William Henry Harrison (Georgia politician) facts for kids

William Henry Harrison, also known as Bill Thomas, was an important leader and politician from Hancock County, Georgia. He was born in September 1843.

Early Life of Bill Thomas

Bill Thomas was born into slavery. His mother was Eliza, and his father was Harrison McLane. Sadly, his father passed away around 1854 or 1855. Bill had three sisters and two brothers.

When Bill was about 14 years old, he became enslaved by Judge James Thomas. This judge lived in southwestern Hancock County, Georgia. Bill worked as the judge's personal servant. He was also taught to read the Bible by the judge, which was unusual for enslaved people at that time.

Bill wanted to be free. In September 1863, he was part of a group of about 100 people who tried to gain their freedom in Sparta, Georgia. After the American Civil War ended, Bill Thomas became a free man. He then changed his name to William Henry Harrison.

Some of his family members are believed to be buried at the Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church cemetery in the county.

Becoming a Legislator

After the Civil War, the United States entered a time called the Reconstruction Era. During this period, William Henry Harrison became a key leader in Georgia's African-American community.

In April 1868, he was elected to the Georgia Legislature. He was one of two African-American representatives from Hancock County, Georgia. Both he and Eli Barnes were elected as members of the Republican Party. A legislator is someone who helps make laws for the state.

Speaking Out Against Injustice

During the Reconstruction Era, African-American people faced a lot of unfair treatment. Groups like the Ku Klux Klan used violence against black communities.

Both Eli Barnes and William Henry Harrison bravely spoke out about these problems. They gave their testimony to the U.S. Congress in 1871. This was done under a law called the Ku Klux Act.

Barnes told Congress that white men often visited black families at night. He said they caused harm and trouble. Harrison explained that after the Civil War, many more black people were whipped than during slavery. He also shared that many people were sadly murdered. Their testimony helped show the serious challenges faced by African Americans at that time.