T. B. Stamps facts for kids

T. B. Stamps was an important person in Louisiana history. He was born in 1846 and passed away in 1898. During a time called the Reconstruction era, he was a businessman, a coroner (someone who investigates deaths), and even a newspaper editor. He also served in the government, first in the Louisiana House of Representatives and then in the Louisiana State Senate.

The Early Life and Career of T. B. Stamps

T. B. Stamps was born on March 10, 1846, in Monticello, Mississippi. He grew up to become a well-known businessman in Southern Louisiana. He worked as a commission merchant and a cotton factor in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. This meant he helped buy and sell cotton for others.

Getting Involved in Politics

Stamps became active in politics early on. In 1870, he was chosen as a delegate for the Republican State Convention. He represented Jefferson Parish at this important meeting. He was also selected to be part of the State Central Committee, which helped lead the Republican Party in Louisiana.

T. B. Stamps: A Leader in Government

Stamps served in the Louisiana government for many years. He worked hard to represent the people of his state.

Serving in the House of Representatives

In 1870, Stamps was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives. He served in this role for two years, until 1872. This was his first experience as a state lawmaker.

Becoming a State Senator

After his time in the House, Stamps was elected to the Louisiana State Senate. He served as a senator from 1872 until 1880. During these years, he was a member of many different committees. These committees helped make decisions on important topics for the state.

In his last year as a senator, he was appointed to several key committees. These included committees focused on police, how government money was divided, prisons, and public lands.

Working for Equality and Change

Stamps was a strong supporter of equal rights. In 1874, he was a delegate to the Republican State Convention again. He served on the Committee on Peace and Order, working to bring people together.

After the Civil Rights Act of 1875 was passed, Stamps took a stand. He and another delegate, Aristede Dejoie, attended a play at the St. Charles Theatre. This theater had previously been segregated, meaning Black and white people had to sit separately. Their action was reported in newspapers across the country.

In 1879, Stamps attended the Louisiana State Constitutional Convention. Along with other delegates like P. B. S. Pinchback, T. T. Allain, and Henry Demas, he pushed for equal opportunities in higher education. Their efforts helped lead to the creation of Southern University, an important school for African American students.

Other Roles and Later Life

Besides his work in government, Stamps had many other jobs. He served as a coroner for Jefferson Parish. He also worked as an agent for the Louisianian, a newspaper in New Orleans. He even worked in the customs house, which handled goods coming into the city.

After the Reconstruction era ended, Stamps became the editor of the Louisiana Standard newspaper. He continued to be involved in public life. In 1896, he supported William Jennings Bryan for president. Stamps helped organize a group of Black men to support Bryan because of his views on money policy.

T. B. Stamps passed away on November 27, 1898. He died at his home in New Orleans, surrounded by his family.

See also

• African-American officeholders during and following the Reconstruction era