W. H. C. Stephenson facts for kids

W. H. C. Stephenson (born around 1825 – died April 6, 1899) was an important person in American history. He was a doctor, a preacher, and a leader who worked for civil rights. He lived in Virginia City, Nevada, and later in Omaha, Nebraska. He is thought to be the first Black doctor in Nevada. He fought for equal rights for Black people in both cities.

Stephenson was well-known for helping Black people get the right to vote in Nevada. This happened when the Fifteenth Amendment was passed in 1870. He also helped start the first Baptist church in Virginia City. When he moved to Omaha, he continued his work as a doctor, a religious leader, and a civil rights activist. He founded another Baptist church there and was an important member of the Republican political party.

Early Life and Medical Career

Stephenson was born into slavery in Washington, D.C., around 1825. He later trained to become a doctor in Philadelphia. He learned about a type of medicine that used natural remedies, often from plants. His medical work was very successful. He often wrote in medical magazines about the benefits of using plant-based medicines.

In the early 1860s, he lived in California before moving to the Comstock Lode area in Nevada. In Virginia City, he was married to a woman named Jane. They had a daughter named Carrie. Later, in the late 1870s, he moved to Omaha. There, he married a woman named Mary.

Work in Nevada

In 1865, Stephenson helped create a group called the Nevada Executive Committee. He was chosen as its leader. This group worked to get equal rights for Black people in Virginia City, Silver City, and Gold Hill. They wanted Black people to be included in all parts of public life, from parades to serving on juries.

Stephenson pushed for the 1866 Civil Rights Act to be used in Nevada. This law helped protect the rights of newly freed slaves. He also worked to make sure Black children could go to public schools. Before 1872, schools in Virginia City were not open to all races. He also helped start the Lincoln Union Club. This group aimed to unite political efforts for civil rights in the state. In 1863, he organized the first Baptist church for Black people in the Comstock area.

On January 1, 1866, Stephenson spoke at a celebration for the Emancipation Proclamation. This was the declaration that freed many slaves. He told the crowd that Black people should bravely stand up for justice. He said they should fight for "Equality before the Law" and for their civil and political rights. He was later elected president of the Convention of Colored Citizens of the State of Nevada. He also worked as an agent for a Black newspaper called the Elevator.

When the Fifteenth Amendment passed in 1870, it gave Black men the right to vote. Stephenson was one of the first to register to vote in Nevada. He strongly encouraged other Black people in his community to do the same. A local newspaper, the Territorial Enterprise, reported on his efforts. They noted that Stephenson was a smart and respected leader.

Work in Omaha

In the late 1870s, Stephenson moved to Omaha, Nebraska. In January 1876, he joined other leaders like Edwin R. Overall and Rev. W. H. Wilson. They organized a meeting for Black men in the state. This meeting discussed important issues facing the Black community. They also chose people to represent them at a national meeting. Stephenson was chosen as one of these representatives.

In 1879, Stephenson, along with Cyrus D. Bell and Emanuel S. Clenlans, organized another meeting. This meeting allowed the Black community in Omaha to share their political views. They discussed how Black voters should not always support just one political party. Even so, Stephenson was very active in the Republican party. In 1880, he was chosen as a delegate to the state Republican convention. He also helped organize a State Convention of Colored Americans that year.

In Omaha, Stephenson helped start the Zion Baptist Church. He was also active in fighting against violence and unfair treatment towards Black people. For example, he spoke out against the unfair killing of Julia and Frazier Baker in 1898. He was also a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal church. He was a member of community groups like the Odd Fellows and the Washington Benevolent Association. These groups helped people in their communities.

Death

W. H. C. Stephenson passed away on April 6, 1899, from a lung disease. His funeral was held at the St. John African Methodist Episcopal church. He was buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery.