Robert Poindexter (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Poindexter
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| Louisiana State Senate | |
| In office 1868–1870 |
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| Louisiana House of Representatives | |
| In office 1874 – April 1875 |
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| Personal details | |
| Political party | Republican (until 1876) Democrat (from 1876) |
Robert Poindexter was an important politician in Louisiana after the American Civil War. He helped make laws in both the Louisiana House of Representatives and the Louisiana State Senate. This was during a time called the Reconstruction era, when the United States was rebuilding after the war.
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Robert Poindexter's Life
No one is completely sure where Robert Poindexter was born. Records suggest it was either in New York state or Tennessee. He might have been enslaved (not free) until 1860.
During the American Civil War, he bravely served in the Union Army. He was part of Company F in the 78th Regiment Infantry U.S. Colored Troops.
In 1870, records show he was running a ferry company. He owned some land and other personal items.
Helping Write Louisiana's Rules
Robert Poindexter helped write the rules for Louisiana's government. He was part of important meetings called constitutional conventions. These meetings happened in 1867 and 1868. At these meetings, he helped create the state's constitution, which is like a rulebook for the government. He represented Assumption Parish, Louisiana.
Time in Government
In June 1868, Poindexter was chosen to be a member of the Louisiana State Senate. He was a member of the Republican Party at that time. He represented several areas, including Assumption, Lafourche, and St. Landry Parishes. He served in the Senate from 1868 to 1870.
Later, in 1874, he was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives. However, his time in office was cut short in 1875 because of something called the Wheeler Compromise. This was an agreement that changed who held certain political jobs.
When he was removed from office, Robert Poindexter said that one of the people replacing him was his former owner, E. F. Dugas. Poindexter mentioned that Dugas had always treated his enslaved people well.
While he was serving in the legislature, he lived in New Orleans. He shared a house with four other lawmakers. Even though he lived in New Orleans, he kept his official home address in Napoleonville, Louisiana.
In 1875, Governor William Pitt Kellogg chose Poindexter for a job in Assumption Parish. He became the supervisor of registration, which meant he helped with voter registration.
Changing Political Parties
Robert Poindexter was a Republican until 1876. Then, he decided to join the Democratic Party. One reason for this change was that he felt the Republicans had not done enough for schools and teachers' pay. He also disliked William A. Wheeler, who was involved in the agreement that made Poindexter lose his seat in the House.
Helping Children with School
Robert Poindexter cared about education. On August 13, 1868, he suggested a new law. This law would provide free transportation for children to get to school. This important bill was approved just a week later, on August 20, 1868.
See also
