Sampson W. Keeble

Sampson W. Keeble (1833-1887) was an African-American businessman and politician in Tennessee in the Reconstruction era. In 1872, he was the first African American elected to the Tennessee Legislature, serving from 1873 in the Tennessee House of Representatives as a Republican member from Nashville and Davidson County.[1]

Sampson W. Keeble
Tennessee House of Representatives
In office 1873–1873
Personal details
Born	1833 Rutherford County, Tennessee
Died	1887 (aged 53–54) Richmond, Texas
Political party	Republican
Spouse(s)	Rebecca Cantrell Gordon

Born into slavery in Rutherford County, Keeble became a barber, which was a valued skill. It was considered a good profession, as it enabled practitioners to build networks in the business community. At some time, Keeble moved to Nashville in Davidson County, Tennessee, where he built his business. After freedmen were granted the franchise, he joined the Republican Party and became politically active.

A bronze bust of Keeble was dedicated in the Tennessee State Capitol in 2010.[2]

See also

• African-American officeholders during and following the Reconstruction era

References

1. "Sampson W. Keeble," This Honorable Body: African American Legislators in 19th Century Tennessee. Tennessee State Library and Archives.
2. Johnson, Lucas L., III (April 4, 2010). "Bust honors Sampson Keeble, state's first elected black lawmaker". The Jackson Sun. p. 16. Retrieved April 12, 2019 – via Newspapers.com.