John Mercer Langston
American politician
John Mercer Langston (December 14, 1829 – November 15, 1897) was a dean at Howard University. He helped create the department of law at the university.
Jhon Mercer Langston | |
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Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 4th district | |
In office September 23, 1890 – March 3, 1891 | |
Preceded by | Edward Carrington Venable |
Succeeded by | James F. Epes |
United States Minister Resident to the Dominican Republic Acting | |
In office March 26, 1884 – June 23, 1885 | |
President | Chester A. Arthur Grover Cleveland |
Preceded by | Position established |
Succeeded by | John Thompson |
United States Minister Resident to Haiti | |
In office November 27, 1877 – June 30, 1885 | |
President | Rutherford B. Hayes James A. Garfield Chester A. Arthur Grover Cleveland |
Preceded by | Ebenezer Bassett |
Succeeded by | George Washington Williams |
Personal details | |
Born | John Mercer Langston December 14, 1829 Louisa, Virginia, U.S. |
Died | November 15, 1897 Washington, D.C., U.S. | (aged 67)
Political party | Republican |
Spouse(s) | Caroline Wall |
Children | 5 |
Education | Oberlin College (BA, MA) |
Signature | ![]() |
Langston was born a free black in Virginia. His mother used to be a slave. His father was English. He was elected town clerk in Ohio. This made him the first black person to hold a public office (a job where the people vote for you). In 1888, he was elected to the U.S. Congress. He was the first black congressman from Virginia.