Paris Simkins facts for kids

Paris Simkins (born 1849, died 1930) was an amazing African-American leader. He was a store owner, a lawyer, a minister, a barber, and a politician. Even though he was born into slavery, he achieved many great things. Simkins started the Macedonia Baptist Church in Edgefield, South Carolina. After the Civil War, he became a strong member of the Republican Party. He worked in many government jobs, including serving in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1872 to 1876.

Early Life and Freedom

Paris Simkins was born in 1849 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. He was born into slavery. His mother was enslaved, and his father was the white newspaper editor, Arthur Simkins.

After the Civil War ended slavery, Paris Simkins became a free man. In 1866, he and another formerly enslaved man wrote a letter. They asked the government for help and protection.

A Leader in Reconstruction

The time after the Civil War was called Reconstruction. During this period, Simkins became a very active leader. He founded the Macedonia Baptist Church in Edgefield. This church became an important place for the community.

Simkins also held several important positions. He was a high-ranking officer, like a lieutenant colonel, in the South Carolina State Militia. He also worked as the town's postmaster. From 1872 to 1876, he was an elected member of the South Carolina House of Representatives.

While he was serving in the legislature, Simkins also went to college. He studied at the University of South Carolina. He graduated from the university in 1876.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1876, a former slaveholder named Wade Hampton III became governor. His election was very close and involved some unfair actions. After this, Simkins focused more on his church. He also helped organize the Knights of Pythias in Edgefield. This was a friendly group that helped its members.

In 1885, Simkins was allowed to become a lawyer. This meant he could practice law, but he chose not to. Paris Simkins was buried in the cemetery next to the Macedonia Baptist Church in Edgefield, South Carolina.

Family's Fight for Equality

Years later, in 1938, Paris Simkins' grandson, Charles B. Bailey, wanted to attend law school. He applied to the University of South Carolina School of Law. At that time, the university only accepted white students. Even though his grandfather had graduated from the same university, Charles's application was delayed.

After a long wait, a leader at the university said they would not admit non-white students. Charles B. Bailey then got a job with the United States Postal Service. He later led the effort to allow African-American mail carriers in Columbia in the 1940s. This helped make the postal service fairer for everyone.