Born | December 17, 1837 North Carolina, U.S.
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| Died | 1873 |
| Resting place | Methodist church, York, South Carolina |
| Education | University of North Carolina |
| Occupation | Lawyer, politician |
| Known for | Ku Kkux Klan leadership |
| Spouse(s) | Hattie Cameron Agnes Adelaide Williams |
| Relatives | Thomas Dixon, Jr. (nephew) |
Leroy Magnum McAfee (born 1837, died 1873) was an American soldier and politician. He was a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives. He was also known for his connection to a historical group called the Ku Klux Klan. His nephew, Thomas Dixon Jr., later wrote stories inspired by him.
Early Life and Education
Leroy Magnum McAfee was born on December 17, 1837, in North Carolina. He went to the University of North Carolina. He graduated with high honors in 1859. The President of the United States, James Buchanan, spoke at his graduation.
Career and Public Service
After college, McAfee worked as a lawyer in Shelby, North Carolina.
During the American Civil War (1861-1865), McAfee served as an officer. He was part of the Confederate States Army. He became a Major in April 1862. Later, in November 1862, he was promoted to the rank of Colonel.
After the war, McAfee became a politician. He served in the North Carolina House of Representatives. He represented Cleveland County, North Carolina, from 1870 to 1873. He was also a member of the Ku Klux Klan, a group that was active during that time. According to his nephew, McAfee helped in the effort to remove Governor William Woods Holden from office.
Family and Legacy
Leroy McAfee was married two times. His first wife was Hattie Cameron. His second wife was Agnes Adelaide Williams.
McAfee's nephew, Thomas Dixon, Jr., was a writer. Dixon dedicated his book, The Clansman, to his uncle. He described McAfee as a "leader of the South" and a "Grand Titan of the invisible Empire of the Ku Klux Klan."
McAfee passed away in 1873 from a lung illness called tuberculosis. He was buried in Rose Hill Cemetery in York, South Carolina. Years later, in 1916, his nephew Dixon wanted to build a statue of McAfee. This statue was planned for the courthouse square in Shelby, North Carolina. There was some debate about the statue. This was because Dixon wanted McAfee to wear a Ku Klux Klan mask in the statue. Despite the discussion, some newspapers, including The New York Times, supported the idea of the statue.
