Today, it isn’t uncommon to see Black lawmakers in Indiana. The Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, composed of state representatives and senators, advocates for the needs of Black Hoosiers. Vop Osili is president of the city-county council, and Rep. Andre Carson is one of Indiana’s most prominent political figures.
In 1880, James Hinton became the first African American legislator in Indiana, paving the way for other Black lawmakers.
Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1834, Hinton’s family moved to Terre Haute in 1848. There, Hinton enrolled in a private school and worked as a barber. After graduating from a Quaker school in Vigo County at 16, he enrolled at the Greenville Institute in Greenville, Ohio.
At the start of the Civil War, Hinton moved to Massachusetts to recruit for the 54th and 55th United States Colored Troops. By the time he returned to Indiana in 1863, he was commissioned to second lieutenant and served in the 28th Regiment of the United States Colored Troops and was stationed at Camp Fremont in Indianapolis.
After the war, Hinton became involved in the Masonic lodge and the African Methodist Episcopal Church, where he gained popularity for his public speaking skills. This notoriety earned him a chance to speak at various campaign rallies for Republican candidates who were seeking the Black vote. At the 1872 Republican National Convention, he was elected as a delegate-at-large. His political career furthered in 1873 when he was appointed as trustee of Indiana’s Wabash and Erie Canal Fund, making him the first African American to hold an Indiana state office. He remained in this position until 1877.
In 1880, Hinton was elected to the Indiana House of Representatives, representing Marion County. Though he only served one term, Hinton continued his political pursuits and remained supportive of the Republican party. Hinton died in 1892 after delivering a campaign speech in Brazil, Indiana.
Contact staff writer Breanna Cooper at 317-762-7848. Follow her on Twitter @BreannaNCooper.
