William Finch (politician) facts for kids
William S. Finch (born October 1, 1832 – died January 10, 1911) was an important person who worked as a minister, a tailor, and a politician. He achieved many things despite facing challenges in his life.
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William Finch's Early Life and Work
William Finch was born on October 1, 1832, in Washington, Georgia, in Wilkes County, Georgia. At that time, he was enslaved.
When he was twelve, he went to live with Judge Garnett Andrews. There, he learned to read and write, which was not common for enslaved people. He also began training to become a tailor, learning how to make and fix clothes. He stayed with the Andrews family for four years.
In 1848, William Finch was bought by Joseph H. Lumpkin, who was a very important judge in Georgia. While still enslaved, Finch continued to work as a tailor. He was even able to acquire some property of his own. Finch later said that the advice he received from Justice Lumpkin helped him become successful in life.
Family Life and Freedom
William Finch married Laura Wright in 1854. When the American Civil War began, he and his family moved back to Judge Andrews' home. They stayed there until the war ended in 1865. By then, William and Laura had six children together.
During the war, Finch often helped wounded soldiers. He also worked to protect the property and family of his owners. When the war ended, he was very grateful for his freedom. To show his appreciation, he made an American flag and gave it to the 144th New York Infantry Regiment.
Moving to Augusta and Atlanta
In 1866, William Finch and his family moved to Augusta, Georgia. In February of that year, he attended an important meeting for Black people. While in Augusta, he helped set up a school for Black children. He also opened his own tailor shop.
However, the income from his shop was not enough to support his large family. So, in 1868, they moved again to Atlanta, Georgia. There, he opened another tailor shop on Peachtree Street, which became very successful.
Over the next four years, he bought real estate worth $1,000. By the 1890s, people believed he was worth about $6,000. This included his own horse and buggy, and a valuable home.
William Finch was described as being about five feet six inches tall. He had a large, drooping mustache and heavy eyebrows.
Becoming a Minister
William Finch had been an active member of his church even when he was enslaved. In 1868, he became an ordained minister for the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Later, in 1876, he reached the important position of elder in the church.
William Finch's Political Career
In 1870, William Finch and George Graham made history. They were the first African Americans ever elected to serve on the Atlanta City Council. This was a very important step for Black citizens in Atlanta.
While serving on the city council, Finch worked hard for his community. He pushed for Black teachers to be hired in schools. He also fought for public schools to be established for Black children. He supported other laws that would help all citizens. He successfully worked to improve streets in both Black and poor white neighborhoods.
Finch tried to be re-elected to the city council in 1871, 1872, and 1879, but he did not win. After him and George Graham, no other Black person was elected to any office in Atlanta until 1953. That was more than eighty-three years later!
In 1884, he tried to run for the Georgia legislature, but he was not successful. This marked the end of his political career.
William Finch's Later Life and Death
William Finch died on January 10, 1911. He is buried in the Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta.
When he died, he left behind an estate worth between $12,000 and $15,000. Most of this wealth came from property he owned. A large part of it was a plot of land on Edgewood Avenue, which he had bought for less than $300.
See also
