John Mercer Langston
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.
John 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 (aged 67) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| 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.
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