William James Whipper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William James Whipper
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| South Carolina House of Representatives | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 23, 1834 Norristown, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | July 29, 1907 (aged 73) Beaufort, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Spouse | Frances Rollin Whipper |
| Relations | William Whipper (uncle) |
| Children | Leigh Whipper, Ionia Rollin Whipper, 3 other children |
| Known for | abolitionist, politician, lawyer, judge |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1864-November 1865 |
| Unit | 31st Colored Troops |
| Battles/wars | Civil War |
William James Whipper (born January 23, 1834 – died July 29, 1907) was an important African American leader. He was an abolitionist, which means he worked to end slavery. He also became a lawyer, a judge, and a politician in South Carolina.
Whipper served in the United States Army during the Civil War. He was part of the 31st United States Colored Troops, a group of African American soldiers. After the war, he played a big role in South Carolina's government during a time called Reconstruction. This was when the Southern states were rebuilt and rejoined the country.
In 1868, he was part of a meeting to write South Carolina's new constitution. He bravely spoke up for women's suffrage, which means giving women the right to vote. Even though his idea was not accepted then, it showed he believed in equal rights for everyone.
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Early Life and Education
William James Whipper was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, on January 23, 1834. His uncle, William Whipper, was also a famous abolitionist. William James was named after him.
Later, he moved to Ohio and joined the movement to end slavery. He then studied law in Detroit, learning how to become a lawyer.
Military Service in the Civil War
During the American Civil War, William Whipper chose to join the United States Army. He served from 1864 to November 1865. He was a soldier in the 31st United States Colored Troops. These units were made up of African American soldiers who fought for the Union.
A Career in Law and Politics
William Whipper had a very important career as a lawyer and politician. He worked as a trial lawyer, meaning he argued cases in court. He even worked with Jonathan Jasper Wright, who later became the first African American judge on the Supreme Court of South Carolina.
In 1868, Whipper was chosen to be a delegate at the state's constitutional convention. This was a meeting to create new laws for South Carolina. During this meeting, he gave a speech supporting the right for women to vote. He believed that "every citizen" should have the right to vote.
Whipper also helped create the first known African American law firm in the nation. He started this firm with Robert B. Elliott and Macon Bolling Allen. It was called Whipper, Elliott, and Allen. This was a big step for African American lawyers.
He was sworn in as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives in 1875. In this role, he helped make laws for the state.
Family Life
William Whipper married Frances Anne Rollin in South Carolina. She was a writer and diarist. They had five children together. Their daughter, Ionia Rollin Whipper, grew up to become a social reformer, working to improve society. Later, Frances and William separated, and Frances moved with their children to Washington, D.C.
