William Tecumseh Barks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Tecumseh Barks
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| Born | January 20, 1840 |
| Died | July 1, 1906 (aged 66) |
| Occupation | Police officer, poet, civil rights activist |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Mary C. Palmer |
| Religion | African Methodist Episcopal Church |
William Tecumseh Barks (born January 30, 1840 – died July 1, 1906) was an important leader and a poet from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He served as an officer in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment during the American Civil War (1861-1865). Many of his poems were inspired by his experiences in the war. After the war, he became one of the first African-American police officers in Pittsburgh.
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William Barks' Early Life
William Tecumseh Barks was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania on January 30, 1840. When the American Civil War began, he went to Boston. He wanted to help Black Americans join the Union Army. At first, Black soldiers were not allowed to join. This changed after the Emancipation Proclamation in January 1863.
Barks officially joined the army on March 21, 1863. He became a corporal in Company D of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment. This was a famous all-Black regiment. In 1872, he married Mary C. Palmer.
His Career and Community Work
After the war, William Barks became a key leader for Black communities in western Pennsylvania. In the 1870s, he worked with Robert E. Smith and S. A. Neale. They helped organize Black voters in Pittsburgh.
Barks also fought for equal rights. In the late 1870s, he took a steamboat captain to court. The captain had refused to serve him food in 1875. The jury could not agree on a decision in the case. In 1884, Barks made history by becoming the second African-American policeman in Pittsburgh.
Joining Community Groups
William Barks was a member of many important community groups. He was part of the Pittsburgh branch of the National Afro-American League. In 1902, he was chosen as the treasurer for this group. He also strongly supported the Republican Party.
He became the commander of Post 206 of the Grand Army of the Republic. This was a group for Civil War veterans. Barks was also a commander of the colored Knights Templar. He was an active member of the Bethlehem African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Barks as a Poet
William Barks was also a talented poet and publisher. He often published his poems in a magazine called Alexander's Magazine. His most famous poem was "The Charge of the 54th Mass. Regiment at Fort Wagner." This poem was published in 1906. It described the brave attack on Fort Wagner on July 18, 1863. Barks himself had been part of this important battle.
Later Life and Passing
William Barks retired from the police force on July 1, 1906. He had served for 22 years. He passed away on December 26, 1906, at his home in Herron Hill, Pittsburgh. He had been ill for a long time. He was survived by his wife, Mary, and an adopted daughter named Grace. He also had two brothers, Harold and Shannon, and a sister, Margaret.
