Thomas F. Cassels

This article is about the Reconstruction-era African-American legislator. For the Scottish Labour M.P., see Thomas Cassells.
Thomas F. Cassels
Tennessee House of Representatives
In office
1881–1882
Personal details
Born
Thomas Frank Cassels

c. 1845 (1845)
Berlin Crossroads, Ohio, U.S.
DiedApril 2, 1903(1903-04-02) (aged 57–58)
Memphis, Tennessee
Cause of deathtuberculosis
Political partyRepublican
SpouseEmma Frances Lett

Thomas Frank Cassels (c. 1845 – April 2, 1903) was an attorney and politician in Memphis, Tennessee who served a term in the Tennessee House of Representatives for the 42nd General Assembly (1881–1882).[1] A Republican, he represented Shelby County, Tennessee.

He was the first African-American admitted to the bar association in Memphis. He represented Ida B. Wells in her lawsuit against C&O Railroad. He served as Assistant Attorney General in Memphis and was a presidential elector in 1888.[2]

References

  1. ^ "Thomas F. Cassels," This Honorable Body: African American Legislators in 19th Century Tennessee. Tennessee State Library and Archives.
  2. ^ https://sharetngov.tnsosfiles.com/tsla/exhibits/blackhistory/pdfs/brochure.pdf Black History Brochure


Stub icon

This Tennessee politician-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

Stub icon

This African American–related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.