John Watson (Virginia politician)

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John Watson
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Died1870
TitleDelegate

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

Contents

Early life

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

Career

The Virginia Capitol at Richmond, Virginia, where 19th century Conventions met View of Capitol, Richmond, Va. April,1865 - NARA - 529087.jpg
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]

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