William Webb Ferguson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Webb Ferguson
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| Member of the Michigan House of Representatives from the Wayne County 1st district |
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| In office January 1, 1893 – December 31, 1896 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | May 22, 1857 Detroit, Michigan |
| Died | March 30, 1910 (aged 52) Detroit, Michigan |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Emma V. Pelham |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | Detroit High School |
| Profession | printer, realtor, lawyer, politician |
William Webb Ferguson (born May 22, 1857 – died March 30, 1910) was an important American politician. He made history as the first African-American man to be elected to the Michigan House of Representatives.
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William Ferguson's Early Life
William Webb Ferguson was born in Detroit, Michigan. His parents were Joseph and Martha Ferguson. His father, Joseph, worked as a doctor.
William was a very bright student. In 1876, he graduated with high honors from Detroit High School. He was the first African-American child to attend a public high school in Detroit. Later, in 1883, he started his own business, the Ferguson Printing Company.
Family Life
William Ferguson married Emma Virginia Pelham. She was born in Petersburg, Virginia. They got married on August 20, 1878.
Together, William and Emma had three children. Their first child, Mattie, sadly passed away when she was two years old. Their other two daughters, Meta and Norine, grew up and lived into adulthood.
Fighting for Fairness
William Ferguson was a strong believer in equal rights. On August 15, 1889, he faced unfair treatment at a restaurant. Because of this, he decided to take action.
He sued the restaurant manager, Edward G. Gies, in court. Even though he lost the first case, he didn't give up. He appealed his case to the Michigan Supreme Court in 1890. William Ferguson won this important case. It was the first time a case about racial fairness was won in the state of Michigan.
Political Career
William Ferguson became a member of the Michigan House of Representatives. He represented the 1st district of Wayne County. He officially started his job on January 4, 1893.
He served in the Michigan House of Representatives until December 31, 1896. William Ferguson was a member of the Republican Party.
Later Life and Legacy
William Ferguson passed away on March 30, 1910, in Detroit. He was laid to rest at the Elmwood Cemetery on April 2, 1910.
His contributions are still remembered today. On February 28, 2018, a special portrait of William Ferguson was shown at the Michigan State Capitol. This painting was created by Joshua Adam Risner. The Michigan Legislative Black Caucus unveiled the portrait because of a bill introduced by State Representative Sheldon Neeley. This honored William Ferguson's important place in Michigan's history.
