Wyatt Outlaw facts for kids

Wyatt Outlaw (born around 1820 – died February 26, 1870) was an important African-American leader and politician in the United States. He made history by becoming the first African-American to serve as a Town Commissioner and Constable in Graham, North Carolina. Sadly, he was unlawfully killed by a group called the White Brotherhood, which was connected to the Ku Klux Klan, on February 26, 1870.

His death, along with the killing of State Senator John W. Stephens, led to a major event called the Kirk-Holden War in 1870. This conflict happened when Governor William Woods Holden declared special emergency rules in Alamance and Caswell Counties.

Early Life and Background

Wyatt Outlaw's background is a bit unclear. It seems he had a mixed racial heritage. Some records suggest his father was a white slave-owner from Alamance County named Chesley F. Faucett. Other information points to him living on a tobacco farm owned by Nancy Outlaw. It's not fully known if he was born into slavery or as a free person of color.

Outlaw might be the same person who joined the military in 1863. He may have served as "Wright Outlaw" in the 2nd Regiment U. S. Colored Cavalry. This unit fought in various battles in Virginia. Later, he was stationed in Texas near the Rio Grande River until he left the military in February 1866.

A Leader in His Community

Wyatt Outlaw was a skilled woodworker and cabinet-maker. He was also a very important leader for the African-American community in Alamance County. In 1866, he helped start the Loyal Republican League in Alamance. This group worked to support the rights of African Americans.

In 1868, Outlaw was one of the people who helped get land for the first African Methodist Episcopal Church in Alamance County. This shows his dedication to building strong community institutions. His Loyal Republican League later joined with the Union League. This was a large group connected to the Republican Party, which was active in helping African Americans during this time.

Facing Challenges as a Politician

Wyatt Outlaw's strong efforts to help African Americans made him a target. Groups like the White Brotherhood and the Constitutional Union Guard, which were local parts of the Ku Klux Klan, saw him as a threat.

Because he was a well-known Republican leader, Governor Holden appointed Outlaw to the Graham Town Council. He soon became one of three constables (like police officers) for the town. All three constables were African American.

In 1869, some white residents were upset about being policed by African-American constables. They rode through the streets of Graham at night, dressed in Klan outfits, trying to scare the constables. Outlaw and another constable bravely fired their weapons at the riders. No one was hurt, but this event likely made the Klan supporters even angrier.

The Tragic End

On the night of February 26, 1870, a group of unknown men rode into Graham. They took Wyatt Outlaw from his home and hanged him from a tree in the courthouse square. This area is now known as Sesquicentennial Park.

On Outlaw's body, the attackers left a message: "Beware, ye guilty, both black and white." This message was meant to warn others.

After Outlaw's death, a local African-American man named Puryear said he knew who was responsible. However, Puryear was soon found dead in a nearby pond.

Aftermath and Justice

In 1873, Judge Albion W. Tourgée wanted to reopen the investigation into Wyatt Outlaw's murder. The Grand Jury of Alamance County then brought serious charges against 63 members of the Klan. This included 18 charges of murder related to Outlaw's death.

However, the state legislature, which was controlled by Democrats, later changed the laws. This meant that most of the charges had to be dropped. As a result, no one was ever tried or punished for Wyatt Outlaw's murder.