W. H. Rogers was an American politician. He was a state legislator in Georgia and was the only African-American to serve in the 99th Georgia State Assembly. He represented McIntosh County, Georgia from 1902 until 1907.[2][3]
W. H. Rogers | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Georgia House of Representatives from the McIntosh County district | |
| In office 1902–1907 | |
| Succeeded by | F. H. McFarlane |
| Personal details | |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Republican |
| Profession | Politician |
| [1][2] | |
Political career
Rogers was elected to represent McIntosh County, Georgia in the 99th Georgia State Assembly and took office in 1902.[2] He was the only African American serving in the 99th Assembly. His racist opponents launched a campaign against him using the slogan "Redeem McIntosh County."[4] He ran for re-election in 1904 and 1906, winning both elections.[5]
He resigned in 1907[6] when a bill to disenfranchise African Americans passed in Georgia's legislature.[7] It was signed in 1907 by Georgia governor Hoke Smith.[7] Rogers sent his resignation letter directly to Smith.[5][8] In 1908, the Macon Telegraph stated that Rogers would be "perhaps the last [negro] that will have had a seat in the General Assembly of Georgia."[1]
Rogers was the last African American to serve in Georgia's legislature[9] until 1963 when Leroy Johnson was elected to the Georgia Senate.[10]