Richard Williams

Richard Williams. . , Following the American Civil War and emancipation of slaves in 1865, it was not until 1871 that African Americans in Texas were able to uniformly register to vote, following the ratification of the 15th amendment to the U.S. constitution. , While African Americans served as delegates to state constitutional conventions prior to 1870, the first African Americans elected to serve in the Texas Legislature were elected to the 12th legislature, which convened in provisional session on February 8, 1870. , Prior to the end of federal reconstruction in 1870, twelve African Americans served in the Texas House of Representatives, and two served in the Texas Senate. , This marker is erected in honor of: Richard Williams (c. 1822-unknown), representative in the 12th and 13th Texas Legislatures representing Walker, Madison and Grimes counties. , Williams was born into slavery in South Carolina around 1822. He was brought to Huntsville in 1856. After emancipation, Williams became involved in local radical Republican politics. He was elected to represent the 15th District in the 12th legislature, where he served on the counties and county boundaries, private land claims and public lands and land office committees. Williams’ election to the 13th legislature was contested due to a clerical error, but he was seated by February 1873. Williams introduced a successful bill to incorporate the Texas wells and irrigation company and spoke against segregated schools and the convict leasing systems. At home, he served as a trustee of the local church and school.