Richard E. S. Toomey facts for kids

Richard E. S. Toomey (born May 1862 – died April 17, 1948) was a talented man who lived in Washington, DC and Miami, Florida. He was a soldier, a poet, and a lawyer.

His poems became very popular in the early 1900s. People called him "The Soldier Poet." He was well-known in Washington, DC, and was friends with another famous poet, Paul Laurence Dunbar.

Besides writing poetry, Richard Toomey served in the Spanish–American War. He also became a popular speaker for different causes in Washington, DC. He studied law and graduated from Howard University Law School in 1906. Later, in 1913, he moved to Miami. There, he became Miami's first black attorney.

Early Life and Military Service

Richard Toomey was born in May 1862 in Maryland, probably in Baltimore. His father was an oyster farmer.

Toomey joined the Army and served during the Spanish–American War. He was part of Company B of the 8th United States Volunteer Infantry. This group was also known as the "8th Immune Regiment." People at the time mistakenly thought that black soldiers were immune to tropical diseases.

His regiment stayed in the U.S. during the war. Toomey was in charge of training his company at Fort Thomas, Kentucky. He started as a private soldier and was promoted to first lieutenant. Even though he didn't go to the battlefield, his service was highly valued. In 1922, it was reported that he was the only black soldier to receive a special sword from the War Department for his excellent service.

Education and Poetic Works

Richard Toomey went to Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. Later, he studied law at Howard Law School, graduating in 1906.

After the war, he became famous for his poetry. In 1902, Toomey was the second black person to read his poems at the Congressional Library. Paul Laurence Dunbar was the first. At this event, Toomey read from his book, Thoughts for True Americans. His brother, L. Ellsworth Toomey, played music on the piano.

Dunbar gave him the nickname "The Soldier Poet." He was also known as "Poet of the People." Toomey's poems showed both his love for his country and his concerns about racial unfairness. For example, his poem Southern Chivalry spoke out against lynching. Another poem, The American Negro, encouraged black people to believe in the nation's ideals. Ode to Columbia was about the battle of Manila Bay. His poem Self-Effacement urged black people to keep their pride and strength.

His speeches made him popular among important black leaders in Washington, DC. In 1905, he was chosen as president of the Lyceum of the 2nd Baptist Church.

Toomey was also active in politics throughout his life. He supported Theodore Roosevelt in the 1904 presidential campaign. He often worked to help Republican candidates get elected.

Law Career and Later Life

Richard Toomey passed the Washington DC bar exam. He was allowed to practice law in the district court on October 5, 1906.

Even before he got his law degree, Toomey worked as a clerk for the federal government. In 1913, he moved to Miami, Florida. There, he started his law practice. He became Miami's first black attorney. He continued to write poetry in Florida. People then called him the "Soldier Poet of Florida."

Personal Life

Richard Toomey married Minnie D. Clem in Greeneville, Tennessee on September 27, 1888. They had a son named George Austin Toomey. Later, on November 22, 1916, Toomey married Nandethes Beatrix Dillard.