William J. Winchester
William J. Winchester | |
---|---|
Member of the Delaware House of Representatives from the Delaware's 1st House of Representatives district | |
In office 1948–1952 | |
Wilmington City Council | |
Personal details | |
Born | 1875 or 1876 Barclay, Maryland, U.S. |
Died | (aged 76) Wilmington, Delaware, U.S. |
Political party | Republican |
Spouse | Alverta Winchester |
Children | Lem Winchester |
Profession | Politician |
[1] | |
William J. Winchester (c. 1876-1952[1]) was a city councilor and state legislator in Delaware. He served from 1948 until 1952 and was the first African American in the Delaware House of Representatives. A historical marker the state capital, Wilmington, Delaware, commemorates him and other of the state's pioneering African American legislators.[2]
Life before politics
William J. Winchester was born in Barclay, Maryland around 1876. In 1888, he moved to Wilmington, Delaware.[1]
He married a woman named Alverta.[3] They had one child, vibraphonist Lem Winchester.[3] Winchester served as grand master of a local Odd Fellows lodge.[1]
Political career and life
He was a Republican.[4] Winchester served on the Wilmington City Council for sixteen years, leaving the council in 1941.[1]
He ran for the Delaware House of Representatives in 1944 and was defeated.[1] He was elected in 1948, making him the first Black man elected to the Delaware House of Representatives. He was re-elected in 1950.[5]
While serving in the house, Winchester worked as superintendent for Wilmington's garbage collection.
Death
Winchester became sick in late 1951, missing numerous legislative sessions.
At the time of his death, he was a member of the Odd Fellows and
Legacy
In 1979, a bridge in Wilmington over the Christina River at Third Street was named in his honor.[6]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "William J. Winchester Dies; First of Race in State Assembly". The News Journal. 3 January 1952. p. 1. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
- ^ "South Wilmington - Cradle of African American Political Leadership".
- ^ a b "Widow of William J Winchester". The Morning News. January 22, 1977. p. 15 – via newspapers.com.
- ISBN 9781573569767– via Google Books.
- ^ ISBN 9780874138726. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
- ^ "Chapter - Delaware General Assembly". legis.delaware.gov.