Matthew Gaines facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Matthew Gaines
|
|
|---|---|
Matthew Gaines
|
|
| Texas State Senator from District 16 | |
| In office 1870–1873 |
|
| Preceded by | Abraham Morris Gentry |
| Succeeded by | Seth Shepard |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 4, 1840 Alexandria, Louisiana, US |
| Died | June 11, 1900 (aged 59) Giddings, Texas, US |
| Political party | Republican |
| Occupation | State senator |
Matthew Gaines (born August 4, 1840 – died June 11, 1900) was an important leader in Texas. He was born into slavery but became a minister and a Republican State Senator. He worked hard to create free public schools for everyone in Texas.
Contents
Early Life of Matthew Gaines
Matthew Gaines was born on August 4, 1840. He was born near Alexandria, Louisiana. His mother was an enslaved person owned by the Martin Despallier family.
Gaines taught himself to read. A white boy secretly brought him books. This boy might have been Blaz Philipe Despallier. Blaz lived on the same estate.
Gaines was sold to a new owner. He tried to escape from Louisiana to Arkansas. He eventually reached New Orleans. But he was caught and sent back to his owner.
In 1859, Gaines was sold again. He stayed with Christopher Columbus Hearne. In 1863, he tried to escape to Mexico. He was caught once more. He had to work in Fredericksburg, Texas until the Civil War ended.
Matthew Gaines's Political Career
The Emancipation Proclamation was officially announced in Texas on June 19, 1865. After this, Gaines settled in Burton. This town is in Washington County.
He became a strong leader for the newly freed people. He served as a Baptist preacher. He also became a politician.
In 1869, Gaines was elected as a Senator. He represented Texas's 16th district. He served in the Twelfth Texas Legislature. He became known for protecting the rights of African-Texans.
During his time as a senator, he focused on important issues. These included public education and prison reform. He also worked to protect black voters. He supported changes for tenant farming.
Gaines strongly supported creating the first public school system for all Texans. He also helped Texas use the federal Grant College Act. This act is also known as the Morrill Act.
In 1870, Gaines helped pass the Militia Bill. This bill created a state police force. It helped fight crime and protect voters.
Gaines was elected for a six-year term. However, he only served four years. In 1873, he was removed from office. This happened after a political trial. His seat was then taken by Seth Shepard.
In 1875, Gaines was arrested. He had given a speech about civil rights in Giddings. He told his audience that "in the eyes of God, blacks are as good as whites." He encouraged them to have pride. Gaines continued to be active in politics. He shared his views at meetings and from his church pulpit.
Matthew Gaines's Legacy
Matthew Gaines passed away in Giddings, Texas, on June 11, 1900.
In 1998, people at Texas A&M University wanted a statue of Gaines. They wanted it to be displayed on campus. The project was put on hold after the Aggie Bonfire tragedy in 1999.
But 19 years later, students and supporters pushed again. They wanted a statue of Matthew Gaines at Texas A&M. On June 19, 2020, they reached their fundraising goal. A statue of Gaines was revealed and dedicated on November 19, 2021.
See also
