John Willis Menard

Biography

John Willis Menard (April 3, 1838 – October 8, 1893) was a federal government employee, poet, newspaper publisher and politician born in Kaskaskia, Illinois to parents who were Louisiana Creoles from New Orleans. After moving to New Orleans, on November 3, 1868, Menard was the first African-American person elected to the United States House of Representatives. His opponent contested his election, and opposition to his election prevented him from being seated in Congress.

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