George Washington Williams copy of History of the Reconstruction, 1880, Sgnd 3X, VG

Something special for Black History Month, a rare book, W/C shows no copies anywhere of this edition. The Political History of the United States of America During the Period of Reconstruction From April 15 1865 to July 15 1870, by Edward McPherson. 1880, 3d ed, publ by James W.

648 pps, plus adverts, vg cond, edgewear, else fine, note, G W Williams' personal copy, signed on front blank Geo. And his signature again, top of title page, and a third time, on page one of the content. Williams is called by many, the Father of Black History, largely by virtue of two of his books. A history of the Negro troops in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-65;: Preceded by a review of the military services of Negroes in ancient and modern times, 1888. History of the Negro Race in America : Negroes as slaves, as soldiers, and as citizens, together with a preliminary consideration of the unity of the human family an historical sketch of Africa, and an account of the Negro Governments of Sierra Leone and Liberia by George W.

McPherson' itself is fascinating, as an overall history and a factual review of black participation in this period, and lack thereof; but to have the copy Williams had to research for two of the most important books in the realm of black history, is pretty exceptional. Note some pages are pencil marked, perhaps by Williams, most all around high points of negro life and politics. For some reason, even his signature seems rare, I couldn't find comps, referred it to Heritage Auctions, they also could not find examples. Note wear to covers, a few spots and very edges, but sharp blind decoration front and back, front hinge is starting to loosen a bit, but holding well, no pares out of sorts or signaturesa few pages front are darkened, else, the book is near fine, pages are bright, book is tight, square and unbumped, easily a very good copy, but as signed, an important little piece of history. Williams was a larger than life person, courtesy of Wiki, read on his sadly shortened life. George Washington Williams (October 16, 1849 August 2, 1891) was an American Civil War. Shortly before his death he travelled to King Leopold II.

Shocked by what he saw, he wrote an open letter to Leopold about the suffering of the region's inhabitants at the hands of Leopold's agents, which spurred the first public outcry against the regime running the Congo under which millions lost their lives. Williams was born in 1849 in Bedford Springs, Pennsylvania. To Thomas and Ellen Rouse Williams. He was the oldest of four children; his brothers were John, Thomas and Harry Lawsom.

After a limited education and a stint in a "house of refuge" where he learned barbering. Williams enlisted in the Union Army. Under an assumed name when he was only 14; he fought during the final battles of the civil war. And joined the Republican army under the command of General Espinosa, fighting to overthrow Emperor Maximilian.

He received a commission as lieutenant, learned someish. In the spring of 1867. In the United States, he enlisted for a 5-year stint in the army. While serving in the Indian Territory.

He was wounded in 1868. He remained hospitalized until his discharge. Once back in civilian life, the young veteran decided to attend college and was accepted at Howard University. Records do not show his having stayed there very long and, in 1870, he began studies at the Newton Theological Institution. In 1874 Williams became the first African American to graduate from Newton. Sterrett during a visit to Chicago. In 1873, and they were married the following spring. After graduation, Williams was ordained as a Baptist. He held several pastorates, including the historic Twelfth Baptist Church of Boston. With support from many of the leaders of his time, such as Frederick Douglass. A monthly journal, in Washington, D. Where he studied law under Alphonso Taft. Father of President William Howard Taft. He later became the first African American. Elected to the Ohio State Legislature, serving one term 1880 to 1881. In 1885, President Chester A. Appointed Williams "Minister Resident and Consul General" to Haiti. In addition to his religious and political achievements, George W. Williams wrote groundbreaking histories about African Americans in the United States: A History of Negro Troops in the War of Rebellion and The History of the Negro Race in America 16191880. The latter was the first overall history of African Americans, showing their participation and contributions from the earliest days of the colonies. In 1889, Williams was granted an informal audience with King Léopold II. At that time, the Congo Free State. Was the personal possession of the King. He employed a private militia to enforce rubber production by natives and there were widespread rumors of abuses. In spite of the monarchs objections, Williams went to Central Africa.

To see the conditions for himself. He addressed "An Open Letter to His Serene Majesty Léopold II, King of the Belgians and Sovereign of the Independent State of Congo" on July 18, 1890. In this letter, he condemned the brutal and inhuman treatment the Congolese.

Were suffering at the hands of Europeans and Africans supervising them for the Congo Free State. He mentioned the role played by Henry M. Sent to the Congo by the King, in tricking and mistreating local Congolese.

Williams reminded the King that the crimes committed were all committed in his name, making him as guilty as the actual culprits. He appealed to the international community of the day to call and create an International Commission to investigate the charges herein preferred in the name of Humanity... While traveling back from Africa, George Washington Williams died in Blackpool. On August 2, 1891, from tuberculosis.

He is buried in Layton Cemetery. The item "George Washington Williams copy of History of the Reconstruction, 1880, Sgnd 3X, VG" is in sale since Thursday, April 06, 2017. This item is in the category "Books\Antiquarian & Collectible". The seller is "ltabooks2009" and is located in Glens Falls, New York. This item can be shipped to United States.