Richard R. Samuels facts for kids
Richard R. Samuels (born around 1844, died 1878) was an important person in Arkansas history. He was a farmer and a skilled blacksmith. He also became a state leader, helping to make laws for Arkansas.
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Early Life and Work
Richard R. Samuels grew up in Washington County, Arkansas. He was known there as a respected blacksmith. Blacksmiths are people who work with metal, shaping it into useful tools or objects. Later, he also worked as a farmer.
A Voice for Change
Samuels played a big part in Arkansas's government after the Civil War. This time was called the Reconstruction era.
Helping Write Arkansas's Rules
In 1868, Richard R. Samuels was chosen to be a delegate from Hempstead County, Arkansas. He went to a special meeting called the Arkansas Constitutional Convention. A "constitutional convention" is where people meet to write or change the state's main rules, called the constitution. Samuels was one of eight African American delegates at this important meeting.
Serving in the State Legislature
After the convention, Samuels continued to serve his state. He was elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives in 1868 and 1869. The House of Representatives is where elected officials meet to create and vote on new laws for the state. He was a member of the Republican Party. Richard R. Samuels was one of the first six African Americans ever to serve in the Arkansas Legislature. This was a very important step for equal rights in the state.
Other Public Roles
In 1872, Samuels was nominated for a high-level state position at a meeting called The Brindle Convention. Later that year, he was elected as a clerk for Hempstead County. A clerk helps manage official records and paperwork for the county. He worked alongside James W. Vance, who was re-elected as the Sheriff.
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