1919thth Century CenturyAfrican AmericanAfrican American

Legislators of TennesseeLegislators of Tennessee

Produced at the Tennessee State Library and ArchivesProduced at the Tennessee State Library and Archives

Nashville, Tennessee 37243Nashville, Tennessee 37243

2010 edition2010 edition

………………..

African American Legislators in Tennessee African American Legislators in Tennessee in the 19in the 19thth Century and Their Elected Terms Century and Their Elected Terms

SAMPSON W. KEEBLE . . . . . . Davidson County . . . . . . . 1873-1874SAMPSON W. KEEBLE . . . . . . Davidson County . . . . . . . 1873-1874 JOHN W. BOYD . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tipton County . . . . . . . . . 1881-1884 (2 terms)JOHN W. BOYD . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tipton County . . . . . . . . . 1881-1884 (2 terms) THOMAS F. CASSELS . . . . . . . Shelby County . . . . . . . . . 1881-1882THOMAS F. CASSELS . . . . . . . Shelby County . . . . . . . . . 1881-1882 ISAAC F. NORRIS . . . . . . . . . . .Shelby County . . . . . . . . . 1881-1882ISAAC F. NORRIS . . . . . . . . . . .Shelby County . . . . . . . . . 1881-1882 THOMAS A. SYKES . . . . . . . . . Davidson County . . . . . . .1881-1882THOMAS A. SYKES . . . . . . . . . Davidson County . . . . . . .1881-1882 LEON HOWARD . . . . . . . . . . . . Shelby County . . . . . . . . 1883-1884LEON HOWARD . . . . . . . . . . . . Shelby County . . . . . . . . 1883-1884 SAMUEL A. McELWEE . . . . . . Haywood County . . . . . . .1883-1888 * (3 terms)SAMUEL A. McELWEE . . . . . . Haywood County . . . . . . .1883-1888 * (3 terms) DAVID F. RIVERS . . . . . . . . . . Fayette County . . . . . . . . 1883-1886* DAVID F. RIVERS . . . . . . . . . . Fayette County . . . . . . . . 1883-1886* GREENE E. EVANS . . . . . . . . . Shelby County . . . . . . . . 1885-1886GREENE E. EVANS . . . . . . . . . Shelby County . . . . . . . . 1885-1886 WILLIAM FIELD . . . . . . . . . . . .Shelby County . . . . . . . . .1885-1886WILLIAM FIELD . . . . . . . . . . . .Shelby County . . . . . . . . .1885-1886 WILLIAM C. HODGE . . . . . . . . Hamilton County . . . . . . .1885-1886WILLIAM C. HODGE . . . . . . . . Hamilton County . . . . . . .1885-1886 MONROE W. GOODEN . . . . . . .Fayette County . . . . . . . . 1887-1888MONROE W. GOODEN . . . . . . .Fayette County . . . . . . . . 1887-1888 STYLES L. HUTCHINS . . . . . . .Hamilton County . . . . . . .1887-1888STYLES L. HUTCHINS . . . . . . .Hamilton County . . . . . . .1887-1888 JESSE M. H. GRAHAM . . . . . . .Montgomery County . . . . 1897 (unseated)JESSE M. H. GRAHAM . . . . . . .Montgomery County . . . . 1897 (unseated)

* Rivers served 1883-1884 ; both Rivers & McElwee were prevented by white supremacists from serving a later term to which they had been elected.* Rivers served 1883-1884 ; both Rivers & McElwee were prevented by white supremacists from serving a later term to which they had been elected.

No other African Americans were elected to the TN General Assembly until 1964.No other African Americans were elected to the TN General Assembly until 1964.………………..…………....

Sampson W. KeebleSampson W. Keeble

SAMPSON W. KEEBLESAMPSON W. KEEBLEca. 1833 - 1887ca. 1833 - 1887

A Republican barber, he was A Republican barber, he was elected to represent Davidson Countyelected to represent Davidson County

in the 38in the 38thth Tennessee Tennessee General Assembly, 1873-1874 General Assembly, 1873-1874

He was the first African AmericanHe was the first African Americanelected to serve in the elected to serve in the Tennessee legislatureTennessee legislature..

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Bust of Sampson Keeble in Tennessee

State Capitol by sculptor Roy W. Butler, 2010.

Sampson W. KeebleSampson W. Keeble, p. 2, p. 2

Sampson W. Keeble was a Sampson W. Keeble was a Nashville businessman, the Nashville businessman, the owner of the Rock City owner of the Rock City Barber Shop, when he was Barber Shop, when he was elected to the 34elected to the 34thth General General Assembly. Born in 1833 in Assembly. Born in 1833 in Rutherford County TN, he Rutherford County TN, he was the son of Sampson and was the son of Sampson and Nancy Keeble. His parents Nancy Keeble. His parents were the slaves of H. P. were the slaves of H. P. Keeble, an influential Keeble, an influential Murfreesboro attorney. Murfreesboro attorney.

Keeble worked as a press-Keeble worked as a press-man for various newspapers man for various newspapers in Murfreesboro before the in Murfreesboro before the Civil War, then fought in Civil War, then fought in the Confederate Army the Confederate Army during the conflict. After during the conflict. After the war he established his the war he established his Nashville barber shop and Nashville barber shop and served on the boards of served on the boards of directors of a bank and directors of a bank and several other African several other African American organizations.American organizations.

Sampson W. KeebleSampson W. Keeble, p. 3, p. 3

In November 1872, riding the coattails of Ulysses S. In November 1872, riding the coattails of Ulysses S. Grant’s Republican Presidential victory, Keeble was narrowly Grant’s Republican Presidential victory, Keeble was narrowly elected by Davidson County voters to serve in the Tennessee elected by Davidson County voters to serve in the Tennessee General Assembly.General Assembly.

During his single term in the legislature, S. W. Keeble During his single term in the legislature, S. W. Keeble introduced bills protecting wage earners, amending introduced bills protecting wage earners, amending Nashville’s city charter to allow African Americans to own Nashville’s city charter to allow African Americans to own and operate businesses downtown, and appropriating funds for and operate businesses downtown, and appropriating funds for the Tennessee Manual Labor University. Not one of his bills the Tennessee Manual Labor University. Not one of his bills received sufficient votes to pass into law.received sufficient votes to pass into law.

Keeble, who died in 1887, is buried with his daughter Keeble, who died in 1887, is buried with his daughter and son-in-law in Nashville’s Greenwood Cemetery.and son-in-law in Nashville’s Greenwood Cemetery.

4242ndnd General Assembly, 1881-82 General Assembly, 1881-82

The 4 African American legislators are at far left.

John W. BoydJohn W. Boyd

John W. BoydJohn W. Boydca. 1850 – March 10, 1932ca. 1850 – March 10, 1932

A Republican attorney, he was A Republican attorney, he was elected to represent Tipton Countyelected to represent Tipton County

in the 42in the 42ndnd Tennessee TennesseeGeneral Assembly, 1881-1882,General Assembly, 1881-1882,

and re-elected toand re-elected tothe 43the 43rdrd Tennessee Tennessee

General Assembly, 1883-1884.General Assembly, 1883-1884.…………..…………..

John W. BoydJohn W. Boyd, p. 2, p. 2

John W. Boyd’s John W. Boyd’s parents, Philip & Sophia parents, Philip & Sophia Fields Boyd, were born Fields Boyd, were born in Virginia and moved in Virginia and moved to Tennessee with their to Tennessee with their slave-owners. John slave-owners. John married Martha Doggett married Martha Doggett of Mason TN in 1879. of Mason TN in 1879. His brother Armistead His brother Armistead served with Co. C, 88served with Co. C, 88thth US Colored Infantry. US Colored Infantry.

An attorney during An attorney during Reconstruction, Boyd Reconstruction, Boyd was a magistrate in the was a magistrate in the Ninth Civil District of Ninth Civil District of Tipton County until Tipton County until 1900. Named a census 1900. Named a census enumerator for Civil enumerator for Civil District #10 in 1880, he District #10 in 1880, he was elected to the state was elected to the state legislature the same legislature the same year, serving 2 terms.year, serving 2 terms.

John W. BoydJohn W. Boyd, p. 3, p. 3

In the General Assembly John Boyd In the General Assembly John Boyd worked diligently with other legislators to worked diligently with other legislators to overturn overturn Chapter 130 Chapter 130 of the Acts of 1875, the of the Acts of 1875, the first of Tennessee’s Jim Crow laws, which first of Tennessee’s Jim Crow laws, which permitted racial discrimination in public permitted racial discrimination in public facilities. Boyd also attempted to repeal the facilities. Boyd also attempted to repeal the restrictive contract labor law, which had the restrictive contract labor law, which had the effect of keeping working blacks in bondage.effect of keeping working blacks in bondage.

Chapter 130, Acts of Tennessee, 1875Chapter 130, Acts of Tennessee, 1875

African American legislators worked harder to overturn this 1875 law than almost any African American legislators worked harder to overturn this 1875 law than almost any other. An amended version of Boyd’s bill to repeal it was passed in 1883, but it other. An amended version of Boyd’s bill to repeal it was passed in 1883, but it

did not effectively deal with the larger issue of racial discrimination.did not effectively deal with the larger issue of racial discrimination.

ExcerptExcerpt: : ““Hereafter no keeper of any Hotel or public House, or carrier Hereafter no keeper of any Hotel or public House, or carrier

of passengers for hire, or conductor, driver, or employee of such of passengers for hire, or conductor, driver, or employee of such

carrier or keeper of any place of amusement or employee of such carrier or keeper of any place of amusement or employee of such

keeper shall be bound, or under any obligation, to entertain, carry, or keeper shall be bound, or under any obligation, to entertain, carry, or

admit any person whom he shall admit any person whom he shall for any reason whatever for any reason whatever choose not choose not

to entertain, carry, or admit to his house, Hotel, carriage, or means of to entertain, carry, or admit to his house, Hotel, carriage, or means of

Transportation or place of amusement, Transportation or place of amusement, nor shall any right exist in nor shall any right exist in

favor of any such person so refused admissionfavor of any such person so refused admission; but the right of such ; but the right of such

keepers...and their employees to control the access & admittance or keepers...and their employees to control the access & admittance or

exclusion of persons...shall be as complete as that of any private exclusion of persons...shall be as complete as that of any private

person over his private house, carriage, or private theatre or places of person over his private house, carriage, or private theatre or places of

amusement for his family.”amusement for his family.”

This shows the cover and first page of John W. This shows the cover and first page of John W. Boyd’s 1883 bill, HB 663, to prevent racial Boyd’s 1883 bill, HB 663, to prevent racial discrimination by railroad companies. The bill discrimination by railroad companies. The bill was amended to order separate accommodations was amended to order separate accommodations for black and white passengers. Although Boyd for black and white passengers. Although Boyd objected to, and even voted against the amended objected to, and even voted against the amended bill, it passed into law by a vote of 56-19.bill, it passed into law by a vote of 56-19.

Thomas F. CasselsThomas F. Cassels

Thomas F. CasselsThomas F. Casselsca. 1849 –1906ca. 1849 –1906

A Republican attorney, he wasA Republican attorney, he was

elected to represent Shelby Countyelected to represent Shelby County

in the 42in the 42ndnd Tennessee Tennessee

General Assembly, 1881-1882General Assembly, 1881-1882…………..

…………..

Thomas F. CasselsThomas F. Cassels, p. 2, p. 2

Thomas F. Cassels was born Thomas F. Cassels was born

in Kentucky about 1849 to in Kentucky about 1849 to free parents. He attended free parents. He attended Oberlin College in Ohio, and Oberlin College in Ohio, and then moved to Memphis to then moved to Memphis to practice law. Probably the practice law. Probably the first African American to first African American to practice law in Memphis, he practice law in Memphis, he was also the first to plead was also the first to plead before the Supreme Court of before the Supreme Court of West Tennessee. He was West Tennessee. He was appointed Assistant Attorney appointed Assistant Attorney General of Memphis in General of Memphis in 18781878..

The year after his term in the The year after his term in the General Assembly ended, General Assembly ended, he represented activist Ida he represented activist Ida B. Wells in a discrimination B. Wells in a discrimination lawsuit against a railroad lawsuit against a railroad company. In 1888 he company. In 1888 he served as a Republican served as a Republican Presidential elector. Presidential elector. Cassels continued to Cassels continued to work as an attorney until his work as an attorney until his death from tuberculosis in death from tuberculosis in Memphis in 1906.Memphis in 1906.

Isaac F. NorrisIsaac F. Norris

Isaac F. NorrisIsaac F. Norrisca. 1850 – ca. 1910ca. 1850 – ca. 1910

A grocer and businessman (coal & wood), A grocer and businessman (coal & wood), he was elected as a Republicanhe was elected as a Republican

to represent Shelby County to represent Shelby County in the 42in the 42ndnd Tennessee Tennessee

General Assembly, 1881-1882.General Assembly, 1881-1882.

Convinced to run the following year Convinced to run the following year on the Democratic ticket with on the Democratic ticket with

Gen. William B. Bate, Gen. William B. Bate, Norris was defeated,Norris was defeated,

although Governor Bate and others on although Governor Bate and others on the ticket won easily.the ticket won easily.

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Isaac F. NorrisIsaac F. Norris, p. 2, p. 2

Although Isaac Norris is Although Isaac Norris is said to have accumulated a said to have accumulated a considerable amount of considerable amount of personal wealth in his personal wealth in his lifetime, probably from a lifetime, probably from a successful coal and wood successful coal and wood business, little else is known business, little else is known about his life. He was one about his life. He was one of Memphis’s elite African of Memphis’s elite African American group who saw American group who saw several of their numberseveral of their number

elected to offices ranging elected to offices ranging from coal inspector to from coal inspector to assistant attorney general assistant attorney general during the 1870s and 1880s. during the 1870s and 1880s. During the election of During the election of 1882 the Democrats, who 1882 the Democrats, who had persuaded Norris to join had persuaded Norris to join their ticket, referred to him their ticket, referred to him in several news stories as a in several news stories as a man “of fine practical sense man “of fine practical sense and good judgment.” and good judgment.”

On March 30, 1881, Rep. On March 30, 1881, Rep. Isaac Norris introduced Isaac Norris introduced House Bill No. 682, “To House Bill No. 682, “To

prevent racial discrimination prevent racial discrimination by railroad companies by railroad companies

among their passengers who among their passengers who are charged and pay first are charged and pay first

class fare, and fixing class fare, and fixing penalty for same.” The bill penalty for same.” The bill passed its first and second passed its first and second

readings, but it was readings, but it was apparently tabled in apparently tabled in

committee and did not come committee and did not come forward for a third and final forward for a third and final

reading. This was one of reading. This was one of the earliest bills to make an the earliest bills to make an effort to repeal effort to repeal Chapter 130 Chapter 130 of the Acts of 1875, one of of the Acts of 1875, one of

the earliest of the “Jim the earliest of the “Jim Crow Laws.”Crow Laws.”

Thomas A. SykesThomas A. Sykes

Thomas A. SykesThomas A. Sykesca. 1835 – ca. 1900ca. 1835 – ca. 1900

A former member of theA former member of theNorth Carolina Legislature,North Carolina Legislature,

a gauger at the Customs House, a gauger at the Customs House, and owner of and owner of

a Nashville furniture store,a Nashville furniture store,he was elected he was elected

to represent Davidson County to represent Davidson County in the 42in the 42ndnd Tennessee Tennessee

General Assembly, 1881-1882.General Assembly, 1881-1882.……………………....

Thomas A. SykesThomas A. Sykes, p. 2, p. 2

The 1870 North Carolina The 1870 North Carolina census, which erroneously census, which erroneously indicated that Sykes could not indicated that Sykes could not read or write, showed that he read or write, showed that he and his wife Martha had three and his wife Martha had three daughters before moving to daughters before moving to Tennessee, and listed his NC Tennessee, and listed his NC occupation as “Representative.”occupation as “Representative.”

During the 1870s & 1880s During the 1870s & 1880s Sykes joined city councilman Sykes joined city councilman James C. Napier and others inJames C. Napier and others in

a reform movement againsta reform movement against

Mayor Thomas Kercheval’s Mayor Thomas Kercheval’s political machine. The group political machine. The group made significant progress in made significant progress in moving African Americans moving African Americans into city jobs – as bridge into city jobs – as bridge watchmen, public works watchmen, public works employees, and laborers; a employees, and laborers; a few blacks even obtained few blacks even obtained leadership positions, serving leadership positions, serving as bosses of road construction as bosses of road construction crews or captains of African crews or captains of African American fire companies.American fire companies.

Thomas A. SykesThomas A. Sykes, p. 3, p. 3

Although a total of 12 black legislators served in the Although a total of 12 black legislators served in the General Assembly in the 1880s, by the end of the decade General Assembly in the 1880s, by the end of the decade there were none. Thomas Sykes was not re-elected after there were none. Thomas Sykes was not re-elected after his term ended in 1882, and his career after that time his term ended in 1882, and his career after that time serves as a poignant example of the effects of the Jim serves as a poignant example of the effects of the Jim Crow laws on black Southerners.Crow laws on black Southerners.

In 1885 Thomas Sykes had owned a thriving dry In 1885 Thomas Sykes had owned a thriving dry goods store, Sykes, Harris, and Company. However, by goods store, Sykes, Harris, and Company. However, by 1890, the first term in a decade in which there were no 1890, the first term in a decade in which there were no African Americans seated in the Tennessee legislature, African Americans seated in the Tennessee legislature, Thomas Sykes was working as an elevator operator at the Thomas Sykes was working as an elevator operator at the United States Customs House where he had once held a United States Customs House where he had once held a management position.management position.

Leon HowardLeon Howard

Leon HowardLeon Howardca. 1850 – ca. 1910ca. 1850 – ca. 1910

A hotel porter and janitor, he wasA hotel porter and janitor, he was

elected to represent Shelby Countyelected to represent Shelby County

for one term as a Republicanfor one term as a Republican

in the 43in the 43rdrd Tennessee Tennessee

General Assembly, 1883-1884General Assembly, 1883-1884..

…………..

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No photograph available

Leon HowardLeon Howard, p. 2, p. 2

Very little is known about the life Very little is known about the life of Leon (or Leonard) Howard. of Leon (or Leonard) Howard. When he unexpectedly defeated When he unexpectedly defeated two other African American two other African American candidates, Norris and Price, who candidates, Norris and Price, who had been persuaded to run as had been persuaded to run as Democrats in the 1882 election, Democrats in the 1882 election, Memphis’s newspapers, strongly Memphis’s newspapers, strongly Democratic (most had scarcely Democratic (most had scarcely mentioned Howard during the mentioned Howard during the campaign) patronizingly referred campaign) patronizingly referred to him as “a very respectable to him as “a very respectable representative of his race.”representative of his race.”

Howard introduced several bills Howard introduced several bills in the legislature. One, requested in the legislature. One, requested by Governor Bate, would create by Governor Bate, would create the position of Assistant Super-the position of Assistant Super-intendent of Public Instruction to intendent of Public Instruction to oversee the education of African oversee the education of African American students. Another was American students. Another was a bill to end racial discrimination a bill to end racial discrimination on public transportation and on public transportation and facilities. A third bill legislated facilities. A third bill legislated punishment for white men who punishment for white men who raped black women. All raped black women. All Howard’s bills were tabled or Howard’s bills were tabled or defeated.defeated.

Rep. Leon Howard brought this Rep. Leon Howard brought this bill, HB 493, on February 15, bill, HB 493, on February 15, 1883. It was a response to 1883. It was a response to Governor Bate’s request that Governor Bate’s request that the General Assembly approve the General Assembly approve the appointment of an Assistant the appointment of an Assistant State Superintendent of Public State Superintendent of Public Instruction to oversee schools Instruction to oversee schools for African American students. for African American students. The bill passed its first and The bill passed its first and second readings and was second readings and was referred to the Committee on referred to the Committee on Education and Common Education and Common Schools but did not pass out of Schools but did not pass out of committee. Howard made a committee. Howard made a second attempt to introduce this second attempt to introduce this legislation in a special House legislation in a special House session later in the same year, session later in the same year, but the bill again failed.but the bill again failed.

Samuel Allen McElweeSamuel Allen McElwee

Samuel A. McElweeSamuel A. McElweeJune 26, 1858 – October 21, 1914June 26, 1858 – October 21, 1914

Scholar, teacher, storekeeper, Scholar, teacher, storekeeper, and newspaperman, he was elected and newspaperman, he was elected

to represent Haywood County to represent Haywood County in the 43in the 43rdrd Tennessee Tennessee

General Assembly, 1883-1884, General Assembly, 1883-1884, while still a student at Fisk University.while still a student at Fisk University.

Re-elected to the 44Re-elected to the 44thth (1885-1886) and (1885-1886) and 4545thth (1887-1888) General Assemblies; (1887-1888) General Assemblies;

Earned a law degree from Central Tennessee Earned a law degree from Central Tennessee College in 1886, during his second term;College in 1886, during his second term;

The first African American to serve three The first African American to serve three terms in the legislature; ANDterms in the legislature; AND

The first African American nominated as The first African American nominated as Speaker of the House.Speaker of the House.

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Samuel A. McElweeSamuel A. McElwee,, p. 2p. 2

Samuel A. McElwee was born Samuel A. McElwee was born a slave in Madison County. After a slave in Madison County. After emancipation his family moved to emancipation his family moved to a farm in neighboring Haywood a farm in neighboring Haywood County, where young McElwee County, where young McElwee attended Freedmen’s Bureau attended Freedmen’s Bureau Schools part of the year. Having Schools part of the year. Having been taught to read by his former been taught to read by his former master’s children, he progressed master’s children, he progressed quickly through school, even quickly through school, even though he had to devote much of though he had to devote much of the year to farm work. By 16 he the year to farm work. By 16 he was a teacher himself, and at 18 was a teacher himself, and at 18 he attended Oberlin College for a he attended Oberlin College for a year, paying his way by washing year, paying his way by washing windows, waiting tables, and windows, waiting tables, and picking fruit.picking fruit.

Supporting himself by teaching Supporting himself by teaching and peddling Bibles & patent and peddling Bibles & patent medicines, he studied German, medicines, he studied German, Latin, and mathematics with a Latin, and mathematics with a Vanderbilt student whose strong Vanderbilt student whose strong recommendation earned him a recommendation earned him a Peabody scholarship to Fisk Peabody scholarship to Fisk University. In 1882, while still in University. In 1882, while still in college, he was elected to the college, he was elected to the General Assembly from Haywood General Assembly from Haywood County. Although his wife died County. Although his wife died in 1885, leaving him with two in 1885, leaving him with two small children, he nevertheless small children, he nevertheless served two more terms in the state served two more terms in the state legislature, earning a law degree legislature, earning a law degree (1886) from Central Tennessee (1886) from Central Tennessee College during his second term.College during his second term.

Samuel A. McElweeSamuel A. McElwee, p. 3, p. 3

During his second legislative term, the 26-year-old McElwee During his second legislative term, the 26-year-old McElwee was nominated by former U.S. Senator Roderick R. Butler to be was nominated by former U.S. Senator Roderick R. Butler to be Speaker of the House of Representatives, receiving 32 of the 93 Speaker of the House of Representatives, receiving 32 of the 93 votes cast. McElwee was also the first African American votes cast. McElwee was also the first African American Tennessean elected to a third legislative term. Tennessean elected to a third legislative term.

During that third term he delivered a celebrated oration calling During that third term he delivered a celebrated oration calling for stronger statutory sanctions against lynch mobs. After for stronger statutory sanctions against lynch mobs. After reminding members of three recent Tennessee lynchings, he reminding members of three recent Tennessee lynchings, he exclaimed: “Great God, when will this Nation treat the Negro exclaimed: “Great God, when will this Nation treat the Negro as an American citizen? ... As a humble representative of the as an American citizen? ... As a humble representative of the Negro race, and as a member of this body, I stand here to-day Negro race, and as a member of this body, I stand here to-day and wave the flag of truce between the races and demand a and wave the flag of truce between the races and demand a reformation in southern society by the passage of this bill.”reformation in southern society by the passage of this bill.”

Despite his eloquence, the bill was tabled by a vote of 41–36.Despite his eloquence, the bill was tabled by a vote of 41–36.

The cover and first page of Samuel A. The cover and first page of Samuel A. McElwee’s bill, HB 526 (1883) to ensure McElwee’s bill, HB 526 (1883) to ensure

more fair jury selection. The bill was more fair jury selection. The bill was tabled by the Judiciary Committee.tabled by the Judiciary Committee.

Samuel A. McElweeSamuel A. McElwee, p. 5, p. 5

By 1888, as he campaigned for a fourth term, Samuel McElwee had gained By 1888, as he campaigned for a fourth term, Samuel McElwee had gained a national reputation. He had spoken at the Tuskegee Institute and other a national reputation. He had spoken at the Tuskegee Institute and other educational institutions; he had chaired the Tennessee Republican educational institutions; he had chaired the Tennessee Republican Convention and had represented the state at the National Republican Convention and had represented the state at the National Republican Convention in Chicago, where he would successfully persuade presidential Convention in Chicago, where he would successfully persuade presidential candidate Benjamin Harrison to give greater attention to civil rights issues.candidate Benjamin Harrison to give greater attention to civil rights issues.

At the same time, however, white separatists in Haywood County were At the same time, however, white separatists in Haywood County were conspiring to get rid of McElwee. As armed patrols terrorized African conspiring to get rid of McElwee. As armed patrols terrorized African American neighborhoods and blocked the ballot boxes, fearful black voters American neighborhoods and blocked the ballot boxes, fearful black voters stayed away from the polls. In spite of lawsuits brought later by federal stayed away from the polls. In spite of lawsuits brought later by federal election officials, those responsible for the fraud, who made no secret of election officials, those responsible for the fraud, who made no secret of the fact that they had deliberately miscounted votes, were never punished. the fact that they had deliberately miscounted votes, were never punished. That year’s General Assembly, which had no black members, quickly That year’s General Assembly, which had no black members, quickly passed a series of laws intended to disfranchise African American voters.passed a series of laws intended to disfranchise African American voters.

McElwee and his family fled Haywood County, barely escaping with their McElwee and his family fled Haywood County, barely escaping with their lives. For several years they lived in Nashville, where the former legislator lives. For several years they lived in Nashville, where the former legislator established both a successful law practice and a popular newspaper. The established both a successful law practice and a popular newspaper. The family later moved north to Chicago. McElwee spent his final years there family later moved north to Chicago. McElwee spent his final years there as the head of a prosperous law firm. as the head of a prosperous law firm.

David F. RiversDavid F. Rivers

David Foote RiversDavid Foote RiversJuly 18, 1859 – July 5, 1941July 18, 1859 – July 5, 1941

A Peabody Scholarship student atA Peabody Scholarship student atRoger Williams University Roger Williams University at the time of his election, at the time of his election,

he represented Fayette Countyhe represented Fayette Countyas a Republican in the 43as a Republican in the 43rdrd Tennessee Tennessee

General Assembly, 1883-1884.General Assembly, 1883-1884.

Rivers was re-elected to the 44Rivers was re-elected to the 44thth

General Assembly but never took hisGeneral Assembly but never took hisseat, having been driven out ofseat, having been driven out of

Fayette County by racial violence.Fayette County by racial violence.…………..…………..…………..

David F. Rivers, about 1930David F. Rivers, about 1930

David F. RiversDavid F. Rivers, p. 2, p. 2

David Rivers was born in David Rivers was born in Montgomery, Alabama, to Montgomery, Alabama, to Edmonia Rivers, a free Edmonia Rivers, a free woman of color, and an woman of color, and an unknown father. He was unknown father. He was listed in the 1870 census as listed in the 1870 census as living in his grandfather’s living in his grandfather’s Somerville, TN, household, Somerville, TN, household, along with two younger along with two younger brothers and an assortment brothers and an assortment of relatives and boarders. of relatives and boarders. Rivers did not learn to write Rivers did not learn to write until he was 19, when he until he was 19, when he first attended high school,first attended high school,

probably in Fayette County. probably in Fayette County. He was so successful in his He was so successful in his studies that he was invited studies that he was invited to attend Roger Williams to attend Roger Williams University, Nashville, on a University, Nashville, on a Peabody Scholarship. He Peabody Scholarship. He was studying for a degree in was studying for a degree in theology there when he was theology there when he was elected to the Tennessee elected to the Tennessee legislature. A challenge to legislature. A challenge to his eligibility, based on his his eligibility, based on his periodic absences from his periodic absences from his home county to attend home county to attend college, was unsuccessful.college, was unsuccessful.

David F. RiversDavid F. Rivers, p. 3, p. 3

Although elected to the General Assembly for a second term in Although elected to the General Assembly for a second term in 1885-1886, Rivers never took his seat, having been driven out 1885-1886, Rivers never took his seat, having been driven out of Fayette County by what his son Francis referred to as “a of Fayette County by what his son Francis referred to as “a large body of racially prejudiced whites.” However, having large body of racially prejudiced whites.” However, having earned his degree in theology from Roger Williams University, earned his degree in theology from Roger Williams University, he stayed on and taught there for two years, then preached at he stayed on and taught there for two years, then preached at the Fifth Ward Baptist Church in Clarksville for some time. In the Fifth Ward Baptist Church in Clarksville for some time. In 1893 he moved his family to Kansas City, Kansas, where he 1893 he moved his family to Kansas City, Kansas, where he became pastor of the Metropolitan Baptist Church.became pastor of the Metropolitan Baptist Church.

In 1898 David F. Rivers was invited to Washington, D.C., to In 1898 David F. Rivers was invited to Washington, D.C., to accept a post as pastor of the Berean Baptist Church. He served accept a post as pastor of the Berean Baptist Church. He served that congregation for 43 years, until his death in 1941. His son that congregation for 43 years, until his death in 1941. His son Francis, equally distinguished, was a member of the New York Francis, equally distinguished, was a member of the New York General Assembly, Assistant District Attorney in New York General Assembly, Assistant District Attorney in New York County, and Justice of the City Court of New York.County, and Justice of the City Court of New York.

4444thth General Assembly, 1885-86 General Assembly, 1885-86

The four African American legislators are at lower right.

Greene E. EvansGreene E. Evans

Greene E. EvansGreene E. EvansSept. 19, 1848 – Oct. 1, 1914Sept. 19, 1848 – Oct. 1, 1914

A well-educated businessmanA well-educated businessmanand former teacher,and former teacher,

he was elected as a Republicanhe was elected as a Republicanto the 44to the 44thth Tennessee Tennessee

General Assembly, 1885-1886.General Assembly, 1885-1886.

A member of the original FiskA member of the original FiskJubilee Singers, he took part in theirJubilee Singers, he took part in their

first U.S. concert tourfirst U.S. concert tourin 1871-1872.in 1871-1872.

…………..…………..

Greene E. EvansGreene E. Evans, p. 2, p. 2

Green E. Evans was born Green E. Evans was born into slavery in Fayette into slavery in Fayette County. He escaped from County. He escaped from his master to become the his master to become the servant of a Yankee officer servant of a Yankee officer in Alabama, then moved to in Alabama, then moved to Indianapolis after the Civil Indianapolis after the Civil War. There he paid a tutor War. There he paid a tutor part of his $10-a-week part of his $10-a-week salary to teach him to read. salary to teach him to read. He hauled sod and gravel to He hauled sod and gravel to pay his way through college, pay his way through college, teaching during the summer teaching during the summer months in a schoolhouse he months in a schoolhouse he built with his own hands. built with his own hands.

At twenty he entered Fisk At twenty he entered Fisk University, where he sang University, where he sang bass with the original Fisk bass with the original Fisk Jubilee Singers, performing Jubilee Singers, performing before President Grant in before President Grant in the White House. After the White House. After graduation, Evans worked graduation, Evans worked in the wholesale coal and in the wholesale coal and wood business and as a mail wood business and as a mail agent and deputy wharf-agent and deputy wharf-master at Memphis. Active master at Memphis. Active in Republican party politics, in Republican party politics, he received the party’s he received the party’s nomination to run for the nomination to run for the General Assembly in 1884.General Assembly in 1884.

The first Fisk Jubilee Singers. The first Fisk Jubilee Singers.

Greene Evans Greene Evans is seated second from leftis seated second from left..

Greene E. EvansGreene E. Evans, p. 3, p. 3

During his single legislative term Evans introduced During his single legislative term Evans introduced bills to repeal bills to repeal Chapter 130 Chapter 130 of the Acts of 1875, to of the Acts of 1875, to amend the public road law in order to permit fair amend the public road law in order to permit fair employment of African American workers, and, employment of African American workers, and, supporting a request by the governor, to provide for supporting a request by the governor, to provide for an Assistant Superintendent of Public Instruction to an Assistant Superintendent of Public Instruction to oversee the education of black students. None of oversee the education of black students. None of Evans’s bills passed into law.Evans’s bills passed into law.

The 1900 Census showed him, at the age of 51, living The 1900 Census showed him, at the age of 51, living with his wife Anna in Chicago, Illinois. His with his wife Anna in Chicago, Illinois. His occupation was listed as “coal dealer.” He died in occupation was listed as “coal dealer.” He died in Chicago on October 1, 1914, at the age of 64.Chicago on October 1, 1914, at the age of 64.

William A. FeildWilliam A. Feild

William A. FeildWilliam A. Feild ca. 1852 – unknownca. 1852 – unknown

A farmer and school teacher, he was elected as A farmer and school teacher, he was elected as a Republican to represent Shelby Countya Republican to represent Shelby County

in the 44in the 44thth Tennessee General Assembly, Tennessee General Assembly,

1885-1886.1885-1886.

………………..His surname has been spelled His surname has been spelled FeildFeild, , FieldField, and , and FieldsFields. A . A

prominent slave-owning family in West Tennessee prominent slave-owning family in West Tennessee spelled their own surname spelled their own surname FeildFeild, but many of their , but many of their

slaves changed the spelling after emancipation.slaves changed the spelling after emancipation.

…………..

William A. FeildWilliam A. Feild, p. 2, p. 2

Very little is known about Feild’s early life. He may Very little is known about Feild’s early life. He may have been related to an earlier state legislator, John have been related to an earlier state legislator, John Boyd of Tipton County. He and his wife Elizabeth Boyd of Tipton County. He and his wife Elizabeth were the parents of six children. He was a school were the parents of six children. He was a school teacher in the Fifth District of Shelby County (now teacher in the Fifth District of Shelby County (now part of Memphis) at the time he was elected to the part of Memphis) at the time he was elected to the Tennessee General Assembly. There he introduced a Tennessee General Assembly. There he introduced a number of bills -- supporting compulsory school number of bills -- supporting compulsory school attendance, opposing racial discrimination in public attendance, opposing racial discrimination in public facilities, and urging fair and truthful labor contracts. facilities, and urging fair and truthful labor contracts.

William C. HodgeWilliam C. Hodge

William C. HodgeWilliam C. Hodgeca. 1846 – ca. 1900ca. 1846 – ca. 1900

A man who held many jobs,A man who held many jobs,including railroad agent and jailer,including railroad agent and jailer,

he was elected he was elected to represent Hamilton Countyto represent Hamilton County

in the 44in the 44thth Tennessee Tennessee General Assembly, 1885-1886.General Assembly, 1885-1886.

He served as a member of theHe served as a member of theChattanooga city council for several yearsChattanooga city council for several years ..

…………..…………..

William C. HodgeWilliam C. Hodge, p. 2, p. 2

Born in North Carolina, Hodge Born in North Carolina, Hodge held a number of jobs before he held a number of jobs before he became a legislatorbecame a legislator:: contractor, contractor, stone-cutter, house mover, night stone-cutter, house mover, night mail transfer agent at the railroad mail transfer agent at the railroad depot, alderman for the 4depot, alderman for the 4thth Ward Ward of Chattanooga, and city jailer. of Chattanooga, and city jailer.

During his legislative term he During his legislative term he introduced bills to safeguard introduced bills to safeguard employment and voting rights for employment and voting rights for all Tennesseans, and to overturn all Tennesseans, and to overturn Chapter 130 Chapter 130 of the Acts of 1875, of the Acts of 1875, which permitted discrimination in which permitted discrimination in public transportation, hotels, and public transportation, hotels, and places of public amusement. All places of public amusement. All his bills were tabled or rejected.his bills were tabled or rejected.

Hodge was a legislative candidate Hodge was a legislative candidate in 1884, a year when Tennessee’s in 1884, a year when Tennessee’s Republicans declared themselves Republicans declared themselves opposed to black candidates. He opposed to black candidates. He announced it was time for white announced it was time for white voters to get “educated up” and voters to get “educated up” and allow blacks to hold responsible allow blacks to hold responsible positions. Black leaders reminded positions. Black leaders reminded Chattanooga’s Republican office Chattanooga’s Republican office holders that African American holders that African American votes were keeping them in office votes were keeping them in office (Hamilton County black voters out-(Hamilton County black voters out-numbered whites more than 3-1!), numbered whites more than 3-1!), suggesting that a little reciprocity suggesting that a little reciprocity would go a long way . . . . Hodge would go a long way . . . . Hodge subsequently became the county’s subsequently became the county’s first black representative.first black representative.

4545thth General Assembly, 1887-88 General Assembly, 1887-88

The three African American legislators are at lower right.

Monroe W. GoodenMonroe W. Gooden

Monroe W. GoodenMonroe W. Gooden10 May 1848 – 19 January 191510 May 1848 – 19 January 1915

The only African American DemocratThe only African American Democratin the Tennessee legislature in the Tennessee legislature

in the 19in the 19thth Century, Century,he was elected he was elected

to represent Fayette County to represent Fayette County in the 45th Tennessee in the 45th Tennessee

General Assembly, 1887-1888General Assembly, 1887-1888………………..

…………..

Monroe W. GoodenMonroe W. Gooden, p. 2, p. 2

A farmer and cotton ginner near A farmer and cotton ginner near

Somerville, Tennessee, Gooden and Somerville, Tennessee, Gooden and his wife Anne Baskerville were the his wife Anne Baskerville were the parents of seven children. He was a parents of seven children. He was a deacon in the Baptist church and a deacon in the Baptist church and a member of the Masonic order. member of the Masonic order.

((Black Freemasons groups have Black Freemasons groups have existed in the U.S. since 1775; the existed in the U.S. since 1775; the number of black lodges increased number of black lodges increased significantly after the Civil Warsignificantly after the Civil War.).)

After the Civil War Gooden, who After the Civil War Gooden, who eventually became quite wealthy , eventually became quite wealthy , owned the very plantation on which owned the very plantation on which he had been a slave. he had been a slave.

Appointed to the Agriculture and Appointed to the Agriculture and Federal Relations committees, Gooden Federal Relations committees, Gooden introduced a bill to ensure the honest introduced a bill to ensure the honest counting of ballots, but it failed. counting of ballots, but it failed.

One of the few black Democrats in One of the few black Democrats in Tennessee during the 1880s, and the Tennessee during the 1880s, and the only one to serve a term in the only one to serve a term in the legislature, Gooden was the second legislature, Gooden was the second man to represent Fayette County, after man to represent Fayette County, after Republican David F. Rivers. From Republican David F. Rivers. From 1830 to 1980 the Fayette County 1830 to 1980 the Fayette County population of Fayette County consisted population of Fayette County consisted of many more blacks than whites (by of many more blacks than whites (by 1865 the ratio was 2-1), yet only two 1865 the ratio was 2-1), yet only two black legislators have ever been elected black legislators have ever been elected to represent the county. to represent the county.

Styles L. HutchinsStyles L. Hutchins

Styles Linton HutchinsStyles Linton Hutchins21 November 1852 – 7 September 195021 November 1852 – 7 September 1950

A Chattanooga attorney, he wasA Chattanooga attorney, he waselected to represent Hamilton Countyelected to represent Hamilton County

in the 45in the 45thth Tennessee TennesseeGeneral Assembly, 1887-1888General Assembly, 1887-1888

<><><><><><><><><><>

Styles Styles Hutchins, Monroe Gooden, Hutchins, Monroe Gooden, and Samuel McElwee were and Samuel McElwee were the last African Americans the last African Americans

to serve in the General Assembly until to serve in the General Assembly until Representative A. W Willis, Jr.,Representative A. W Willis, Jr.,was elected in Shelby County was elected in Shelby County

in 1964.in 1964.…………......…………..

Styles L. HutchinsStyles L. Hutchins, p. 2, p. 2

Styles Linton Hutchins was Styles Linton Hutchins was born in Lawrenceville, born in Lawrenceville, Georgia, in 1852. The son Georgia, in 1852. The son of a wealthy artist, he was of a wealthy artist, he was one of the first black one of the first black graduates of Atlanta graduates of Atlanta University (1875). A year University (1875). A year later he earned a law degree later he earned a law degree from the University of from the University of South Carolina Law School South Carolina Law School and was admitted to the and was admitted to the South Carolina bar. He South Carolina bar. He served as a Republican state served as a Republican state judge, resigning with the judge, resigning with the Democrats’ return to power. Democrats’ return to power.

Returning to Georgia to open a Returning to Georgia to open a law practice, Hutchins over-law practice, Hutchins over-came opposition from the came opposition from the legislature to become the first legislature to become the first African American attorney African American attorney admitted to the Georgia bar.admitted to the Georgia bar.

In 1881 he opened a law In 1881 he opened a law practice in Chattanooga, also practice in Chattanooga, also taking on the editorship of taking on the editorship of The The Independent Age, Independent Age, a popular a popular black newspaper. A valiant black newspaper. A valiant spokesman for civil rights, he spokesman for civil rights, he ran for the legislature in 1886, ran for the legislature in 1886, winning by eight votes! winning by eight votes!

Styles L. HutchinsStyles L. Hutchins, p. 3, p. 3

Tireless in his role as legislator, Hutchins served on Tireless in his role as legislator, Hutchins served on the Education and New Counties committees and was the Education and New Counties committees and was successful in passing laws to repeal poll taxes in successful in passing laws to repeal poll taxes in Chattanooga and to prevent criminals from other Chattanooga and to prevent criminals from other states from testifying in Tennessee courts. His bill to states from testifying in Tennessee courts. His bill to limit the use of convict labor was not successful. limit the use of convict labor was not successful.

After his legislative term, Hutchins returned to his After his legislative term, Hutchins returned to his law practice, held a patronage position in the revenue law practice, held a patronage position in the revenue department of the U.S. Treasury, and became deeply department of the U.S. Treasury, and became deeply involved in church work. He was known throughout involved in church work. He was known throughout Tennessee and Georgia as a fiery preacher who often Tennessee and Georgia as a fiery preacher who often used his sermons to denounce racism in the South.used his sermons to denounce racism in the South.

Legislator and attorney Styles L. Hutchins Legislator and attorney Styles L. Hutchins introduced HB 447 on February 12, 1887, in introduced HB 447 on February 12, 1887, in an attempt to better regulate the work and an attempt to better regulate the work and confinement of convicts. Referred to the confinement of convicts. Referred to the Committee on Penitentiary after its second Committee on Penitentiary after its second reading, the bill was tabled in committee.reading, the bill was tabled in committee.

Styles L. HutchinsStyles L. Hutchins, p. 5, p. 5

In 1906 Hutchins was involved in one of the most famous In 1906 Hutchins was involved in one of the most famous lynching cases in history. Hired to appeal the rape conviction lynching cases in history. Hired to appeal the rape conviction of a black man named Ed Johnson, Hutchins and law partner of a black man named Ed Johnson, Hutchins and law partner Noah W. Parden carried the appeal to the Supreme Court, who Noah W. Parden carried the appeal to the Supreme Court, who agreed to hear it and issued a stay of execution. That very agreed to hear it and issued a stay of execution. That very night, however, a mob broke into the Hamilton County jail, night, however, a mob broke into the Hamilton County jail, dragged Johnson out and hanged him from a bridge.dragged Johnson out and hanged him from a bridge.

Hutchins and Parden immediately urged federal officials to Hutchins and Parden immediately urged federal officials to file suit against the sheriff and the mob. In a precedent-setting file suit against the sheriff and the mob. In a precedent-setting case, the Supreme Court found Sheriff Shipp and others guilty case, the Supreme Court found Sheriff Shipp and others guilty of contempt of court. After serving a brief sentence, Shipp of contempt of court. After serving a brief sentence, Shipp returned home to a hero’s welcome, while Hutchins and returned home to a hero’s welcome, while Hutchins and Parden had to leave Tennessee for their own safety. In 1910 Parden had to leave Tennessee for their own safety. In 1910 Hutchins was practicing law in Peoria, Illinois; the 1920 Hutchins was practicing law in Peoria, Illinois; the 1920 Census lists him as the owner and operator of a barber shop. Census lists him as the owner and operator of a barber shop. He died in Mattoon, Illinois, in 1950 . . . at the age of 98!He died in Mattoon, Illinois, in 1950 . . . at the age of 98!

Jesse M. H. GrahamJesse M. H. Graham

Jesse M. H. GrahamJesse M. H. Graham8 February 1860 – 25 July 19308 February 1860 – 25 July 1930

A Republican newspaper editor, A Republican newspaper editor, elected to represent elected to represent Montgomery CountyMontgomery Countyin the 50in the 50thth Tennessee Tennessee

General Assembly, 1897-1898General Assembly, 1897-1898

A challenge of his eligibility to hold A challenge of his eligibility to hold the office was successful, the office was successful,

and the House of Representativesand the House of Representativesdeclared his seat vacant declared his seat vacant

on 20 January 1897.on 20 January 1897. …………………………

…………..

This portrait of Jesse Graham appeared This portrait of Jesse Graham appeared in the Louisville in the Louisville Courier JournalCourier Journal on on

November 15, 1896November 15, 1896

Jesse M. H. GrahamJesse M. H. Graham, p. 2, p. 2

Jesse M. H. Graham attended Jesse M. H. Graham attended public schools in Montgomery public schools in Montgomery and Davidson counties. In and Davidson counties. In 1881 he won a Peabody 1881 he won a Peabody Scholarship to attend Fisk Scholarship to attend Fisk University, where he took University, where he took courses in English and courses in English and education. After teaching education. After teaching school in Kentucky for a time, school in Kentucky for a time, he worked as a postal clerk in he worked as a postal clerk in Louisville, Kentucky, and Louisville, Kentucky, and Clarksville, Tennessee. In Clarksville, Tennessee. In 1895 he was named editor of 1895 he was named editor of the Clarksville the Clarksville EnterpriseEnterprise, an , an African American newspaper.African American newspaper.

In 1896 he became the first In 1896 he became the first black legislator elected in ten black legislator elected in ten years, but an opponent filed a years, but an opponent filed a protest regarding Graham’s protest regarding Graham’s eligibility to hold the seat eligibility to hold the seat because of a period of absence because of a period of absence from his home county. He was from his home county. He was provisionally seated on Jan. 4, provisionally seated on Jan. 4, 1897, while the Committee on 1897, while the Committee on Elections debated the issue. Elections debated the issue. When the committee declared When the committee declared both Graham and his opponent both Graham and his opponent ineligible to serve, the General ineligible to serve, the General Assembly passed a resolution Assembly passed a resolution declaring the seat vacant.declaring the seat vacant.

Jesse M. H. GrahamJesse M. H. Graham, p. 3, p. 3

During the first World War the During the first World War the

U.S. Army commissioned more U.S. Army commissioned more than 1,200 African American than 1,200 African American officers. The only training camp officers. The only training camp set up exclusively for black set up exclusively for black officers was in Fort Des Moines, officers was in Fort Des Moines, Iowa. Jesse Graham was one of Iowa. Jesse Graham was one of the 638 officers who graduated the 638 officers who graduated from officer training in that from officer training in that program. Commissioned as a program. Commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army on second lieutenant in the Army on October 15, 1917, Graham was October 15, 1917, Graham was assigned to the 317assigned to the 317thth Engineers. Engineers. Honorably discharged at war’s Honorably discharged at war’s end, he returned to Tennessee.end, he returned to Tennessee.

Once again making his home in Once again making his home in Clarksville, Graham served as an Clarksville, Graham served as an officer of St. Peter’s African officer of St. Peter’s African Methodist Episcopal Church there Methodist Episcopal Church there and helped to found American and helped to found American Legion Post No. 143. Legion Post No. 143.

Before WWI he had been a clerk Before WWI he had been a clerk in the U.S. Bureau of Audit and in the U.S. Bureau of Audit and had spent some time working in had spent some time working in the Philippines. He later took a the Philippines. He later took a position with the U.S. Federal position with the U.S. Federal Government in Washington, D.C., Government in Washington, D.C., where he was residing at the time where he was residing at the time of the 1930 Census. of the 1930 Census.

Sampson W. Keeble’s monument in Sampson W. Keeble’s monument in Greenwood Cemetery, Nashville. Greenwood Cemetery, Nashville.

Tennessee Historical Commission Tennessee Historical Commission marker on Lower Broadway, marker on Lower Broadway, Nashville.Nashville.

Produced at the Produced at the Tennessee State Library and ArchivesTennessee State Library and Archives

byby Kathy B. Lauder, Archival Technical Services,Kathy B. Lauder, Archival Technical Services, with the generous assistance ofwith the generous assistance of

• Dr. Tommie Brown, State Representative, District 28Dr. Tommie Brown, State Representative, District 28• Riley Darnell, Tennessee Secretary of StateRiley Darnell, Tennessee Secretary of State• Irene Griffey, Certified GenealogistIrene Griffey, Certified Genealogist• Dr. Robert E. Hunt, Department of History, Middle Tennessee State UniversityDr. Robert E. Hunt, Department of History, Middle Tennessee State University• Judicial Commissioner/Historian John Marshall, Shelby CountyJudicial Commissioner/Historian John Marshall, Shelby County• Karina McDaniel, State Photographer, Preservation Services, TSLAKarina McDaniel, State Photographer, Preservation Services, TSLA• Vincent McGrath, Legislative History Coordinator, TSLAVincent McGrath, Legislative History Coordinator, TSLA• Charles Nelson, Director of Legislative Services, TSLACharles Nelson, Director of Legislative Services, TSLA• C. Michael Norton, Attorney at LawC. Michael Norton, Attorney at Law• Tim Pulley, Director, Brown Harvey Genealogical Room, Montgomery County LibraryTim Pulley, Director, Brown Harvey Genealogical Room, Montgomery County Library• Carol Roberts, Director of Preservation Services, TSLACarol Roberts, Director of Preservation Services, TSLA• Mike Slate, Publisher, Mike Slate, Publisher, Nashville Historical NewsletterNashville Historical Newsletter• D. Ralph Sowell, Archival Technical Services, TSLAD. Ralph Sowell, Archival Technical Services, TSLA• Jeanne Sugg, Tennessee State Librarian and ArchivistJeanne Sugg, Tennessee State Librarian and Archivist

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