Oscar Crozier facts for kids

Oscar Crozier was an important figure during a time in American history called the Reconstruction era. He was a sugar planter and a politician who served in the Louisiana State Senate from 1874 to 1875. He was a member of the Republican Party and worked to improve things in his community.

Oscar Crozier's Story

Early Life and Public Service

Oscar Crozier was born around 1843. He lived in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, where he worked as a sugar planter.

In 1869, he started his public service. He was chosen to be an assessor for the U.S. Internal Revenue in Lafourche Parish. An assessor helps figure out taxes. In 1870, Governor Henry C. Warmoth appointed him as an alderman for Thibodaux, Louisiana. An alderman is like a city council member who helps run the town.

A Leader in Politics

Crozier was a strong member of the Republican Party. He often spoke at Republican meetings. He was also chosen as a delegate for many important political conventions. A delegate is someone chosen to represent a group at a meeting.

For example, in August 1870, he was elected as a delegate to the state convention. In July 1871, he was again chosen as a delegate for the August state convention. At this meeting, he became a vice president and was appointed to a special committee for the state. He continued to be a delegate for the Republican state convention in August 1872.

In 1872, Governor Warmoth also nominated Crozier to be the tax collector for Lafourche Parish. He continued this job until at least 1877.

Improving Education

The same year, Oscar Crozier was the president of the Lafourche School Board. He noted that the parish had 1,100 students attending public schools. This shows his dedication to education in his community.

Serving in the Senate

In 1874, Oscar Crozier was nominated to be a delegate for the state convention once more. He was also nominated to run for senator for the eighth senatorial district. A senator is a lawmaker who helps create state laws.

He won the election by a small number of votes, beating his opponent 4,441 votes to 4,395. He served in the Louisiana State Senate until April 1875. He was removed from office because of something called the Wheeler Compromise. This was a political agreement made to settle disputes from the 1874 election.

Later Years

Even after leaving the Senate, Oscar Crozier remained active in the politics of his parish. He continued to attend Republican state conventions until at least 1892.

He passed away sometime before February 1896.

See also

• African-American officeholders during and following the Reconstruction era