Samuel Jones Lee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Samuel Jones Lee
|
|
|---|---|
| 31st Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives | |
| In office 1874–1876 |
|
| Preceded by | Franklin J. Moses Jr. |
| Succeeded by | R.B. Elliot |
| South Carolina House of Representatives | |
| In office 1868–1871 |
|
| In office 1872–1874 |
|
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 27, 1844 Abbeville District, South Carolina |
| Died | April 1, 1895 (aged 50) Charleston, South Carolina |
| Resting place | Friendly Union Cemetery, Charleston |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | R. A. Lee |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Branch/service |  Confederate States Army |
| Unit | 14th South Carolina Infantry |
| Battles/wars | Civil War |
Samuel Jones Lee (born November 27, 1844 – died April 1, 1895) was an important American politician and lawyer from South Carolina. He was a veteran of the American Civil War and a strong member of the Republican Party. Samuel J. Lee made history by becoming the first African-American Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives.
Contents
Early Life and War Service
Samuel J. Lee was born in 1844 in Abbeville District, South Carolina. He grew up on a large farm. His mother was a free black woman.
Joining the Civil War
When Samuel was about 16 years old, he joined the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. He served with the 14th South Carolina Infantry. Even though there are no official records of his service, pictures show him in uniform. He later said he was hurt twice during the war.
A Career in Public Service
After the Civil War ended, Samuel J. Lee became a farmer in Abbeville. He soon decided to get involved in politics to help his community.
Starting in Politics
In 1868, Samuel J. Lee began his political career. He first served on the commission for Edgefield County. Later that same year, he was elected to the South Carolina General Assembly, which is the state's main law-making group. He represented Edgefield County from 1868 to 1871. Then, he represented Aiken County from 1872 to 1874.
Becoming Speaker
A big moment in Samuel J. Lee's career happened in 1872. He was chosen to be the Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives. This was a very important role, and he was the first African-American to hold this position. After leaving the legislature, he continued to serve as a commissioner for Aiken County.
A Skilled Lawyer
Samuel J. Lee also became a lawyer in 1872. He was known for being a great speaker and very smart in legal matters. He appeared before the state's highest court many times, which showed how good he was at his job.
Later Years and Legacy
Even after he stopped working in politics full-time, Samuel J. Lee stayed active in the Republican Party. He often spoke at party events. In 1891, he was made a general in the state's "colored militia," a group that helped keep peace.
Samuel J. Lee passed away on April 1, 1895, in Charleston, South Carolina. When news of his death spread, the United States Circuit Court stopped its work to honor him. He was buried with special military honors at Friendly Union Cemetery in Charleston. About six thousand people came to his funeral.
Samuel J. Lee is remembered as the first African-American Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives. This was a major achievement in American history.
