John Watson (Virginia politician)

John Watson
Born
Mecklenburg County, Virginia, U.S.
Died1870
TitleDelegate

John Watson (died 1870) was a nineteenth-century African-American politician from Virginia.

Early life

Watson was born a slave in Mecklenburg County, Virginia.[1]

Career

The Virginia Capitol at Richmond, Virginia, where 19th century Conventions met

As an adult following the American Civil War, Watson spent the five years of his life as a freedman promoting African-American schools and churches in Mecklenburg.[2]

In 1867, Watson was elected to the Virginia Constitutional Convention of 1868. A Republican, he was the sole delegate elected from the central Piedmont convention district made up of his home Mecklenburg County.[3]

Following the Convention, Robinson was subsequently elected to the Virginia House of Delegates for the session 1869/70.[4]

Death

John Watson died in 1870 before the end of his term in office. He was succeeded by Ross Hamilton.[5]

References

  1. ^ Jackson 1945, p. 43
  2. ^ Jackson 1945, p. 43
  3. ^ Pulliam 1901, p. 141-142
  4. ^ Swem 1918, p. 443
  5. ^ Jackson 1945, p. 43

Bibliography

  • Jackson, Luther Porter (1945). Negro Office-Holders in Virginia, 1865-1895. Guide Quality Press, Norfolk, Virginia. ISBN 9780598580269.
  • Pulliam, David Loyd (1901). The Constitutional Conventions of Virginia from the foundation of the Commonwealth to the present time. John T. West, Richmond. ISBN 978-1-2879-2059-5.
  • Swem, Earl Greg (1918). A Register of the General Assembly of Virginia, 1776-1918, and of the Constitutional Conventions. David Bottom, Superintendent of Public Printing. ISBN 978-1-3714-6242-0.